In Tradtional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Hericium erinaceus (Lion's mane) is used for gastro intestinal health. A 1991 study by Kawagishi et al discoverd that Lion's mane induces synthesis of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) This landmark study opened the door to lots of new research on the mushrooms nootropic effects.  I will be populating this page with the latest research as it is published, so come back to learn more. 

Lion's mane enhances memory and brain function. Lion's mane has been clinically demonstrated to enhance cognition including improved memory and recall.  A human study that was performed in Japan consisted of 50 to 80-year-old individuals that were diagnosed with mild cognitive decline. They were administered lion’s mane extract at a total daily dose of 3 g per day for 16 weeks. they found a significant increase in scores on the cognitive function scale without any adverse effects.

Lion’s mane mushrooms contain hericenones and erinacines. These novel compounds stimulate the growth of brain cells, prevent and destroy amyloid plaque. Supplementing with Lion's mane extracts can help prevent and treat degenerative brain diseases. 

Studies suggest that lion’s mane mushrooms may help relieve mild symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Lion’s mane also has an impressive ability to prevent and treat nerve damage. There are over a dozen studies that support the claim that lion’s mane supports neurogenesis, the creation of new neurons, resulting in permanent improvements to brain health.

Lion's mane reduces tremors, including Parkinsons disease, and other neuro muscular conditions.

Lions mane can help treat pain from multiple sclerosis (MS).

From Robert Dale Roger's The Fungal Pharmacy:

"Kappa-opioid agonists may be useful in a number of overlapping conditions including cardiovascular disease, nausea, inflammatory disease, spinal anesthesia, stroke, hypoxic pulmonary hypertension, multiple sclerosis, addiction and post-traumatic cartilage degeneration (Beck et al., 2019).

Sahinorin A, derived from Ska Maria Pastora (Salvia divinorum) is another well-known kappa opioid agonist."

"In vitro studies suggest the fruiting body of lions mane improves melination, suggesting benefit in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients (Kolotushkina et al., 2001).

Numerous clinicians and natural health practitioners have noted great improvement in patients using hericium supplements."

Lion's mane chemical constituents include:

H. erinaceus: beta-glucoxyian, glucoxylan, 31 percent protein, galacoxyloglucan protein, hericonene A and B (phenols), 240 international units of calciferol per hundred grams, 381 milligrams ergosterol per hundred grams, polyhydroxysteroids include cerevisterol; six ergostane derivatives including 3 beta, 5 alpha, 9 gamma-trihydoxy-ergosta-7,22-dien-6-one; 3 beta-glucopyranosul-5 alpha, 6 beta-di-hydroxyergosta-7,22-diene, xylan, and glycoxylan. Cyathane derivatives are believed the nerve growth stimulators.

Also contains the aromatic compounds erinacerins A and B.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7283924/#B25

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31413233/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20834180/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18844328/

Click here if you want to try Lion's Mane.

Cordyceps Militaris supports energy with adenosine triphosphate ATP, helps fight inflammation with Beta glucans, contains antioxidants (superoxide dismutase) to fight free radicals, prevent cell damage, and slow aging Cordyceps supports healthy cellular function, helps to modulate the immune system, and is a powerful anti viral. The many benefits of Cordyceps (sooo many) is why I called my product CRUCIAL CORDYCEPS, as it is essential to feeling better in your own body. I will be populating this page with the latest research as it is published, so come back to learn more. 

Cordyceps has the unique ability to provide energy and improve sleep, a difficult balance to achieve. 

Cordyceps increases ATP levels by 28%. Cordycepin, 3 deoxyadenosine is so similar to adenosine triphosphate ATP that the receptors cannot tell the difference. ATP fuels our mitochondria giving energy from the cellular level. Cordyceps militaris is an adrenal restorative.  Increases respiratory effect and removes lactic acid. Basically what this all means is that cordyceps acts as a performance enhancer. 

Cordyceps is an adrenal restorative which means that it can help provide stress relief and recovery by relaxing the nervous system. 

