Functional medicinal mushroom species vs genus

Medicinal Mushroom Species Versus Genus

Functional Mushroom Species

Many are familiar with lion’s mane, reishi and the other top medicinal mushrooms types. However, did you know that each of those mushrooms are considered a GENUS and contain several different SPECIES? For example, there are 12 known species of lion's mane, but only one of those is backed by a significant amount of scientific literature. Read on to learn about the best medicinal mushroom species from each genus.

Reishi - Ganoderma Lucidum

Specialists believe that there are over 2000 species of reishi in total. That said, only one is frequently mentioned in scientific studies. Meet ganoderma lucidum, which translates to brilliant or bright reishi. United States Pharmacopeia, the organization that determines if a supplement is healthy or effective, did a comprehensive analysis on reishi products in the U.S. They found that a whopping 74% of reishi supplements in America did not contain the species or healthy compounds that people expect from this commonly referred to “mushroom of immortality.” These companies either don’t have the knowledge or moral compass to give mushroom consumers authentic products. Fortunately, NutroMushroom has lab results that not only demonstrate authentic reishi, but also confirm the most important bioactive compounds supported by science.

Lion’s Mane - Hericium Erinaceus

There are approximately 12 species of lion’s mane, but only one comes with a plethora of convincing research. Here we introduce hericium erinaceus, a super popular mushroom and nootropic (smart drug, but natural) shown to boost brain function and improve mood. Make sure to purchase optimal lion’s mane powder with third-party lab results. The RIGHT hericium erinaceus extract contains bioactive properties shown to facilitate cognition, reduce stress, combat depression, and so much more.

Cordyceps Militaris

With over 400 species of cordyceps, it can be daunting to find the right one that’s backed by clinical research. Cordyceps militaris has the most studies supporting it. C. Militaris has potential to increase the body’s ability to take in oxygen during exercise (VO2 Max), enhance sex drive and support various areas of health. Many are using cordyceps mushroom powder to replace coffee (often coupled with lion’s mane) and reach their fitness goals. It’s important to purchase from a company who confirms that the species of cordyceps being used is militaris! If they don’t list the species, it’s probably not the optimal kind.

Turkey Tail - Trametes Veriscolor

Turkey tail, specifically trametes versicolor, is the medicinal mushroom with a ton of scientific supporting it research. There are 4 species of turkey tail, so make sure you’re getting trametes versicolor, which translates to of several colors. Research shows that this species of turkey tail has great medicinal potential. It is mainly used to support a healthy gut and increase positive bacteria. The right turkey tail powder may support digestion and other key areas to promote overall well-being. 

Chaga - Innotus Obliquus

There is only one species of chaga, innotus obliquus, which makes your fungi purchasing experience a bit easier. Still, we have to reference the USP study done on reishi - Many of those products didn’t even contain the actual mushroom genus! This is why lab-testing is of the utmost importance. You should also make sure to confirm that the supplement has bioactive compounds, such as beta glucans, that provide optimal benefits. Chaga is too rough and bitter to eat in raw form, so chaga powder and supplements are the go-to option.

Tremella Fuciformis

Tremella fuciformis is another example of a powerful medicinal mushroom with unique benefits. There are about 90 species of tremella, so make sure to get tremella fuciformis, the one with science-backed benefits. This functional mushroom is best known for having compounds shown to improve skin and offer anti-aging potential. Tremella fuciformis powder is a convenient and effective way to incorporate this beautifying mushroom into your life.

Maitake - Grifola Frondosa

Maitake translates to dancing mushroom in Japanese. With that said, you will NOT be dancing if you purchase the wrong species of this mushroom. Grifola Frondosa is the species that’s backed by scientific research. It has shown incredible potential to modulate the immune system and act synergistically with shiitake and vitamin c. Order maitake powder that utilizes grifola frondosa to ensure you ingest the optimal bioactive properties. 

 Shiitake - Lentinula Edodes

We’ve reviewed the science and confirmed that lentinula edodes is the species of shiitake you want for medicinal purposes. We talk about shiitake’s incredible potential in our medicinal mushroom benefits article, but for the sake of understanding what species you should be taking, remember it’s EDODES. There are about 10 species of shiitake, so do your due diligence and make sure to purchase Lentinula Edodes powders or supplements only.  Although raw edodes is great, shiitake extracts maximize a lot of its healthiest compounds.

Always Confirm Mushroom Species

If you want to capitalize on the science-supported benefits of medicinal mushrooms, taking the right species is essential. Although two mushrooms may look alike, have a similar structure, and come from the same genus, it doesn't mean they contain the same bioactive properties. You can count on NutroMushroom to provide education and supplements that contain the species of mushrooms supported by clinical studies.

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