IBD is characterized by inflammation in your GI tract which can lead to ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. “People are making a great deal of money from compounds of unspecified chemical nature without experimental evidence to show that they have any benefit.”. Its ability t Black Pearl Oyster (Pleurotus spp. Little evidence supports these claims, however. What they found was very interesting. Those studies have found that, as with turkey tail and shiitake, components found in reishi mushrooms may strengthen the immune system to fight cancer. In future articles, I will discuss the benefits of medicinal mushrooms that are not choice edible and are typically taken through teas, tinctures, and extracts. Skin Care. The mushroom is obviously a polypore and its reference as ‘Birch’ emanates from the fact that it usually hitches on this type of tree. (Credit: Stuart Isett) But a fungus’s body is radically different from an animal’s. One reason they are so efficacious is that they are naturally bioavailable and can be taken orally as part of a daily diet. … We took a look at the claims of immune support, stamina and longevity, Last modified on Tue 22 Jan 2019 14.21 GMT. The mushroom is obviously a polypore and its reference as ‘Birch’ emanates from the fact that it usually hitches on this type of tree. Modern scientific research is beginning to back claims made by TCM in showing the efficacy of using mushrooms as medicine. The final choice edible mushroom in this discussion is lion’s mane (hericium erinaceus). This study examined the effect of lions mane on transgenic mice with Alzheimer’s disease. Maitake mushroom is thought to regulate systems of the body and is said to have offer several health benefits. The future of fashion is mushroom leather Amadou Leather Featured in Bloomberg Businessweek. The axon is responsible for transmitting signals between neurons, the fundamental units of the brain and nervous system. “Fungi produce some of our most important drugs,” says Hibbett, pointing out that both penicillin and cholesterol-lowering statins were derived from fungi, the category of organisms that includes mushrooms. By Tuesday, he was online selling 15-serving tins of the dry drink mix he dubbed Mud\Wtr for $30 each. Riboflavin. Mushrooms display a variety of medicinal properties including antiviral, antibacterial, antitumor, anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic and immune-stimulating behavior. Mushrooms grown outside have a higher vitamin D content than those grown indoors. “I think that there is a potentially an exciting future when we do find some very active compounds that are extremely useful in a therapeutic setting,” he says. They are a class of mushrooms that are common throughout the world, easy to cultivate, and pack a nutritious punch. Lion’s mane has been shown to increase the myelin sheath, which is the protective coating of the axon. Lee, K. H., Morris-Natschke, S. L., Yang, X., Huang, R., Zhou, T., Wu, S. F., … Itokawa, H. (2012). Grifola frondosa water extract alleviates intestinal inflammation by suppressing tnf-alpha production and its signaling. The amadou mushroom allowed for the transportation of warm embers for days at a time. People can also use it to … Ötzi was and remains the most well preserved European mummy due to the fact that he was in a freeze-thaw cycle for thousands of years, keeping his soft tissue intact. The most impressive benefits of shiitake mushrooms include aiding in weight loss, strengthening the bones, promoting skin health, reducing inflammation, preventing premature aging, improving repair and growth, and boosting circulation, among others.. Underneath an individual mushroom is a vast network that can spread for acres. Continuing Fomes Fomentarious’ journey through the history of medicine, are you familiar with Otzi, the Ice Man? There’s a dearth of evidence from clinical trials on whether those varieties help prevent or treat disease in humans. Pore surface: whitish or brownish. “It’s possible that some of these compounds have got really remarkable properties,” says Nicholas Money, PhD., biology professor at Miami University in Ohio. Since time immemorial, mushrooms and their associated products have been used by herbalists, shamans and medicine men in virtually every culture around the world. Several clinical trials show that a similar compound, lentinan, extracted from shiitake mushrooms, extends survival in patients with stomach, prostate, colorectal and liver cancers when combined with chemotherapy. Animals and fungi diverged in our evolutionary history around 1.5 billion years ago and, interestingly enough, humans are actually more closely related to fungi than we are to plants. Turkey tail mushrooms contain 18 types of amino acids, ergosterol, and Beta-Glucans of 1/3 and 1/6. “We don’t claim it [Mud\Wtr] is going to make you a superhuman,” he says. 68, no. Promotes Healthy Skin and Thick