Why is it worth supplementing with mushrooms?

Some mushrooms are a true treasure trove of vitamins and microelements, but what is considered the most valuable in them are polysaccharides. These are compounds of the type of macromolecular polymers, usually consisting of more than 10 monosaccharides [1-2].

Polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates that participate in many physiological processes and are characterized by a wide range of health-promoting properties, depending on their structure: from antioxidant or anti-inflammatory effects to protection of the nervous system and anticancer properties [2-3].

Which mushrooms to supplement?

Not all mushrooms are equal. It is a vast kingdom of very diverse organisms. So how to know which of them are worth supplementing? Get to know some of the most well-known and well-researched.

Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus)

You may know Lion's Mane as Soplówka jeżowata. It owes its name to its unusual appearance – soft, elongated protrusions ranging from 1 to 4 cm in length, which indeed resemble a lion's mane or underwater corals [4-5].

Lion's Mane contains polysaccharides such as beta-glucans and equally valuable terpenoids. Preliminary studies on these substances have observed their protective properties regarding nerve cells and antioxidant effects [4-5].

A 2019 study examined the impact of 12 weeks of supplementation with Hericium erinaceus on learning processes, visual retention, and cognitive abilities. The results confirmed that oral intake of Lion's Mane improved cognitive functions in the studied group and prevented their deterioration [6].

In another study conducted on a group of 30 women in menopause, half of the participants took Lion's Mane, while the other half received a placebo. After 4 weeks, the group consuming the mushrooms reported significantly lower rates of depression and anxiety than the placebo group [7].

A 2023 study showed that Lion's Mane improved cognitive abilities and functions in the studied group just 60 minutes after ingestion, and longer supplementation (28 days) positively affected mood and increased stress resistance [8].

Chinese Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis)

Chinese Cordyceps is more commonly referred to as Cordyceps (or Chinese Cordyceps). In traditional Chinese medicine, it was used as an aphrodisiac and a panacea to prolong youth. Currently, this mushroom is also being studied for its immunomodulatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, and adaptogenic properties [9].

Among the health-promoting active substances present in Cordyceps are:

• nucleosides (mainly adenosine and cordycepin),
• polysaccharides,
• exopolysaccharides,
• sterols,
• proteins.

Additionally, it contains B vitamins as well as vitamins E and K, and minerals such as potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, and many others [9].

Research suggests that Chinese Cordyceps may exhibit anti-aging properties, regulate cholesterol, and influence the body's immune response through anti-inflammatory properties. Cordyceps also combats free radicals, which are reactive forms of oxygen that cause cell damage. It may also improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. Furthermore, studies on animal models have investigated the potential impact of the extract on kidney function [9].

In folk medicine, it is also used as a remedy for fatigue, as a support for respiratory diseases, cardiovascular disorders, and liver ailments [10].

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)

Reishi is more widely known as Lakownica żółtawa. The properties of this mushroom include supporting the immune system by aiding the maturation and action of immune cells [11].

Thanks to its polysaccharide content, Reishi also has antioxidant properties, protecting tissues from damage caused by reactive oxygen species. Studies indicate that polysaccharides, along with terpenes and lectins present in Reishi, also exhibit antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria [12].

Moreover, studies indicate that Reishi also has antifungal and antiviral properties. It may be particularly effective against viruses such as:

• influenza,
• herpes,
• hepatitis,
• Epstein-Barr (EBV) [12].

Preliminary studies also suggest the neuroprotective potential of Reishi in improving memory and spatial orientation. Bioanalysis of triterpenoids present in the mushroom has shown that they promote neuron survival [12-14].

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)

Chaga, or Błyskoporek podkorowy, resembles lumps of coal. In folk medicine, it was mainly used for digestive system ailments, but current research suggests a much broader spectrum of its health-promoting properties:

• antiviral,
• antibacterial,
• anticancer,
• anti-fatigue,
• protective of the urinary system and kidneys,
• supportive of the liver,
• antioxidant [15-16].

Preliminary studies suggest the possibility of influencing fat metabolism, and according to preclinical research, it may support glucose metabolism. The protective potential of nerve cells has also been analyzed. Laboratory studies have observed antioxidant properties [15-16].

Chaga also has properties that influence the body's immune response by activating and improving the functioning of macrophages. Macrophages are immune system cells that serve as the first line of defense against pathogens and cancer cells [17-18].

Inonotus obliquus also exhibits an action that increases the body's sensitivity to insulin, which is why its potential in combating diabetes and insulin resistance, as well as other metabolic diseases, is being studied [15].

Osavi's 4 in 1 Mushroom Complex

The four mushrooms described above can be found in the latest product from Osavi: the 4 in 1 Mushroom Complex. All extracts contained in the dietary supplement come from the most valuable part of the mushrooms – the fruiting bodies and are standardized for polysaccharide content.

The 4 in 1 Mushroom Complex comes in a convenient powder form that you can add to your favorite drink or meal. The package will last you for two months of supplementation, and inside you will find a scoop to facilitate product dosing.