Cordyceps helps improve libido. Cordyceps increases sperm production and sperm quality (Wen-hung lin et al 2007) Cordyceps increases testosterone (Hsu C.-C. et al 2003) Cordyceps cures impotence. Cordyceps increases red blood cells. Cordyceps reduces blood viscosity, and increases superoxide dismutase (antioxidant) (Rogers, TFP 2011)

Evidence showed that the active principles of c. militaris are beneficial to act as pro-sexual, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant/anti-aging, anti-tumour/anti-cancer/anti-leukemic, anti-proliferative, anti-metastatic, immuno-modulatory, anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-protozoal, insecticidal, larvicidal, anti-fibrotic, steroidogenic, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, anti-angiogenic, anti-diabetic, anti-hiv, anti-malarial, anti-fatigue, neuro-protective, liver-protective, reno-protective as well as pneumo-protective.

Militaris have been shown to offset infertility caused by plastics and increased fertility in those affected by plastic causing infertility.

The chemical constituents Cordyceps militaris include: cordycepin, ergosterol, beta sitosterol, adenosine, adenine, and D-mannitol.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24941166/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33375244/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27008597/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26351509/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27274781/

Click here if you want to give Crucial Cordyceps a try.

Chaga Protects from Liver Damage. Chaga Supports the Immune System. Chaga is used in treating Diabetes, Liver cancer, Skin cancer, Colorectal cancer, Lung cancer. Chaga promotes Immune system modulation. Chaga is anti-inflammatory and Chaga is an antioxidant. Chaga is used to treat Cardiovascular and cholesterol problems and help treat Inflammatory bowel disease. Chaga is Anti Viral.  Chaga Prevents Blood Clots. 

Hamilton’s True Chaga is one of species we have that is wild-harvested from the Siberian Birch forests by individual wild-crafters.

Hangovers can be treated by way of upregulating the immune system, helping to process out the alcohol and protecting the gastrointestinal tissue, better than well known drugs (Ohtomo et al 2001). Fortification of the kidneys. (Rogers, The Fungal Pharmacy 2011)

The Polyphenols found in Chaga enhance physical endurance (Zhong Xiuhong et al 2015)

Gandodelan A-B lowers blood sugar levels by 60-89% in just 7 hours and shows high hypoglycemic activity  (Lu, Xueming et al 2010) that prevents the absorption of glucose and inhibits alpha glucosidase. Chaga will help treat Diabetes (Gao et al 2020) (Chen, H et al 2010).

Chaga improves skin quality and appearance by way of melanin and Chaga is used to treat psoriasis (Dodychev & Bystrova 1973)

Chaga's antioxidants can be used to treat chronic gastritis (Ohtomo et al 2001)

Chaga can be used to treat pain by the anti inflammatory effect of the beta glucans (Van et al 2009) (Park, Y-M et al 2005)

Chaga activates the circulation of brain tissue elements which improves blood flow to and through the brain (Gorbunova et al 2005).

Chaga increases bioelectric activity in the cortex of the brain (Gorbunova et al 2005)

Chaga's polyphenols inhibit oxidative stress (Najafzadeh et al 2007) and inhibit oxidative DNA damage in human lymphocytes produced by H2O2 (Rogers, The Fungal Pharmacy 2011)

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) has been shown to have a variety of positive effects on the immune system. One study, observing cancer in mice fed with polysaccharide extracts of Inonotus obliquus (30mg/kg/day), noticed the extract did not kill cancer cells but did enhance the mouse survival rate (by four times). This effect was due to the stimulation of the immune system.

In another Chaga study: immuno-suppressed mice received 24 days of aqueous Inonotus obliquus extract, and researchers saw an improvement in the immune response of the mice. These mice had their immune system suppressed with bone marrow damage; the Inonotus obliquus extract saw a return of some immune cells to near-normal levels. Furthermore, they saw stimulation of specific immune cell colonies, in addition to an increase in important cytokine molecules – cytokines are essential in regulating immune responses.

