Nootropic Mushrooms: A Natural Boost for Brain Health

Nootropic mushrooms, also known as functional mushrooms, have gained popularity for their potential to support brain health and cognitive function. These mushrooms are made into mushroom supplement products, earning their nickname “smart mushrooms.”

Nootropic mushroom supplements offer various benefits, which may affect memory, focus, and mental clarity. Some examples of these dietary supplements include capsules or bulk powders made from reishi mushroom extract or lion’s mane mushroom extract.

This article explores the different types of nootropic mushrooms, their benefits, safety, and how they can be incorporated into daily life.

In This Article

• What are Nootropic Mushrooms?
• Bioactive Compounds in Nootropic Mushrooms
• How Do Nootropic Mushrooms Work?
• Benefits of Nootropic Mushrooms
• Do Nootropic Mushrooms Have Any Scientific Backing?
• Safety and Side Effects
• Are Nootropic Mushrooms Safe for Long-term Use?
• Types of Nootropic Mushrooms
• Can Nootropic Mushrooms Be Taken with Other Supplements or Medications?
• Supplements that Complement Nootropic Mushrooms
• Elevate Your Brain Health with Real Mushrooms

What are Nootropic Mushrooms?

Nootropic mushrooms, also known as "smart mushrooms," are fungi believed to support cognitive functions such as memory, creativity, and motivation. These are often sold as mushroom supplements, which are an easy purchase and consumption method for customers.

These mushrooms contain bioactive compounds that interact with the brain to affect mental performance and overall brain health.

Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus)

• Known for its potential to stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) production.
• May boost memory and cognitive function.
• Often used to support mental clarity and focus.

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)

• Contains triterpenoids and polysaccharides that may help in managing stress and sleep [1].
• Often used for its calming effects and potential mood-lifting properties.
• May support overall brain health by supporting a healthy inflammation response [2].

Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris)

• Known for its potential to boost energy levels and anti-tiredness effects.
• May affect oxygen utilization and physical performance.
• Often used to support mental stamina and endurance [3].

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)

• Contains antioxidants, which may protect brain cells from oxidative stress.
• Often used to support immune function and overall health.
• May have neuroprotective properties that benefit cognitive function [4].

Golden Oyster (Grifola frondosa)

• Known for its potential to enhance the immune system through the activation of beta-glucans.
• Contains high levels of ergothioneine. Especially in the elderly, ergothioneine supplementation has been shown to improve sleep quality, which is crucial for brain detoxification and cognitive function [6].
• Rich in antioxidants, especially ergothioneine, that may protect brain cells from oxidative stress and support cognitive function long-term [5].

Bioactive Compounds in Functional Mushrooms

Functional mushrooms contain various bioactive compounds that contribute to their cognitive-enhancing properties. Some of the key compounds include:

• Polysaccharides: Helps balance the immune system and inflammation response.
• Triterpenoids: May reduce stress and improve mood.
• Ergothioneine: An antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative damage.
• Beta-glucans: Support immune function and overall health.

How Do Nootropic Mushrooms Work?

Nootropic mushrooms work through various mechanisms that contribute to enhanced brain function and overall cognitive health.

These mushrooms contain bioactive compounds that interact with the brain and nervous system in several ways:

Neurogenesis and Neuroprotection

Certain compounds in nootropic mushrooms, such as hericenones and erinacines found in lion's mane mushroom, promote the growth and repair of neurons.

These compounds stimulate the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), which is essential for the maintenance, survival, and regeneration of neurons [7].

Antioxidant Properties

Nootropic mushrooms are rich in antioxidants, which help to combat oxidative stress in the brain. Oxidative stress is linked to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. By neutralizing free radicals, these antioxidants protect brain cells from damage [8].

Supporting a Healthy Inflammatory Response

Chronic inflammation in the brain is associated with various cognitive disorders. Based on several studies on mice, compounds like polysaccharides and triterpenoids in mushrooms such as reishi and chaga can help maintain a healthy inflammatory response and potentially lower the risk of cognitive decline [19,20].

Enhanced ATP Production

Compounds in cordyceps (primarily, cordycepin) can increase the availability of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), an energy-storage molecule [9]. Since enhancing ATP production can have cognitive-enhancing effects [21], and overall anti-fatigue effects [22], cordyceps can be an ally for supporting focus and cognitive energy.

