Reishi Shrinks Tumors, Psilocybin Eases Anxiety, and a Free Gift Inside

IN TODAY’S EDITION

• 🩸 | Bleeding control breakthrough

• 🤍 | Cauliflower power

• 🌍 | Calm your brain

Hi Shroomers. Whether you're traveling, resting, or riding the July 4 noise, this week’s mushrooms offer real support: calming your nervous system, shrinking tumors, and stopping bleeding—literally. I also have a gift for you.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Bone cancer blocker 🦴 Reishi spores (Ganoderma lucidum) slowed bone tumor growth in mice by 36% and triggered cancer cell death. These spores—processed to remove their tough outer layer—disrupted fatty acid metabolism and depleted the tumor’s energy supply.

Cauliflower power 🤍 The cauliflower mushroom (Sparassis spp.) is emerging as a potent functional food with wide-ranging health benefits. Rich in β-glucans (up to 43.6% by dry weight), it shows strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor effects. Its bioactive compounds support immune regulation, gut microbiome balance, and may help prevent chronic diseases like diabetes, high cholesterol, and cancer.

Bleeding control breakthrough 🩸 Scientists transformed common mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) into a fast-expanding cryogel sponge that stops severe bleeding. Made from natural chitin and glucans, the mushroom sponge absorbed over 15 times its weight in water and expanded in just 2.1 seconds. In rat liver injury models, it outperformed leading commercial products like Celox™, triggering rapid clotting while avoiding toxic chemicals and preserving biocompatibility.

The betulin secret 🌲 Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) evolved a rare metabolic pathway that lets it convert birch tree compounds into betulin, a powerful anti-cancer molecule. Researchers used multi-omics tools to trace how chaga absorbs birch-derived triterpenoids and rewires them into pharmacologically active forms. This unique adaptation helps explain why wild-harvested Chaga contains medicinal compounds not found in lab-grown versions.

Cholesterol control ❤️ Common button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) contain a unique soluble fiber that significantly lowers blood cholesterol. In rat models, this mushroom fiber reduced total cholesterol by up to 28% and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol by 34%, while increasing protective HDL levels. The fiber also helped regulate lipid metabolism enzymes and supported overall liver health—making this an easy win for heart-conscious eaters.

Fungal potential 💊 Medicinal mushrooms like reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis), and chaga (Inonotus obliquus) contain bioactive compounds that target human receptors linked to major diseases. This review shows how fungal compounds interact with pathways involved in inflammation, cancer, diabetes, and neurological conditions—mimicking drugs that act on serotonin, opioid, COX-2, and VEGF receptors. It offers a roadmap for discovering new medicines from fungi.

Calm your brain 🌍 An extract from the African oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) showed powerful sedative and anti-seizure effects in mice. It reduced how long it took the mice to fall asleep, extended sleep duration, and offered strong protection against chemically induced seizures. Even at high doses (up to 3200 mg/kg), the extract showed no signs of toxicity, making it a promising, natural candidate for managing epilepsy and anxiety without the harsh side effects of conventional drugs.

Healing power ⚡️ Ergothioneine is a rare antioxidant found in mushrooms—especially white button (Agaricus bisporus), shiitake (Lentinula edodes), and king oyster (Pleurotus eryngii)—that’s absorbed in your body through a special transporter protein. It targets areas of high oxidative stress (like the brain and heart) and helps protect cells from inflammation, aging, and disease. Animal studies show it may support memory, reduce damage from diabetes, and even protect joints. While clinical research is still emerging, its natural stability and bioavailability have led some scientists to call it a “longevity vitamin.”

FORAGED FIND

🎁 Free Reishi Capsules + 25% Off Everything

Your nervous system deserves better.

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Use code SHROOMY at checkout for 25% off sitewide, too.

• ✅ Supports deep, uninterrupted sleep

• ✅ Helps regulate stress and calm the nervous system

• ✅ Strengthens immune resilience over time

• ✅ Promotes recovery from daily mental and physical fatigue

• ✅ No melatonin, no grogginess — just real balance

🍄 For Shroomer subscribers only! Offer ends July 10.