Hair. Not only do they display strong medicinal benefits, but they are also a very diverse mushroom that can be added to nearly any dish. Agarikons potential side effects are mild and it's considered safe. Chaga is essentially a hardened mass of mycelia and much too tough to chew (though I have been known to nibble on the interior amadou from time to time). Lee, J. S., et al. Its life span is usually beyond twelve months. Read the article to find out it's dosage information. As more data is collected through scientific studies, we will begin to learn more about the best ways to administer mushrooms as medicine and which species are best suited to aid in the treatment of specific ailments. Let the amadou felt (trauma layer) dry out, and use, as you like! This is exciting news because doing something as simple as adding a couple of new ingredients to your weekly meals can lead to a life-altering effect. After a quick bit of work, I learned that I had spotted Fomes fomentarius, a medicinal mushroom whose use dates back more than 5000 years. Humans and various types of fungi have coevolved, creating mutually beneficial relationships. Little evidence supports these claims, however. Jang, H. J., et al. The Greek physician Hippocrates identified the amadou mushroom as good for reducing inflammation and cauterizing wounds around 450 BCE. Agarikon Mushroom is also known as Quinine conk, Laricifomes officinalis or Fomitopsis officinalis. Feng, Lei, et al. However, there may be a solution in lion’s mane. Recent studies have shown that cordyceps is one of the only foods that can increase your VO2 max, which is one of the best indicators of cardiovascular health. Anxiety and depression can often occur together in a vicious cycle. “We’re just not there yet.”. Another byproduct of lax regulation is that supplement makers don’t have to prove to the FDA that products are safe and effective – or even that they contain what the label says. Some of his most important unearthings include a new class of antivirals and antimicrobials called Fomitopsterols which is more potent in treating flu viruses and herpes than Ribavirin is. In China, it has been used for medicinal purposes for at least 1,000 years. As a disclaimer I must mention that I am not a doctor, mycologist, or expert on this topic. The first are oyster (Pleurotus) mushrooms. International journal of molecular sciences, 17(8), 1328. doi:10.3390/ijms17081328. Unfortunately for Ötzi, these mushrooms were not going to save him. Long celebrated as a superfood source of powerful nutrients, fresh mushrooms are a healthy addition to your plate. So why is it that photographs of chaga (or growths that people want to look like chaga) inundate most mushroom … B vitamins B vitamins help to provide energy by breaking down proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Bashir, K., & Choi, J. S. (2017). Mushrooms also tend to be rich in vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, and B9 which are imperative in the creation of red blood cells and conversion of food into glucose which gives us energy. “Is there any evidence for an anti-ageing effect of smearing mushrooms on your eyelids?” asks Money. Health Benefits of Turkey Tail Mushrooms. Around 430BC, the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates described the Amadou mushroom … The enoki mushroom also has been linked to a number of different mushroom nutrition benefits and has been well-studied for its anti-cancer, immune-boosting effects. Six months later, revenues exceeded six figures, he says, and with the start of the new year, “we secured a million-dollar investment fund and moved into an office in Los Angeles”. Health Benefits of Fomes Fomentarius mushroom. Winter can be brutal and is responsible for killing large portions of wildlife annually and humans were no exception. Harvesting edible fungi in skelghyll woods, Ambleside, Lake District, UK. Its life span is usually beyond twelve months. According to author and TED speaker Paul Stamets, mushrooms cure disease, soak up toxins, kill unwanted pests, heal our chronically suffering bodies—not to mention taste … Can be taken as a daily One of the best-studied types of medicinal mushroom is turkey tail, so named because it grows in autumn-color rings resembling feathers. In addition to eating mushrooms, cultures around the world have used them medicinally for thousands of years. Despite … Studies in humans and animals suggest that a component of turkey tail, polysaccharide-K (PSK), may stimulate the immune system. Medicinal mushrooms for sale at an herbalist shop in Sheung Wan, China. Hippocrates (Greek Physician, 450 BC) used the amadou mushroom as an anti-inflammatory and for cauterizing wounds. Chaga is essentially a hardened mass of mycelia and much too tough to chew (though I have been known to nibble on the interior amadou from time to time). Mushroom Benefits. Test-tube and animal studies have shown that oyster mushrooms … Other varieties show promise, but for the most part research has not progressed beyond test tubes and animal studies. Humans have been using fungi for thousands of years. There are many health benefits of turkey tail mushrooms. They do not always get the credit they deserve when compared to more potent medicinal mushrooms, but oyster mushrooms contain significant portions of protein and contain lovastatin which has been shown to decrease cholesterol. 