Improved Blood Flow and Oxygenation

Some mushrooms, like cordyceps, improve blood flow and oxygenation in the body, including in the brain. This increased circulation ensures brain cells receive adequate nutrients and oxygen, essential for optimal cognitive function [10, 11].

Modulation of Neurotransmitters

Functional mushrooms can influence the levels of key neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and acetylcholine.

For instance, lion's mane has been shown to increase acetylcholine levels, which are important for memory and learning. Similarly, Reishi can modulate serotonin levels, contributing to improved mood [23].

These mechanisms collectively contribute to the cognitive-enhancing effects of nootropic mushroom supplements, making them a natural option for supporting brain health.

Benefits of Nootropic Mushrooms

Nootropic mushrooms are known for their potential to enhance cognitive function and overall brain health. Below are some of the key benefits associated with nootropic mushrooms:

Cognitive Enhancement

Nootropic mushrooms are often praised for their ability to boost cognitive function. These include:

• Memory Improvement: Lion's mane mushroom supplementation has shown in some human studies to help improve memory function in healthy middle-aged adults and older adults with mild cognitive decline [25, 26].
• Enhanced Focus and Concentration: Compounds found in certain mushrooms, such as cordycepin, can help increase attention span and focus, making them popular among students and professionals.

Mental Health Benefits

In addition to cognitive support, functional mushrooms may offer several mental health benefits:

• Balancing Stress: Adaptogenic mushrooms like reishi are known for their ability to help the body adapt to stress and reduce anxiety levels.
• Mood Stabilization: Some functional mushrooms can help balance neurotransmitters in the brain, affecting mood and emotional stability. Preliminary research suggests that certain mushrooms may have mood-boosting properties [12].

Neuroprotection

Functional mushrooms may also offer protective benefits for the brain:

• Antioxidant Properties: Many nootropic mushrooms contain antioxidants, such as ergothioneine, which can help protect brain cells from oxidative stress and damage.
• Potential Positive Inflammation Response: Chronic inflammation is linked to various neurodegenerative diseases. Functional mushrooms may help support a healthy inflammation response.
• Neurogenesis: Some mushrooms, particularly lion's mane, have been shown to promote the growth of new neurons, a process known as neurogenesis [13].

Physical Health Benefits

While primarily known for their cognitive and mental health benefits, functional mushrooms can also contribute to overall physical well-being:

• Immune System Support: Mushrooms like reishi and chaga are known for their immune-boosting properties, which can help the body fend off illnesses.
• Energy and Stamina: Certain functional mushrooms, like cordyceps, can help increase energy levels and physical stamina, making them beneficial for athletes and those with demanding lifestyles.
• Gut Health: All functional mushrooms contain prebiotic fibers that can promote a healthy gut microbiome, which is increasingly recognized as important for overall health, including brain health. Some mushrooms, such as chaga, are particularly known for their gut-supporting properties.

Do Nootropic Mushrooms Have Any Scientific Backing?

Nootropic mushrooms have garnered significant interest in the scientific community due to their potential cognitive benefits. Various studies have been conducted to explore their efficacy and mechanisms of action.

Below are some key findings from the research:

Research on Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus)

• A 2019 double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel-group comparative study on healthy middle aged individuals evaluated its impact on cognitive function and short term memory after 12 weeks of supplementation [25].
• Findings: Participants supplementing with lion’s Mane showed beneficial results of improving cognitive function and preventing cognitive deterioration compared to the placebo group.
• A 2009 clinical trial published in the journal Phytotherapy Research investigated the impact of lion's mane supplementation on the cognitive function of a group of elderly Japanese men and women diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment [26].
• Findings: Participants who consumed Lion's Mane showed significant improvements in cognitive function compared to the placebo group as evaluated with the Revised Hasegawa Dementia Scale [26].
• A 2010 randomized placebo-controlled trial evaluated the impact of four weeks of lion’s mane supplementation on anxiety and depression symptoms. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and Indefinite Complaints Index (ICI) were used [28].
• Findings: The researchers found significant improvement in some anxiety and depression scores in the group taking lion’s mane [28].

