Stroke Recovery, Mycelium at Sea, and Help Track Mushroom Bans

IN TODAY’S EDITION

• 🌟 | Tiger milk mushroom is a research star

• 🍷 | Liver protection with wood ear

• 🦪 | The best waste for oysters

Hi Shroomers. This week, I’m asking for your help. If you or someone you know has had a mushroom-focused social media or ecommerce account suspended, restricted, or shut down, I want to hear from you. Your input will help me track patterns and articulate the impact these takedowns have on our community. Take the survey here. 

In the rest of this issue, we’ve got big updates in mushroom science, from gut-brain boosts in older adults to reishi’s role in protecting kidneys and livers.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Elderly brain boost 👵 Eating 6 grams daily of Tamogitake mushroom (Agrocybe cylindracea) for 12 weeks improved both gut health and cognitive performance in older adults. Participants showed increased levels of beneficial gut bacteria like Lactobacillales and improved memory and verbal fluency scores. The results suggest that whole mushrooms, not just extracts, can meaningfully support aging brains and digestive systems through daily food-based interventions.

Diabetes care 🩸 Compounds from reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) and artist’s conk (Ganoderma applanatum) were found to help manage diabetes by improving insulin signaling and lowering blood sugar. Extracts from both mushrooms increased GLUT4 expression (a key glucose transporter), reduced oxidative stress, and regulated enzymes involved in glucose metabolism.

Immune boost synergy 🛡️ Tiger milk mushroom (Lignosus rhinocerus) and paraprobiotics from Lactiplantibacillus plantarum worked together to activate immune cells while balancing inflammation. The mushroom’s β-glucan reduced nitric oxide and proinflammatory signals (like TNF-α and IL-6) while boosting anti-inflammatory markers like IL-10 and TGF-β. When combined, the two ingredients produced a stronger immune response with less inflammation, showing promise for functional foods or immune-support formulas.

Liver protection 🍷 Wood ear mushrooms (Auricularia polytricha) shielded the liver from alcohol-related damage by targeting the NF-κB signaling pathway, a key driver of inflammation. Polysaccharides extracted from the mushroom reduced oxidative stress, inflammation, and liver injury markers in animal models of alcoholic liver disease.

Protecting aging kidneys 🧪 Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) spore powder reversed signs of kidney aging in mice by reshaping their gut microbiota. The supplement boosted beneficial bacteria from the Lachnospiraceae family, which produced a metabolite called nicotinamide riboside (NR), a known NAD+ precursor that improved kidney function by supporting steroid metabolism. This research shows how mushroom spore powder can target the gut-kidney axis and may offer a natural strategy to delay age-related renal decline.

Heavy metal defense 🎸 Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) and king tuber mushroom (Pleurotus tuberregium) protected rats from lead-induced reproductive harm. Their polysaccharides restored healthy testicular structure, reduced inflammation, and boosted antioxidant levels, including glutathione and superoxide dismutase, while lowering markers of oxidative stress.

Nerve shield 🍄 Tiger milk mushroom (Lignosus rhinocerus) protected human cells from oxidative damage in a lab model of Friedreich’s ataxia, a rare neurodegenerative disease. The ethanol extract improved cell survival, boosted antioxidant activity (like superoxide dismutase), and restored healthy mitochondrial function. Key genes tied to energy production and cell metabolism were also activated, pointing to its potential as a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant for neuroprotection.

Cardio calm ❤️ Tiger milk mushroom (Lignosus rhinocerus) relaxed constricted blood vessels by nearly 98% in a controlled lab setting. Using a water-based extract (xLr®) from its sclerotia, researchers found this effect works independently of the vessel lining and common signaling pathways. Instead, the mushroom appears to block calcium from entering cells, a key step in reducing vascular tension.

Antiviral promise 🧬 A newly purified protein from oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus), a type of lectin, was found to have potent antiviral activity. The compound showed strong binding to specific sugars on viral surfaces, helping block infection. Researchers also confirmed its stability and non-toxicity.

PSILOCYBIN & LEGISLATION

Stroke recovery potential ❤️‍🩹 Johns Hopkins is now testing psilocybin as a way to help stroke survivors regain motor function. The study will explore whether psychedelics can “reopen” critical periods of brain plasticity, windows that typically close after early rehab. If successful, psilocybin could become a breakthrough tool in restoring mobility and cognition for people living with chronic stroke disabilities.

Age and hormones matter 👯 Psilocybin affects learning and mental flexibility differently depending on age and hormonal cycle, at least in female rats. In this study, young adults showed improved cognitive flexibility after psilocybin, while older rats didn’t. Learning performance also dipped during the estrus phase, showing how estrogen levels might shape psychedelic outcomes.

No trip, same benefit? 🤔 A new compound called tabernanthalog (TBG) boosts brain plasticity like psilocybin, but without causing hallucinations. TBG activates the same key pathways (5-HT2A, TrkB, mTOR, AMPA) involved in neuron growth and mood improvement, but skips the typical “trip” effects like glutamate spikes or early gene activation.

Meaning-center psychotherapy 🕯️ A new approach combines psilocybin therapy with meaning-centered psychotherapy (MCP) to help cancer patients facing depression and end-of-life distress. In a pilot study, patients who received psilocybin followed by group-based MCP reported powerful benefits, not just from the psychedelic experience, but from the deeper conversations about purpose and mortality it helped unlock. This 5-session model, called MCP-PSIL, may offer a compassionate, structured path for patients to find peace, connection, and clarity in their final chapter.