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PSILOCYBIN & LEGISLATION

Long-term anxiety relief 🌿 A 6-month study of 1,254 people found that natural psychedelic use—mostly psilocybin and LSD—significantly reduced anxiety, especially in those with severe symptoms. Nearly 40% reached remission, and emotional breakthroughs and mystical experiences predicted better outcomes. Effects held even after accounting for expectations and other factors.

Iowa psilocybin veto 💬 Rep. Jeff Shipley praised Gov. Reynolds' veto of a bill backing synthetic psilocybin, pushing instead for a state program using natural mushrooms. His own bill passed the House but stalled in the Senate.

PTSD relief proposal ☘️ A new Michigan bill would decriminalize psilocybin mushrooms for adults diagnosed with PTSD. The legislation allows those 18 and older with a formal diagnosis to possess up to two ounces for personal use—no criminal penalties. Supporters emphasize this gives veterans, trauma survivors, and first responders safe access to a potential treatment option without legal risk.

Psychedelics & queer well-being 🌈 A national survey of 662 LGBTQIA+ participants found that naturalistic psychedelic use—mainly psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA—was linked to lower symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Over 85% reported lasting benefits like emotional insight, reduced distress, and deeper self-acceptance.

Psychedelic tourism rises ✈️ Nearly one-third of U.S. adults using psychedelics traveled out of state to do so, most often to Colorado, Oregon, or internationally. In this national survey of over 2,100 adults, researchers found that travelers were more likely than non-travelers to report anxiety or depression and to seek healing in ceremonial or clinical settings.

ECOLOGY & CONSERVATION

Toxic water 💄 Turkey tail (Trametes versicolor) and white rot fungi like Phanerochaete chrysosporium can break down persistent pollutants, including those from medicines, cosmetics, and cleaning products, that usually resist natural decay. These fungi produce enzymes that safely degrade these xenobiotics.

Defending plants 🥒 Used mushroom compost (spent mushroom substrate) reduced cucumber wilt disease tenfold by enriching beneficial soil bacteria like Bacillus velezensis. These microbes boost antimicrobial activity and help protect roots from pathogens.

Wild nutrition 🌾 Protein and amino acid levels in wild mushrooms—like porcini (Boletus edulis) and chanterelles (Cantharellus cibarius)—change depending on soil, temperature, and humidity. Mushrooms from warmer, drier climates had higher protein content, while cooler regions showed more variation.

Heavy metals 🧲 White-rot fungi such as white rot (Phanerochaete chrysosporium) and turkey tail (Trametes versicolor) can soak up toxic metals like lead and cadmium from polluted water. Their sponge-like mycelium structure makes them effective at capturing and storing contaminants.

More fly research 🪰 Feeding black soldier fly larvae spent mushroom substrate (SMS) led to stronger compost, higher larval protein, and better bioconversion rates. This builds on growing research showing these insects can upcycle waste, like mushrooms, into valuable nutrients, positioning them as a key player in circular agriculture and sustainable feed systems.

GROWING & GOURMET

Protein power 🍔 A plant-based meat alternative made from straw mushroom flour (Volvariella volvacea) and pumpkin seed flour packs 23.6% protein and a complete amino acid profile. This nutrient-dense combo delivered solid taste and texture scores, positioning it as a budget-friendly, health-forward option for vegetarians and alt-protein seekers.

UV light upgrade ☀️ King oyster mushroom (Pleurotus eryngii) mycelia exposed to UV-B light showed major boosts in vitamin D2 (up to 314.75 μg/g), beta-glucans (32.2%), antioxidants, and amino acids. This quick, tech-forward method improves the mushroom's health benefits and shelf-stability for functional food or supplement use.

Mineral mushrooms 🪨 Biofortifying mushrooms with lithium, selenium, and zinc significantly boosts their nutritional and medicinal value. These trace elements improve absorption, brain and immune function, and offer a powerful tool to fight global micronutrient deficiencies. Mushrooms emerge as a sustainable, functional food solution in the fight against “hidden hunger.”

Meat swap 🍄 Replacing part of chicken meat with oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) powder in kofta boosted its nutritional profile, reducing fat, increasing fiber, and preserving taste. The mushroom powder also improved cooking yield and texture, offering a healthier, functional option for meat lovers aiming to cut back without compromising flavor.

MUSH MORE

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