Research on Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)

• Research published by Neural Regeneration Research in 2017 investigated the neuroprotective effects of reishi mushroom [15].
• Findings: The study concluded that reishi mushroom has potential neuroprotective properties, which could be beneficial in maintaining long-term cognitive health [15].
• A Randomized, Double-Blind and Placebo-Controlled Study of reishi extract’s impact on people with chronic fatigue was conducted in 2005 with over 130 participants [29].
• Findings: The researchers found that reishi supplementation was significantly superior to placebo with respect to the clinical improvement in the feelings of fatigue that the participants reported and their overall feeling of well-being [29].

Research on Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris)

• A 2015 study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology examined the effects of Cordyceps on learning and memory in mice [16].
• Findings: The results indicated that Cordyceps supplementation improved both learning and memory in the animal test subjects [16].
• A 2022 study on mice published by Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications investigated the anti-fatigue effects of cordycepin, one of the crucial compounds in cordyceps.
• Findings: The results showed that cordycepin exhibits anti-fatigue effect in weight-loaded swimming mice. It does so in part by regulating energy metabolism.

Overall, multiple studies indicate the potential of functional mushrooms to enhance cognitive function and be neuro-protective. However, further research, particularly large-scale human clinical trials, is necessary to fully understand their efficacy.

Are There Side Effects to Using a Functional Mushroom Supplement?

Functional mushrooms, while generally considered safe for most people, can have side effects that vary depending on the type of mushroom and the individual's health condition. Common side effects include gastrointestinal issues, allergic reactions, and potential interactions with other medications.

Here are some common side effects you may experience when taking mushroom supplements:

Gastrointestinal Issues

Some individuals may experience nausea, diarrhea, or stomach cramps after consuming nootropic mushrooms. These symptoms are usually mild and temporary.

Allergic Reactions

Although rare, allergic reactions can occur. Symptoms may include itching, rash, or swelling, particularly in individuals with known mushroom allergies.

Headaches

Some users report headaches, especially when first starting to use nootropic mushrooms or when taking higher doses.

Are Nootropic Mushrooms Safe for Long-term Use?

The long-term safety of taking functional mushrooms is a topic of ongoing research. Current studies suggest that many nootropic mushrooms, such as lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus) and reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), are generally safe for extended use when consumed in recommended dosages.

However, the long-term effects can vary depending on the specific type of mushroom and individual health conditions. Here are some variables that you should consider before you add mushroom supplements to your wellness regimen:

Research Findings

• Lion's Mane: Studies have shown that lion's mane can be consumed safely over long periods. Research indicates potential benefits for neuroprotection and cognitive function without significant adverse effects [13, 17].
• Reishi: Long-term use of Reishi has been associated with improved immune function and balanced inflammation response. However, some users have reported mild digestive issues and skin rashes [1].

Populations to Consider

Certain populations should exercise caution when using functional mushrooms long-term:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women: Limited research is available on the safety of adding mushrooms or supplement products for these groups.
• Individuals with autoimmune diseases: Some mushrooms can stimulate the immune system, which may exacerbate autoimmune conditions.
• People on medication: Potential interactions with medications, especially immunosuppressants and anticoagulants, should be considered.

While functional mushrooms appear to be safe for long-term use for most individuals, it is essential to consider individual health conditions and consult healthcare professionals to ensure safety and efficacy.

Types of Nootropic Mushrooms

Several nootropic mushrooms are recognized for their cognitive-enhancing properties. The most effective ones include:

Can Nootropic Mushrooms Be Taken with Other Supplements or Medications?

Nootropic mushrooms can often be taken with other supplements or medications, but it is essential to consider potential interactions and consult with a healthcare provider before combining them. The interactions between functional mushrooms and other substances can vary based on the specific mushroom and the supplement or medication in question.

• Antidepressants: Some functional mushrooms, such as lion's mane, may have mood-enhancing properties. Combining these with antidepressants could potentially amplify effects, leading to serotonin syndrome in rare cases.
• Blood Thinners: Mushrooms like reishi have anticoagulant properties. When taken with blood-thinning medications, there is an increased risk of bleeding.
• Immunosuppressants: Certain mushrooms, such as cordyceps, can stimulate the immune system. This may counteract the effects of immunosuppressive drugs.

