Vital mushrooms - what makes them so special?

⏱ 10 min read

Do you already know the medicinal mushrooms?

No? Then it's high time - because this is the year of mushrooms!

Vital mushrooms have long been known and very popular in traditional Chinese teachings. This type of mushroom has many health benefits and is therefore highly prized.

What are vital mushrooms?

Vital mushrooms are mushrooms that are taken for their bioactive compounds and not for their taste. They are also known as medicinal mushrooms or functional mushrooms, and all three names mean the same thing. The best known are reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis) and chaga (Inonotus obliquus). Shiitake, maitake and lion's mane belong to this group as well.

What they have in common are their polysaccharides, above all the beta-glucans from the fungal cell wall. Beta-glucans pass through the stomach and small intestine undigested and are fermented by the gut bacteria in the large intestine (Vlassopoulou et al., 2021). On top of that, each mushroom brings its own compounds, such as the triterpenes of reishi or the polyphenols of chaga.

A scientific review credits medicinal mushrooms with a broad spectrum of effects, among them immunomodulating, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antiviral, antidiabetic and liver-protecting activities (Venturella et al., 2021).

But what makes medicinal mushrooms so special?

Vital mushrooms are little miracle packages. They are bursting with valuable bioactive plant substances that benefit our immune system and our general health in particular. In addition to polysaccharides, beta glucans and triterpenes, mushrooms contain many antioxidants that strengthen the body in a variety of ways and keep it healthy.

✔ Stay young forever!

Vital mushrooms are considered to be powerful anti-inflammatories. This has a direct effect on lifespan! Inflammation is a significant factor in life expectancy. If inflammation is reduced, this has a positive effect on lifespan. The reishi mushroom in particular is said to have a rejuvenating effect. It is said to be able to slow down the ageing process with the help of its ingredients. It is not called the mushroom of eternal life for nothing!

✔ Achieve top performance!

Cordyceps is primarily known for its natural performance enhancement and has long been used by Chinese athletes for natural performance enhancement. Sherpas also consume it to defy the extreme altitudes. The ideal way to boost your own performance naturally. 

✔ Promote a strong heart!

Vital mushrooms promote heart health by protecting the heart from damage, preventing coronary heart disease, lowering cholesterol levels and even reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke.

✔ Take control of your blood sugar!

Reishi, chaga and cordyceps are used as a natural means of controlling blood sugar levels. Cordyceps is said to improve the sensitivity of the tissue to insulin and reishi naturally lowers blood sugar levels.

Strengthens the body's own defenses

Vital mushrooms are known to contain many antioxidants, which subsequently strengthen the body's defenses. Chaga in particular contains an extremely high level of antioxidants, which is measured in the ORAC value, the ability to fight off free radicals. As a result, it is able to significantly boost the body's own defenses from within.

Do vital mushrooms really work? What research shows

Much of what is known about vital mushrooms comes from centuries of traditional use. Controlled studies in humans now add to this picture: one group takes the mushroom extract, a comparison group takes a placebo.

Immune system: fewer colds and respiratory infections

A systematic review evaluated 34 randomised controlled trials with beta-glucans from fungi, among them beta-glucans from reishi. The main effect was on the immune system: the immune defence was strengthened, and colds, flu and other respiratory infections occurred less often and with fewer symptoms. Allergic symptoms improved as well, and participants reported a better mood and better overall wellbeing (Vlassopoulou et al., 2021).

In a double-blind trial with older women, eight weeks of reishi extract regulated the function of the T lymphocytes, with a predominantly anti-inflammatory effect (Iser-Bem et al., 2024).

Fatigue and wellbeing: reishi over eight weeks

In a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 132 patients with neurasthenia, a state of persistent exhaustion, took a reishi polysaccharide extract or a placebo for eight weeks. With reishi, the sense of fatigue fell by 28.3% compared with 20.1% in the placebo group. In the reishi group, 51.6% were rated as more than minimally improved, compared with 24.6% in the placebo group. The extract was well tolerated (Tang et al., 2005).

Performance: cordyceps in adults aged 50 to 75

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 20 healthy adults aged 50 to 75 took Cordyceps sinensis or a placebo for twelve weeks. With cordyceps, the metabolic threshold, above which lactate accumulates, rose by 10.5% and the ventilatory threshold by 8.5%. In the placebo group, neither threshold changed significantly. The authors conclude that cordyceps improves exercise performance and might contribute to wellness in healthy older people (Chen et al., 2010).

Blood sugar: lower insulin levels with reishi

In a randomised, double-blind cross-over study, 26 people with borderline elevated blood pressure or cholesterol took reishi and a placebo for twelve weeks each. Plasma insulin and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were lower after reishi than after the placebo, and reishi was well tolerated (Chu et al., 2012).

