Vitamins & Supplements · Supplement formula
Mushroom Blends and Mushroom Coffee: Label Reading and Claims
Mushroom blends and mushroom coffee · also called Medicinal mushroom blend, functional mushroom coffee, mezcla de hongos, café con hongos
Mushroom blends are powders or extracts from several mushrooms, such as lion's mane, reishi, cordyceps and chaga. Mushroom coffee adds them to coffee. No trial of the finished products was found, so benefits claimed for them rest on tests of single mushrooms. Caffeine, liver, kidney and allergy cautions apply to some ingredients.
General information, not medical advice. Last substantive update · Not medically reviewed. A named clinician has not signed off on this page. How this page is made
About Mushroom Blends and Mushroom Coffee: Label Reading and Claims
Mushroom blends and mushroom coffee mix several mushrooms, sometimes with coffee. No trial of the finished products was found. Read the label for species, part, caffeine and amounts, and ask a clinician if you take medicines, have liver or kidney disease, or are pregnant.
What these products are
A mushroom blend is a powder, capsule or extract that combines several mushrooms. Mushroom coffee is coffee with mushroom powder or extract added. The mushrooms named in the sources are lion's mane, reishi, cordyceps, chaga and shiitake.
They are sold for focus, energy and immune support. No brand is named or recommended here. Some blends contain coffee, so they contain caffeine; others do not.
Each mushroom has its own page: reishi, lion's mane, chaga and cordyceps. Related caffeine and label pages are in the list below.
Reading the label
Look for the mushroom's species name and whether it is fruiting body, mycelium or extract. One lab study found chaga products made from mycelium grown on grain were starch-rich and unlike real chaga.
A 'proprietary blend' lists the blend's total weight and the ingredients in order of weight, but not each ingredient's amount. A serving is the most the label recommends per eating occasion. Ingredients without a Daily Value carry a footnote saying it has not been established, so a '% Daily Value' column will not help for mushrooms.
Beta-glucan percentages on labels describe content, not results: in one lab study, a mushroom-treated coffee had less beta-glucan than the raw mushrooms. NCCIH reports that labels may not match contents, and that a government review found 20% of 127 supplements made illegal claims.
What the research shows
No randomised trial of a finished mushroom coffee or multi-mushroom blend was found. Lab studies of such coffees measured minerals and fibre, not health.
For single mushrooms, lion's mane trials are small and mixed, cordyceps results are inconsistent, and a Cochrane review found no help from reishi for blood sugar, cholesterol or blood pressure. A review of fungal beta-glucan trials reported fewer colds and milder allergy symptoms, but used single-source products and not mushroom coffee.
At a glance
Traditional uses history, not proof
- Medicinal mushrooms are traditional in East Asian teas, broths and powders
- Mushroom coffee is a recent product format
Studied for research
- Finished blends and mushroom coffee, insufficient evidence
- Fungal beta-glucan fibres, low certainty
- Lion's mane and memory, low certainty
- Reishi for blood sugar and cholesterol, evidence against
- Cordyceps and exercise, mixed evidence
Main compounds
- Beta-glucans
- Caffeine (if coffee is in the product)
- Cordycepin
- Triterpenoids
- Oxalate (in chaga)
Common forms
- Fruiting body powder
- Mycelium grown on grain
- Mushroom extracts
- Mushroom coffee (instant or ground)
- Capsules and powders
Research links: 2021 review: fungal beta-glucans in 34 trials · 2015 Cochrane review: reishi and heart risk factors · 2025 review: lion's mane as a supplement · 2025 lab study: chaga supplements versus grain products · 2023 case: reishi powder, alcohol and liver injury · Research Library · Genes & Biomarkers Library
What it is and its history
- Accepted scientific name
- Mushroom blends and mushroom coffee
- Common names
- Mushroom blend (English); Mushroom coffee (English); Medicinal mushroom blend (English); Mezcla de hongos (Spanish); Café con hongos (Spanish)
- Family or group
- Formula: a mix of powders or extracts from several mushrooms, sometimes with coffee. Species named in the sources: lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus), reishi (Ganoderma lucidum or G. lingzhi), cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris), chaga (Inonotus obliquus) and shiitake (Lentinula edodes).
- Harvest and processing
- Per the sources: some products use the mushroom body (fruiting body), some use mycelium grown on grain, and some use an extract. In one lab study, powder was added to coffee, and in another, green beans were treated with mushroom extracts. Product details beyond that were not read.
- Look-alikes and adulterants
- Name: Greens powders and superfood blends; Note: Another blend type; has its own page.; Name: Single mushroom products (reishi, lion's mane, chaga, cordyceps); Note: One mushroom; each has its own page in the Mushrooms section.; Name: Plain coffee; Note: Caffeine without mushroom.