Sources:

1. Huang, Xiaojun, and Shaoping Nie. “The Structure of Mushroom Polysaccharides and Their Beneficial Role in Health”. Food & Function, vol. 6, no. 10, October 2015, pp. 3205–17. PubMed, https://doi.org/10.1039/c5fo00678c.
2. Yu, Yue, et al. “Biological activities and pharmaceutical applications of polysaccharide from natural resources: A review”. Carbohydrate Polymers, vol. 183, March 2018, pp. 91–101. ScienceDirect, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2017.12.009.
3. Gan, Liping, et al. “Polysaccharides influence human health via microbiota-dependent and -independent pathways”. Frontiers in Nutrition, vol. 9, November 2022, p. 1030063. PubMed Central, https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.1030063.
4. Thongbai, Benjarong, et al. “Hericium Erinaceus, an Amazing Medicinal Mushroom”. Mycological Progress, vol. 14, no. 10, September 2015, p. 91. Springer Link, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11557-015-1105-4.
5. Jiang, Shengjuan, et al. “Medicinal Properties of Hericium Erinaceus and Its Potential to Formulate Novel Mushroom-Based Pharmaceuticals”. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, vol. 98, no. 18, September 2014, pp. 7661–70. PubMed, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-014-5955-5.
6. Saitsu, Yuusuke, et al. “Improvement of Cognitive Functions by Oral Intake of Hericium Erinaceus”. Biomedical Research (Tokyo, Japan), vol. 40, no. 4, 2019, pp. 125–31. PubMed, https://doi.org/10.2220/biomedres.40.125.
7. Nagano, Mayumi, et al. “Reduction of depression and anxiety by 4 weeks Hericium erinaceus intake”. Biomedical Research, vol. 31, no. 4, 2010, pp. 231–37. J-Stage, https://doi.org/10.2220/biomedres.31.231.
8. Docherty, Sarah, et al. “The Acute and Chronic Effects of Lion’s Mane Mushroom Supplementation on Cognitive Function, Stress and Mood in Young Adults: A Double-Blind, Parallel Groups, Pilot Study”. Nutrients, vol. 15, no. 22, November 2023, p. 4842. PubMed, https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15224842.
9. Shashidhar, M. G., et al. “Bioactive principles from Cordyceps sinensis: A potent food supplement – A review”. Journal of Functional Foods, vol. 5, no. 3, July 2013, pp. 1013–30. ScienceDirect, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2013.04.018.
10. Li, S. P., et al. “Quality control of Cordyceps sinensis, a valued traditional Chinese medicine”. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis, vol. 41, no. 5, August 2006, pp. 1571–84. ScienceDirect, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpba.2006.01.046.
11. LIN, Zhi-bin, and Hui-na ZHANG. “Anti-tumor and immunoregulatory activities of Ganoderma lucidum and its possible mechanisms”. Acta Pharmacologica Sinica, vol. 25 (11): 1387-1395, Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100083, China, November 2004, DOI: d93076c7706268215d00a43fb306cbe3db8141f8.
12. Cör Andrejč, Darija, et al. “Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Antitumor, Antifungal, Antiviral, Anti-Inflammatory, and Neuro-Protective Activity of Ganoderma Lucidum: An Overview”. Frontiers in Pharmacology, vol. 13, July 2022. Frontiers, https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.934982.
13. Zhang, Xiao-Qi, et al. “Triterpenoids with Neurotrophic Activity from Ganoderma Lucidum”. Natural Product Research, vol. 25, no. 17, October 2011, pp. 1607–13. PubMed, https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2010.496367.
14. Rahman, Mohammad Azizur, et al. “Lingzhi or Reishi Medicinal Mushroom, Ganoderma Lucidum (Agaricomycetes) Ameliorates Spatial Learning and Memory Deficits in Rats with Hypercholesterolemia and Alzheimer’s Disease”. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, vol. 22, no. 1, 2020, pp. 93–103. PubMed, https://doi.org/10.1615/IntJMedMushrooms.2020033383.
15. Szychowski, Konrad A., et al. “Inonotus Obliquus - from Folk Medicine to Clinical Use”. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, vol. 11, no. 4, July 2021, pp. 293–302. PubMed, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcme.2020.08.003.
16. Ern, Phoebe Tee Yon, et al. “Therapeutic properties of Inonotus obliquus (Chaga mushroom): A review”. Mycology, vol. 15, no. 2, pp. 144–61. PubMed Central, https://doi.org/10.1080/21501203.2023.2260408. Accessed April 23, 2025.
17. Won, Dong Pil, et al. “Immunostimulating Activity by Polysaccharides Isolated from Fruiting Body of Inonotus Obliquus”. Molecules and Cells, vol. 31, no. 2, February 2011, pp. 165–73. PubMed, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10059-011-0022-x.
18. Lendeckel, Uwe, et al. “Macrophages: shapes and functions”. Chemtexts, vol. 8, no. 2, 2022, p. 12. PubMed Central, https://doi.org/10.1007/s40828-022-00163-4.