Finally, in vitro, lignin complexes extracted from Inonotus obliquus were able to increase the phagocytic activity of macrophages. Macrophages are immune cells that engulf and remove unwanted pathogens and debris in the body and are essential to the immune system response.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.

The body produces reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are essential in certain pathways; however, they can cause DNA damage when uncontrolled, contributing to pathologies such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, it is important to balance the production of ROS and the removal/scavenging of them. Inonotus obliquus has been shown to moderate the effects of ROS in human fibroblasts. Freeze-dried extracts of Inonotus obliquus have been shown to have a more effective scavenging activity of superoxide radicals even compared to ascorbic acid (Vitamin C); this effect was dose-dependent. Moreover, Inonotus obliquus (100mg/kg) administration modulated inflammatory responses and cytokine production, enabling an appropriate Th1 and Th2 cell response essential for a healthy immune response. It is important to note that oxidative stress due to reactive oxygen species can contribute to aging, cardiovascular disease, and stroke.  The effects observed from Inonotus obliquus are auspicious.

Overuse of Chaga can lead to kidney stones. From Medicinal Mushrooms The Human Clinical Trials by Robert Rogers: "Simmering of chaga for 2 to 4 hours ensures maximal extraction of water-soluble oxalates. Using alcohol extraction increases these levels by 50% more, dissolving the water insoluble oxalates. Glamoclija et al (2015)."

If you would like to try True Chaga click here.

Ganoderma lucidum (although there is some debate around this) is the latin name but it is also know as Lingzhi, Lin zi, and Reishi. I will refer to it as reishi for the purposes of this article. There is some debate in the mycology community about the origins, genetics and taxonomy of G. lucidum, meaning that what we call G. lucidum may be another species! However all the species in the ganoderma genus show impressive medicinal efficacy. 

Reishi it seems is just about good for everything, because it is one of the most widely researched and studied fungi on the planet. Reishi can be used as: 

Antibacterial
Antifungal
Anti Inflammatory
Antioxidant
Anti-tumor
Antiviral

Reishi can regulate blood sugar, cholesterol and improves cardiovascular function, reduces hypertension, used as an Immune tonic, Kidney tonic, Liver tonic, Nerve tonic, Respiratory tonic and Sexual tonic!

Reishi improves liver function according to  (Chang H.-M. and P.P.-H. But 1987) and reishi treats ulcers  according to (Lin WC, 2006) Reishi also protects the liver in the work of (Gao. Y. et al 2004c) (Zhou et al 2005). Reishi promotes liver cell reproduction according to the book Ganoderma The Ultimate Herbal Medicine, Chapter 4, by Dr. Deng-Hai Chen

Reishi improves sleep quality and duration (Chang H.-M. and P.P.-H. But 1987) Reishi treats insomnia (Rogers TFP 2011)

Reishi supports fertility in men because it improves sperm parameters (Lai et al 2010), Reishi also balances androgenic activity (Fugita et al 2005)

Reishi had antioxidant properties (Jie Sun et al 2004).

Reishi is an immunosuppressive (H.W. Kim et al 2000) Reishi regulates immune response (Qui and Wu 1986) Reishi modifies immune response (Ho et al 2007). All this adds up to what is referred to as an ADAPTOGEN, or  immuno-modulator. Reishi adjusts your immune system according to what it needs. 

Reishi treats high blood cholesterol with improvements to dyspnea, edema, and heart palpitations  (Rogers TPF 2011) Reishi relieves arrhythmia (Ding, G.-S. 1987) Reishi  is Anti atherogenic (Ryong et al 1989) Alleviates altitude sickness (rogers TFP 2011) improves aerobic endurance in women (Mateo et al 2015). Reishi acts as a kind of performance enhancer.

Reishi protects the brain from Beta amyloid associated with alzheimer's disease (rogers TFP 2011)

Reishi lowers elevated blood sugar levels with Ganoderans B and C (Hikino et al 1985, 1989) Reishi has anti diabetic activity (Farnsworth 1995) Reishi treats type 2 diabetes (Yihuai Gao et al 2004d). Reishi lowers blood pressure (Jin, H. et al 1996)

Reishi lowers hypertension (Kanmatsuse et al 1985) Reishi possesses obvious sedative, hypnotic and anticonvulsive effects (Li Xuezhen 2006). 

