The Rise of Medicinal Mushrooms: Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, and Reishi

Medicinal mushrooms have transitioned from traditional Eastern medicine into evidence-based nutrition and functional health. Modern research now explores how specific mushroom species influence cognition, immunity, energy metabolism, stress resilience, and overall well-being.

This blog focuses on three of the most studied medicinal mushrooms—Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus), Cordyceps, and Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)—and explains how they work, what benefits are supported by research, and why they may be useful in everyday health.

1. Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus): Cognitive and Neurological Support

Bioactive Compounds

Lion’s Mane contains unique compounds known as hericenones (found in the fruiting body) and erinacines (found primarily in the mycelium). These compounds are known to cross the blood–brain barrier and stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis.

Evidence-Based Benefits

Neurogenesis and cognitive functionResearch demonstrates that Lion’s Mane stimulates NGF production, which plays a critical role in the growth, maintenance, and repair of neurons. This mechanism supports memory, learning, and overall cognitive performance.Source: MDPI Nutrients Reviewhttps://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/17/8/1307

Mild cognitive impairment and agingHuman clinical trials indicate improvements in memory and cognitive performance in individuals with mild cognitive impairment when Lion’s Mane is consumed consistently over several weeks.Source: PubMed Systematic Reviewhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40959699/

Mood and mental well-beingLion’s Mane may positively influence mood disorders such as anxiety and depression, potentially through modulation of neurotrophic factors like BDNF and reduction of neuroinflammation.Source: PubMed Reviewhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40959699/

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activityLion’s Mane demonstrates antioxidant activity, helping reduce oxidative stress in neural tissue and supporting long-term brain health.Source: MDPI Reviewhttps://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/17/8/1307

SummaryLion’s Mane is one of the most promising medicinal mushrooms for brain health, with strong mechanistic support and growing human evidence for cognition and mood support.

2. Cordyceps: Energy, Endurance, and Oxygen Utilization

Key Compounds

Cordyceps species (primarily Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris) contain cordycepin, adenosine analogs, and polysaccharides that influence cellular energy production and oxygen efficiency.

Evidence-Based Benefits

Improved aerobic capacity and VO₂maxA systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that Cordyceps supplementation significantly improved VO₂max, ventilatory threshold, and aerobic performance in physically active individuals.Source: Frontiers in Nutrition Meta-analysishttps://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1670416/full

Enhanced exercise performance and fatigue reductionCordyceps improves mitochondrial ATP production and reduces markers of exercise-induced fatigue, making it useful for athletes and individuals experiencing low energy.Source: PubMedhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41280379/

Antioxidant and recovery supportCordyceps demonstrates antioxidant effects that reduce oxidative stress following physical exertion, supporting faster recovery and physiological resilience.Source: PubMedhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41280379/

SummaryCordyceps is one of the most scientifically supported medicinal mushrooms for improving endurance, energy metabolism, and physical performance.

3. Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum): Immune Modulation and Stress Resilience

Bioactive Compounds

Reishi contains beta-glucans, polysaccharides, and triterpenoids, which contribute to its immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and adaptogenic properties.

Evidence-Based Benefits

Immune system modulationStudies show that Reishi polysaccharides enhance immune cell activity, including macrophages and natural killer cells, while balancing inflammatory responses rather than overstimulating immunity.Source: Frontiers in Nutritionhttps://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1670416/full

Antioxidant and metabolic health supportReishi supplementation has been shown to improve antioxidant enzyme activity and reduce oxidative stress markers, supporting metabolic and cardiovascular health.Source: Frontiers in Nutritionhttps://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1670416/full

Fatigue reduction and well-beingClinical trials suggest that Reishi improves fatigue, sleep quality, and overall quality-of-life scores, particularly in individuals under chronic stress.Source: MDPI International Journal of Molecular Scienceshttps://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/22/2/634

SummaryReishi is best known for immune support, stress adaptation, and overall systemic balance, making it valuable during periods of illness, recovery, or chronic stress.

How These Mushrooms Support Health Together

Mushroom	Primary Benefits	Research Strength
Lion’s Mane	Cognitive function, neuroprotection, mood	Strong mechanistic and human evidence
Cordyceps	Energy, endurance, oxygen utilization	Meta-analysis and RCTs
Reishi	Immune balance, stress resilience, recovery	Clinical and mechanistic studies

Final Perspective

Medicinal mushrooms are not quick fixes but functional bioactive compounds that influence neurological, immune, and metabolic pathways. Scientific literature increasingly supports their use as complementary tools in cognitive health, athletic performance, immune resilience, and stress management—particularly when used in standardized, high-quality extracts.

As with all supplements, individuals with medical conditions or those taking medications should consult a healthcare professional before use.

References and Source Links

1. Lion’s Mane narrative review (MDPI Nutrients)https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/17/8/1307

2. Hericium erinaceus systematic review (PubMed)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40959699/

3. Cordyceps performance meta-analysis (Frontiers in Nutrition)https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1670416/full

4. Cordyceps endurance and fatigue outcomes (PubMed)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41280379/

5. Reishi clinical and immune effects review (MDPI IJMS)https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/22/2/634