Fungal beta-glucans and health: a review of 34 human trials
Reviewed 34 randomized controlled trials of beta-1,3/1,6-glucans from fungi. Supplementation was well tolerated, and its main reported effect was support for the immune system.
Scientific research
The Science of Functional Mushrooms
For thousands of years, cultures around the world have relied on functional mushrooms for health and vitality. Today, modern science is confirming what traditional medicine has long known: mushrooms contain powerful bioactive compounds that support wellness, resilience, and healthy aging. At iFungi Wellness, we combine this ancient knowledge with evidence-based science to create high-potency mushroom extracts manufactured in Canada under strict quality standards.
Beta-Glucans
Immune Support✓ Naturally occurring polysaccharides in mushroom cell walls.
✓ Extensively studied for their immune-modulating properties.
✓ Found in highest concentrations in fruiting body extracts.
✓ Our extracts are third-party verified to contain a minimum of 30% beta-glucans.
Triterpenes
Antioxidant Properties✓ Bioactive compounds concentrated in Reishi and Turkey Tail.
✓ Contribute to the mushroom's adaptogenic qualities.
✓ Help the body manage stress and maintain balance.
✓ Associated with liver support and antioxidant activity.
Ergothioneine & Hericenones
Cognitive & Nerve Health✓ Unique compounds found in Lion's Mane mushroom.
✓ Hericenones are studied for their role in nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis.
✓ Ergothioneine is a potent antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative stress.
✓ Supports brain health, memory, and focus.
Peer-reviewed research
Functional Mushroom Research & Scientific Studies
Functional mushrooms have been studied for decades for their natural compounds, including beta-glucans, triterpenes, ergothioneine and hericenones. The research ranges from laboratory studies to randomized, placebo-controlled human trials and systematic reviews, and covers immune function, cognitive health, exercise performance and gut health.
Below are peer-reviewed studies on the seven mushrooms in Life Force 7, grouped by mushroom. Each links to its record on PubMed, the U.S. National Library of Medicine's research database.
About this research: These studies look at individual mushroom species, specific extracts, isolated compounds or particular combinations. They are shared for education and are not clinical trials of Life Force 7. The forms, extraction methods and doses studied can differ from those in Life Force 7.
Mushroom beta-glucansReviews of the research 3 studies
Edible mushrooms and beta-glucans: impact on human health
Explains how mushroom beta-glucans differ from cereal beta-glucans (their 1,6 branching) and reviews research on their immune, anti-inflammatory and metabolic effects, including which areas still need human studies.
How mushroom polysaccharides influence immune and inflammatory responses
Reviews how beta-1,3-glucans with 1,6 side chains, mainly from Shiitake, interact with immune cells, and the signalling pathways involved.
Lion's ManeHericium erinaceus 4 studies
Lion's Mane and mild cognitive impairment
30 adults aged 50 to 80 took about 3 g of Lion's Mane powder or a placebo daily for 16 weeks. Cognitive scores rose in the Lion's Mane group, then fell back 4 weeks after they stopped taking it.
Lion's Mane fruiting body and cognitive function
A 12-week randomized, placebo-controlled trial of supplements made from Lion's Mane fruiting body. Scores on one of the three cognitive tests used (the MMSE) improved compared with placebo.
Lion's Mane, focus and stress in healthy young adults
41 healthy adults aged 18 to 45 took 1.8 g of Lion's Mane or a placebo. They were faster on an attention task 60 minutes after a single dose, with a trend toward lower stress after 28 days. A small pilot study; larger trials are needed.
Lion's Mane, mood and anxiety
30 women ate cookies containing Lion's Mane or placebo cookies for 4 weeks. Scores on standard questionnaires for low mood and anxiety fell in the Lion's Mane group.
Ergothioneine & brain healthAn antioxidant concentrated in mushrooms 2 studies
Mushroom intake and cognitive health in older adults
Among 663 adults aged 60 and over in Singapore, those who ate more than two portions of mushrooms a week had less than half the odds of mild cognitive impairment of those who ate less than one. This shows an association, not cause and effect.
Ergothioneine and memory in older adults
A one-year pilot trial in 19 adults aged 60 and over with mild cognitive impairment. Those taking ergothioneine did better on a learning and memory test than the placebo group, with no safety concerns.
ReishiGanoderma lucidum 2 studies
Reishi beta-glucan and immune cells
Healthy adults aged 18 to 55 took Reishi beta-1,3/1,6-glucan or a placebo daily for 84 days. The Reishi group had higher T-cell and natural killer (NK) cell counts, higher IgA and greater NK-cell activity, with no safety concerns.
Reishi and human health: 17 clinical trials pooled
Combined 17 randomized trials with 971 participants. Reishi was linked to modest changes in some markers, such as higher levels of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase, but the authors rated the certainty of the evidence as very low.
CordycepsCordyceps militaris & Cordyceps sinensis 4 studies
Cordyceps militaris and immune function
79 healthy men took 1.5 g of Cordyceps militaris or a placebo daily for 4 weeks. The Cordyceps group showed greater NK-cell activity and lymphocyte proliferation, with no adverse reactions.
