Medical notice
Medicinal mushrooms are dietary supplements and do not replace medical treatment. If you are on MS therapy, consult your neurologist.
Functional mushrooms are dietary supplements and no substitute for MS therapies prescribed by a doctor. Consult your treating physician before taking them.
π What are functional mushrooms?
Functional mushrooms, also called medicinal mushrooms, have been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. Modern research increasingly supports their immunomodulating and neuroprotective properties.
Beta-glucans
The key to the effect of functional mushrooms is beta-glucans: complex polysaccharides that can modulate the immune system and regulate inflammation.
π§ Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus)
The hedgehog mushroom, known as Lion's Mane, is of particular interest for people with MS because of its unique neurotrophic properties.
NGF stimulation
Lion's Mane contains hericenones and erinacines, which have been shown to stimulate the production of nerve growth factor (NGF) and may thereby promote the regeneration of nerve cells.
- NGFNerve growth factor
- BDNFBrain-derived factor
Benefits in MS
- Cognitive support - improved memory and concentration
- Myelin support - may promote remyelination
- Mood lifting - antidepressant properties
π‘οΈ Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
The "mushroom of immortality" is known for its strong immunomodulating properties and is traditionally used to strengthen the whole organism.
Immunomodulation
- Regulates an overactive immune system
- Reduces inflammation markers
- Balances the Th1/Th2 response
- Supports autoimmune management
Other benefits
- Improves sleep quality
- Reduces stress and fatigue
- Adaptogenic effect
- Antioxidant protection
"Reishi is not immunostimulating but immunomodulating - an important difference in autoimmune diseases such as MS."
β‘ Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis)
The caterpillar fungus is particularly valuable for MS-related fatigue and for supporting energy production at the cellular level.
ATP production and oxygen utilization
Cordyceps improves mitochondrial function and increases oxygen uptake, which may be especially helpful for MS-typical fatigue.
- Energy boost - combats chronic tiredness
- Airways - improves oxygen supply
- Endurance - supports physical resilience
π Use & Dosage
Pay attention to quality
Look for extracts with a high beta-glucan content (at least 30%) from controlled cultivation. Fruiting-body extracts are generally more effective than mycelium products.
| Mushroom | Typical dosage | Best time to take |
|---|---|---|
| Lion's Mane | 500-3000 mg/day | Morning, on an empty stomach |
| Reishi | 1000-3000 mg/day | Evening, before bed |
| Cordyceps | 1000-3000 mg/day | Morning, for energy |
With MS medication
Talk to your neurologist before taking functional mushrooms, especially if you are receiving immunomodulating MS therapies.
π Medicinal Mushroom Database
Search & filter medicinal mushrooms
| Name | Type | Active compounds | Use in MS | Dosage | Evidence |
|---|
Advertisement: The small βAmazonβ buttons in the table are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases; the price does not change for you. Dietary supplements do not replace a balanced diet; check with your doctor before taking them, especially if you take medication or immunotherapy. The links lead to the German Amazon store.
Matching products for medicinal mushrooms
A selection of well-known manufacturers, described neutrally.
Lion's Mane extract, 360 capsules
Lion's-Mane-Extrakt (30:1) in Kapselform, 2000 mg pro Tagesdosis laut Hersteller.
Lion's Mane capsules, 1500 mg, 180 capsules
Lion's Mane extract (30:1), vegan, lab-tested according to the manufacturer.
Reishi extract capsules, organic, 90 pieces
Reishi extract (15:1) from organic cultivation, vegan, lab-tested according to the manufacturer.
Chaga mushroom extract, organic, 180 capsules
Chaga extract (10:1), vegan, lab-tested according to the manufacturer and produced in Germany.
Cordyceps capsules, 270 pieces
Cordyceps-Pilzpulver in Kapselform.
Organic Maitake capsules (extract)
Maitake extract in capsule form, from organic cultivation.
Organic Shiitake extract capsules
Shiitake extract in capsule form, from organic cultivation.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Dietary supplements do not replace a balanced diet; check with your doctor before taking them, especially if you take medication or immunotherapy.
π Full research reports
Here you will find the full scientific analyses of functional mushrooms and their potential in multiple sclerosis. All information is based on current research.
Detailed analysisLion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus): Neuroregeneration in MS
Scientific introduction
Hericium erinaceus, known in German-speaking countries as "Igelstachelbart" and internationally as "Lion's Mane", is an edible mushroom with remarkable medicinal properties. In recent years this mushroom has attracted growing scientific interest, particularly because of its unique ability to stimulate the production of nerve growth factors.
