Medicinal mushrooms contain β-glucans, polysaccharides, and terpenoids that act as biological response modifiers. They do not function as immunosuppressants, which completely shut down immune system activity, but rather modulate the immune response, reducing excessive reactions and inflammation while supporting normal immune function. In autoimmune diseases, certain mushroom-derived compounds help decrease chronic inflammation without suppressing immune responses, while others reduce the activation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-17), which is particularly important in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, where the intestinal mucosa is chronically damaged. Medicinal mushrooms are used as adjunctive therapy alongside conventional treatments, as their anti-inflammatory effects can significantly reduce the need for corticosteroids and immunosuppressants. In this context, they primarily serve as a complementary therapy that mitigates the side effects of conventional medications.
Some species, such as lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus), enhance the release of endogenous substances such as nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which promote healing of the intestinal mucosa. At the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Primorska, a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study was conducted on healthy subjects to evaluate the dietary supplement GOBA® Hericium K, produced by MycoMedica d.o.o. from Podkoren (Figure 1). The study found that GOBA® Hericium K accelerates the release of BDNF and increases the production of neuropeptide Y, a neurotransmitter and hormone in the enteric nervous system. Neuropeptide Y inhibits intestinal motility, slows the passage of food through the gastrointestinal tract, regulates fluid balance in the intestines, exhibits antimicrobial activity, modulates the gut-brain axis, and influences the composition of the gut microbiota.
The study found that consumption of the GOBA® Hericium K dietary supplement exerts a prebiotic effect, enhancing the diversity of the gut microbiota and consequently supporting overall intestinal health.
The prebiotic effects of medicinal mushrooms have also been demonstrated in numerous scientific studies, which show that they stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, while helping to correct dysbiosis often associated with the development of autoimmune intestinal diseases.
Mushrooms contain a range of antioxidants, including phenols, flavonoids, and ergothioneine, which reduce oxidative stress that is chronically elevated in autoimmune gut disorders. This primarily helps protect cells from further damage and inflammation.
The medicinal mushroom species most commonly mentioned and used in the management of intestinal disorders are lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus), reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), cordyceps (Cordyceps spp.), and oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus spp.). Hericium supports mucosal regeneration, increases microbiota diversity, and exhibits anti-inflammatory activity. Ganoderma strongly stimulates the immune system and reduces Th17 responses linked to autoimmunity. Cordyceps modulates the cytokine network, enhances oxygen uptake in the blood, and reduces fatigue. Oyster mushrooms contain beta-glucans with proven anti-inflammatory effects.
From the perspective of improving health outcomes in individuals with autoimmune intestinal diseases, the findings of an observational study conducted by Dr. Stefania Cazzavillan on 53 patients with diagnosed autoimmune conditions (ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and mixed conditions such as parasitic infections or colorectal cancer) are highly interesting and practically useful. The participants had significantly elevated fecal calprotectin levels. The study demonstrated that a Hericium-based dietary supplement effectively reduced fecal calprotectin concentration. Alongside a two-month diet avoiding dairy, pork, and gluten, participants consumed 2 g daily of Mycotherapy Hericium (A.V.D. Reform, Italy), which led to an average reduction of over 70% in fecal calprotectin. Participants reported improved well-being, fewer abdominal pain episodes, reduced presence of blood in stools, as well as decreased fatigue and diarrhea frequency. In collaboration with the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Primorska, research is ongoing to identify the main factors responsible for these positive effects. The results will soon be published as a master’s thesis and a scientific article.
In practice, we have encountered cases where individuals experienced significant difficulties in restoring normal bowel function following intestinal reconstruction and stoma removal. After several months of challenges, normal function was successfully reestablished using the GOBA® Hericium K dietary supplement.
Mushrooms are generally safe, but caution is advised in patients with severe forms of autoimmune diseases to avoid excessive modulation of the immune system. In such cases, a gradual increase in dosage is recommended, allowing the body time to adapt. Rarely, medicinal mushroom supplements can cause mild diarrhea in older adults, which usually resolves within a few days.
Amid the abundance of medicinal mushroom products, users often struggle to identify trustworthy options. Many producers or resellers have limited knowledge about the products they sell, frequently making unverified claims or presenting chemical analyses that may not reflect reality. Therefore, it is recommended to use dietary supplements from reputable manufacturers with a long-standing tradition in cultivation, research, and production of medicinal mushroom supplements, or at least with scientifically validated medicinal effects.