Chaga: in use since the sixteenth century

Chaga has been used for therapeutic purposes since the sixteenth century. A recent review describes anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, liver-protecting, anti-fatigue, antibacterial and antiviral activities of chaga extracts and traces them back to the polysaccharides, triterpenoids and polyphenols of the mushroom (Ern et al., 2024).

Our VITAL MUSHROOMS:

Whether you are looking for a natural anti-ageing remedy, want to boost your immune system or naturally increase your physical performance - studies show that medicinal mushrooms are a real powerhouse for your health. Don't miss out on our new products in the new year!

Reishi mushroom

The all-rounder for your health!

The reishi mushroom is an edible medicinal mushroom and has been known for its healing properties for thousands of years. The reishi mushroom fully meets the definition of a superfood. It has anti-inflammatory properties and has a direct effect on the lifespan. Reishi strengthens immune function and mental performance. This is why it is also known as the "king of mushrooms".

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Cordyceps mushroom

Top performance with Cordyceps!

The Cordyceps mushroom has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries and is valued for its anti-ageing and health-promoting properties.

In recent years, research has brought to light other amazing benefits of the mushroom. According to this, cordyceps can promote athletic performance and heart health and reduce inflammation, thus contributing to your well-being.

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The all-rounder Chaga!

The chaga mushroom is used in folk medicine in particular to strengthen the body's own defenses. This is because the mushroom is one of the foods with the highest ORAC value, i.e. the ability to fight free radicals. The powerhouse is also often used to treat gastrointestinal complaints and stress.

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How to take vital mushrooms: extract, dosage and combinations

Vital mushrooms are available as powder, as extract in capsules and as liquid extract. The difference matters: the cell walls of mushrooms are made of chitin, which the body cannot use in its natural form. During extraction, the polysaccharides embedded in the chitin are dissolved and concentrated, so they are directly available to the body. This is why all Herbano vital mushrooms are extracts.

Each mushroom has its own focus, so they complement each other well: reishi as the all-rounder, cordyceps for performance and chaga for the body's own defences. If you combine several vital mushrooms, keep to the recommended intake of each product.

Regular intake pays off. In the studies described above, the extracts were taken every day for eight to twelve weeks.

Are vital mushrooms safe, and who should talk to a doctor first?

Vital mushrooms are generally safe and well tolerated. In the systematic review of 34 randomised controlled trials, not a single adverse event was recorded that was caused by the beta-glucans (Vlassopoulou et al., 2021). In a double-blind trial, healthy volunteers took reishi extract for ten days, and no adverse effects were observed compared with the placebo group (Wicks et al., 2007).

In the following cases, talk to your doctor before you start:

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: chaga and cordyceps should not be taken during this time. Chaga is also not suitable for children under the age of 4.
• Autoimmune diseases: chaga and cordyceps stimulate the immune system, so the intake should be agreed with the doctor beforehand. The same applies to reishi if you take immunosuppressive medication.
• Blood-thinning medication or a bleeding disorder: clarify the intake in advance, and stop taking chaga and cordyceps at least two weeks before a planned operation.
• Diabetes medication: vital mushrooms can lower blood sugar levels, so intake and dosage should be agreed with the doctor.

Frequently asked questions

What are the benefits of vital mushrooms?

Vital mushrooms are powerful anti-inflammatories, strengthen the body's own defences with their antioxidants and promote heart health. Cordyceps is known for natural performance enhancement, and reishi, chaga and cordyceps are used as a natural means of controlling blood sugar levels. Controlled studies in humans confirm effects on the immune system, on fatigue and on physical performance.

Do mushroom supplements actually work?

Yes. In a systematic review of 34 randomised controlled trials, beta-glucans from fungi strengthened the immune defence and reduced the incidence and symptoms of colds, flu and other respiratory infections. In individual trials, reishi reduced the sense of fatigue and cordyceps raised the exercise thresholds of healthy adults aged 50 to 75.

Which mushroom is best for immunity?

Chaga is the classic choice for the body's own defences: it is one of the foods with the highest ORAC value, the measure of the ability to fight free radicals. Reishi strengthens immune function as well, and in a double-blind trial with older women reishi extract regulated the function of the T lymphocytes. Both mushrooms complement each other.

Who should not take mushroom supplements?

Vital mushrooms are generally safe and well tolerated. Chaga and cordyceps should not be taken during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and chaga is not suitable for children under the age of 4. Anyone who has an autoimmune disease or a bleeding disorder, or who takes blood thinners, diabetes medication or immunosuppressive medication, should talk to their doctor first.

Can I take multiple medicinal mushrooms together?

Yes. Reishi, cordyceps and chaga each have their own focus and complement each other: reishi as the all-rounder, cordyceps for performance and chaga for the body's own defences. Keep to the recommended intake of each product.