1. “Mushrooms mirror the environment in which they are grown,” he says. “I seriously doubt it.”, Even Paul Stamets, a mycologist and mushroom enthusiast – prominently featured in Michael Pollan’s 2018 book How to Change Your Mind – is somewhat circumspect in describing the benefits of products sold by his company Fungi Perfecti, which account for more 60% of the mushroom supplement market. Ware, Megan. One study found that there is evidence of potential therapeutic/preventative effects on breast and colon cancer with oyster mushrooms (Jedinak, 2008.). Cardiovascular disease is responsible for nearly 1 in 4 deaths in the US annually. (2019). A company may talk about mushroom products as “immune activators”, for example, without stating explicitly that heightened immunity wards off illness. Nagano, M., Shimizu, K., Kondo, R., Hayashi, C., Sato, D., Kitagawa, K., & Ohnuki, K. (2010). You can put an ember inside an Amadou mushroom and it will stay lit for days. Oyster mushrooms are low in calories but contain a good amount of protein, fiber, niacin and riboflavin, along with an array of other micronutrients. For the time being, enjoy this segment of a TedMed talk by Paul Stamets where he shows his personal experience with the powerful medicinal properties of the common turkey tail mushrooms (Trametes versicolor). Mushroom Medicine. (hybrid)). A 2017 study published in the journal Nature found that only five of 19 brands of supplements contained the amount of reishi mushroom stated on the label. Mud\Wtr joins scores of other companies selling products that tout mushrooms as a magic elixir. So what are your options when deciding to add mushrooms to your weekly diet? Agaricus mushroom is a fungus.It originated in Brazil, but is now grown in China, Japan, Brazil, and the US. The amadou mushroom allowed for the transportation of warm embers for days at a time. You have a lot of choices to select from, and I am going to tell you about three choice edible varieties that are relatively common, delicious, and can improve your health. Another study focused on the antioxidant enhancement of wheat grain inoculated with maitake mycelium. In clinical trials, the supplement appeared to improve survival for people with gastric or colon cancer and, although the evidence is not as strong, may also benefit those with other types of cancer. In Tibet, cordyceps have been said to improve energy, appetite, stamina, libido, endurance and sleeping patterns. Health benefits of Enoki Mushroom… So we have explored some history and uses of mushrooms, but what is it that gives mushrooms these profound effects on human physiology? Even more amazing, Amadou mushrooms have the ability to store fire! Of course you are. Mushrooms provide many of the same nutritional benefits … Antioxidants are known for protecting cells from damage associated with diseases such as cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer’s.And mushrooms do have at least one “magic” property: like people (and unlike plants) they can convert ultraviolet light from the sun into vitamin D. Outside of a few types of fatty fish and fortified dairy products, mushrooms are one of the only good dietary sources of the essential vitamin. Heath says he has done his own research and is convinced of the health benefits of his ingredients but, nonetheless, is careful not to oversell. But more on this later on in our article, when we discuss its health benefits and how you can use them yourself. Around 430BC, the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates described the Amadou mushroom as a potent anti-inflammatory. Taking advantage of medicinal mushrooms in your everyday regimen can help boost the resilience of your immune system, increase cognitive function, and even play a critical role in fighting cancer. “Mushrooms produce a lot of interesting chemical compounds that could be defensive,” he says, and that might be useful for fending off bacteria and other bodily invaders that make us sick. The International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, in its report, Anti-Infective Properties of the Melanin-Glucan Complex Obtained from Medicinal Tinder B. Some causes of anxiety and depression could be related to the misfiring of our neurons as our primal brain tries to make sense of such a new and evolutionarily atypical world. This is interesting because it shows that lion’s mane has the ability to protect vulnerable neurons and allow them to continue functioning. This