Functional Mushrooms for Lung Health

March 3, 2025 | by EVERSIO WELLNESS

For those facing lung health issues, life can become challenging. Even basic activities like climbing stairs, enjoying a walk, or breathing easily can be difficult. These physical limitations can cause emotional distress, diminishing life quality and increasing stress. Additionally, maintaining physical fitness becomes challenging, as regular exercise, crucial for overall health, is often a struggle.

Functional mushrooms stand out as an option to protect and improve lung health. Treasured in traditional medicine for ages, these functional mushrooms possess various therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting effects and the ability to mitigate allergic responses. Using functional mushrooms for breathing shows promise as valuable resources in supporting respiratory health.

Cordyceps for Lung Function

Cordyceps mushroom is an all-natural performance enhancer favoured by athletes aiming to boost their energy, stamina, and endurance. This fungus is a natural exercise mimetic, enhancing blood circulation, optimizing oxygen utilization, and functioning as a powerful antioxidant [1].

A study involving 28 individuals who incorporated Cordyceps in their regimen revealed significant enhancements in maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), time to exhaustion, and ventilatory thresholds after three weeks [1]. This supplementation led to a noticeable increase in oxygen availability during physical exertion and raised ventilatory thresholds, indicating a more efficient oxygen intake.

Cordyceps has also shown potential for those suffering from COPD or asthma [2]. A systematic review and meta-analysis, including 15 studies with 1,238 COPD patients, highlighted Cordyceps' effectiveness in improving lung function, exercise endurance, and quality of life while reducing COPD symptoms [2]. These benefits are believed to arise from Cordyceps' ability to prevent airway wall thickening and remodelling and reduce the accumulation of inflammatory cells [3].

In asthma research, a three-month study comparing Cordyceps supplementation to a placebo group in individuals with moderate-to-severe asthma yielded significant results [4]. The study showed improved quality of life, as measured by the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ), reduced asthma symptoms, and improved lung function. This was accompanied by decreased inflammatory markers and increased IgG levels, indicating enhanced protection against infections [4].

Asthma's complex pathophysiology involves airway hyper-responsiveness and inflammation triggered by various factors. Some children outgrow asthma, while others continue to struggle with it into adulthood [5]. The effects of Cordyceps on asthma symptoms and signs have been a recent research focus. 

It was found that Cordyceps can reduce the secretion of cytokines and inflammatory proteins like eotaxin, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and IFN-γ, which are associated with allergic inflammatory disorders [6,7,8]. It also lowers IgE serum levels, a critical factor in allergic airway inflammation, and counters goblet cell hyperplasia, reducing mucus overproduction and improving airflow [6,9].

Additionally, Cordyceps has been observed to inhibit the TGF-β1/Smad pathway activation, which is linked to more severe asthma symptoms characterized by increased inflammation and extensive airway remodelling [10,11].

Cordyceps is not only beneficial for athletes seeking enhanced performance but also holds significant promise for individuals with respiratory conditions like COPD and asthma. By improving oxygen utilization and circulation, reducing inflammation, preventing airway remodelling, and enhancing overall lung function, Cordyceps is a potent, natural addition to lung healthcare practices. Its antioxidant properties and broad range of potential benefits make it an invaluable natural supplement for respiratory wellness.

Reishi Mushroom Respiratory Benefits: Reishi for Lung Detox

Seasonal allergies, a typical immune system overreaction to airborne substances like pollen or mold spores, often leave individuals seeking relief from their discomfort. Among various natural remedies, certain mushrooms, notably Reishi, have been recognized for their anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, offering potential relief for allergy sufferers.

The Reishi mushroom is crucial in balancing the immune system, particularly influencing Th1 and Th2 cells, which are key in immune responses. Th2 cells are closely linked to allergic reactions, as they promote the release of cytokines such as IL-4, which are integral to allergic responses [12]. The cytokine IFN-γ, which cross-regulates with IL-4, plays a vital role in this balance. Reishi has been observed to enhance the Th1 response and increase IFN-γ production, thus potentially reducing Th2-driven allergic symptoms [12].

In another study, the protective effects of Reishi (PGL) polysaccharides against pulmonary fibrosis in rats were examined [13]. Pulmonary fibrosis, characterized by lung scarring and stiffness, leads to significant respiratory issues and reduced lung function. The study demonstrated that PGL administration significantly alleviated fibrosis symptoms, indicated by reduced pulmonary index, inflammatory cell infiltration, and lung collagen deposition [13]. 

Moreover, PGL increased vital antioxidants like glutathione and catalase while decreasing oxidative damage and collagen formation indicators, suggesting a therapeutic potential in lung fibrosis treatment by enhancing lung tissue protection against oxidative stress [13].

Furthermore, Reishi has been explored as a potential therapeutic agent against lung cancer [14]. Its primary components - terpenes, polysaccharides, and proteins - have shown various activities, including inducing apoptosis and regulating autophagy in lung cancer cells. These compounds activate a complex network of signalling pathways involving plasma membrane receptors and key molecular players like nuclear factor-κB and Akt [14]. This review highlights Reishi's significant influence on lung cancer signaling pathways, underlining its potential as a natural remedy for herbal lung health.

Chaga Mushroom Benefits: Chaga and Lung Improvement

Th2 cells, crucial in allergy development, activate immune components like B cells, mast cells, and eosinophils to produce IgE antibodies, leading to allergic reactions. Allergies often result from an imbalance in Th1 and Th2 responses, with a dominant Th2 response. 

When taken orally, Chaga mushroom has shown efficacy in reducing total IgE levels in the bloodstream and bolstering Th1 responses, thereby curbing allergy progression [15]. It also mimics the effects of Reishi mushroom by suppressing IL-4 expression, a critical factor in allergic reactions [16].

Mast cells play a central role in allergic immune responses by initiating IgE production by B cells and promoting Th2 cell differentiation [17]. Chaga's ability to stabilize mast cells is mainly due to a triterpenoid compound called inotodiol [18]. This compound has been observed to suppress mast cell function effectively in vivo, specifically targeting allergic reactions without impacting other immune functions [19].

Recent research has also explored the Chaga mushroom's potential in cancer prevention and treatment. A study using mouse models of Lewis lung carcinoma and metastasis investigated the effects of daily Chaga mushroom extract administration at a dose of 6 mg/kg for three weeks, paralleling the intake from Chaga mushroom infusions typically consumed in Japan [20].

The findings from this study are significant. The Chaga mushroom extract showed significant tumour-suppressive effects in both cancer models. In tumour-bearing mice, there was a 60% reduction in tumour size; in the metastatic model, there was a 25% decrease in nodule count compared to the control group [20]. 

Immune-Boosting Mushrooms for Lung Health

While investigating functional mushrooms for lung health, we discovered their innate ability to offer natural support to our respiratory system. The benefits of functional mushrooms for lung health occur through various mechanisms. A key aspect of their efficacy is their potent anti-inflammatory properties. These mushrooms skillfully modulate the immune system, curtailing undue inflammation in the respiratory tract.

Beyond their anti-inflammatory effects, functional mushrooms are celebrated for their antioxidant properties. They actively combat oxidative stress and neutralize free radicals, which are known to harm lung tissues. Additionally, these fungi have shown proficiency in enhancing oxygen utilization and improving overall lung function, thereby contributing positively to respiratory health.

Incorporating these therapeutic mushrooms into our daily regimen offers a sustainable and natural path to bolster respiratory health. By embracing the healing virtues of these natural remedies for lung health, individuals can make substantial progress in enhancing lung function and overall respiratory wellness, paving the way for a healthier future.