- Sustainability and conservation
- Not assessed.
What is inside, and how it may work
What it contains and how those compounds act in cells and animals. Laboratory and animal mechanisms are not proven effects in people.
Main compounds
| Compound | Family | Where it is concentrated | Activity studied | Level of evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beta-glucans | fibre (polysaccharides) | Mushroom cell walls Shiitake 13.433 to 26.190% by strain; lion's mane 17.442% (lab, cultivated); 2.03% in one lab-made mushroom coffee | The usual label figure; tested in trials of purified fungal glucans. 6 15 16 | Human data |
| Caffeine | stimulant | Coffee Decaf typically 2 to 15 mg per 8-ounce cup (FDA) | Present only if coffee or tea is in the product. 18 | Human data |
| Cordycepin | nucleoside | Cordyceps About 2,275 mg/kg in one lab-made cordyceps coffee versus about 11,533 mg/kg in raw cordyceps | A marker compound; no health effect shown by the source. 15 | Laboratory |
| Triterpenoids and melanin | mushroom compounds | Wild chaga Present in whole chaga; not in grain-based products per one study | Used as markers to tell real chaga from grain products. 17 | Laboratory |
| Oxalate | organic acid | Chaga 14.2 per 100 g in one leftover chaga sample (unit as printed) | Linked to kidney injury in case reports. 10 | Human data |
| Minerals and coffee acids | minerals; chlorogenic-type acids | Coffee and mushroom powder 4-feruloylquinic acid 18.6 mg/200 mL with cordyceps | Composition only. 5 | Laboratory |
Mechanisms, receptors and pathways
| Target or pathway | Gene or receptor | What was found | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gut fermentation of beta-glucan | Not specified in the sources read | Fungal beta-glucans reach the large intestine and are fermented by gut bacteria, per the review's introduction. Whether this explains immune results is not settled. 16 | Human data |
| Oxalate load | Not applicable | Chaga has very high oxalate content; oxalate crystals were seen in the kidney biopsies of the cases. 7 9 10 | Human data |
Absorption, metabolism and elimination
- Absorption
- Not found for blends.
- Distribution
- Not found.
- Metabolism
- Not found.
- Elimination
- Not found.
- Bioavailability
- The glucan study authors say more research on bioavailability is needed.
Isolated compounds versus whole extracts
A blend is a mix, and its mushrooms may be fruiting body, mycelium on grain or extract. A trial of one preparation does not carry over to another or to a mix. In one chaga analysis, grain-based products differed from real chaga.
Nutritional composition
Mushroom coffee is mainly coffee. In one lab study, traditionally brewed coffee was a better mineral source than the mushroom powder additions; amounts per serving were not read from USDA or NIH.
1 mixed findings2 low certainty1 not enough evidence1 evidence against
What was looked at
The 5 benefits and uses checked for Mushroom Blends and Mushroom Coffee: Label Reading and Claims, each with how strong the evidence is. Tap one to open it.
- Finished mushroom blends and mushroom coffee (the products themselves)Not enough evidence
- Beta-glucan fibres from fungi (a common label ingredient)Low certainty
- Lion's mane and thinking or memory (single-mushroom trials)Low certainty
- Reishi and blood sugar, cholesterol or blood pressureEvidence against
- Cordyceps and exercise or reaction timeMixed findings
Lab markers tracked in the studies
Beta-glucan content of mushroom materials and coffeesCognitive test scores (HDS-R, MMSE, Stroop)HbA1c and cholesterol
What is Mushroom Blends and Mushroom Coffee: Label Reading and Claims good for?
What research says for the product type itself, and then for the single mushrooms usually inside. The two are kept apart because a blend does not inherit results from its parts.
Benefits, one by one
Each card is a research question, not a promise. Tap a goal to filter. Open a card to see the studies, doses and limits.
Finished mushroom blends and mushroom coffee (the products themselves)
Not enough evidenceNo randomised trial of a finished mushroom coffee or a multi-mushroom blend was found. So there is no direct evidence that these products improve focus, energy, immunity or any other health outcome. What is known comes from trials of single mushrooms or purified fibres, and a blend does not inherit those results.
3 studiesNot applicable.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
PubMed searches on 2026-10-26 for mushroom coffee and for mushroom blends in people found no randomised trial of either. Lab studies measured what is inside such coffees, not what they do in people.
Results
No human outcome data for the finished products.
Why this rating
Insufficient because no human trial of the product type was found. Absence of trials is not proof the products do nothing.
Limits
The searches were of PubMed only and of the words 'mushroom coffee' and 'mushroom blend'; a trial under another name could exist.
Why researchers looked
Brands market mushroom coffee and blends for focus, energy and immune support, so the first question is whether the finished products were ever tested.