is a beautiful, delicious mushroom, whose flavor profile has been compared to that of lobster, looks like a fuzzy snowball, and has strong nootropic benefits. This incredible fungus may have revolutionary impact on neurodegenerative diseases. “I know of no other science that has been so underfunded and understudied and yet has such a tremendous potential for human health,” he says. Their meaty texture is brought out when sautéed in oil, salt, pepper, garlic, onion powder, and finished with butter. By Tuesday, he was online selling 15-serving tins of the dry drink mix he dubbed Mud\Wtr for $30 each. And the market goes far beyond the portobellos, shiitakes and button mushrooms you find in the produce section. Common oyster varieties include blue oyster, king oyster, black pearl, and golden oyster. To avoid undue scrutiny, manufacturers of supplements and functional foods skirt that line without actually crossing it, says Money. Cap: shell- or hoof-shaped, usually with narrow bands of gray and gray-brown around the upper surface. Journal of traditional and complementary medicine, 2(2), 84–95. Mushrooms also contain unusually high amounts of the antioxidants ergothioneine and glutathione, according to a 2017 study conducted at Pennsylvania State University published in the journal Food Chemistry. Compared to other mushrooms, maitake has shown better results in preventing and treating cancer and other … Agarikon Mushroom is also known as Quinine conk, Laricifomes officinalis or Fomitopsis officinalis. Edible mushrooms are low in calories (one cup of raw sliced white mushrooms is only 16 calories), rich in protein and fiber, and a good source of B vitamins as well as minerals such as potassium, copper and selenium. 4.5 out of 5 stars 409. Vitamin C and Heart Health: A Review Based on Findings from Epidemiologic Studies. In Asia, there is one type of mushroom that is popularly known as the mushroom of immortality. There are many health benefits of turkey tail mushrooms. It is the leading cause of death in the United States and is largely a preventable disease. Enhances Brain Function. The alchemist Tao Hongjing in the 5th century, described several medicinal mushrooms, including Reishi, as potent medicines. Paul Stamets, a researcher and entrepreneur, believes. Fomes Fomentarius is more popularly used as tinder for starting fires. This edible mushroom is set apart from others due to its unique flavor, interesting appearance and impressive nutrient profile. On the other hand, some mushrooms … But it has numerous alternative medicinal benefits, too, such as: Anti-Viral. These are polysaccharides, which are defined as long-chain carbohydrates that are composed of glucose molecules bonded together. Potassium in mushrooms can decrease hypertension and is a good way to achieve recommended daily levels of salt as part of a whole foods diet. The future of fashion is mushroom leather Amadou Leather Featured in Bloomberg Businessweek. According to the report by Harding, 2008,p.159, dentists found amadou valuable and they used it in drying teeth. Making small lifestyle and dietary changes could save tens of thousands of lives annually. Stem: absent Smell: fruity Taste: acrid Spores: oblong Spore color: yellowish white Edibility: inedible Habitat: living or dead hardwoods in cool or temperate climates Fomes fomentarius looks quite different than most familiar m… Maitake is a commonly used mushroom in the restaurant industry and is a delicious addition to pasta dishes. This species allowed our early ancestors to leave Africa and explore Europe. In this study we elucidate antioxidative properties of the mushroom Ganoderma applanatum (Pers.) “It is impossible, for example, to link the immunological consequences of injecting mice with cell wall polysaccharides to the expediency of drinking hot tea brewed from shiitake,” he states in his review. 197–203., doi:10.3233/jad-180959. Maitake Mushroom. Riboflavin Riboflavin helps with the production of hormones and also plays an important role in the nervous system[1] Niacin. Enhances Brain Function. People have been cultivating shiitake mushrooms for more than 800 years, to use them in various dishes for their unique flavor and impressive health benefits. Mushroom Nutrition. Mushroom Extract Powder - Powerful 10 Blend, Organic Lions Mane, Cordyceps, Reishi, Shiitake, Turkey Tail Mushrooms Nootropic Brain Supplement for Energy, Calm, Focus & Immune System Booster. Amadou is a spongy material derived from Fomes fomentarius and similar fungi that grow on the bark of coniferous and angiosperm trees, and have the appearance of a horse's hoof (thus the name "hoof fungus"). That means, says Money, you should take those claims with a large dose of salt. Ötzi the Iceman, preserved in the Italian alps for some 5,300 years, was discovered with whipworm eggs in his digestive tract and, probably not coincidentally, a leather strap around his neck threaded with