Supplements that Complement Nootropic Mushrooms

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These are known for their brain-boosting properties and can complement the cognitive benefits of nootropic mushrooms.
• B Vitamins: Essential for brain health, B vitamins can enhance the effects of nootropic mushrooms on cognitive function.
• Ginkgo Biloba: Often used for memory enhancement, Ginkgo Biloba can work synergistically with nootropic mushrooms to improve overall cognitive performance [18].

Elevate Your Brain Health with Real Mushrooms

For those seeking to enhance cognitive function naturally, Real Mushrooms offers high-quality, 100% mushroom supplements you can trust. Mushrooms contains beta-glucans and polysaccharides, compounds known to support well-being. In contrast, many other supplements use mycelium grown on grain, and therefore have fewer medicinal compounds.

Real Mushrooms is committed to delivering supplements that are effective, pure, and true to nature. Focusing solely on the mushroom (fruiting body) ensures that our products provide the full benefits of nootropic mushrooms.

Whether you're looking to support memory, sharpen focus, or support overall brain health, Real Mushrooms has a supplement to meet your needs. Explore our wide selection of 100% organic mushroom supplements today and discover the difference that real quality makes.

Related Articles

• Lion’s Mane Mushroom Benefits: A Complete Supplement Guide
• 5 Best Supplements for Focus and Concentration
• Medicinal Mushrooms: 7 Kinds and Their Unique Health Benefits
• Unlocking the Power of Ergothioneine: The Cognitive Benefits of Mushrooms

