In parts one and two of this series, I discussed the life cycle and essential compounds derived from medicinal mushrooms. Today, I will discuss if medicinal mushrooms are considered true adaptogens. 

Adaptogens have been shown to be a supportive tool for managing a healthy stress response through nonspecific physiological reactions. What makes all adaptogens unique is their ability to adapt to the harsh conditions in which they are grown. This adaptability allows them to thrive and become robust plants. Medicinal mushrooms contain many nourishing compounds that work synergistically to support overall well-being. While all mushrooms have certain nutritive qualities in common, they also have unique attributes, allowing them to support and uniquely focus on individual systems. Plants and fungi are often categorized based on their functional qualities. Unfortunately, many are called adaptogens even though they don’t fulfill the criteria that define an adaptogen. So, it is essential to understand the requirements for how an adaptogen is defined and how they work. 

Adaptogens must: 

1. Be nontoxic at clinical dosage

2. Increase the resistance of the hormonal and immune systems to all kinds of stressors through a nonspecific physiological response. 

3. Normalize body function no matter how external stressors have altered them. 

Because many plants and fungi not considered true adaptogens can fulfill aspects of the above criteria, we have learned that what makes plants and fungi actual adaptogens is that they must work through one or both of the body’s master control systems.

1)The HPA Axis (Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis) is a complex system of neuroendocrine pathways and feedback loops that maintain and support homeostasis in response to chronic stress. It is the interface between the endocrine, nervous, immune, digestive, reproductive, and cardio systems. 

2)The SAS (Sympatho Adrenal system, aka fight or flight) is a complex system that connects the sympathetic nervous system to the adrenal medulla. In simple terms, it is our fight-or-flight response. A triggered response floods our system with adrenalin and releases hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine from the adrenal medulla. This response increases blood pressure, blood sugar, and heart rate and suppresses digestion. This releasing of hormones and redistribution of blood allows the mind and body to respond and survive. 

So, which medicinal mushrooms fit in this exclusive category?

Cordyceps mushrooms 

Researched for its ability to support vitality and performance, strengthen the body and mind, and support a healthy stress response, this elite-level Jing tonic and superstar of the mushroom world is categorized as an actual adaptogen and revered by tonic herbalists worldwide. Sweet in flavor and warm in temperature, cordyceps is famous for nourishing both Yin and Yang, supporting the kidneys and lungs, supporting life capacity and life force reserves, and is considered a fantastic tonifier of QI. 

Cordyceps is a treasure trove of bioactive compounds like all other medicinal mushrooms. Some of the primary ones which have been researched and thought to support cordyceps “life-supporting” effects are 

• Nucleosides
• Polysaccharides
• Sterols
• Amino Acids
• Polypeptides
• Cordycepin

A double-blind, placebo-controlled study using 28 individuals examined whether acute and chronic cordyceps supplementation improves tolerance to high-intensity exercise.

•  “One week of supplementation elicited no significant time × treatment interaction for VO2max (p=0.364), VT (p=0.514), TTE (p=0.540), RPP (p=0.134), AvgP (p=0.398), or %drop (p=0.823).”
• “After three weeks, VO2max significantly improved (p=0.042) in MR (+4.8 ml·kg−1·min−1), but not PL (+0.9 ml·kg−1·min−1). Analysis of 95% confidence intervals revealed significant improvements in TTE after 1- (+28.1 s) and three weeks (+69.8 s) in MR, but not PL, with additional improvements in VO2max (+4.8 ml·kg−1·min−1) and VT (+0.7 l·min−1) after 3-weeks.” 

Therefore, it was concluded, “Acute supplementation with a cordyceps militaris containing mushroom blend may improve tolerance to high-intensity exercise; greater benefits may be elicited with consistent chronic supplementation.”

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5236007/

In conclusion, while medicinal mushrooms all have similar general constituents (like a wide array of polysaccharides), attributes, and the ability to nourish in common, they are all unique in their own way. Medicinal mushrooms have a wonderfully rich usage history and are revered and respected worldwide as powerful tonics. Because of their nourishing qualities, fungi have been, and will continue to be, the focus of research for many years to come. Their unique attributes, unlimited potential, and the untapped information we are continuously learning are what make the fungi world so intriguing. 

Michael Stuchiner is a Master Herbalist and proud graduate of The School of Natural Healing and has worked in different areas of this field for over 25 years. He is a retired elite-level powerlifter who competed for 27 years. As an avid international traveler, he is passionate about the use of medicinal and tonic herbs and local markets in the 35 countries he has visited. Michael makes his mark in herbal medicine through the hundreds of articles he has written and his YouTube channel (A Master Herbalist Perspective). He is considered a true educator in this field.