mushrooms that are known to kill intestinal parasites. This allowed scientists to do in-depth examinations. Experimental & Molecular Medicine, 42(2), 143-54. doi:10.3858/emm.2010.42.2.01. It is also common to find at the base of fallen trees. Maitake is renowned for its effect on gut health, specifically regarding Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). No wonder it has been hailed as the “mushroom of immortality”. The catch is that commercial farms often grow mushrooms inside says Katherine Phillips, PhD, a senior research scientist at Virginia Tech University. Ötzi carried two different types of mushrooms with him. Tao Hongjing (Alchemist, 5th Century) documented the healing properties of reishi mushroom in China. “Enhancement of Wheat Grain Antioxidant Activity by Solid State Fermentation with Grifola spp.” Journal of Medicinal Food 00 (0) , 1-7. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2013.0108. Product is 25% alcohol and 75% water. According to the Mud\Wtr website, chaga mushrooms “provide energy and mood enhancement”, cordyceps “increase vitality and endurance”, lion’s mane “improve brain function” and reishi “fight off tumor and cancer growth”. But his 2016 review of the evidence published in the journal Fungal Biology found that marketing claims go far beyond what is supported by the science. Two types of mushroom seem to help bees fight a major virus contributing to colony collapse disorder. She was a co-author on a study for the US Department of Agriculture that found that the mushrooms Americans commonly buy at the grocery store often contain little vitamin D. You can buy mushrooms labelled “vitamin D enriched”, which indicates that they were exposed to ultraviolet light, but those often cost more, says Phillips. “Pleurotus ostreatus inhibits proliferation of human breast and colon cancer cells through p53-dependent as well as p53-independent pathway.” International Journal of Oncology 33(6): 1307-1313. (2) Medicinally speaking, mushrooms … As you slip into heels or a tux to toast the New Year, you probably won’t be … Mushrooms traditionally associated with medicinal properties are not always tasty on their own. 6. Tao Hongjing (Alchemist, 5th Century) documented the healing properties of reishi mushroom in China. The history of medicinal mushrooms directly correlates with human evolution and culture. This powerful mushroom has been used for thousands of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine for inflammation, lumps, tumors, bleeding, GI problems, and it’s a powerful immune system … Mushrooms are a deep well of medicine that we are only beginning to scratch the surface of. Dried mushroom powders from Om Mushrooms, for example, have “anti-aging properties to retain your youthful vibrance” and “harmonize your longevity, energy and spirit”. The first was a utilitarian mushroom called amadou (Fomes fomentarius). MyCommunity® offers 17 powerful mushroom species for immune system health:* Royal Sun Blazei, Cordyceps, Enokitake, Amadou, Agarikon, Artist Conk, Reishi, Oregon Polypore, Maitake, Lion's Mane, Chaga, Shiitake, Mesima, Birch Polypore, Pearl Oyster, Split Gill Polypore and Turkey Tail. ne Saturday last May, Shane Heath woke up with an idea: the young serial entrepreneur would market the drink he had been sharing with friends in Venice Beach – a muddy concoction of tea, cocoa, spices and four kinds of mushrooms – to the wider world. Recent progress of research on medicinal mushrooms, foods, and other herbal products used in traditional Chinese medicine. Further, conditions that are important areas of study can easily be replicated in rodents. It is the Reishi mushroom.This type of mushroom normally grows on old trees.But with our five easy steps, growing Reishi mushrooms at home is possible. Lion’s Mane Mushroom Benefits. (Chaga, for example, has the taste and texture of tree bark.) Maybe the most thoroughly researched feature of lion’s mane mushroom is its impact on brain cells and related functions. Solutions containing chemicals that are taken from the plant are used as medicine. Both PSK and lentinan are approved in Japan as an addition to conventional therapies for treating cancer. As with the oyster mushroom, the maitake mushroom also contains beta-glucans so it carries with it all of the antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulating properties we have already discussed. It is also suggested that mushrooms may be beneficial for cardiovascular health. For instance, researchers at the National University of Singapore found that individuals over the age of 60 who ate 2 or more portions (150 grams/portion) of cooked mushrooms per week showed a significant decrease (up to 50 percent) in the likelihood of developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) (Feng et al., 2019). A study by Lee, et al (2010) in Experimental & Molecular Medicine found that maitake is a valuable food for patients