Evidence supporting the use of: Mushrooms
For the health condition: Colds (prevention)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Mushrooms, particularly certain medicinal varieties such as shiitake (Lentinula edodes), maitake (Grifola frondosa), reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), and turkey tail (Trametes versicolor), have been studied for their potential immunomodulatory effects, which may have relevance for the prevention of colds. These mushrooms contain bioactive compounds, including beta-glucans and polysaccharides, that have demonstrated immune-stimulating properties in laboratory and animal studies. Some small-scale human studies and randomized controlled trials have suggested that consumption of certain mushroom extracts can enhance immune markers such as natural killer cell activity or increase salivary immunoglobulin A levels, both of which could theoretically contribute to reduced incidence or duration of upper respiratory tract infections.

However, while these findings are promising, the clinical evidence remains limited. Most studies are small, use varying mushroom species and extracts, and often focus on surrogate endpoints rather than direct prevention or treatment of the common cold. Systematic reviews conclude that, although there is a plausible mechanism and some preliminary human data, high-quality, large-scale clinical trials are lacking. Therefore, the evidence supporting the use of mushrooms for cold prevention is considered weak to moderate (rated 2/5), and mushrooms should not be relied upon as a primary method for preventing colds, though they may offer some adjunctive immune support.

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Products containing Mushrooms

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