First of all, make sure the product is bioavailable-meaning: extracted- to guarantee and to optimize
therapeutic potential. Pure Lion's Mane mycelium products are the exception - the extraction process destroys the active compounds.
It has to be a dry extract; 'tinctures' are too diluted which makes them unsuitable (details about this: see below). The therapeutic effect of dry extracts is 4-10 times better when compared against unprocessed mushroom powders. This link has more background about that.
With that out of the way, all that matters is:
what is in the product(bio-actives such as beta-glucan (all mushrooms), cordycepin (Cordyceps only) and ganoderic acids (Reishi only), which make it useful. These should be specified/guaranteed on the official label)
what is not in the product(heavy metals, fillers, additives, which make it questionable).
Those details are easy to get (objective third-party contract labs are not expensive at all). Unfortunately, most vendors prefer to keep things vague, don’t list specifications and do not specify active ingredients. Out of ignorance or for competitive reasons they do not test their products for safety or quality at all. Or they refuse to share those tests with their customers because the results are poor, who knows ?
Yes, you read this correctly: most vendors do not use any quality control at all. Although it is compulsory.
For marketing reasons they chose to leave out objective facts but instead might emphasize things like ‘organic’ or contains no ingredients from China ! and use many other deceiving marketing phrases.
Deceiving, because the objective quality should be specified in the official supplement facts panel. Listing percentages of the main bio-active compound(s) makes it easy to judge the quality and to determine the value for money.
‘Organic’ is never a guarantee for quality in the case of mushrooms; 'organic' e.g. does not take into account heavy metals. Mushrooms accumulate heavy metals from their environment and heavy metals are everywhere.
All potential safety issues such as heavy metal contamination should be covered in a third party test report.
If there are no details on the label and no third party test report : RED FLAG. The product is questionable and is probably best avoided. Don't be misled by the marketing talk or "reviews" on the website.
Reishi and Chaga are the only ones that benefit from dual extraction. Ideally, they should have beta-glucans, betulinic acid (Chaga) and ganoderic acids (Reishi) specified on their label.
All the rest (except Lion's Mane pure mycelium): hot water extracted, with validated specifications. Beta-glucans being specified on the label is the absolute minimum.
Statements like "8:1", "10:1" cannot be validated in any way, it is meaningless marketing. Specifications are essential.
For Lion's Mane fruiting body: a 1:1 extract is the only variation that contains all bio-actives, because almost all bio-actives (including beta-glucans) are non-water-soluble.
Indeed, a "concentrated" Lion's Mane hot water extract will be weaker than a 1:1 extract; the specifications will reveal this.
No vendor would ever leave out good test results, that’s common sense.
A more extensive article about all this can be found here. Highly recommended!
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Don’t be tricked by a low price.
A useful product means strict quality control and strict processing procedures. Such a product can never be cheap, unfortunately. You will notice there are no low-priced products with clear specifications and/or third-party test reports.
Many people think fruiting bodies are always preferable over mycelium. This is not true. This idea is based on the poorly understood difference between pure mycelium (100% mycelium = good) and biomass-based mycelium (60-70% is rice/grains = mostly useless).
Biomass-based products include e.g. all Host Defense supplements, OM Mushrooms, Genius Mushrooms and everything sold or supplied by Aloha Medicinals.
This discussion becomes moot if there are specifications available, supported by a third party test report. I mean, 40% guaranteed beta-glucan is 40% beta-glucan, the source (mycelium or fruiting body) is no longer relevant then, right?
It can't emphasized enough : Ask for an objective test report, always !! Such a report contains the lab's contact details and accreditation (ISO-17025 is best). Most vendors nowadays write their own 'report', copy/pasting the producer's claims without validating them. This makes it meaningless. If you see the vendor's logo on their 'certificate' that means it is fake/edited.
In-house testing is also unreliable because of the obvious conflict-of-interest !
Vendors are known to make unsubstantiated claims on their website and often use deceiving ways to make you think you have a premium quality product.
Like, mentioning 'polysaccharides' instead of 'beta-glucans'. Beta-glucans are the main bio-actives in all mushroom supplements. All beta-glucans are polysaccharides, but not all polysaccharides are beta-glucans. Many useless sugars and fillers are also classified as polysaccharides.
Another common vendor trick is to recommend a low dosage (e.g. 1 capsule p/day) to make the product look cheap/good value. However the best results are achieved taking at least 1 gram of extracted mushroom powder per day, assuming it is a decent quality product. Immunological effects in particular are dose-dependent; this is the main reason to emphasize extraction for mushroom supplements.