with IBD and shows the potential to be an alternative for IBD medicine. Ötzi, the Ice Man (lived 5300 years ago) carried amadou … If you wish to find wild maitake, go with an experienced forager to make sure you are collecting the correct species. Learn more here. It is also known as the "tinder fungus" and is useful for starting slow-burning fires. Heath freely admits that the draw is not so much the earthy flavor, but the idea that consuming mushrooms will make you feel and perform better. It consists of thin threads known as mycelium which connect different plants in a forest. NGF is a neurotrophic factor responsible for the growth, preservation and overall survival of neurons. But Stamets, who says Fungi Perfecti has experienced “explosive growth” in the last few years, says mushroom research is picking up and is on the brink of major breakthroughs. This edible mushroom is set apart from others due to its unique flavor, interesting appearance and impressive nutrient profile. This can be served alone, as a side, or as a meat substitute in many dishes. With neurodegenerative diseases, the myelin sheath can become coated in amyloid plaque which reduces the neuron’s ability to send and receive signals. Six months later, revenues exceeded six figures, he says, and with the start of the new year, “we secured a million-dollar investment fund and moved into an office in Los Angeles”. Niacin However, the medicinal properties of these fungi have been utilized by our ancestors for millennia. B vitamins. Other varieties such as cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris) were used to treat fatigue and soothe the lungs. This kind of mushroom is also free from cholesterol and gluten and are low in calories. The mushroom’s bioactive molecules and polysaccharides have been shown to better activate natural killer (NK) cells reducing cancer metastasis. Moreover many Amino acids 0.026 g of Tryptophan, 0.072 g of Threonine, 0.058 g of Isoleucine, 0.084 g of Leucine and 0.084 g of Lysine are also found in 65 gram of Enoki mushroom. Health Benefits of Turkey Tail Mushrooms. If you want to try a mushroom supplement, Money and other experts we talked to recommend looking for a seal from an organization known for certifying products: ConsumerLab.com, NSF International, US Pharmacopeia (USP) or UL. This fungi grows inconspicuously as a conk in very unlikely places — namely, it can thrive in -40° degrees Fahrenheit (or Celsius, since -40° is where they meet), all the way up in Siberia and Lapland. A study conducted in 2016 found that people who consume improper levels of vitamin C may be at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (Moser and Chun, 2016). They have a mutually beneficial relationship with fungi, as plants provide fungi with carbon-rich sugars, and in return fungi provide plants with nutrients taken from the soil. Health benefits of Enoki Mushroom. 3. Maitake mushrooms are most commonly known as “hen of the woods” by mushroom foraging communities because it resembles the fluffed tail feathers of a nesting hen. (2010). “Over the weekend I designed the brand, ordered a minimal amount of inventory, and put up a website,” says Heath. Resources for Amadou products: everythingmushrooms.com. The next mushroom is maitake (Grifola frondosa). Providing Chicagoland restaurants, chefs, and gourmet grocers with locally grown mushrooms is the goal of Four Star Mushrooms. Learn more here. Well, as humans expanded into Europe they discovered winter for the first time. Like turkey tail mushrooms, maitake contains beta-glucans that support macrophage and natural killer cell activity . Lion’s Mane Mushroom Benefits. Turkey tail mushrooms contain 18 types of amino acids, ergosterol, and Beta-Glucans of 1/3 and 1/6. The Unique Properties of Conks and Benefits of Chaga Mushroom Tincture Chaga is truly a unique organism. A study conducted by the journal Biomedical Research showed that in ingesting lion’s mane every day for four weeks, subjects showed overall decreased levels of irritability, anxiety, and depression compared to the control group (Nagano et al., 2010). We use activated mushroom mycelium that supports … “The Association between Mushroom Consumption and Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Singapore.” Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. Retrieved from PubMed. Fomes fomentarius - www.medicinalmushrooms.net, Fomitopsis betulina - www.medicinalmushrooms.net. The Greek physician Hippocrates identified the amadou mushroom as good for reducing inflammation and cauterizing wounds around 450 BCE. Laboratory studies typically use mice as model organisms because their genetics, biology, and behavior are similar to that of humans. This makes sense as anxiety and depression are categorized as mental health conditions by the CDC and lions mane works to repair damage in the brain. Reduction of depression and anxiety by 4 weeks hericium erinaceus intake.