Sources (in English):

Batra, P., Sharma, A. K. & Khajuria, R. (2013). Probing Lingzhi or Reishi medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum (higher Basidiomycetes): a bitter mushroom with amazing health benefits. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, 15(2):127-43 

Shashidhar, M. G., Giridhar, P., Udaya Sankar, K. & Manohar, B. (2013, February). Bioactive principles from Cordyceps sinensis: A potent food supplement – A review. Journal of Functional Foods, Volume 5, Issue 3, doi: 10.1016/j.jff.2013.04.018 

Jin, X., Ruiz Beguerie, J., Sze, D. M. & Chan, G. C. (2012, June). Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi mushroom) for cancer treatment. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (6):CD007731

Jin, M., Huang, Q., Zhao, K. & Shang, P. (2013, March). Biological activities and potential health benefit effects of polysaccharides isolated from Lycium barbarum L. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 54:16-23, doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2012.11.023  

Berger, A., Rein, D., Kratky, E., Monnard, I., Hajjaj, H., Meirim, I. et al. (2004, February). Cholesterol-lowering properties of Ganoderma lucidum in vitro, ex vivo, and in hamsters and minipigs. Lipids in Health and Disease, 3: 2, doi: 10.1186/1476-511X-3-2 

Song, J., Wang, Y., Teng, M., Zhang, S., Yin, M., Lu, J. et al. (2016, June). Cordyceps militaris induces tumor cell death via the caspase-dependent mitochondrial pathway in HepG2 and MCF-7 cells. Molecular Medicine Reports, 13(6): 5132–5140, doi: 10.3892/mmr.2016.5175 

Jordan, J. L., Sullivan, A. M. & Lee, T. D. (2008). Immune activation by a sterile aqueous extract of Cordyceps sinensis: mechanism of action. Immunopharmacology and Immunotoxicology, 30(1):53-70, doi: 10.1080/08923970701812332 

Ma, H. T., Hsieh, J. F. & Chen, S. T. (2015, June). Anti-diabetic effects of Ganoderma lucidum. Phytochemistry, 114:109-13, doi: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2015.02.017  

Rios, J. L. (2010, March). Effects of triterpenes on the immune system. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 128(1):1-14, doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2009.12.045 

Bhardwaj, N., Katyal, P. & Sharma, A. K. (2014). Suppression of inflammatory and allergic responses by pharmacologically potent fungus Ganoderma lucidum. Recent Patents on Inflammation & Allergy Drug Discovery, 8(2):104-17 

Vlassopoulou, M., Yannakoulia, M., Pletsa, V., Zervakis, G. I. & Kyriacou, A. (2021). Effects of fungal beta-glucans on health – a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Food & Function, 12(8):3366-3380, doi: 10.1039/d1fo00122a

Venturella, G., Ferraro, V., Cirlincione, F. & Gargano, M. L. (2021). Medicinal Mushrooms: Bioactive Compounds, Use, and Clinical Trials. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22(2):634, doi: 10.3390/ijms22020634

Iser-Bem, P. N., Lobato, T. B., Alecrim-Zeza, A. L., Dos Santos de Oliveira, L. C., Passos, M. E. P., Manuel, R. et al. (2024). Ganoderma lucidum dry extract supplementation modulates T lymphocyte function in older women. British Journal of Nutrition, 132(2):130-140, doi: 10.1017/S0007114524001144

Tang, W., Gao, Y., Chen, G., Gao, H., Dai, X., Ye, J. et al. (2005). A randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled study of a Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide extract in neurasthenia. Journal of Medicinal Food, 8(1):53-58, doi: 10.1089/jmf.2005.8.53

Chen, S., Li, Z., Krochmal, R., Abrazado, M., Kim, W. & Cooper, C. B. (2010). Effect of Cs-4 (Cordyceps sinensis) on exercise performance in healthy older subjects: a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 16(5):585-590, doi: 10.1089/acm.2009.0226

Chu, T. T., Benzie, I. F., Lam, C. W., Fok, B. S., Lee, K. K. & Tomlinson, B. (2012). Study of potential cardioprotective effects of Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi): results of a controlled human intervention trial. British Journal of Nutrition, 107(7):1017-1027, doi: 10.1017/S0007114511003795

Ern, P. T. Y., Quan, T. Y., Yee, F. S. & Yin, A. C. Y. (2024). Therapeutic properties of Inonotus obliquus (Chaga mushroom): A review. Mycology, 15(2):144-161, doi: 10.1080/21501203.2023.2260408

Wicks, S. M., Tong, R., Wang, C. Z., O'Connor, M., Karrison, T., Li, S. et al. (2007). Safety and tolerability of Ganoderma lucidum in healthy subjects: a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial. American Journal of Chinese Medicine, 35(3):407-414, doi: 10.1142/S0192415X07004928