cognitive mushrooms Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Bizarre-Looking Fungus Improves Cognition & Immunity, New Research Suggests

The AHA! Team — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 05:25:40 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or acid reflux as it is often known, is one of the most common health complaints among adults. So much so that medications to treat the symptoms make up the third highest-selling class of drugs in the United States. Of all the medicinal mushrooms, tremella mushrooms are undoubtedly the strangest looking, with a translucent white color and a complicated-looking arrangement of frills and folds that causes them to resemble reef coral. Botanically labeled as tremella fuciformis, tremella mushrooms are commonly known by nicknames that range from the charming (snow mushrooms) to the creepy (witches’ butter). You may also hear them referred to as snow fungus, white fungus, and white jelly mushrooms. But these intriguing fungi are so much more than visual oddities. Valued as adaptogens and immune system boosters in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years, tremella mushrooms are now impressing contemporary researchers. A clinical study in the Journal of Medicinal Foods concluded that tremella extracts can help protect brain cells and improve cognition and memory in patients with cognitive impairment. You won’t want to miss out on the far-reaching “head-to-toe” benefits of these fascinating fungi. Tremella mushrooms help reverse memory loss and slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases In a double-blind, controlled trial involving 75 individuals with subjective cognitive impairment, the researchers set out to assess the efficacy and safety of tremella. They found that participants who received between 600 and 1,200 mg a day of tremella for eight weeks experienced greater memory and executive function improvements than those in the control group. The team concluded that tremella could be safely used to improve memory and enhance cognition. A 2022 study published in Nutrients explored tremella mushrooms’ ability to act against oxidative stress and brain inflammation that contribute to neurodegenerative diseases. The researchers found that tremella mushrooms contain polysaccharides with anti-amyloidogenic properties (this forbidding-sounding word means that they act against the buildup of harmful amyloid-beta plaque implicated in Alzheimer’s disease). They also have antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects, meaning they can prevent the death of brain cells. One specific tremella polysaccharide, TL04, was found in animal studies to confer protective effects through the mitochondrial pathway. The team concluded that polysaccharides in tremella are “promising neuroprotective agents” with “enormous potential” to inhibit the progression of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntingdon’s disease, and ALS. Tremella combats inflammatory intestinal diseases by enhancing immunity and gut microbe diversity In a 2021 study published in Frontiers in Immunology, researchers concluded that polysaccharides in tremella mushrooms have the potential to alleviate inflammation and tissue damage caused by ulcerative colitis. These beneficial carbohydrates also support the health of the gut microbiome by increasing microbial diversity and renewing populations of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus. As these bacteria’s metabolites help regulate the immune system, this also supports immune defenses. Studies have shown that polysaccharides can directly activate immune system components such as macrophages and T-cells. While more study is needed, the implications are promising. Promote and protect skin health, radiance, and hydration Tremella mushrooms contain potent antioxidants that reduce skin inflammation and help to protect against photoaging (another word for wrinkles and age spots induced by the harmful ultraviolet rays in sunlight). In addition, their polysaccharides have humectant properties, meaning they can draw moisture into the skin. In a 2021 study published in the International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology, a 0.05 percent formulation of tremella polysaccharides performed as well in hydrating skin as a 0.02 percent formulation of hyaluronic acid – and it accomplished this at only 14 percent of the cost! Researchers endorsed tremella polysaccharides for rehydrating the skin and protecting and repairing the skin barrier. Tremella polysaccharides also help to increase the production of collagen, a protein that promotes skin firmness and elasticity (the sought-after qualities that give skin a youthful appearance). Access benefits through diet, supplements, or topical application Whole tremella mushrooms are available fresh or dried in markets and health food stores. Dried mushrooms should be soaked for an hour to rehydrate before using in recipes. While fresh tremella mushrooms are perfectly edible and nutritious – packed with dietary fiber, plant-based protein, essential vitamins, and minerals – they have a gelatinous texture that some people find off-putting. That said, their flavor is subtle and mild, and they blend in well with soups, stews, stir-fries, and casseroles. Powdered tremella is also available as a supplement. Use a reputable vendor, and choose an organic product certified by the NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) or USP (United States Pharmacopeia). You can also find tremella in topical serums, facial masks, and lotions. Before supplementing with tremella, you may want to get the “thumbs-up” from your holistic healthcare provider. Unsurprisingly, tremella mushrooms have also exhibited effects against cancer, diabetes, fatty liver disease, and obesity. While much of their potential is still unexplored, their obvious benefits are causing them to emerge as an exciting natural intervention against chronic and degenerative diseases. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov Liebertpub.com RealSimple.com Mdpi.com FrontiersinImmunology.org SagePub.com To read the original article click here.

