🧠 Reishi’s Liver Shield, Shiitake’s Brain Boost, and a Trip to China

IN TODAY’S EDITION

• 🍄 | Reishi halves alcohol-related liver damage

• 🥊 | Antrodia camphorata compound selectively kills cancer cells

• 🧠 | Shiitake extract supercharges aging brain cells

Hi Shroomer. The healing potential of fungi shines brighter this week than most with breakthroughs in each field.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Liver health 🍷 Reishi extract (Ganoderma lucidum) was found to cut alcohol-related liver damage in half, with mice showing 50% lower damage markers and 2.5 times more protective antioxidants when given the extract before alcohol exposure. The extract contained 44% beneficial compounds called triterpenoids and reduced liver inflammation, prevented fat buildup, and maintained gut health.

Cancer fighter 🥊 MAA, a compound from the rare mushroom Antrodia camphorata, selectively kills cancer cells while sparing healthy ones, showing 70% liver cancer cell death at safe doses. It targets cancer stem cells, reduces tumor-promoting inflammation by over 50%, and protects against H. pylori, making it promising for oral, liver, and breast cancers.

Brain boost 🧠 Ergothioneine-rich shiitake mushroom extract (Lentinula edodes) was found to restore mitochondrial function in aging brain cells, with treated cells showing 70.5% higher membrane potential and 136% more energy production compared to untreated cells. The extract protected neurons through multiple pathways, increasing protective antioxidant genes by 121% and reducing inflammation markers by over 50%.

Medicinal marvel 🍄 The white-rot fungus I. lacteus is packed with bioactive compounds, including anti-inflammatory tremutins and antioxidants, supported by 26 specialized gene clusters. Its newly mapped genome explains its approved use for kidney disease in China and its ability to break down waste and detoxify water.

Hidden potential revealed 🧩 Cunninghamella fungi are often overlooked and this comprehensive review shows that these natural chemists could help develop new antibiotics, cancer treatments, and eco-friendly agricultural products.

Microbial health 🧫 Button mushroom extracts (Agaricus bisporus) showed strong antibacterial effects, especially against MRSA and E. coli, with acetone extracts being the most effective.

Marine fungi for chronic diseases 🌊 Compounds from marine fungi, like terpenes and alkaloids, show promise in fighting heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and inflammation. For instance, xyloketal B reduces oxidative stress in cardiovascular conditions, and antidiabetic compounds like PJ1-1 lower blood sugar in mice.

The perks of eating boletes ⭐️ Polysaccharides from Boletus mushrooms offer powerful health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor effects, confirmed in this study.

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PSILOCYBIN & LEGISLATION

Psilocybin, ketamine, and TBS 🧬 A review of 28 clinical trials found that psilocybin therapy is as effective as IV ketamine and better than theta burst stimulation (TBS) for major depression. Analyzing 231 psilocybin participants, researchers found lasting benefits at 4+ weeks, with depression scores improving significantly more than TBS.

Frontline healthcare workers 👩‍⚕️ A groundbreaking JAMA Network Open trial found that psilocybin therapy (25mg) significantly reduced depression in COVID-19 frontline healthcare workers, with treatment groups showing -21.33 vs -9.33 point reductions in MADRS scores. The randomized study of 30 participants demonstrated sustained improvements through 6-month follow-up. Though 70% of participants modified their work roles during the study period, none left healthcare.

Treatment expectations for depression 💊 An analysis of psilocybin vs. escitalopram found that participants expected 60% improvement from psilocybin, but only 23% from escitalopram. When participants had low expectations of escitalopram, psilocybin worked significantly better. However, both treatments performed similarly for those with high escitalopram expectations. The findings suggest previous reports of psilocybin's superiority may be specific to individuals with low faith in conventional treatments.

Alcohol addiction recovery 🍺 Two treatments - psilocybin and the drug LY379268 - successfully restored healthy brain patterns in rats with alcohol addiction. The study used 20 rats to show both drugs improved brain wave activity in areas controlling decision-making and impulse control, but psilocybin proved better at reducing the overactive brain patterns linked to relapse risk.

