💓 Crohn’s Breakthrough, Psilocybin vs. SSRIs, Banana Boosts

IN TODAY’S EDITION

• 💓 | Crohn’s breakthrough

• 🎵 | Psilocybin vs. SSRIs

• 🍌 | Banana boosts

Hi Shroomer. I’ve written 122 editions of this newsletter since July 2023, and every one has been a learning process.

Last week, I said lion’s mane and reishi reduced depression and anxiety by 50%. That was a mix-up. I combined findings from different papers, and the number wasn’t in the study. It also wasn’t peer-reviewed. The article’s been updated, and I reached out to the readers who kindly pointed it out.

Shroomer is here to make mushroom science clear and trustworthy. I’m grateful for your sharp eyes and steady support.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Crohn’s care boost 🌿 A commercial prebiotic made from three mushroom extracts improved symptoms in 80% of Crohn’s patients, compared to just 16.7% on placebo. The supplement, Mycodigest, also increased gut levels of short-chain fatty acid–producing bacteria like Parabacteroides distasonis and Faecalimonas umbilicata, while inflammatory markers remained unchanged. The study was partially funded by Mycolivia, the Israeli company behind the product. While the mushrooms aren’t named in the paper, Mycodigest is listed elsewhere as containing turkey tail (Trametes versicolor), lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus), and sun mushroom (Agaricus blazei Murill). While the supplement is listed on Hebrew-language health sites, international access seems limited.

Even more beta-glucan boosts 🚀 Shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes) contains a beta-glucan that makes it all the way to the colon, where it feeds good gut bacteria and boosts short-chain fatty acid production. In lab tests, it supported beneficial microbes like Bacteroides and Lactobacillus, reduced harmful ones, and showed early signs of immune support.

Glucan-rich power trio 🧬 Turkey tail (Trametes versicolor), lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus), and oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) were found to be packed with natural sugars called glucans, making up 76–80% of their dried biomass. These included both beta-glucans, known for boosting immunity, and alpha-glucans, a rarer type linked to gut health. The mushrooms also offered a rich mix of protein, amino acids, healthy fats, and minerals like magnesium and potassium, showing why these species stand out in functional supplements.

Inflammation modulator 🛡️ Polysaccharides from mushrooms like cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris), snow fungus (Tremella fuciformis), and cauliflower mushroom (Sparassis crispa) may help balance IL-17, a molecule tied to inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. These compounds influence gut bacteria, increase short-chain fatty acids, and support healthy immune responses. Depending on the body’s needs, they can either calm or boost immune activity.

Mushrooms vs. cancer 🎯 Mushrooms like reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), turkey tail (Trametes versicolor), and lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) contain compounds that help the immune system fight cancer. These include beta-glucans and terpenoids that activate natural killer cells and macrophages, slow tumor growth, and may trigger cancer cell death. While most evidence is preclinical, they show promise as low-risk, immune-supportive allies in cancer care.

Alzheimer’s protection 🧠 A special polysaccharide from Chaidam desert mushroom (Agaricus sinodeliciosus) improved memory and reduced brain inflammation in rats with Alzheimer’s-like symptoms. The compound cleared harmful amyloid-β plaques by activating immune cells in the brain and also reshaped the gut microbiome, boosting serotonin and beneficial bacteria. The results suggest this wild desert mushroom may offer gut-to-brain support in neurodegenerative conditions.

More mushrooms, same mission 🪖 Building on what we know about reishi and turkey tail, another preclinical study highlights cancer-fighting potential in mushrooms like chaga (Inonotus obliquus) and artist’s conk (Fomes fomentarius). These fungi contain immune-modulating compounds (beta-glucans, terpenoids, and lectins) that helped block tumor growth, trigger cancer cell death, and activate immune cells in lab settings.

Anti-aging power ⏳A compound from the phoenix-tail mushroom (Pleurotus geesteranus) helped delay signs of aging in mice by activating NRF2, a key defense against cellular stress. The polysaccharide (called glucomannogalactan) reduced inflammation, improved metabolism, and cleared out senescent cells in both naturally aged and treatment-damaged mice. In lab models, it also helped protect human cells from stress, suggesting potential as a low-risk, natural anti-aging supplement.