Cordyceps militaris drink and immune markers
In a small trial, healthy men and women drank a fermented Cordyceps militaris beverage or a placebo for 8 weeks. NK-cell activity increased and some inflammatory markers (IL-1β, IL-6) decreased, with no safety concerns.
Cordyceps and exercise in adults aged 50 to 75
20 healthy older adults took Cordyceps (Cs-4, 1 g a day) or a placebo for 12 weeks. The Cordyceps group improved two exercise thresholds by about 9 to 10%; maximum oxygen uptake did not change.
A Cordyceps mushroom blend and high-intensity exercise
28 young adults took 4 g a day of a mushroom blend containing Cordyceps militaris or a placebo. After 3 weeks, time to exhaustion and maximum oxygen uptake (VO₂max) improved in the mushroom group.
Turkey TailTrametes versicolor 1 study
Most other Turkey Tail clinical research uses specific extracts (PSK and PSP) given alongside conventional medical treatment, so it isn't listed here.
Turkey Tail and the gut microbiome
24 healthy volunteers were randomized to Turkey Tail polysaccharopeptide (PSP), an antibiotic or no treatment. PSP produced clear, consistent changes in gut bacteria, in line with a prebiotic effect.
ShiitakeLentinula edodes 2 studies
Eating Shiitake daily and immunity
52 healthy adults aged 21 to 41 ate 5 or 10 g of dried Shiitake daily for 4 weeks. Their γδ-T and NK-T immune cells multiplied more readily, salivary IgA rose, and C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation, fell.
Shiitake beta-glucan extract and gut bacteria
52 adults with mildly raised cholesterol took a Shiitake extract providing 3.5 g of beta-glucans a day, or a placebo, for 8 weeks. Gut bacteria shifted in the Shiitake group; cholesterol and immune markers did not change.
MaitakeGrifola frondosa 1 study
Maitake, cold symptoms and immune response
Healthy young and middle-aged to older adults ate bread containing Maitake or a placebo daily for 11 to 18 weeks. The number of colds did not differ, but one Maitake strain was linked to fewer days of fever and runny nose, and to stronger antiviral immune signals in the older group.
ChagaInonotus obliquus 1 study
Human research on Chaga is still limited. Most of the evidence comes from laboratory and animal studies, so we list a scientific review rather than clinical trials.
Therapeutic properties of Chaga: a review
Reviews Chaga's polysaccharides, triterpenoids and polyphenols and their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, drawing mostly on laboratory and animal research.
Combining mushroomsResearch on synergy 1 study
Laboratory research suggests some mushroom combinations may work synergistically. More human research is needed to know how this applies to multi-mushroom supplements.
Reishi, Shiitake and Maitake combined: synergy in human immune cells
Researchers tested Reishi, Shiitake and Maitake extracts on their own and combined, in human immune cells (macrophages). The combination showed a synergistic effect on most of the immune signals measured.
Explore Our Mushroom Compounds
Hover over any mushroom to learn more, and click to stick.
Tap any mushroom to learn more about its unique compounds.
Lion's Mane
Focus & Memory
Reishi
Calm & Sleep
Chaga
Immunity & Antioxidants
Cordyceps
Energy & Stamina
Turkey Tail
Gut Health
Shiitake
Heart & Skin Health
Maitake
Blood Sugar Support
Evidence-Based Wellness
When you choose iFungi Wellness, you're choosing supplements backed by:
✓ 1,000+ published studies on functional mushrooms.
✓ Certified organic fruiting bodies only in Life Force 7.
✓ Made in Canada in Health Canada licensed, GMP-compliant facilities.
✓ Third-party lab testing for purity and potency.
Science isn't just our foundation—it's our promise.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by the FDA or Health Canada. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Ready to experience the power of functional mushrooms?
References
- Wasser, S.P. (2014). Medicinal mushrooms as a source of antitumor and immunomodulating polysaccharides. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 60(3), 258–274.
- Venturella, G., et al. (2021). Medicinal Mushrooms: Bioactive Compounds, Use, and Clinical Trials. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22(2), 634.
- Jayachandran, M., et al. (2017). A Critical Review on Health Promoting Benefits of Edible Mushrooms through Gut Microbiota. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 18(9), 1934.
- Stamets, P., and Zwickey, H. (2014). Medicinal Mushrooms: Ancient Remedies Meet Modern Science. Integrative Medicine, 13(1), 46–47.
- Patel, S., and Goyal, A. (2012). Recent developments in mushrooms as anti-cancer therapeutics: a review. 3 Biotech, 2(1), 1–15.
- Moradali, M.F., et al. (2007). Immunomodulating and anticancer agents in the realm of macromycetes fungi. International Immunopharmacology, 7(6), 701–724.
- University of Minnesota (2006). Discovery About Evolution Of Fungi Has Implications For Humans. Science Daily.