Reishi acts as a calmative helping alleviate anxiety, insomnia, and nervousness associated with adrenal deficient conditions. It helps relax the muscles and reduces the effect of caffeine on the body. (Rogers TFP 2011)

Reishi Lightens skin and protects against UV radiation, helps remove “sun spots” (Rogers, TFP 2011)

Reishi Improves respiratory conditions (Chang H.-M. and P.P.-H. But 1987) Reishi alleviates allergic reactions (Kohda et al 1985) Reishi is an anti allergenic (m. kubo et al 1983) Reishi has shown antihistamine action on the skin and will stimulate circulation (Rogers, TFP 2011).

Reishi supports longevity and a healthy heart. In one study, red Reishi mushrooms inhibited four kinds of allergic reactions, including allergic asthma and contact dermatitis, which can come from things like poison oak or nickel-based jewelry; that may be why in five randomized control trials, chemotherapy patients showed a more positive response to treatment with red Reishi mushroom as a complementary adjunct treatment to the chemotherapy. The patients also showed improved immune function.

It has been determined that the triterpenoids found in Reishi mushrooms have the ability to reduce the metastasis of cancerous cells and prevent tumor growth. A second study found that the active ingredients of Reishi mushroom extract can seek out and neutralize cancerous cells within the body. 

Traditional and ethnobotanical uses of Reishi have been used in TCM for more than 4,000 years for treating fatigue, asthma, cough, and liver ailments and to promote longevity. The Chinese name Lingzhi means “herb of spiritual potency.” A Japanese name for the Reishi is Mannentake, meaning “10,000-year-old mushroom.” Reishi's use is documented in the oldest Chinese medical text, which is more than 2,000 years old. The cultivation of Reishi began in the 1980s. A survey conducted in Hong Kong found G. lucidum to be the third most common herbal preparation taken by preoperative surgical patients. 

General use of the polysaccharide content of Reishi mushroom is responsible for possible anticancer and immuno-stimulatory effects. Reishi may also provide hepatoprotective action, antiviral activity, and a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, and diabetes. 

Reishi's Ganodermadiol is active against influenza virus type A and and Herpes simplex virus type 1.

Some of Reishi's chemical constituents include:

Fruiting body: carbohydrates; amino acids including adenosine, steroids including ergosterols, protease, lysozymes, lipids, triterpenes, alkaloids, vitamins B2 and C, and various minerals including zinc, manganese, iron, copper, and germanium. May contain up to 40.6 percent beta-glucans. High levels of germanium have been found when cultivated using a bed log rich in the mineral.

Mycelium: sterols, alkaloids, lactones, erogone, more than one hundred distinct polysaccharides, and 119 different triterpenoids. These include forty-five lanostane-type triterpenoids such as ganoderic and ganoderenic acids, ganolucidic acid, lucidenic acids, and lucidone. As the mycelium matures into fruiting bodies, the triterpene content increases.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22593926/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27685898/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27045603/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29141563/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29534044/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15489214/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29344411/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26102296/

Click here if you'd like to try Reishi.

Turkey Tail, Trametes Versicolor

Turkey tail extracts, taken with chemotherapy or radiation therapy, can make these traditional cancer treatments more effective. It functions as an antibacterial and an antiviral, and that it can improve digestive health, combat diabetes, and improve athletic performance.

Some research supports each of these claims, but it is preliminary, resting largely on in vitro studies. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0203064

Turkey tail is the most studied medicinal mushroom.  

