This piece is the first in a series of articles concerning functional mushrooms. What is a "functional" mushroom you ask? It is a mushroom that has therapeutic benefits as well as nutritional benefits. You may have heard the term "medicinal mushrooms". Certain regulatory agencies don't like this term because it may lead people to treat themselves with a supplement rather than seeking the help of a licensed doctor. There is a lot of research so don't discount fungi! According to Tero Isokauppila's book Healing Mushrooms (A Practical and Culinary Guide to Using Mushrooms for Whole Body Health), about forty percent of all pharmaceuticals are derived from mushrooms and fungi.

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Oyster mushrooms are the first in our series about medicinal/functional mushrooms.

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Oyster mushrooms are the second most cultivated edible mushroom worldwide, second to Agaricus bisporus, the common white button mushroom. There are many species in the Pleurotus genus and they come in a variety of colors. Oyster mushrooms can be found in blue, pink, yellow, and a pallet of other colors. They are renowned, not only for their culinary appeal, but also for their impressive "therapeutic" properties. Rich in bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides, glycoproteins and triterpenoids, research suggests that oyster mushrooms have have a range of health benefits. One of the most notable properties is their immunomodulatory effect. The beta-glucans present in oyster mushrooms can enhance the activity of the immune system, boosting the body’s ability to fight infections and diseases. Additionally, these mushrooms have demonstrated significant antioxidant activity, which may help in neutralizing harmful free radicals and protect cells from oxidative stress.

Another prominent medicinal application of oyster mushrooms is their potential to support cardiovascular health. They contain lovastatin, a naturally occurring statin that can help in lowering cholesterol levels. By reducing the levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) ‘bad’ cholesterol and increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ‘good’ cholesterol, oyster mushrooms may contribute to better heart health and a lower risk of atherosclerosis. Furthermore, the high fiber content in these mushrooms aids in improving lipid profiles and overall heart function. Studies have also suggested that regular consumption of oyster mushrooms can help in managing blood pressure, thereby reducing the risk of hypertension related complications.

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Oyster mushrooms also show promise in managing and preventing various metabolic disorders. Their ability to improve insulin sensitivity and regulate blood sugar levels makes them a valuable addition to the diet of individuals with diabetes or those at risk of developing the condition. The presence of bioactive compounds like ergothioneine and pleuran further enhances their therapeutic potential, providing anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects. This makes oyster mushrooms a multifaceted medicinal tool, capable of addressing a wide range of health issues while promoting overall well being...plus THEY'RE DELICIOUS! For further information and research, we recommend The Fungal Pharmacy, A Complete Guide to Medicinal Mushrooms & Lichens of North America by Robert Rogers. Here at Enchanted Nature we are excited to be the first company in Virginia approved to create mushroom extracts for retail sales. You can find them for sale on our Trading Post page.

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