Evidence supporting the use of: Mushroom protein
For the health condition: Memory and Brain Function
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Mushrooms have a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in East Asian practices, for supporting memory and brain function. Species such as Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane) and Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) have been consumed for centuries in China and Japan with the belief that they promote cognitive health, improve memory, and enhance longevity. The traditional basis for their use is rooted in ancient medical texts, where these fungi are described as “tonics” for the brain and spirit.
However, the specific use of “mushroom protein” as a category for memory and brain support lacks robust scientific validation. While preliminary laboratory and animal studies—primarily focusing on extracts from Lion’s Mane—have identified potential neurotrophic effects and memory support, human clinical evidence remains limited and inconclusive. The majority of the traditional knowledge surrounds whole mushroom or extract consumption, not isolated mushroom protein. Thus, while the traditional use is well-documented, scientific evidence is still emerging, and the strength of evidence for mushroom protein (as opposed to extracts or whole mushrooms) specifically supporting memory and brain function remains low.
In summary, the use of mushroom protein for memory and brain support is primarily justified by tradition, with only limited early scientific exploration and minimal clinical confirmation at this time.
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acetyl l-carnitine
algal oil
alpha-pinene
amino acids
anchovies
anthocyanins
ashwagandha
asparagus
astaxanthin
waterhyssop
beet
berry flavor
beta caryophyllene
bifidobacterium longum
bilberry
black currant
black garlic
sesame
black tea
blackberry
blueberry
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broccoli
caprylic acid
catechins
caterpillar mushroom
chaga mushroom
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choline
cinnamon
citicoline
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
coffee fruit
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
turmeric
curcumin
d-alpha tocopherol
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
diallyl disulfide (DADS)
DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)
eleuthero
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
fisetin
fish protein
folate
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
fruit blend (proprietary)
ginkgo biloba
glycerophosphocholine (GPC)
gooseberry
gotu kola
grape
green tea
guarana
guayusa
hesperetin
huperzine A
inositol
jujube
kale
krill oil
kudzu
l-5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine salt (5-MTHF)
l-carnitine
l-carnosine
l-serine
l-taurine
l-theanine
l-tyrosine
lactobacillus reuteri
lecithin
lion's mane
lutein
luteolin
maca
mackerel
marine lipid
matcha
medium chain triglycerides (MCT)
moringa
muira puama
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naringin
niacin (vitamin B3)
niacinamide (vitamin B3)
nicotinamide riboside
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oleic acid
olive
omega-3 fatty acids
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phosphatidylcholine
phosphatidylserine
phospholipids
phytocannabinoids
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resveratrol
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rutin
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SAMe (s-adenosyl-l-methionine disulfate p-toluensulfate)
sardines
selenium
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specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
spinach
spirulina
strawberry
sulforaphane glucosinolate
threonic acid
tocotrienols
tomato
trans-pterostilbene
almond fruit
ubiquinol
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vitamin B12
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vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
seaweed
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zinc
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anthocyanidins
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bacoside
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Centella triterpenes
Chinese Mountain Ant
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Chebulic acid
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Cyanidin
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Cinnamic Acid
Chocolate
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Creatine
Catuaba
Convolvulus prostratus
Crocetin
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cola nut
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Docosahexaenoic Acid
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Dibenzo-alpha pyrones
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epicatechin
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Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Eucommia ulmoides
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Folic Acid
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glucose
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walnut
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Other health conditions supported by Mushroom protein
Cancer (natural therapy for)Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cholesterol (high)
Diabetes
Fatigue
Hypertension
Inflammation
Memory and Brain Function
Metabolic Syndrome