Medicinal Mushrooms – Reishi, Chaga, Cordyceps and Lion's Mane
This category contains food supplements from medicinal mushrooms: reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), chaga (Inonotus obliquus), cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis), turkey tail (Coriolus versicolor), lion's mane in combinations, shiitake (Celasa) and AHCC Kinoko Gold. The range includes capsules, powder, broken spore powder and elixir, plus multi-mushroom blends (3 imperial mushrooms, 5 elements, OstroVit Quatro). It is part of the Immunity products category.
Extract, powder or elixir
| Form | Examples | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Standardised extract in capsules | Reishi, chaga, turkey tail with 30% beta-glucans; OstroVit Chaga with 40% polysaccharides | Percentage of beta-glucans or polysaccharides on the label |
| Fruiting body or spore powder | 7Nutrition Reishi 150 g, Primed Cordyceps powder, Primed Reishi broken spore | Added to drinks; "broken spore" means cracked reishi spores |
| Elixir | Russian chaga ChagaCell with zinc | Liquid form, easy to dose |
| Mushroom blends | 3 imperial mushrooms, 5 elements, OstroVit Quatro | Several species in one capsule or powder |
An extract is more concentrated than plain powder, so compare products by the amount of extract and the percentage of beta-glucans per daily dose, not just by pack weight.
Who should be careful
- people taking anticoagulants (especially with reishi)
- people on treatment for blood sugar or blood pressure
- people with autoimmune diseases or after a transplant
- pregnant and breastfeeding women and children – insufficient data
Pharmacist's adviceIf you are just starting, choose one mushroom as a standardised extract and use it for several weeks as directed before moving on to blends. Chaga contains oxalates, so caution is needed if you are prone to kidney stones. If you take medicines for a chronic condition, ask a pharmacist. |
See also
Frequently asked questions
What is cordyceps?
Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis) is a fungus traditionally used in Asian diets. In supplements it comes as an extract in capsules or as a powder.
What is lion's mane?
Lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus) is an edible mushroom with a white, shaggy head. In this category it is found in blends with other mushrooms.
What is the difference between reishi and chaga?
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) grows on deciduous trees, while chaga (Inonotus obliquus) is a growth on birch. They differ in composition and are chosen by personal preference and professional advice.