ECOLOGY & CONSERVATION

Matsutake harvests 🍄 A 20-year study in Korea reveals that August temperatures influence matsutake mushroom harvests, with every 1.8°F increase leading to 1.5 more tons foraged. The research analyzed data from 2003-2023 in Yangyang-gun, finding a moderately strong correlation (0.68) between August temperatures and harvest amounts, though optimal predictions only work within 71.2-79.2°F range. While temperature explains about 46% of harvest variability, other factors like soil conditions remain unstudied.

Insect killers 🦟 A comprehensive review of 79 studies shows that entomopathogenic fungi typically kill about 8.2% of insects in natural populations - much lower than deaths from predators or parasites. The research analyzed 104 insect species and 122 fungal species, revealing that while different fungi show varying success rate, they rarely reach epidemic levels.

Tackling plastic pollution 🌍 Researchers found that fungi like Aspergillus niger can break down low-density polyethylene (LDPE), a common and hard-to-degrade plastic. Over 20 days, LDPE exposed to fungi in a special broth lost 40% of its weight, with surface cracks and chemical changes confirmed through advanced imaging. This method could help tackle plastic pollution sustainably​

Sustainable silk dyeing 🌱 Researchers developed a natural dye from discarded shiitake mushroom pins to color silk fabric. The process produced vibrant yellow-red hues, improved fabric durability, and provided antimicrobial and odor-reducing benefits, with a 99.9% reduction in bacteria and 90% deodorization.

GROWING GOURMET

Oyster mushrooms on oil industry waste 🍄 Soybean and sunflower seed husks can successfully grow oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus), with soybean husk yielding 1,114g per substrate bag compared to 500g for traditional wheat straw. While demonstrating viable food production from oil industry waste, the biological efficiency remained below the 50% commercial threshold.

First artificial cultivation 🏆️ Researchers in Southwest China successfully developed a method to cultivate the rare edible mushroom Buchwaldoboletus xylophilus. Using a substrate of rubber sawdust, wood bits, and other components, they achieved robust mycelium growth and an average yield of 131g per bag. The mushrooms matured in 6–8 days, marking a breakthrough in making this high-demand, endangered species.

Mushroom insulation 🏡 Scientists have found that used blocks from growing oyster mushrooms can work as insulation for buildings. These blocks are lightweight, fire-resistant, and insulate just as well as traditional materials.

Original recipe alert 🍜 I adapted a Mushroom Bourguignon recipe for my Friendsgiving this year. I’d never made it in the slow cooker before, but didn’t have an extra Dutch oven to spare for the rest of the dishes. So I winged it! Made easier by my previous life as a food editor.

DEEP IN THE HEART OF CHINA

Not many people know, but we also own Naturealm. Founded by two brothers in 2015, it’s a small yet remarkable mushroom supplement brand dedicated from day one to 100% fruiting bodies, thorough third-party testing, and no additives. When the two brothers who founded it sought new stewards, they chose us to carry on their legacy.

In November 2023, I arrived in Shanghai unsure of what my 12 days in China would hold. With my partners Rachel and Denis, we set out to understand mushroom cultivation firsthand. Along the way, we toured maitake and shiitake farms, visited Mt. Baishanzu in Zhejiang Province, toured the China Edible Mushroom Museum, and observed reishi farms in Fujian Province, where rich reishi spore powder dusted the tops like cocoa. We even stopped at Nanjing Fuzimiao, a Confucius Temple that was such an awe-inspiring experience, it still gives me chills.

Those 12 days were a turning point. My respect for Traditional Chinese Medicine deepened ten-fold after seeing the craftsmanship, the legacy, and the history behind their ancient tradition of mushroom cultivation. I’d felt the same frustration many of you do when researching mushrooms: scattered information, hidden in forums or diluted by vague and fake marketing. Where was the real research? Where was the recognition that this medicine isn’t new? Now, each week, it feels like we’re peering behind the curtain together. Thanks for being on this journey with me.

FIELD NOTES

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