Research roadmap 🗺️ Unlimited Sciences just launched a community-driven roadmap to guide future psychedelic research with a focus on real-world use. Instead of clinical lab conditions, this project prioritizes naturalistic studies that look at how culture, setting, and daily life affect psychedelic experiences. You can submit your own research ideas or upvote others to help shape the next wave of studies.

Free psychedelic guidance ☎️ Got questions about psychedelics? The Psychedelic Info Line connects you with real people—trained navigators offering free, one-on-one support grounded in science. Whether you're prepping for a journey, supporting a loved one, or just curious, they’ll guide you with evidence-based answers sourced from global research.

Facilitator firsts 🎓 CU Denver has launched Colorado’s first state-approved psychedelic facilitator training program at a public university. This 16-week hybrid course blends academic study with hands-on practice, preparing trainees to guide psychedelic-assisted mental health sessions under the Natural Medicine Health Act. With a focus on ethics, embodied presence, and emotional regulation, the program helps shape national standards as legal psychedelic therapy expands.

ECOLOGY & CONSERVATION

Mycelium at sea 🌊 Artist and myco-materials innovator Sam Shoemaker just completed a historic 26-mile paddle from Catalina Island to the California coast aboard a boat made entirely from mushroom mycelium. Grown from bronze reishi (Ganoderma polychromum) harvested near his studio and packed with over 520 lbs of hemp hurd, the vessel was sealed with beeswax and shellac, then tested in open water before the successful crossing. Shoemaker spent 12 hours at sea, paddling with a custom oar stained using Gymnopilus ventricosus. His voyage marks a breakthrough in fungal design, and the boat will be featured in his fall exhibition with Fulcrum Arts in Pasadena. Recap his journey on TikTok and follow him on Instagram.

Cow health 🐄 Feeding cows with spent mushroom paddy straw—waste left after oyster mushroom (Pleurotus spp.) cultivation—boosted both milk production and quality. Cattle fed 50% of their roughage as this mushroom byproduct produced 11.4% more milk, with higher fat (6.53%) and SNF (9.13%) content. This low-cost, nutrient-rich feed also improved digestibility and reduced waste, highlighting a promising circular economy solution in mushroom-farming regions.

Fungal forest fixers 🌱 A review of 263 papers reveals that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) play a major role in restoring tropical forests by boosting nutrient cycling, soil structure, and plant resilience. These fungi form symbiotic relationships with over 80% of tropical plant species, improving phosphorus uptake and increasing survival in degraded areas. The review also highlights a major research gap: most restoration projects still overlook fungi entirely. If we want to regenerate ecosystems faster and more sustainably, AMF should be part of the plan.

Fluorescent fungi finder 🧪 New green-emissive carbon dots (G-CDs) can stain fungi, bacteria, plant cells, and human cells in high detail, offering a faster, brighter alternative to traditional dyes. These nano-sized dots bind to key structures like DNA, RNA, and cellulose, lighting up different parts of the cell depending on the organism. G-CDs can even help distinguish between fungal and bacterial infections, hinting at future clinical diagnostic use, but for now, they’re mostly a lab tool for microscopy.

GROWING & GOURMET

Reishi tortillas 🌽 Mice fed Oaxacan-style tlayudas enriched with reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) extract had significantly higher levels of antioxidant genes, including SOD1, CAT, and GPX1, compared to mice on a high-cholesterol diet alone. These antioxidant-rich tortillas also reduced cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and blood sugar. The most potent version (Gl-2) came from mushrooms grown on aspirin-treated substrate, which increased their antioxidant content.

Mushroom meatballs 🍝 Replacing just 25% of beef with white oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) boosted fiber by 63%, reduced calories and saturated fat, and improved moisture and tenderness in meatballs without compromising taste. In fact, sensory tests showed higher scores for texture and overall acceptability. This easy food swap delivers real health benefits while keeping flavor front and center.

Future meat 🍔 Morel mushrooms (Morchella spp.) hold serious potential as next-gen meat alternatives, thanks to their rich polysaccharides and essential oils. Researchers found that using an ethanol–water co-solvent boosted extraction yields by over 70% for key nutrients and antioxidants, far outperforming standard methods. The extracted compounds had complex umami-rich flavors and strong free radical scavenging activity, making them ideal for functional foods and sustainable meat replacement.

Cheaper spawn 🌾 Millet, hyacinth bean, and sorghum outperformed standard lab media (like PDA) in supporting fast, dense mycelial growth of oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus). At higher concentrations (50–70 g/L), these locally available grains helped mushrooms fully colonize in just 9 days versus 15 days on PDA. This low-cost, high-efficiency method could empower small farmers and incubators to scale mushroom cultivation in resource-limited settings.

Best waste for oysters 🦪 Soybean straw grew the largest, fastest, and most nutrient-rich oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus spp.) compared to five other farm waste substrates. It produced the biggest caps (10 cm), fastest yield (25 days), and heaviest harvest (350 g fresh weight from 140 g spawn). Tea powder performed worst, while wheat straw came in second.

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