References

1. Wachtel-Galor S, Yuen J, Buswell JA, et al. Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi or Reishi): A Medicinal Mushroom. In: Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S, editors. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press/Taylor & Francis; 2011. Chapter 9. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92757/
2. Smith, D. (2023) Scientific Research & Medicinal Fungi, North American Mycological Association. Available at: https://namyco.org/scientific-research-medicinal-fungi/
3. Das, G. et al. (2021) ‘Cordyceps spp.: A review on its immune-stimulatory and other biological potentials’, Frontiers in Pharmacology, 11. doi:10.3389/fphar.2020.602364.
4. Ern, P.T. et al. (2023) ‘Therapeutic properties of Inonotus obliquus (chaga mushroom): A Review’, Mycology, 15(2), pp. 144–161. doi:10.1080/21501203.2023.2260408.
5. Cheah, I. K., Ng, L. T., Ng, L. F., & Halliwell, B. (2016). Ergothioneine is a potential marker for cognitive impairment and dementia in humans. Antioxidants & Redox Signaling, 25(10), 559-576.
6. Smith, M. A., Cheah, I. K., Halliwell, B., & Ng, L. F. (2017). Ergothioneine in cardiovascular health: Risk factors and associations. Cardiovascular Research, 113(5), 513-524.
7. Villanueva, V. (2020) Hericium Erinaceus: Erinacine A. thesis. Faculty of the Agricultural Education and Communications Department.
8. Li, J. et al. (2013) Oxidative stress and Neurodegenerative Disorders, International journal of molecular sciences. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3876121/
9. Jędrejko, K.J., Lazur, J. and Muszyńska, B. (2021) ‘Cordyceps militaris: An overview of its chemical constituents in relation to biological activity’, Foods, 10(11), p. 2634. doi:10.3390/foods10112634.
10. Wang, L. et al. (2022) ‘Bidirectional regulatory effects of cordyceps on arrhythmia: Clinical Evaluations and network pharmacology’, Frontiers in Pharmacology, 13. doi:10.3389/fphar.2022.948173.
11. Medicinal mushroom cordyceps: Topics by science.gov. Available at: https://www.science.gov/topicpages/m/medicinal+mushroom+cordyceps
12. Hataway, L. (2024) Are magic mushrooms a safe treatment for depression?, UGA Today. Available at: https://news.uga.edu/magic-mushrooms-can-treat-medication-resistant-depression-are-they-safe/
13. Docherty, S., Doughty, F.L. and Smith, E.F. (2023) ‘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, 15(22), p. 4842. doi:10.3390/nu15224842.
14. Mori, K. et al. (2008) ‘Improving effects of the mushroom yamabushitake (hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: A double‐blind placebo‐controlled clinical trial’, Phytotherapy Research, 23(3), pp. 367–372. doi:10.1002/ptr.2634.
15. Guo, L. et al. (2017) ‘Neuroprotective effects of ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides against oxidative stress-induced neuronal apoptosis’, Neural Regeneration Research, 12(6), p. 953. doi:10.4103/1673-5374.208590.
16. Yuan, G. et al. (2018) ‘Improvement of learning and memory induced by cordyceps polypeptide treatment and the underlying mechanism’, Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2018(1). doi:10.1155/2018/9419264.
17. Tsai-Teng, T. et al. (2016) ‘Erinacine a-enriched hericium erinaceus mycelium ameliorates alzheimer’s disease-related pathologies in APPswe/PS1DE9 transgenic mice’, Journal of Biomedical Science, 23(1). doi:10.1186/s12929-016-0266-z.
18. Nguyen T, Alzahrani T. Ginkgo Biloba. [Updated 2023 Jul 3]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541024/
19. Murphy, E. J., Fehrenbach, G. W., Abidin, I. Z., Buckley, C., Montgomery, T., Pogue, R., Murray, P., Major, I., & Rezoagli, E. (2023). Polysaccharides-Naturally Occurring Immune Modulators. Polymers, 15(10), 2373. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15102373
20. Mi, X., Zeng, G. R., Liu, J. Q., Luo, Z. S., Zhang, L., Dai, X. M., Fang, W. T., Zhang, J., & Chen, X. C. (2022). Ganoderma Lucidum Triterpenoids Improve Maternal Separation-Induced Anxiety- and Depression-like Behaviors in Mice by Mitigating Inflammation in the Periphery and Brain. Nutrients, 14(11), 2268. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14112268
21. Owen, L., & Sunram-Lea, S. I. (2011). Metabolic agents that enhance ATP can improve cognitive functioning: a review of the evidence for glucose, oxygen, pyruvate, creatine, and L-carnitine. Nutrients, 3(8), 735–755. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu3080735
22. Chai, X., Pan, M., Wang, J., Feng, M., Wang, Y., Zhang, Q., & Sun, Y. (2022). Cordycepin exhibits anti-fatigue effect via activating TIGAR/SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway. Biochemical and biophysical research communications, 637, 127–135. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.11.010
23. Matsuzaki, H., Shimizu, Y., Iwata, N., Kamiuchi, S., Suzuki, F., Iizuka, H., Hibino, Y., & Okazaki, M. (2013). Antidepressant-like effects of a water-soluble extract from the culture medium of Ganoderma lucidum mycelia in rats. BMC complementary and alternative medicine, 13, 370. https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-13-370
24. Docherty, S., Doughty, F. L., & Smith, E. F. (2023). 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, 15(22), 4842. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15224842
25. Saitsu, Y., Nishide, A., Kikushima, K., Shimizu, K., & Ohnuki, K. (2019). Improvement of cognitive functions by oral intake of Hericium erinaceus. Biomedical research (Tokyo, Japan), 40(4), 125–131. https://doi.org/10.2220/biomedres.40.125
26. Mori, K., Inatomi, S., Ouchi, K., Azumi, Y., & Tuchida, T. (2009). Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytotherapy research : PTR, 23(3), 367–372. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.2634
27. Chai, X., Pan, M., Wang, J., Feng, M., Wang, Y., Zhang, Q., & Sun, Y. (2022). Cordycepin exhibits anti-fatigue effect via activating TIGAR/SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 637, 127-135. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.11.010
28. Nagano, M., Shimizu, K., Kondo, R., Hayashi, C., Sato, D., Kitagawa, K., & Ohnuki, K. (2010). Reduction of depression and anxiety by 4 weeks Hericium erinaceus intake. Biomedical research (Tokyo, Japan), 31(4), 231–237. https://doi.org/10.2220/biomedres.31.231
29. Tang, W., Gao, Y., Chen, G., Gao, H., Dai, X., Ye, J., Chan, E., Huang, M., & Zhou, S. (2005). A randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled study of a Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide extract in neurasthenia. Journal of Medicinal Food, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2005.8.53