Fungi face-off ⚔️ Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) and shiitake (Lentinula edodes) both fight off harmful microbes, but in different ways. This study found that reishi had stronger antibacterial effects, especially against Staphylococcus aureus, thanks to its high levels of phenols and flavonoids. Shiitake, on the other hand, packed more beta-glucans and showed better antifungal activity, particularly against Candida albicans. It’s more proof that different mushrooms offer different strengths when it comes to natural immune support.

PSILOCYBIN & LEGISLATION

Psilocybin vs. SSRIs 🎵 In a study of 59 people with depression, psilocybin and the SSRI escitalopram affected how the brain responds to music in very different ways. Escitalopram dulled emotional reactions to musical “surprises,” while psilocybin preserved or enhanced them. Brain scans showed psilocybin reduced prefrontal control and boosted sensory activity, supporting a more emotionally open experience.

Cognitive clarity after psilocybin 🧩 A large survey of over 2,800 people planning natural psilocybin use found that many reported improved mental health and sharper cognitive flexibility in the weeks and months after. But outcomes varied: while 30% saw big improvements and low substance use, 8% continued struggling with both mental health and substance use. The biggest differences came down to participants' personality traits and mindset going into the experience, highlighting how much set and setting still matter.

Magic vs. grocery 🛒 This study used advanced mass spectrometry to compare five psilocybin mushrooms (like Texas Yellow and Blue Meanie) with three edible types (like shiitake and button mushrooms). It found that psilocybin mushrooms have a completely distinct chemical profile, with unique alkaloids that may enhance therapeutic effects beyond psilocybin alone. The work highlights the “entourage effect” and sets a foundation for future classification, safety, and clinical use of whole mushrooms.

Unequal benefits ⚖️ Psychedelics don’t affect everyone the same. This large-scale U.S. study (458,372 adults) found that classic psychedelics like psilocybin and mescaline were linked to lower psychological distress in white participants, but not consistently for Native American and Alaska Native individuals. However, those living in American Indian Areas (AIAs) did see better outcomes, especially with mescaline use, showing how place and cultural context shape healing.

Retreat risk check 🧳 An analysis of 298 psychedelic retreat organizations advertising online revealed major growth in psilocybin and ayahuasca tourism, but safety standards vary widely. While most retreats frame themselves around wellness and offer substances like ayahuasca, psilocybin, or San Pedro, only a small fraction operate with medical oversight. Costs ranged from $20 to $150,000, with many retreats offering multiple substances and short durations that may lack adequate support.

When spores go wrong 🌬️ A 25-year-old hobbyist growing psychedelic mushrooms in his bedroom developed a serious lung condition called hypersensitivity pneumonitis. He was hospitalized with breathing trouble and low oxygen levels, and scans showed inflammation in both lungs. After treatment and deeper questioning, doctors traced the cause to airborne spores from his indoor mushroom setup. This rare but real case is a reminder: even natural hobbies need ventilation.

ECOLOGY & CONSERVATION

Microplastics disrupt soil fungi 🧪 Different types and shapes of microplastics altered the makeup of beneficial mycorrhizal fungi in farm soils. While overall diversity stayed stable, the balance shifted—favors shifted toward stress-tolerant fungi like Rhizophagus and Claroideoglomus. Fibers and mixed plastic types caused the most disruption, suggesting plastic pollution quietly reshapes soil ecosystems.

Banana boost from mushroom waste 🍌 Used oyster mushroom substrate (Pleurotus ostreatus) helped protect banana plants from root-damaging nematodes (Radopholus similis). In two greenhouse trials, the spent substrate reduced nematode populations, improved soil nutrients like nitrogen and potassium, and boosted overall plant health, leading to better root and shoot growth with less root rot. Researchers believe the beneficial effects come from leftover mycelium and natural fungal compounds that suppress or disrupt the pests.

