More Mushrooms, More Health Benefits
In this previous article “Mushrooms for Mental and Physical Health”, we explored the growing interest in medicinal mushrooms and their role in enhancing health and longevity. From boosting brain function to supporting the immune system, clinical research shows that these fungi have impressive health enhancing potential.
Now, we shift our focus to another set of powerhouse mushrooms: Shiitake, Maitake, Oyster Mushroom, Golden Oyster Mushroom and Snow Fungus. These mushrooms are not only culinary favorites – they are also being studied for their potential to support metabolic health, strengthen immunity and promote anti-aging benefits. With longstanding culinary and medicinal traditions behind them, these mushrooms are now being investigated in clinical trials demonstrating their health benefits.
Shiitake
Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) is rich in polysaccharides, particularly lentinan, which has demonstrated antitumor and immunomodulatory activities. It is also associated with anticariogenic properties and is widely used in traditional medicine (Pinya et al., 2019). As mentioned in the previous article, Mallard et al. found a synergistic immunomodulatory effect when combining Shiitake, Maitake and Reishi extract (Mallard et al., 2019). Wong et al. noted an antineoplastic effect on breast cancer (Wong et al., 2020). Shiitake are an important food ingredient in several East Asian cuisines, in particular Japanese cuisine, and are traditionally used to treat aging fatigue (Pérez‐Cantero et al., 2019). Contemporary research has shown antimicrobial, antiviral and immunomodulatory effects, showing the contributions of shiitake mushroom consumption to overall wellness (Chaipoot et al., 2023). Additionally, researchers have demonstrated that shiitake mushrooms can support metabolic health, regulating blood glucose and lipid levels (Ahmad et al., 2023).
Maitake
Maitake (Grifola frondosa) is another mushroom with significant antitumor (Wong et al., 2020) and immunomodulatory effects due to its polysaccharide content. Commonly used in traditional medicine, Maitake has been studied for its potential to enhance immune function, as also mentioned under Reishi and Shiitake, as well as its anticancer properties (Mallard et al., 2019; Wong et al., 2020; Pinya et al., 2019).
Oyster Mushroom
Oyster Mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) are valued for their nutritional content and health benefits, including immune system support, cholesterol lowering ability and potential anticancer properties (Tanaka et al., 2016; Valverde et al., 2015). They are rich in essential nutrients and bioactive compounds such as lovastatin (Abrams et al., 2011; Lakhanpal & Rana, 2005; Srivastava et al., 2024; Uffelman et al., 2023; Wong et al., 2020). Often used as meat replacement, the high protein and fibre content of Oyster Mushrooms make them a valuable addition to a healthy meal (Srivastava et al., 2024; Rahman et al., 2022; Nayak et al., 2024).
Golden Oyster Mushroom
Golden Oyster Mushrooms or Tamogi-take mushrooms (Pleurotus cornucopiae) share similar health benefits with other oyster varieties, including immune support and antioxidant properties. (Chen et al., 2011). The broad spectrum of bioactive compounds found in these mushrooms, including polysaccharides, triterpenes and phenolic compounds, contributes to their multifaceted health benefits, reinforcing their status as functional foods (Kumar et al., 2021; Rufino‐Palomares et al., 2022). They are particularly rich in ergothioneine, a potent antioxidant amino acid studied for its longevity benefits. Sato et al. found that long-term intake of Golden Oyster Musroom staved off signs of aging in mice, improving exercise tolerance and promoting cardiovascular health as well as reducing anti-inflammatory biomarkers (Sato et al., 2025).
Snow Fungus
Snow Fungus (Tremella fuciformis) has been valued in both cuisine and medicine, particularly in soups and desserts, for its purported benefits for skin and anti-aging. Shen et al. (2017) and Putrani et al. (2022) found that Snow Fungus enhanced skin hydration and elasticity, contributing to a youthful appearance. It is rich in polysaccharides, i.a. exhibiting antioxidant, neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties (Lourith et al., 2020; Lin et al., 2023). Snow Fungus is classified as a longevity food in Chinese Traditional Medicine (Shahrajabian et al., 2020). It was also found to modulate gut inflammation and promote healthy gut microbiota (Xu et al., 2021).
Summary
As research into medicinal mushrooms expands, it’s becoming clear that these ancient natural remedies hold great promise for modern health. Beyond their culinary appeal, Shiitake, Maitake, Oyster Mushrooms, Golden Oyster Mushrooms and Snow Fungus offer a wealth of bioactive compounds that may support immune health, combat inflammation and even slow aging. With increasing scientific support and consumer awareness, their role in longevity-focused nutrition is only set to grow.
Preclinical and clinical results are promising, and further research can help to fully understand the mechanisms and confirm the efficacy of various medicinal mushrooms in humans. However, one thing is certain already: mushrooms are far more than just a culinary trend – they are shaping the future of functional nutrition.
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