An example of deceiving label information
Look at this screenshot of a Cordyceps supplement, front label (no formatting rules exist for the front label - only for the supplement facts panel to protect the ignorant consumer from being misled).
Only the careful observer will see that what is actually written there is 0.3 % cordycepin and not 3% cordycepin. (has been adjusted by the vendor now).This is deceiving and would not be allowed on the official supplement facts panel. In this case this information is in fact omitted from the official supplement facts panel, which makes it all the more questionable.
Finally, many people assume tinctures are potentially also a good choice. That might be true for herbs, but not for mushrooms.
A tincture is not 'liquid mushroom' or something like that. You could say it is a first step in making an alcohol extract. Mushroom extracts are almost always solvent extracts. The solvent in this case is alcohol. A dry extract is a solvent extract minus the solvent.
In a tincture the alcohol is still present and dissolved in the alcohol are the ingredients we are after. Those dissolved ingredients in general add up to roughly 5% of the total content.
The rest is useless alcohol (and maybe some other liquid). In short, a 30ml bottle contains ± 1 gram of dissolved alcohol-soluble mushroom ingredients. If you buy a tincture you get almost nothing for your money. There are also never any specifications on tincture bottles. You have no clue at all about what you get.
A useful mushroom alcohol or dual extract should not contain any alcohol, only the alcohol-soluble mushroom ingredients.
If you would allow the alcohol to evaporate you'd be left with a residue, and that is what is useful. That is what is what you get if you buy a dry powdered mushroom extract in capsules or as a powder.
A 30ml tincture bottle in general contains the equivalent of ± 2 or 3 capsules with alcohol extracted mushroom powder.
Many people think a blend is a good option: 'you get a lot of mushrooms for the price of only one!'
This is not correct. You will only notice the shared/overlapping effects (immune support), but not the mushroom-specific effects.
As said before, ± 1 gram daily is the average dosage needed to notice mushroom-specific effects, assuming it is a decent product with good specifications. In other words, if there are 7 mushrooms in the blend that would mean 7 grams daily. Don't be fooled !!
There is a lot of bad and/or incomplete information circulating about mushroom supplements. Many vendors consciously (or ignorantly) leave out an important fact when they are marketing their products.
Here is that fact : the bioavailability of whatever mushroom supplement is poor unless it has been extracted.
80 % of people have trouble digesting or cannot digest unprocessed mushrooms at all. There's research showing this. Extracts are ± 10 times as potent when compared with unprocessed dried mushroom powder.
In addition, the data demonstrated that hot water mushroom extracts are more potent than ground mushroom products in activating TLR2 and inducing TNF-α. [...] A total of 39 extracts from the mushroom species listed in the Materials and Methods were analyzed: 18 hot water extract products and 21 ground mushroom products. A comparison of the hot water extract products and the ground products of all species included showed that hot water extracts are more potent in TLR2 activation (Fig. 2A) and TNF-α induction (Fig. 2B) than ground mushroom products. In the TLR2 assay, the difference between extraction methods was significant for all the concentrations tested. In the TNF-α assay, the difference between hot water extract products and ground products is also significant at the middle concentrations tested. Each mushroom product was tested in 3 independent experiments, with similar results. […] Our results highlight a difference in biological activity between hot water extracts and ground mushroom products. In the test with the TLR2 agonist assay and TNF-α induction in J774.A1 murine macrophage cells, hot water mushroom extracts were significantly more potent in activating TLR2 and inducing TNF-α.
Another thing: non-extracted mushroom powder has an increased risk of causing allergic reactions, hepatitis and gut issues because of the mycotoxins present in mushrooms such as Shiitake and Reishi fruiting bodies. Extraction appears to neutralise this completely.
I just took like half a dropper realizing it tastes a lot like liquor, and then realizing it’s 30%-40% alcohol. I’m about to go into work and I’m very worried this is going to make me buzzed?? I usually have a very low alcohol tolerance and the fact that I kind of already feel buzzed now worries me. Maybe it’s the placebo affect but can someone please tell me if I’m just making it up or not because I am confused and worried
Has anyone here ever treated visceral hypersensitivity with a mushroom supplement? I’ve been dealing with what seems to be a cacophony of IBS/anxiety/OCD/visceral hypersensitivity for roughly two years now. The genesis of these problems occurred when I was the passenger on a small aircraft when I began feeling the urge to have a bowel movement. Stupidly enough I had 300mg of caffeine right before the flight (long story, I was not anticipating being on a flight, much less a few hours of flight time in a plane with no bathroom!) I had to hold back my bowel movement for roughly two hours while simultaneously having an anxiety attack over the potential embarrassment I’d have when the other passengers realized I had an accident… I made it to the restroom on the ground but only had to pass gas and urinate… that didn’t stop it from giving me IBS, though.