Anti-cancer Effects- Various animal studies suggest that some chemical constituents of turkey tail may have some direct anti-tumor effect, at least for some cancer types, as well as an ability to strengthen various aspects of the immune response against cancer. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5592279/

Antioxidants-Substances within Turkey tail can act as powerful antioxidants, especially when enhanced through processing, as shown by chemical investigation and in vitro studies with cultured cells

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27626400/

Antimicrobial Effects- In a preliminary clinical study, human patients taking a turkey tail extract and one or more other herbal or fungal products saw improved immune function and other benefits, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5592279/

Anti-diabetic Effects- A turkey tail extract given to Type 2 diabetic rats improved several markers of health, including lowering insulin resistance. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29243310/

Another study, also involving rats experimentally given Type 2 diabetes, showed that not only did turkey tail extract lower blood glucose levels, it also improved bone health https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jafc.5b02668.

An in vitro study using human cell lines also showed that a turkey tail extract could improve glucose uptake 

https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0201131

Improved Athletic Performance-A turkey tail mycelium extract given to mice improved both forelimb grip strength and endurance (as measured by the presence of chemical markers for exhaustion in the blood following exercise) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5666542/

Digestive Health Improvement-One study involving healthy human volunteers examined changes in the gut microbiome following dosing with either an antibiotic, an extract of turkey tail, or nothing at all (in the control group) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25006989/. 

Both those receiving turkey tail and those receiving the antibiotic showed characteristic changes in their gut biomes. The authors of the paper describe the effects of turkey tail as being consistent with it being a prebiotic. 

If you would like to try Turkey Tail click here.

Laricifomes officinalis, also known as Agarikon, has been studied for its antimicrobial properties, including broad-spectrum antibacterial and antiviral activity. It contains chlorinated coumarins and lanostane triterpenoids, responsible for its antiviral, antibacterial, and trypanocidal activities. 

Simply put Agarikon is a natural and effective antibiotic. 

My Agarikon was wild harvested from an old growth Douglas fir snag near the coast of northern California. We used the same specimen for nearly 6 years! My tincture is made with organic cane alcohol and it is an alcohol extraction only. 

In vivo tests on bees have shown promising results against pathogens responsible for colony collapse disorders, suggesting potential sustainable solutions for bee health.

Traditional uses in treating various ailments underscore its significance in traditional medicine. (Girometta, 2018).

Agarikon has a rich history of use in traditional medicine and culture. Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast of North America, such as the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian, valued it both medicinally and spiritually. The fruiting bodies of this mushroom were carved into masks for likely ritualistic purposes and frequently marked the graves of tribal shamans. Additionally, the mycelium growing in rotting wood was processed into a material similar to leather​​.

Agarikon was used by the Ancient Greeks to treat consumption (tuberculosis) as noted by Pedanius Dioscorides in 65 AD, and some indigenous people used it to treat smallpox. Despite being called the "quinine conk" due to the bitter taste of its powdered form, it doesn't contain quinine nor does it have anti-malarial properties. However, research has shown that extracts from Agarikon demonstrate antiviral activity against various viruses including poxviruses, HSV-1, HSV-2, and different strains of Influenza, as well as Mycobacterium tuberculosis in vitro. Novel chlorinated coumarins isolated from the fungus have also shown promising results against Mycobacterium tuberculosis​​.

Laricifomes officinalis is renowned for its broad-spectrum antibacterial and antiviral activities, which have been recognized for millennia across its distribution range, particularly against pulmonary diseases. This historical recognition spans the Alps, Central and Eastern Europe, the Urals, Siberia, and North America, where it sometimes gained mythic and ritual significance. Beyond folk superstition, bioactive molecules recently isolated from this fungus have demonstrated significant antimicrobial effects. The mushroom's antiviral activities are notable against the variola virus (which causes smallpox), herpes, and influenza viruses. It also offers immune support by stimulating antiviral immune responses and may assist in the treatment of tuberculosis and support the immune system against TB exposure​​.

Agarikon is considered an "elixir of long life"  due to its potential health benefits, including immune support, antiviral potential, and antioxidant properties. It grows in the old-growth and ancient forests of North America, Europe, and Asia, often on dying or dead trees. This association with long-lived trees highlights the importance of preserving ancient forests to ensure the survival of Agarikon populations, which have declined significantly due to deforestation and habitat loss​​.

If you would like to try Agarikon click here.