What does the 8 Mushroom Complex contain? Everything you need to know about mushroom extracts.
02/24/2025|Team Osavi|8 min

What does the 8 Mushroom Complex contain? Everything you need to know about mushroom extracts.

Dietary Supplements with Mushrooms – Are They Worth It?

While some mushrooms can be toxic, others are a treasure trove of nutrients. Those considered health-promoting contain vitamins, minerals, adaptogens, and other valuable substances, such as terpenoids. However, they all share compounds that are regarded as the most valuable – polysaccharides [1].

Polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates, specifically one type of macromolecular polymers. Research suggests that they may support a range of physiological processes in the body, such as reducing oxidative stress, supporting the immune system, and providing protective effects on nerve cells [2-3].

8 Health-Promoting Mushrooms

Reishi, cordyceps, chaga… If you are interested in dietary supplements for energy and vitality, you may already know these names. However, there are many more mushrooms that can support your body. Discover the 8 most valuable ones.

1. Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)

Lion’s mane, known in Polish as lwia grzywa, owes its name to its unusual appearance. The fruiting bodies are covered with thin, long protrusions resembling a fluffy lion's mane or pom-pom [4-5].

Lion’s mane contains polysaccharides (e.g., beta-glucan), proteins, lectins, phenols, and terpenoids, including erinacines and hericenones – which are attributed with neuroprotective potential. The abundance of health-promoting components has led to this mushroom being used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine [4-6].

Properties

Preliminary clinical and laboratory studies suggest that lion’s mane may influence:

  • stimulating the release of nerve growth factor and protecting nerve cells from apoptosis,
  • stimulating the production and expression of neurotrophins, which are proteins essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system,
  • improving resistance to oxidative stress,
  • the immune system response [4-6].

Interesting Scientific Studies

  • In a controlled study, participants took a lion’s mane supplement or a placebo for 12 weeks. After this period, participants underwent three tests: the Mini Mental State Examination, Benton Visual Retention Test, and a verbal association learning test. The results showed a significant improvement in cognitive functions in the group taking lion’s mane [7].
  • A group of 30 menopausal women participated in a study involving a placebo and a product with lion’s mane. After 4 weeks, the group taking the mushrooms showed reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety [8].
  • A 2023 study demonstrated improved cognitive functions in participants just one hour after taking Hericium erinaceus. After 28 days, there was an increase in stress resistance and an overall improvement in mood [9].

2. Chinese Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis)

Chinese cordyceps, known more widely as cordyceps, is a mushroom originally found in the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau, where it… parasitizes on caterpillars of moths. However, it is not only harmless to humans but also exceptionally valuable due to its content of substances such as nucleosides (mainly adenosine and cordycepin), polysaccharides, exopolysaccharides, sterols, proteins, B vitamins, vitamin E, and K, as well as many trace elements [10-11].

Properties

Cordyceps is being studied for:

  • the content of adaptogens that help the body adapt to environmental factors,
  • immunosuppressive components that may support the immune response,
  • effectiveness in destroying free radicals,
  • increasing insulin sensitivity and supporting blood sugar regulation,
  • anti-inflammatory effects due to substances such as cordycepin,
  • prolonging physical effort time and influencing recovery afterwards [10-11].

Interesting Scientific Study

  • A study conducted on a group of 51 patients with chronic kidney failure showed that taking cordyceps had a positive effect on kidney function and enhanced cellular immune function in the studied group [12].

3. Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)

Under this mysteriously sounding name lies a mushroom known as reishi. For centuries, it has been used in oriental folk medicine as a panacea for longevity. Its properties are associated with active substances such as polysaccharides, terpenes, proteins, lipids, phenolic compounds, sterols, and lectins [13-14].

Properties

Preliminary studies on reishi and its active ingredients have shown that it may influence:

  • the protection of tissues from oxidative damage,
  • damage to the cytoplasmic membrane of bacteria and inhibition of their growth,
  • inhibition of fungal growth and support in combating viruses such as influenza and herpes,
  • inhibition of inflammatory processes in the body,
  • promoting neuron survival [13-15].

Interesting Scientific Studies

  • In a study conducted on a group of healthy adults, it was shown that after 4 weeks of reishi supplementation, participants had improved lipid profiles and increased antioxidant markers in urine [16].
  • Another study involving 26 individuals with high blood pressure or elevated cholesterol suggests that Ganoderma lucidum may increase insulin sensitivity [17].

4. Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)

Inonotus obliquus, or chaga, is a mushroom that resembles lumps of coal. Although it is not beautiful, it contains many valuable components, such as polysaccharides, triterpenoids, polyphenols, and lignin metabolites [18].

In folk medicine, there are records of this mushroom being used to treat diabetes, gastrointestinal diseases, liver issues, and bacterial infections [18].

Properties

Research is ongoing regarding the effects of chaga on:

  • inhibiting factors that trigger inflammation in the body,
  • reducing the production of reactive oxygen species,
  • serum lipid levels as well as insulin and leptin levels,
  • preventing histopathological damage to liver cells,
  • promoting proper kidney function,
  • improving mechanisms for recognizing viruses by the body's immune cells [18-20].

Interesting Scientific Study

  • From 20 patients with inflammatory bowel disease and 20 healthy individuals, lymphocytes were collected, and conditions for oxidative stress were prepared in vitro. The study showed that chaga supplementation reduced DNA damage in cells due to oxidative stress by 54.9% in the group with inflammatory bowel disease and by 34.9% among healthy individuals [21].

5. Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)

Shiitake mushrooms are popular in oriental cuisine. In addition to their flavor, they have a range of health benefits due to their content of many minerals (e.g., potassium, magnesium, or iron) and B vitamins, as well as polysaccharides, antioxidants, and ergosterols [22].

Properties

Shiitake mushrooms are being studied for their effects on:

  • immune system reactions and strengthening immunity,
  • antifungal and antibacterial activity, including against Staphylococcus aureus,
  • protective effects against free radicals on body cells,
  • preventing excessively high cholesterol levels in the blood and regulating glucose metabolism [22-24].

Interesting Scientific Study

  • A group of 52 healthy adults consumed shiitake mushrooms for 4 weeks. After this period, blood, saliva, and serum samples taken before and after the study were compared. The results showed an improvement in immune markers among participants [25].

6. Maitake (Grifola frondosa)

Grifola frondosa is another edible mushroom known in gastronomy as maitake. It is a rich source of many types of polysaccharides. Additionally, it contains proteins, dietary fiber, and trace elements [26].

Properties

Preliminary scientific studies suggest that maitake may influence:

  • supporting the action of macrophages and many other immune system cells,
  • stimulating the immune system and reducing susceptibility to opportunistic infections,
  • facilitating glucose uptake and regulating insulin metabolism,
  • inhibiting the growth of liver lipids,
  • improving the removal of free radicals from the body [26-27].

Interesting Scientific Study

  • In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 100 people were vaccinated against influenza. Half of them took maitake for 4 weeks before vaccination and for 8 weeks after receiving the vaccine. After this period, the levels of specific antibodies in response to the vaccine were compared. It turned out that among those consuming maitake, the vaccine's effectiveness was higher. Additionally, taking this mushroom affected the alleviation of symptoms after the onset of a cold [28].

7. Tremella (Tremella fuciformis)

Tremella is a mushroom that resembles a white frill. In traditional Chinese medicine, it has been used as an immunity booster and for skin care. This mushroom is a source of specific polysaccharides that have many health-promoting properties [29].

Properties

Preliminary research results on tremella and its polysaccharides suggest that it may influence:

  • regulating immunity by activating macrophages, T lymphocytes, and B lymphocytes,
  • inhibiting aging processes, supporting wound healing, enhancing the skin's protective barrier, and providing photoprotection,
  • protective processes for neurons,
  • antioxidant processes, as the polysaccharides present in Tremella fuciformis are effective antioxidants [29-32].

Interesting Scientific Studies

  • In a 2017 study, human skin cells were exposed to hydrogen peroxide, which is one of the reactive oxygen species. It can damage cells in a mechanism corresponding to oxidative stress. Skin fibroblasts were also exposed to an aqueous extract of Tremella fuciformis. The results showed a protective effect of the extract from this mushroom on human fibroblasts, reducing oxidative stress in these cells and weakening their apoptosis caused by hydrogen peroxide [33].
  • In a 2021 study, the protective properties of tremella on human skin cells exposed to UVA radiation – responsible for skin aging processes – were examined. The results suggest that this mushroom effectively reduced oxidative stress levels in the cells and increased antioxidant processes, reducing damage to skin fibroblasts [34].

8. King Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus eryngii)

King oyster mushrooms are valued for their delicate flavor and are among the more popular cultivated mushrooms. Pleurotus eryngii is also appreciated for its high content of polysaccharides and nutritious proteins [35].

Properties

Preliminary studies suggest that king oyster mushrooms may have an impact on:

  • DNA structures, which may be related to the regulation of major cellular signaling pathways,
  • promoting redox balance in the body,
  • enhancing intercellular communication of cytokines (a type of protein important especially for the immune system) [35-38].

Interesting Scientific Study

  • In a 2025 study, the effect of the fermentation supernatant of king oyster mushrooms on the intestinal barrier was examined. For this purpose, colon cells were studied in vitro, and samples were taken from healthy donors ex vivo. Then, dysfunctions of the intestinal barrier and inflammation were induced in these cells, and the supernatant of the mushroom was applied. The results showed anti-inflammatory effects and support for the functions of the intestinal barrier [39].

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.
    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.
    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.
    4. Thongbai, Benjarong, et al. “Hericium Erinaceus, an Amazing Medicinal Mushroom”. Mycological Progress, vol. 14, no. 10, September 2015, p. 91. Springer Link.
    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.
    6. Szućko-Kociuba, Izabela, et al. “Neurotrophic and Neuroprotective Effects of Hericium Erinaceus”. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, vol. 24, no. 21, November 2023, p. 15960. PubMed.
    7. 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.
    8. 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.
    9. 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.
    10. 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.
    11. Yuan, Qianghua, et al. “Extraction, structure and pharmacological effects of the polysaccharides from Cordyceps sinensis: A review”. Journal of Functional Foods, vol. 89, February 2022, p. 104909. ScienceDirect.
    12. Guan, Y. J., et al. “[Effect of Cordyceps sinesis on T-lymphocyte subsets in chronic renal failure]”. Zhongguo Zhong xi yi jie he za zhi Zhongguo Zhongxiyi jiehe zazhi = Chinese journal of integrated traditional and Western medicine, vol. 12, no. 6, June 1992, pp. 338–39, 323.
    13. 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,
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Table of contents

  1. Dietary Supplements with Mushrooms – Are They Worth It?
  2. 8 Health-Promoting Mushrooms