Cleaning up metals 💧 White button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) and their spent compost can remove toxic metals like cobalt and manganese from water. In lab tests, both the fresh mushrooms and the leftover compost bound and trapped the metals through natural chemical groups like amines and carboxyls. The compost worked even better than the mushrooms themselves, and both materials could be reused for up to seven cycles, showing real promise for low-cost, sustainable water treatment.

Mushrooms as crop protectors 🌾 Certain mushrooms, especially basidiomycetes, may offer an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic pesticides. This chapter outlines how mushroom-derived compounds can fight off crop diseases through natural mechanisms like antibiosis, competition, and induced resistance. These fungi produce secondary metabolites with antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial effects, and some can even target plant-parasitic nematodes. By harnessing these properties, mushrooms could help farmers manage pests and diseases while reducing chemical use and environmental harm.

Cultural value of foraging 💓 Foraging mushrooms and wild plants isn’t just about food, it’s a deeply social and ecological act. This global review shows how foragers act as stewards of biodiversity, caring for species, habitats, and community traditions. From alpine forests to coastal shores, stewardship practices like selective harvesting, seed scattering, and habitat tending help protect vulnerable ecosystems. These often-overlooked behaviors are rooted in care, local knowledge, and identity, making foraging a vital force for both cultural continuity and environmental resilience.

Plant protectors underground 🔦 Dark septate endophytes (DSEs)—a type of root-dwelling fungus—may be key allies in helping plants survive climate change. These fungi boost drought and salinity tolerance by improving water absorption, reducing oxidative stress, and enhancing nutrient uptake even in harsh soils. One standout species, Rutstroemia calopus, helped cucumber plants thrive with 80% less fertilizer, thanks to its growth-boosting effects. DSEs could offer a low-input path toward sustainable agriculture, supporting crops in a warming, drying world.

Oaxacan mushroom names 🇲🇽 In rural Oaxaca, three Indigenous communities—the Chatino, Chontal, and Chinantec—have preserved a rich folk taxonomy of wild mushrooms. Researchers recorded 43 Indigenous names across 32 mushroom species, revealing detailed systems for naming based on ecology, morphology, and cultural meaning. For example, a “milk mushroom” is named for its latex secretion, and a “God’s mushroom” (likely Psilocybe) is revered for its sacred role. The study found that elders knew more Indigenous names, while younger generations used more Spanish. Still, the shared classification patterns reflect deep ecological knowledge passed down through language, tradition, and daily use.

Mycelium holds up in humid heat 🌡️ Mycelium grown from grey oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) was tested as a natural insulation and soundproofing material for buildings in tropical climates. The panels, made from rubberwood sawdust and mushroom mycelium, performed well in both thermal resistance and noise absorption, showing fire-retardant properties and a low thermal conductivity.

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GROWING & GOURMET

Fungi-fed chickens 🐔 This comprehensive review explores how filamentous fungi—like Aspergillus, Pleurotus, and Flammulina—can sustainably replace soy and fishmeal in broiler chicken diets. Mushroom fruiting bodies, mycelia, and even spent substrate (a byproduct of mushroom farming) were tested. Results from multiple feeding trials showed either neutral or positive effects on broiler growth, immune response, gut health, and meat quality. Bioactive compounds like β-glucans, chitin, and phenolics played key roles by supporting beneficial gut microbes and enhancing nutrient uptake. Though not all fungi had the same impact, using mushroom waste as feed could reduce environmental costs and support circular agriculture.

CRISPR boosts Cordyceps 🔬 For the first time, scientists used CRISPR-Cas9 to precisely insert a large glucan synthase gene into cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris), enhancing its ability to produce β-glucans, key compounds for immune support. The edited strain grew faster, showed stronger resistance to stress, and produced more high-quality polysaccharides. This breakthrough sets the stage for safer, more efficient mushroom biotech aimed at immunity and longevity.

Meat substitutes 🍔 This 2025 review explores why mushrooms are rising stars in the plant-based protein world. Their high levels of B vitamins, umami-rich taste, meaty texture, and bioactive compounds (like antioxidants and terpenoids) make them ideal for alt-meat products like burgers, nuggets, and jerky. While the study doesn’t bring new lab data, it frames mushrooms as a low-footprint, high-impact food source.

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