Evidence supporting the use of: Mushrooms
For the health condition: Athletic and Exercise Aids
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Mushrooms, particularly certain species like Cordyceps and Reishi, have been explored for their potential to support athletic performance and exercise recovery. The scientific rationale primarily centers on their purported effects on energy metabolism, oxygen utilization, and anti-fatigue properties. Cordyceps, for instance, has been studied for its ability to increase adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, which is essential for muscle contraction and endurance. Some small-scale human studies and animal research suggest that Cordyceps supplementation may improve exercise performance and reduce fatigue, but findings are mixed and often limited by small sample sizes or methodological weaknesses.
Other mushrooms, such as Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), have been studied for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which could theoretically aid in recovery after intense physical activity. However, most of the relevant studies are preclinical (animal or cell-based), with few robust clinical trials in athletes. Systematic reviews generally conclude that while there is a plausible biological basis and some preliminary evidence, the quality and quantity of clinical data are insufficient to confirm efficacy. Thus, while mushrooms have a history of traditional use for vitality and endurance in some cultures, current scientific evidence modestly supports their role as athletic and exercise aids, warranting a cautious approach to their use for this purpose.
Other ingredients used for Athletic and Exercise Aids
7-Keto-DHEAacetyl l-carnitine
adenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)
alpha d-ribofuranose
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
bacillus subtilis
beet
beta-alanine
black tea
bovine
branched-chain amino acids
caffeine
capsaicinoids
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
collagen
colostrum
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
curcumin
eleuthero
ginseng
green tea
guarana
guayusa
l-isoleucine
l-alanine
l-alanyl-l-glutamine
l-arginine
l-carnitine
l-citrulline
l-glutamine
l-glycine
l-leucine
l-ornithine
l-taurine
l-tyrosine
l-valine
maca
magnesium
maltodextrin
muira puama
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
omega-3 fatty acids
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
peppermint oil
protein
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
rhodiola
black ginger
spirulina
tongkat ali
tribulus
vitamin C
watermelon
whey protein
suma
jiaogulan
capsicum
bee pollen
cistanche
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
yerba mate
algae
cocoa
brown rice protein
sea salt
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
2, 17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androst-2-ene
Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate
Antler
Arginine Creatine
Arginine nitrate
Arachidonic Acid
Arginine malate
Arginine aspartate
Alpha glyceryl
Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
Agmatine
adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Algal protein
Alpha hydroxyisocaproic acid
Arginine silicate
Bicarbonate
Beef Protein
Bovine Protein
Bulbine natalensis
Ba Ji Tian
BCAA
Camellia sinensis
Coconut
Casein
Cardarine
Capsinoids
Citrate malate
Capsiate
Creatine
D-Aspartic Acid
Dihydrocapsiate
Deer Velvet
D-Ribose
Ephedra
Elk antler
Ecdysteroids
Elthyl-Alpha-Guanido-Methyl-Ethanoate
Ecdysterone
Ephedrine
glucose
Isoleucine
Ketone Salts
Milk Protein
Quinoa Protein
salt
yohimbine
Other health conditions supported by Mushrooms
Acquired Immune Deficiency SyndromeAlzheimer's Disease
Anxiety
Arthritis
Asthma
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Autoimmune Disorders
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (prevention)
Convalescence
Depression
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Fatigue
Free Radical Damage
Gastritis
Hepatitis
Hypertension
Inflammation
Influenza
Insomnia
Liver Detoxification
Lymphoma
Memory and Brain Function
Mood Swings
Nerve Damage
Nervous Exhaustion