Mycotherapy refers to the use of medicinal mushrooms to support and enhance the body’s overall health. These ancient superfoods have been used for centuries and are now increasingly embraced within integrative and complementary medicine. Thanks to a growing body of scientific research, medicinal mushrooms are recognized as effective natural allies in promoting holistic well-being.
Numerous clinical studies have confirmed the benefits of traditionally medicinal fungi in supporting human health. The mushrooms used in mycotherapy are considered true natural pharmacies. As adaptogens, they work intelligently within the body—providing support where and when it’s needed most.
What Makes Medicinal Mushrooms So Special?
What has made these ancient superfoods so “famous” are the beneficial effects they have on human health. They contain a wide variety of biologically active compounds. Terpenoids, for example, help fight infections and consequently the inflammation they cause. Beta-glucans, on the other hand, have an immunomodulating effect, meaning they support the immune system when it needs to be strengthened.
Medicinal mushrooms are also rich in polysaccharides: in addition to beta-glucans, they contain beta-mannans, glycoproteins, numerous enzymes, antioxidant substances, vitamin D precursors, B-group vitamins, and rare, valuable trace elements such as germanium. This element is found in high quantities in Ganoderma lucidum (better known as Reishi) but also in Shiitake mushrooms. Germanium is known for its strong antioxidant properties — widely used in integrative oncology — due to its ability to increase oxygen supply and availability to cells, thereby promoting cellular renewal and stimulating the immune system.
Beta-glucans are particularly valuable because of their unique structure, which allows them to be easily absorbed by the intestinal mucosa. Once absorbed, they bind to macrophages—key immune cells—keeping them alert and ready to defend the body.
Other trace minerals, such as vanadium, also play a significant role. Found in abundance in Coprinus comatus, vanadium helps regulate blood sugar levels, giving this mushroom antidiabetic and hypoglycemic properties.
Medicinal mushrooms are adaptogens — what does that mean?
The term adaptogen describes natural substances or compounds that help the body resist various physical and mental stressors. Medicinal mushrooms contain many of these substances, making them ideal for restoring balance (homeostasis) and reinforcing the body’s defenses.
Mycotherapy’s adaptogenic nature helps optimize metabolic and enzymatic processes during times of stress, allowing the body to conserve energy and respond more effectively to external challenges.
Medicinal Mushrooms as Emerging Prebiotics
One of the lesser-known—but highly beneficial—properties of medicinal mushrooms is their prebiotic effect on gut health. High-molecular-weight insoluble beta-glucans found in mushrooms act as prebiotic compounds. Though indigestible, they are fermented by the gut microbiota, nourishing it much like dietary fiber.
Studies have shown that insoluble beta-glucans have strong bifidogenic activity, meaning they are particularly effective in feeding Bifidobacteria. As a result, regular consumption of medicinal mushrooms can help support and balance the gut microbiome.