I assume it to be a functional/psychosomatic problem relating to the gut-brain axis rather than a physical culprit like IBD or Crohn’s. I’ve had all the testing (hydrogen breath test, fecal sample, colonoscopy and EGD, blood testing, ultrasound, x-ray, CT scan, etc.) which is why it’s likely in the functional wheelhouse.
My symptoms (unmedicated) consisted of anxiety surrounding being away from the bathroom which triggered abdominal pain/discomfort and tenesmus which lead to diarrhea/multiple bowel movements a day which lead to hemorrhoids and so on… it got so bad that I developed agoraphobia; hyper-fixated on my bowel habits, possible diagnoses and treatments, how my abdomen was feeling near constantly. I truly believe I have somatic OCD + IBS-D. My obsessions are related to my IBS, the compulsions were visiting the bathroom to “make sure I don’t have to go in case I have to leave the house”. I treated the anxiety/agoraphobia aggressively with a mixture of medication, CBT, EMDR, exposure therapy, and so on. I also ate a low FODMAP diet (which arguably worsened my anxiety). I am now 90% better and able to live my life relatively worry free, but the thing that still bothers me the most is the CONSTANT visceral hypersensitivity and tenesmus.
At any given time throughout the day I can “feel” my stomach/abdomen. It isn’t a pain or even discomfort, but a feeling that is always there. On days when my anxiety flares the hypersensitivity can lead me back into negative thought loops, but even on good days it’s a constant reminder of my condition. I’ve taken the most commonly suggested medications for IBS-D/hypersensitivity (amitriptyline, nortriptyline, dicyclomine, viberzi) with marginal improvement.
I no longer constantly dwell on where the bathroom is or deal with the worst of the symptoms as I did in the past, but if I could address and/or solve the visceral hypersensitivity + tenesmus duo, I would have my old life back.
So, with all of that said, does anyone have any suggested mushroom supplements that may combat visceral hypersensitivity and/or tenesmus?
My current medication combination: Paroxetine 40mg, Wellbutrin 150mg, Amitriptyline 50mg, Vit. D 50,000iu, and 300mg (?) Ashwhgandha
Thank you for your time and suggestions!
TLDR: developed IBS-D/OCD/anxiety/visceral hypersensitivity/tenesmus after “holding back” a bowel movement for 1.5 hours on a plane. I now am 90% better, but I still constantly struggle with abdominal visceral hypersensitivity + tenesmus. Is there any mushroom supplement for these?
Anyone experienced a distinct muscle fatigue the day following Reishi use at night? It’s more prevalent after a few days of repeated use. Also more prevalent at higher doses.
I have been struggling with chronically infected tonsils for 3 months. I have taken 3 rounds of antibiotics and its still there. It's not like a huge infection or anything, but it still has significant impact on my QoL. It is most likely bacterial but they cant pin down the bacteria. It's not strep or mono, as I did a culture and a blood test.
Since conventional medicine doesn't seem to work I am turning to mushrooms. I have been taking Reishi, Chaga, Turkey Tail and Lion's Mane already from Oriveda. So far Reishi and Turkey Tail seem to have positive effects, but it still doesn't seem enough to beat the infection.
Does anyone know if their ABM or Maitake would be a better idea? According to Oriveda they have potent immune regulating effects as well. Any other mushrooms from other vendors could also be considered.
I would like to avoid turning this into a brand a vs brand b debate, but due to the costs of these supplements I am trying to figure out if there truely is one that is better than the other.
It seems like there are 3 main players in the erinacine space (ND, real mushrooms, and oriveda).
I've gone through 3 bottles of the real mushroom real mycelium give it a fair chance but I am unsure I am noticing any differences. I've also noticed that they've "merged" their amazon reviews with the rest of their lions manes product so finding actual qualitative data from other people is near impossible.
I plan on giving the ND version next, but it seems like their line is a little pricier.