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GREAT NEWS for Better Emotional Health, Quality Sleep and Brain Function

AHA Publisher — Fri, 04 Feb 2022 08:00:40 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – As the COVID-19 pandemic drags on into its third year, it’s clear that the government-implemented draconian COVID measures have taken a toll on national mental health. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of people suffering from sad and anxious thoughts and feelings rose dramatically. The sleeping habits of Americans appear to have suffered, as well. In a recent study, researchers observed that “sleep has changed dramatically” during the COVID-19 pandemic, with COVID symptoms sometimes leading to psychological disturbances, including anxious thoughts. Many herbalists and integrative physicians believe that a fuzzy-looking Asian mushroom may help relieve occasional sleeplessness. Lion’s mane mushroom – botanically known as Hericium erinaceous – may help you relax and calm emotions, support better brain function, and improve your quality of sleep. But does it work? Let’s see what early research suggests. Naturally IMPROVE Your Sleep to Greatly Enhance Your Overall Wellbeing Sleep disruption is now considered a major public health issue – and researchers are sounding the alarm. In a new study published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, the scientists pointed out that this condition can increase mortality by an alarming ten-fold if the interruptions lead to less than six hours of sleep a night. The team theorized that erinacines – natural substances present in lion’s mane mushrooms – can soothe anxious thoughts and help promote restorative, uninterrupted sleep by modulating brain pathways. Studies have previously shown that lion’s mane can improve the functioning of the hippocampus, which is involved with emotional responses. Although more research on humans is needed, one small clinical trial of women with poor sleep quality and sad and anxious feelings showed that lion’s mane extracts improved their symptoms. Is This “Brain Food?” Lion’s Mane Mushrooms Support the Growth of Neurons Lion’s mane mushrooms contain organic compounds known as hericenones and erinacines – potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents that can scavenge the harmful free radicals that cause oxidative stress. In addition, they help to synthesize important nerve growth proteins, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factors. Scientists say this allows lion’s mane mushrooms to slow the death of neurons and even stimulate neuronal growth, possibly helping to avoid cognitive breakdown. Furthermore, in animal studies, extracts from lion’s mane reduced signs of aging while helping to prevent the accumulation of amyloid-beta plaques. Lion’s mane mushrooms may also help with cognitive issues, word recall, memory, and organization. An older – but still influential – Japanese study published in Phytotherapy Research showed that four months of supplementation with 3 grams a day of lion’s mane mushrooms improved cognitive function in 50 to 80 years olds. (However, the positive effects lasted only so long as patients took the supplement.) Noting no adverse reactions, the team deemed the mushroom intervention “effective” in improving mild cognitive impairment. Finally, in a controlled trial published in Biomedical Research in 2019, 12 weeks of supplementation with lion’s mane caused significantly improved cognitive function – as measured by the Mini-Mental State Examination. If you experience occasional, minor bouts of mental fatigue, “brain fog,” and impaired concentration (and honestly, who doesn’t?), natural health experts advise lion’s mane mushrooms to support clear, focused thinking. Help Improve Your Digestive System, Immunity and Blood Circulation But that isn’t all. Due to their ability to support nerve regeneration, lion’s mane mushrooms are being investigated for their use to help speed recovery from strokes. In addition, they promote efficient digestion, protect the stomach lining and encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut (the location of 80 percent of the immune system). In animal studies, lion’s mane mushrooms have lowered high triglycerides, decreased inflammation, and slowed weight gain, thereby supporting healthy heart function. Finally, a mushroom extract known as hericenone B reduces the rate of blood clotting and promotes healthy circulation. “Mellow Out” with Lion’s Mane While lion’s mane mushrooms can be eaten raw, most enthusiasts prefer them cooked, as the taste can be somewhat bitter. Also called yamabushitake and pom-pom mushrooms, lion’s mane mushrooms have a delicate, briny flavor reminiscent of crab or lobster. Sautee them in grass-fed butter or ghee and use them to elevate stir-fries, accent seafood dishes, and enhance soups, stews, omelets, and casseroles. Here’s a “pro tip:” For best results, cook these mushrooms until the outer layer is crispy. You can also find lion’s mane mushrooms as a supplement in capsules, tablets, powders, and tinctures. Naturally, check first with your integrative doctor before supplementing. With their shaggy, yarn-like texture, lion’s mane mushrooms may appear a little off-putting – at first. But don’t let their odd appearance discourage you. These beneficial fungi can be a soothing, calming addition to your healthy diet. Sources for this article include: CDC.gov NIH.gov NIH.gov MedicalNewsToday.com Healthline.com NIH.gov To read the original article click here.

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