Backed by Science
At Mycobio, we believe in grounding our work in science. Medicinal mushrooms have been used for centuries in traditional systems of medicine, and in recent decades, modern research has started to uncover the mechanisms behind their effects.
Do your own research
We believe that better health begins with personal responsibility. Our mission is to empower people with the confidence to do their own research and make their own decisions regarding their health.
Below is a small selection of studies done on mushrooms. We encourage you to use tools such as Google Scholar to do research into your specific interest or condition.
Lion's Mane
Lion’s Mane is known for its potential effects on the nervous system. Compounds called hericenones (from the fruiting body) and erinacines (from the mycelium) have been shown to stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF), which plays a vital role in brain health
- Cognitive health: A double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial in older adults with mild cognitive impairment found that Lion’s Mane supplementation improved cognitive function scores.
Mori et al., 2009 – Phytotherapy Research - Neuroprotection: Preclinical studies suggest Lion’s Mane may support neurogenesis and protect against neurodegenerative processes.
Kawagishi et al., 2008 – Journal of Natural Medicines - Anxiety & Depression: A small human trial found that Lion’s Mane-enriched cookies reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression in menopausal women.
Nagano et al., 2010 – Biomedical Research - Neurogenesis: Animal studies show Lion’s Mane promotes the regeneration of damaged nerves and enhances memory and learning.
Wong et al., 2016 – Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine - Alzheimer’s models: In mouse models, supplementation reduced amyloid plaque formation and improved recognition memory.
Zhang et al., 2016 – Journal of Translational Medicine
Reishi
- Zhao H. et al. — Breast cancer patients taking Reishi spore powder reported less fatigue, better physical well-being, and improved quality of life compared to baseline. (PubMed / PMC): Link
- A Randomized Double-Blinded Study of Ganoderma (Lingzhi) in gynecologic cancer patients
- Summary: In this trial, Lingzhi was tested as a “salvage” adjunct in gynecologic cancer, and showed some positive effects on clinical parameters (though small scale).
Link
- Reishi extract improves sleep and cognitive outcomes
- This is an animal/experimental study showing that a processed Reishi spore extract improved sleep disturbances and memory deficits in rodents. Link
- Ganoderma lucidum Spore Powder Alleviates Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease
- Link: Link
Summary: In a mouse / cell study, Reishi spore powder reduced liver fat accumulation, oxidative stress and improved liver health via autophagy pathways
- Protective Effect of Reishi Spore Powder on Acute Alcoholic Liver Injury
- Link: Link
Summary: In an animal model of alcohol-induced liver damage, Reishi spore powder (both sporoderm-damaged and intact) reduced markers of liver injury.
Cordyceps
Cordyceps mushrooms have attracted growing scientific interest for their potential role in supporting energy, endurance, immune function and physical performance. A number of human clinical studies have investigated these effects, with encouraging findings.
1. Supporting Energy & Exercise Performance
A double-blind, placebo-controlled study investigated Cordyceps sinensis (Cs-4) in healthy adults aged 50–75. After 12 weeks of supplementation, participants receiving Cordyceps demonstrated improvements in metabolic threshold and ventilatory threshold, suggesting improved ability to sustain physical activity.
Research: Chen et al., Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (2010).
Study: Effect of Cs-4® (Cordyceps sinensis) on Exercise Performance in Healthy Older Subjects.
2. Supporting Aerobic Performance
Research involving amateur marathon runners examined daily Cordyceps sinensis supplementation over a 12-week period. The study reported improvements in aerobic performance and reductions in heart rate during submaximal exercise following supplementation.
These findings suggest Cordyceps may support the body's ability to perform efficiently during prolonged physical activity.
Research: Savioli et al., Journal of Herbal Medicine (2022).
Study: Effects of Cordyceps sinensis supplementation during 12 weeks in amateur marathoners.
3. Immune System Support
Human research has also investigated Cordyceps for its effects on immune function. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving 79 healthy adults, eight weeks of supplementation with a Cordyceps mycelium extract resulted in a significant increase in natural killer (NK) cell activity.
NK cells form an important part of the body's natural immune defence system.
Research: Chae et al., (2019).
Study: Immunomodulatory effects of a mycelium extract of Cordyceps.
View the study on PubMed Central
4. Supporting the Body's Response to Exercise
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study investigated Cordyceps sinensis in relation to the body's response to high-intensity exercise. Researchers observed changes in muscle stem-cell recruitment and cellular markers associated with muscle repair and adaptation.
This provides an interesting potential mechanism through which Cordyceps may support the body's response to physical training.
Research: Cordyceps sinensis accelerates stem cell recruitment to human skeletal muscle after exercise (2024).
5. Cordyceps & High-Intensity Exercise
Research into Cordyceps militaris has also examined its potential effects on exercise tolerance. A controlled human study found that supplementation was associated with improvements in tolerance to high-intensity exercise.
The findings add to the growing body of research investigating Cordyceps as a functional mushroom for people interested in physical performance and exercise.
Research: Hirsch et al., Journal of Dietary Supplements (2017).
Study: Cordyceps militaris Improves Tolerance to High-Intensity Exercise After Acute and Chronic Supplementation.