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🍄 15 Functional Mushrooms

Functional Mushroom Guide

Learn about the most popular functional mushrooms, their benefits, active compounds, and the science behind them. Find products containing your favorite mushrooms.

15

Mushroom Species

8

Extensively Researched

62

Documented Benefits

1000s

Years of Use

Most Popular Functional Mushrooms

The most widely used and researched functional mushrooms

🦁
Extensive Research

Lion's Mane

Hericium erinaceus

Lion's Mane is renowned for its cognitive-enhancing properties. Research suggests it may stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) production, supporting brain health, memory, and focus. It's the most popular functional mushroom for mental clarity and cognitive performance.

Key Benefits:

Focus Memory Cognitive Function +2 more
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Extensive Research

Reishi

Ganoderma lucidum

Known as the 'Mushroom of Immortality' in traditional Chinese medicine, Reishi is prized for its calming and immune-supporting properties. It's commonly used for stress relief, better sleep, and overall wellness support.

Key Benefits:

Calm Sleep Stress Relief +2 more
🐛
Extensive Research

Cordyceps

Cordyceps militaris

Cordyceps is celebrated for its energy-boosting and performance-enhancing properties. It supports oxygen utilization, stamina, and athletic performance, making it popular among athletes and active individuals.

Key Benefits:

Energy Stamina Athletic Performance +2 more
Extensive Research

Chaga

Inonotus obliquus

Chaga is one of the most antioxidant-rich substances on earth. It grows on birch trees in cold climates and is valued for immune support, antioxidant protection, and inflammation management.

Key Benefits:

Immunity Antioxidants Inflammation Support +1 more
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Extensive Research

Turkey Tail

Trametes versicolor

Turkey Tail is extensively researched for immune support and gut health. It contains prebiotics that support beneficial gut bacteria and is one of the most studied medicinal mushrooms worldwide.

Key Benefits:

Gut Health Digestion Immunity +1 more
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Extensive Research

Shiitake

Lentinula edodes

Beyond its culinary popularity, Shiitake offers immune support and cardiovascular benefits. It's rich in B vitamins and vitamin D, supporting overall metabolic health.

Key Benefits:

Immunity Metabolism Heart Health +1 more
Extensive Research

White Button

Agaricus bisporus

The most commonly consumed mushroom worldwide, White Button mushrooms offer immune support, vitamin D, and antioxidant benefits. They're a staple in functional mushroom blends.

Key Benefits:

Immunity Vitamin D Antioxidants +1 more
🔮
Extensive Research

Psilocybin Mushrooms

Psilocybe cubensis

Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as 'magic mushrooms,' contain psychoactive compounds being researched for mental health applications. Clinical trials show promising results for treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction. Microdosing has gained popularity for cognitive enhancement and mood support. Legal status varies by jurisdiction.

Key Benefits:

Mental Health Neuroplasticity Depression Relief +2 more

All Functional Mushrooms

Complete directory of functional mushrooms used in supplements

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Lion's Mane

Hericium erinaceus

Extensive

Lion's Mane is renowned for its cognitive-enhancing properties. Research suggests it may stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) production, supporting brain health, memory, and focus. It's the most popular functional mushroom for mental clarity and cognitive performance.

• Focus• Memory• Cognitive Function• Brain Health
🍄

Reishi

Ganoderma lucidum

Extensive

Known as the 'Mushroom of Immortality' in traditional Chinese medicine, Reishi is prized for its calming and immune-supporting properties. It's commonly used for stress relief, better sleep, and overall wellness support.

• Calm• Sleep• Stress Relief• Immunity
🐛

Cordyceps

Cordyceps militaris

Extensive

Cordyceps is celebrated for its energy-boosting and performance-enhancing properties. It supports oxygen utilization, stamina, and athletic performance, making it popular among athletes and active individuals.

• Energy• Stamina• Athletic Performance• Oxygen Utilization

Chaga

Inonotus obliquus

Extensive

Chaga is one of the most antioxidant-rich substances on earth. It grows on birch trees in cold climates and is valued for immune support, antioxidant protection, and inflammation management.

• Immunity• Antioxidants• Inflammation Support• Skin Health
🦃

Turkey Tail

Trametes versicolor

Extensive

Turkey Tail is extensively researched for immune support and gut health. It contains prebiotics that support beneficial gut bacteria and is one of the most studied medicinal mushrooms worldwide.