Active compounds and mechanisms
The primary bioactive compounds in Lion's Mane are the hericenones (from the fruiting body) and erinacines (from the mycelium). These diterpenoids have the remarkable ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and act directly on the nervous system.
Nerve growth factor (NGF)
NGF is a neurotrophic factor that is essential for the survival, development and function of neurons. In people with MS, NGF levels are often reduced, which may contribute to neuronal degeneration. Lion's Mane extracts have been shown in vitro and in vivo to be able to significantly increase NGF synthesis.
NGF induction by erinacines
One study showed that erinacine A increased NGF production in astrocytes by up to 60%. This increase was dose-dependent and remained stable for 72 hours after treatment.
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)
Besides NGF, Lion's Mane also increases BDNF, a growth factor that is crucial for neuroplasticity and synaptic function. In MS, BDNF is of particular importance because it may support remyelination and contribute to the repair of nerve damage.
Myelination and oligodendrocytes
The myelin sheath, which surrounds nerve fibers and is essential for fast signal transmission, is damaged in MS by autoimmune processes. Preclinical studies suggest that Lion's Mane could promote the differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells and thus support remyelination.
Preclinical finding
In the EAE mouse model (experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, an animal model of MS), administration of Lion's Mane extract showed accelerated remyelination and improved motor function.
Cognitive function in MS
Cognitive impairment affects up to 65% of people with MS and includes problems with memory, attention and information processing. Clinical studies in older adults with mild cognitive impairment have shown that Lion's Mane supplementation can improve cognitive function.
Cognitive improvement in MCI
A double-blind, placebo-controlled study with 30 participants with mild cognitive impairment showed significant improvements in cognitive function after 16 weeks of Lion's Mane supplementation.
- 14% Cognitive improvement
- 16 wks Study duration
Antidepressant and anxiolytic effects
Depression and anxiety are common comorbidities in MS. In preclinical and clinical studies, Lion's Mane has shown antidepressant and anxiolytic effects, which may be mediated by the modulation of BDNF and neuroinflammation.
Combination therapyIntegrative Mycotherapy in MS: Lion's Mane, Reishi & Cordyceps
Synergistic mushroom combinations
Combining different functional mushrooms can produce synergistic effects that go beyond the effect of individual mushrooms. In MS, a strategic combination that addresses different aspects of the disease is an option.
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) - The immunomodulator
Reishi is particularly valuable in autoimmune diseases such as MS because it does not simply stimulate the immune system but modulates and balances it. The triterpenes and polysaccharides in Reishi can:
- Regulate the Th1/Th2 balance, which is disturbed in MS
- Reduce proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-Ξ±, IL-6 and IL-1Ξ²
- Promote regulatory T cells (Tregs), which dampen autoimmune reactions
- Inhibit NF-ΞΊB signaling pathways and thereby interrupt the inflammatory cascade
Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis/militaris) - The energy booster
Fatigue is one of the most common and most burdensome symptoms in MS, affecting up to 80% of patients. Cordyceps addresses this symptom on several levels:
-
ATP production - Cordyceps increases cellular energy production by improving mitochondrial function
-
Oxygen utilization - improved VO2max and oxygen uptake capacity
-
Antioxidant - protection against oxidative stress, which is increased in MS
Recommended protocol for people with MS
| Mushroom | Dosage | Time of intake | Primary focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lion's Mane | 1000-2000 mg | Morning | Cognition & neuroregeneration |
| Reishi | 1500-3000 mg | Evening | Immunomodulation & sleep |
| Cordyceps | 1000-2000 mg | Morning | Energy & fatigue |
Quality criteria
When choosing functional mushroom products for people with MS, quality is crucial:
- Beta-glucan content: at least 30% in extracts
- Fruiting body vs. mycelium: fruiting-body extracts are generally more potent and better researched
- Dual extraction: water-soluble (beta-glucans) and alcohol-soluble (triterpenes) compounds
- Certification: organic quality, free of heavy metals and pesticides
Important note on immunomodulators
People taking immunomodulating MS medication (such as interferon-Ξ², glatiramer acetate or newer DMTs) should consult their neurologist before starting functional mushroom supplementation, as theoretical interactions are possible.
Conclusion
Functional mushrooms, especially Lion's Mane, Reishi and Cordyceps, offer a promising complementary spectrum for people with MS. While direct clinical evidence in MS is still limited, preclinical data and studies in related conditions support their use. Careful integration into the treatment plan in consultation with the treating physician is recommended.