I’ve been taking Reishi capsules by Real Mushrooms for past year but haven’t noticed much difference. I take a 500mg capsule everyday in the morning. What difference am I meant to feel? I don’t know if I should keep taking it aa the capsules are quite pricy.
I’m taking the Oriveda CCCE combo of Turkey Tail , Tiger Milk, Cordyceps and Lions Mane. I take 3 as soon as I wake up. Dreams are not stressful, just vivid and weird
I’ve been reading about Antrodia cinnamomea lately and I’m surprised it barely comes up in functional mushroom discussions.
Most of what I’m finding around it is related to liver support, inflammation, oxidative stress and recovery, which feels pretty different from how Lion’s Mane or Cordyceps are usually positioned.
Why is Antrodia cinnamomea so much less known than Reishi or Cordyceps…
came across Meshrooms while looking for a French functional mushroom supplement, mainly something with Lion’s Mane.
I ended up trying their Focus formula because it isn’t just Lion’s Mane. It also contains Bacopa, Ginkgo, Rhodiola and green tea, and it comes as a liquid rather than capsules.
I’ve been using the Passion Fruit version most weekday mornings for around 4–5 weeks now.
A few thoughts:
The liquid format is probably what I like most. I already take enough capsules, so using a dropper is much easier for me.
The Passion Fruit flavour is decent. It doesn’t completely hide the herbal taste, but I actually prefer that to something ridiculously sweet.
I also like that it’s made in France, which was one of the reasons I picked it over some of the random Lion’s Mane brands I found on Amazon.
I wouldn’t say I felt some crazy “Limitless” effect or anything like that. It doesn’t feel like coffee or an energy drink. For me it’s more something I’ve added to my morning routine and found easy enough to keep using consistently.
One thing I’d improve is the measurement markings on the dropper. They could be easier to read.
I’m probably going to finish another bottle before forming a stronger opinion, but so far I like the formula and the format.
Curious if anyone else here has tried Meshrooms Focus or their Calm formula, especially for longer than a month.
I was taking Mushroom Science Reishi for a long time, this year they closed down and are no longer trading, I tried Real Mushrooms but didn't get the same effect I did from Mushroom Science..
Any other comparable dual extract products as good as Mushroom Science..
Hi,
I’m consulting with a practitioner in Japan for adjunctive supplement therapy (I have breast cancer). Recommendation was for cordyceps grown on silkworms (rather than rice paddies). Where can I order this in the US? Thanks,
Hi 👋 I took half of tea spoon of Reishi powder before sleep last night but I couldn’t fall asleep whole night 😭 I suffer from sleep issues so I thought it could help.. I did feel a lot calmer and composed in a way, had some interesting insights and thoughts, but no sleep whatsoever 😭 Any advice, should I give it another chance or just give up reishu for sleep?
I have always been fascinated by mushroom supplements, and was last on here like 4-5 years ago.
Back then it seemed like you either go for the expensive brands that only use fruiting bodies, or you just dont try it at all. No inbetween. And I couldnt afford those.
Since then I got rich in the stock market and finally have the means to invest in my own health.
Now my questions:
Has the consensus changed regarding fruiting bodys vs mycelium?
I just ordered Cordyceps and Lions Mane from Real Mushrooms via iHerb. The other good brand Orideva isnt available in Europe. What other brands or mushrooms would you say are worth trying? Anything that makes me seize the day in terms of cognition and mental health is welcomed.
I will also be experimenting with magic mushrooms and amanita muscaria. Are there any supplements that work in synergy with these?
I have a grandma with cognitive decline and rheumatoid arthritis. I think Lions mane is a must try for her. But Cordyceps seems to have contradictory evidence in this regard. Anyone with anecdotes here?
Everyone I end up researching has fake reviews and then somehow they’re actually the worst on the market every time lol.
I have trouble locking in and focusing and I just want something to help it. And no I’ve tried meds and I found I’d lock in, but completely lock in to the wrong things.
I found this sub searching superfeast reddit on google. I am 10 days post partum dealing with sleep deprivation and stress as a single first time mum. I have superfeast reishi powder which I take daily and believe helps, but I would *love* people's recommendations on what else to take? I am breastfeeding. Happy to hear brand suggestions too. Preferably not incentivised :) Thank you 🙏🫶
If you had an opportunity to get 300 capsules of Lions Mane, and because of financial reasons that's all for now how much would you take? Two capsules are 1000mg, so if I took them like that it'd last me 5 months, but I'm wondering what's the best amount. Should I take 3 or 4 of them a day?
