The Power of Nature in One Blend: Lion’s Mane, Chaga, Reishi & Cordyceps

Medical mushrooms have been used for centuries in traditional medicine practices, particularly in Asia. They are derived from different types of fungi and contain many bioactive compounds [1]. The biologically active compounds include beta-glucans, triterpenes, and antioxidants that offer a range of health benefits. Some mushrooms also have an adaptogenic [2] effect which helps the body to remain balanced by regulating our stress responses.
 

Emerging research [3] has found that medicinal mushrooms support a range of health aspects including the immune system, cognitive function, and energy systems. They can also be used alongside conventional therapies as complementary [4] therapies to enhance the effectiveness of standard treatment.
 

The four main medicinal mushrooms are lion’s mane, chaga, reishi, and cordyceps. All four mushrooms have the potential to improve health through their potent adaptogenic and immunomodulating effects. These four mushrooms are known for supporting the immune system over time. However individually, they all offer unique benefits. 
 

Lion’s mane is a mushroom that supports the brain and nervous system. It provides nootropic [5] effects that enhance cognitive function. For example, lion’s mane is associated with improved concentration, memory, and mood. This is because it promotes the production of Nerve Growth Factor [6]. Nerve Growth Factor is a protein that is responsible for the growth and maintenance of nervous system. Lion’s mane stimulates NGF which helps to protect and regenerate neurones in the brain. 

Chaga is a mushroom that provides the most immune-protective [7] benefits. The main reason for this is because chaga contains an abundance of antioxidants, polysaccharides, and polyphenols. The polysaccharides [8] include complex sugar molecules like beta-glucans. These are a major bioactive component that contribute chaga’s immunomodulatory properties.

Chaga’s potent antioxidant properties activate immune cells and enhance our defence to disease. They also help to neutralise free radicals and work to reduce damage from oxidative stress. This can even result in anti-cancer [9] effects because the polysaccharides in the mushroom work to block protein synthesis in malignant cells. 

Reishi is most associated [10] with relaxation and well-being. It has a profound adaptogenic effects and has potent anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties [11]. As a result, reishi offers a range of health benefits including supporting balance within the body, immunity, and stress reduction.

There is evidence that reishi is also a liver tonic. Its hepatoprotective [12] effects and antioxidant properties have proven to influence liver enzymes involved in detoxification and metabolism. As a result, reishi can support liver function by reducing harmful biochemical reactions. 

Cordyceps is rich in antioxidants including polyphenols and cordycepin [13]. These antioxidant properties have shown powerful anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and immunoregulatory effects. Because of this, cordyceps offers energy boosting effects as well as other health benefits. 

Evidence suggests that cordyceps may slow down the ageing [14] process. This is because its anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce cellular damage from free radicals and combat oxidative stress. As a result, cordyceps promotes brain plasticity [15], improving memory, mood, and mental energy. It can also help reduce inflammation [16] in the body - supporting the immune system, reducing the risk of disease, and improving cardiovascular health.

In sum, medicinal mushrooms are adaptogenic fungi that offer a range of physical and cognitive health benefits. Each of the four mushrooms discussed provide their own unique effects. Combining lion's mane, chaga, reishi, and cordyceps can have profound implications on longevity. 

Our 4 Mushroom Complex combines a core blend of 4 mushrooms extracts from the fruiting bodies of lion’s mane (hericium erinaceus), cordyceps sinensis, reishi (ganoderma lucidum), and chaga (inonotus obliquus). The extracts are standardised to as much as 30% polysaccharides. Our recommended daily intake of powder is 5g (1 scoop) added to 200ml of your preferred beverage. 

Sources:

[1]https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/14/5/741#:~:text=Medicinal%20mushrooms%20are%20rich%20in%20bioactive%20compounds,significantly%20enhance%20the%20quality%20of%20life%20%5B107%2C108%5D.&text=The%20bioactive%20compounds%20in%20mushrooms%20make%20them,different%20sources%20like%20food%2C%20nutraceuticals%2C%20and%20medicine.

[2]https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10384337/

[3]https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11274834/#:~:text=Mushrooms%2C%20especially%20those%20related%20to,chronic%20wounds%20and%20multiresistant%20infections.

[4]https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/treatment/complementary-alternative-therapies/individual-therapies/mushrooms-in-cancer-treatment

[5]https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10675414/

[6]chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.alzdiscovery.org/uploads/cognitive_vitality_media/Lion's-Mane-UPDATE.pdf#:~:text=Consumption%20or%20supplementation%20of%20Lion's%20mane%20is%20reported%20to%20increase%20nerve%20growth%20factor%20(NGF).&text=Several%20constituents%20from%20Lion's%20mane%20mycelia%20were,of%20neuronally%2Ddifferentiated%20PC12%20cells%20after%20NGF%20removal.

[7]https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318527

[8]https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844024116696

[9]https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10692653/

[10]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92757/

[11]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92757/

[12]https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10146730/#:~:text=Ganoderma%20lucidum%20(G.,or%20adjuvant%20to%20modern%20medicine.

[13]https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10146730/#:~:text=Ganoderma%20lucidum%20(G.,or%20adjuvant%20to%20modern%20medicine.

[14]https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11049886/#:~:text=In%20TCM%2C%20Cordyceps%20sinensis%20is,%2Daging%20effects%20%5B28%5D.

[15]https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3419487/#:~:text=The%20ability%20of%20the%20brain%20to%20change,adaptation%20to%20environmental%20changes%2C%20or%20post%2Dinjury%20compensation.

[16]https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4201515/#:~:text=Some%20authors%20have%20showed%20that,can%20also%20exhibit%20such%20effect.