The Bioactive Compounds of Functional Mushrooms

The Bioactive Compounds of Functional Mushrooms
There are many different types of functional mushrooms, each with its own unique bioactive compounds and potential health benefits. While some mushrooms have been studied more extensively than others, all functional Mushrooms contain compounds that can promote health and well-being.
 
Some of the most popular functional mushrooms include lion's mane, turkey tail and reishi. Each of these mushrooms has its own unique set of bioactive compounds, which are responsible for their health-promoting effects.
 
Read on to learn more about the beneficial compounds of mushrooms...

Lion’s Mane

Polysaccharides, including beta-glucans, are known as immunomodulators that provide upregulating or downregulating support for the immune system, promoting homeostasis throughout the body, can protect against the development of stomach ulcers by inhibiting the growth of H. pylori, can protect the stomach lining from damage can also reduce inflammation and prevent tissue damage in other areas of the intestines. Lion’s Mane in its raw form is one of the most abundant sources of polysaccharides, accounting for upwards of 20% of the fruiting body.

Hericenones and Erinacines, the most celebrated compounds within Lion’s Mane are unique to this mushroom and have been shown to stimulate the production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), which is important in many bodily functions but particularly in the process of neurogenesis. These compounds help with the regeneration of an important component of your nervous system called the myelin sheath, a substance that wraps around the axons (space between your neurons) in your nerves and allows for more efficient neurotransmission. When the myelin sheath is degraded, it becomes filled with a material known as amyloid plaque which interferes with neurotransmission. High quantities of amyloid plaque are commonly seen in severe Alzheimers and dementia patients. Hericenones and Erinacines have been shown to reduce amyloid plaque and regenerate the myelin sheath. Studies are ongoing for the use of Lion’s mane to improve neuropathy and nerve damage. It should be noted that dual extraction (water and alcohol) has shown to improve the uptake of hericenones and erinacines through the blood-brain barrier. It should also be noted that Hericenones can only be found in the fruiting body while Erinacines can only be found in the mycelium of Lion’s Mane.

Antioxidants are molecules that fight free radicals in the body. They can prevent or slow damage to cells caused by free radicals which are unstable molecules that the body produces as a reaction to environmental and other pressures. Antioxidant can also act as natural preservatives.

Vitamins and Minerals including vitamin D, potassium and iron.

Turkey Tail 

Polysaccharides

Including beta-glucans, are known as immunomodulators that provide upregulating or downregulating support for the immune system, promoting homeostasis throughout the body. 

Polysaccharide Krestin (PSK) and Polysaccharide Peptide (PSP) contain alpha- and beta-glucans, as well as numerous amino acids. Both compounds are associated with enhanced immune activity and used as an adjunct treatment in cancer research.

Triterpenes are part of the mushroom membrane that act as precursors to natural steroids, known as Sterols, which have been found to inhibit the process of inflammation in the body. 

Ergosterol is a fungal sterol found in the fruiting body that behaves similar to vitamin D helping the body upregulate and downregulate various integral systems in the body including the upregulation of HDL (good cholesterol) and the downregulation of LDL (bad cholesterol).

Lovastatin belongs to a group of compounds called statins. This natural occurring statin has shown to support the body's natural cholesterol management within normal ranges, thus supporting cardiovascular health.

Polyphenols, such as flavonoids, are produced to protect against environmental stressors and are associated with positive benefits such as reducing cancer risk, diabetes risk, inflammation, increasing heart and gut health. 

Vitamins and Minerals including vitamin B1, B3, B12, vitamin D, potassium, riboflavin, selenium, and copper.

Prebiotics are special fibers that are a source of food for your gut’s healthy bacteria. They are carbs that your body does not digest, thus they go to your lower digestive tract where they provide needed sustenance for healthy flora. 

Antioxidants are molecules that fight free radicals in the body. They can prevent or slow damage to cells caused by free radicals which are unstable molecules that the body produces as a reaction to environmental and other pressures. Antioxidant can also act as natural preservatives.  

Reishi

Polysaccharides, including beta-glucans, are known as immunomodulators that provide upregulating or downregulating support for the immune system, promoting homeostasis throughout the body. 

Triterpenes, are bioactive ganoderic acids that are unique to and in enormous abundance within Reishi. Over 150 unique triterpenes have been identified in Reishi to date and are what set it apart from other mushrooms. It is believed that these triterpenes in particular are responsible for the immune stimulating, lipid-lowering and anti-oxidant effects, which are enhanced synergistically by polysaccharides. Reishi Triterpenes have also shown to be anti-cancer due to their direct cytotoxicity against tumor cells, have shown in studies to inhibited HIV1 and 2 protease, to have Hepatoprotective effects, and other anti-viral properties. Triterpenes are only present in dual extracted (alcohol and water) Reishi concentrate because they are all fat-soluble and non-water soluble. 

Ergosterol is a fungal sterol found in the fruiting body that behaves similar to vitamin D helping the body upregulate and downregulate various integral systems in the body including the upregulation of HDL (good cholesterol) and the downregulation of LDL (bad cholesterol).

Lovastatin belongs to a group of compounds called statins. This natural occurring statin has shown to support the body's natural cholesterol management within normal ranges, thus supporting cardiovascular health.

Nucleosides, such as adenosine, uridine and guanosine are known to positively affect blood clotting and improve the ability to of red blood cells to absorb oxygen. The nucleosides are found in particular in the fruiting body in the area around the spore producing tubes (the hymenophore tissues). Mycelia appear to have no detectable levels of nucleosides. Ensuring your extraction is from fruiting body is essential for preserving nucleosides. 

Vitamins and Minerals include vitamins A, B, C, D, K, and minerals like Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Sulfur, Copper, Iron, and Phosphorus. Over 10% of Reishi mushroom is mineral content with potassium, calcium, and magnesium as the major components.

Germanium, has been credited with immuno-potentiating, anti-tumor, anti-oxidant, and anti-mutagenic activities at low doses found in Reishi. 

Prebiotics are special fibres that are a source of food for your gut’s healthy bacteria. They are carbs that your body does not digest, thus they go to your lower digestive tract where they provide needed sustenance for healthy flora. 

Antioxidants are molecules that fight free radicals in the body. They can prevent or slow damage to cells caused by free radicals which are unstable molecules that the body produces as a reaction to environmental and other pressures. Antioxidant can also act as natural preservatives.