Medicinal Mushrooms
Medicinal Mushrooms 
Modern research is now confirming the therapeutic properties of many mushroom species.
Mushrooms are proving a rich source of physiologically active compounds with extracts from over 650 mushrooms having been shown to have immunological activity (meaning they enhance and activate the immune system which is a vital role in human health). There have also been significant correlations between the consumption of medicinal mushrooms and reduced risk of serious illness including cancer.
Some of the most recently isolated and identified compounds originating from medicinal mushrooms have shown properties including:
Increased Immunity, Anti-tumour, Cardiovascular, Antiviral, Antibacterial, Anti-parasitic, Hepatoprotective, Anti-diabetic.
(Powell, 2013).
Chaga
Chaga has important active compounds including betulinic acid derivatives and melano-glucan complexes which contribute to a range of health benefits, for example:
Anti-cancer
Betulinic acid shows wide-ranging anti-cancer activity including against leukaemia. Chaga's polysaccharide components also show strong immune-modulating activity which combined with betulinic acid contributes to Chaga's traditional use in cancer treatment.
Digestion
It has been well studied about the importance of good digestion and health. The melano-glucan complexes in Chaga have wide antimicrobal activity which acts as an "internal cleanser" leading to improved digestion. Chaga has also been used in treatment for stomach and intestinal disorders.
Psoriasis
There are several studies on the benefit of Chaga for psoriasis including a study on 50 psoriasis patients which reported a 76% cure rate (Powell, 2013).
Lion's Mane
With some scientists describing it as a natural adderal, Lion's Mane's unique properties are due to its production of erinacines and hericenones which have strong anti-bacterial properties and stimulate the Generation of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF).
NGF has been linked to the improvement of various health issues including:
Dementia / Alzheimer's Disease
Patients with dementia have lower than normal levels of NGF. When supplemented with Lion's Mane, studies have demonstrated improvements in functional capacity (communication and memory, etc), functional independence (eating, dressing, walking), and cognitive function.
Neuropathy & Nerve Damage
Lion's Mane has been beneficial for nerve pain including helping with faster regrowth of nerves after traumatic injury.
Menopausal Syndrome
NGF has been shown to have a calming effect and has been found to contribute to significant improvements in sleep-disturbance, anxiety, and hot flushes.
Reishi
Reishi's extensive health benefits have led it to be honoured by emperors and sages with it even being known as the "Mushroom of Immortality" or the "10,000 year mushroom". Traditionally, Reishi has been associated with the Taoist quest for immortality, as well as being used to treat a range of health conditions including cancer, heart disease, and bronchitis.
Reishi's wide-ranging health benefits are due to its combination of highly active immune-modulating polysaccharides and over 130 triterpenoid compounds (ganoderic and lucidenic acids), which are active in the actions of: anti-inflammatory, anti-histamine, sedative, anti-hypersensitive, and anti-cancer.
Anti-cancer
In a recent review of 5 randomised controlled trials, it was found that patients supplemented with Reishi were 1.27 times more likely to respond to chemo and radio therapy than those without (Jin et al., 2012).
Allergies
Reishi's combination of high immuno-modulatory activity with strong anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine activity make it a uniquely suitable supplement for those suffering with allergies such as hayfever and animal related allergies (Powell, 2013).
Auto-immune disease
Reishi's combination of immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory action makes it a powerful supplement for a range of inflammatory auto-immune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.
Insomnia & Anxiety
The traditional name 'spirit mushroom' points to sedative action of Reishi's triterpenoid components. Improvements in sleep patterns are one of the most commonly reported effects of Reishi supplementation and it is frequently prescribed for this purpose.
Liver Damage & Liver Disease
Reishi has demonstrated wide hepatoprotective properties including protection from chemical toxicity, inhibition of liver fibrosis, normalisation of liver enzymes, and reduction in inflammation.
Cardiovascular Health
Traditionally used in the treatment of heart disease, Reishi has been shown to support cardiovascular health through cholesterol-lowering, blood-pressure lowering, and anti-coagulant effects, with improvements in ECG, chest pain, palpitations, and shortness of breath. (Gao et al., 2004).
Respiratory Health
Reishi has been traditionally used to treat bronchitis, with older patients showing particular benefit (Powell, 2013).
Cordyceps
Cordyceps have an ability to increase metabolic efficiency and promote adaptation to harsh environments due to its nucleoside derivatives, such as cordycepin, and polysaccharide fractions.
Energy
Cordyceps increase aerobic capacity and resistance to fatigue which contribute to enhanced athletic performance and endurance by increasing the efficiency of energy metabolism (Powell, 2013).
Asthma & COPD
As well as increasing efficiency of energy metabolism, Cordyceps provid valuable support for those with impaired lung function.
Anti-viral
Cordycep nucleoside analogues and polysaccharides have been shown to enhance the immune response to viral infections.
Anti-cancer
Due to its combination of immune-modulating polysaccharides and nucleoside derivatives, many practitioners consider Cordyceps to be a powerful and one of the most useful supplements in helping with improvement treatment outcomes in cancer.
Diabetes
Cordyceps provide useful support for people with diabetes with actions including: triggering release of insulin, increasing hepatic glucokinase, and increasing sensitivity of cells to insulin.
Kidney & Liver Health
Cordyceps have traditionally been used to improve kidney function and can be beneficial for those with impaired liver function.
Book: Medicinal Mushrooms: The Essential Guide (Powell, 2013).