• Gut Health• Digestion• Immunity• Microbiome Support
🍄

Shiitake

Lentinula edodes

Extensive

Beyond its culinary popularity, Shiitake offers immune support and cardiovascular benefits. It's rich in B vitamins and vitamin D, supporting overall metabolic health.

• Immunity• Metabolism• Heart Health• Vitamin D

White Button

Agaricus bisporus

Extensive

The most commonly consumed mushroom worldwide, White Button mushrooms offer immune support, vitamin D, and antioxidant benefits. They're a staple in functional mushroom blends.

• Immunity• Vitamin D• Antioxidants• General Wellness
🔮

Psilocybin Mushrooms

Psilocybe cubensis

Extensive

Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as 'magic mushrooms,' contain psychoactive compounds being researched for mental health applications. Clinical trials show promising results for treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction. Microdosing has gained popularity for cognitive enhancement and mood support. Legal status varies by jurisdiction.

• Mental Health• Neuroplasticity• Depression Relief• Anxiety Relief
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Maitake

Grifola frondosa

Moderate

Maitake, meaning 'dancing mushroom' in Japanese, is valued for immune support and metabolic health. Research suggests it may support healthy blood sugar levels and cardiovascular function.

• Immunity• Heart Health• Blood Sugar Support• Weight Management
👑

King Trumpet

Pleurotus eryngii

Moderate

King Trumpet mushroom is rich in amino acids and antioxidants. It's valued for cardiovascular support and contains high levels of ergothioneine, a powerful antioxidant associated with longevity.

• Amino Acids• Antioxidants• Longevity• Cardiovascular Health
💎

Tremella

Tremella fuciformis

Moderate

Known as the 'beauty mushroom,' Tremella is prized for skin health and hydration. It holds up to 500 times its weight in water and is popular in beauty and wellness formulations.

• Skin Health• Hydration• Beauty• Immune Support

Black Fungus

Auricularia auricula-judae

Moderate

Black Fungus, also known as Wood Ear mushroom, is valued in traditional Chinese medicine for cardiovascular support and blood circulation. It's rich in iron and dietary fiber.

• Cardiovascular Health• Blood Circulation• Iron• Fiber
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Royal Sun

Agaricus blazei

Moderate

Royal Sun mushroom, also called Himematsutake, is researched for immune support and antioxidant properties. It's popular in Japan and Brazil for wellness support.

• Immunity• Antioxidants• Overall Wellness
🌲

Agarikon

Laricifomes officinalis

Emerging

Agarikon is a rare mushroom that grows on old-growth trees. It's researched for immune support and respiratory health, with traditional use dating back thousands of years.

• Immunity• Respiratory Health• Antiviral Properties
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Amanita Muscaria

Amanita muscaria

Emerging

Amanita muscaria, the iconic red-capped mushroom, contains muscimol rather than psilocybin. Traditionally used in Siberian shamanic practices, it's experiencing renewed interest for its calming and sedative properties. Unlike psilocybin, its effects are primarily GABAergic. Requires proper preparation. Legal in most jurisdictions but not FDA-approved.

• Relaxation• Sleep• Mood Support• Stress Relief

What Are Functional Mushrooms?

Functional mushrooms, also known as medicinal mushrooms, are species that have been used for centuries in traditional medicine and are now backed by modern scientific research. Unlike culinary mushrooms, functional mushrooms are valued primarily for their bioactive compounds and potential health benefits.

These mushrooms contain unique compounds such as beta-glucans, polysaccharides, triterpenes, and other bioactive molecules that may support various aspects of health including immune function, cognitive performance, stress response, and overall wellness.

Common Active Compounds

  • Beta-Glucans: Polysaccharides that may support immune function
  • Triterpenes: Compounds with potential anti-inflammatory properties
  • Polysaccharides: Complex carbohydrates with various biological activities
  • Ergothioneine: A powerful antioxidant found in many mushroom species

Modern supplements typically use concentrated extracts of these mushrooms to deliver standardized amounts of active compounds. Look for products that specify extraction ratios (like 8:1 or 10:1) and beta-glucan content for quality assurance.

Find Products with Your Favorite Mushrooms

Browse our complete directory of mushroom supplements and find products containing the functional mushrooms you're looking for.