Traditional use
Medicinal mushrooms have a long history in East Asian traditions as teas, broths and powders. Adding them to coffee is a recent product format.
Proposed mechanism Not established
Not applicable: no trial of the finished products exists in the sources read.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
See the Safety tab for caffeine, liver, kidney and allergy cautions.
Beta-glucan fibres from fungi (a common label ingredient)
Low certaintyA 2021 review of 34 randomised trials looked at oral beta-glucans from fungi, from yeast and several mushroom sources, and reported fewer or milder colds and better allergy symptoms in many of them. Cell-level immune results were inconsistent. These trials used single-source glucan products, not coffee or blends.
1 studiesMixed sources and amounts. Amounts appear only in the studies table.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
Thirty-four trials of fungal beta-glucans (2.5 to 1000 mg a day, up to 6.5 months) were reviewed. The authors report reduced incidence and symptoms of respiratory infections and better allergy symptoms, but inconsistent immune-marker results. No adverse event was causally linked to glucans.
Results
Fewer or milder colds and better allergy symptoms in many trials; immune markers inconsistent.
Effect sizes as reported
No pooled number in the abstract.
Why this rating
Low because the review pools different sources (yeast and several mushrooms), the abstract gives no pooled size, and cell-level findings were inconsistent.
Form and dose studied
Mixed sources and amounts. Amounts appear only in the studies table.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients.
Limits
Not a trial of mushroom coffee or blends. A higher beta-glucan figure on a label has not been shown to give a better result.
Why researchers looked
Beta-glucans are the best known fibre in mushroom cell walls, and labels often quote a beta-glucan figure.
Traditional use
Mushroom broths and teas were traditionally used for general strength; beta-glucan is a modern explanation, not a traditional one.
Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism
Beta-glucans are fibres that reach the large intestine and are fermented by gut bacteria, as the review describes. How this changes immune outcomes in people is not settled.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
No adverse event causally related to glucans was recorded in the review.
Lion's mane and thinking or memory (single-mushroom trials)
Low certaintySmall trials of lion's mane alone gave mixed signals. In 30 older Japanese adults with mild cognitive impairment, scores rose over 16 weeks and fell back after stopping. In 41 healthy young adults, one dose gave faster results on one test and a stress trend after 28 days, with other null findings. A 2025 review lists possible stomach upset, headache and allergy.
3 studiesAmounts studied appear only in the studies table.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
A 2009 trial (30 people with mild cognitive impairment), a 2023 pilot (41 healthy adults) and a 2025 systematic review (5 randomised trials, 3 pilot trials and other studies).
Results
Higher cognitive scores in the 2009 trial that fell after stopping; faster Stroop response after one dose in the 2023 pilot; review pooled two studies for a mean MMSE rise of 1.17.
Effect sizes as reported
Single trials; no pooled effect for healthy adults.
Why this rating
Low because the trials are tiny, used different products and groups, and the pilot had many outcomes with only a few positive.
Form and dose studied
Amounts studied appear only in the studies table.
Who was studied
Older adults with mild impairment, and healthy young adults.
Limits
Single-extract trials, not coffee or blends. The review's upbeat wording goes beyond the small human data it shows.
Why researchers looked
Lion's mane is the mushroom most often named in focus claims for coffee blends.
Traditional use
Lion's mane is an edible mushroom used in East Asian cooking and medicine.
Proposed mechanism Not established
Not established in people. Laboratory and animal work is discussed by the review authors, but it is not shown to explain the human results.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Review authors list stomach discomfort, headache and allergic reactions as possible; the 2009 trial reported no adverse laboratory findings.
Reishi and blood sugar, cholesterol or blood pressure
Evidence againstA Cochrane review of five small trials (398 people, three with usable data, all in type 2 diabetes) found no meaningful change in HbA1c, cholesterol or blood pressure with reishi. Adverse events were somewhat more likely with reishi, none serious.
1 studiesSingle mushroom, amounts in the studies table.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
Cochrane review, 2015: five trials; the three with usable data compared 1.4 to 3 g a day with placebo for 12 to 16 weeks.
Results
No significant effect on HbA1c, total or LDL cholesterol, BMI, blood pressure or triglycerides.
Effect sizes as reported
HbA1c -0.10% (95% CI -1.05 to 0.85)
Why this rating
The review's authors conclude the evidence does not support use for these risk factors. Not rated as proven harmless: adverse events were more likely (RR 1.67, not statistically clear).
Form and dose studied
Single mushroom, amounts in the studies table.
Who was studied
Adults with type 2 diabetes.
Limits
Few trials, old review (2015), not blends. Healthy people were not studied.
Why researchers looked
Reishi is widely sold in blends and coffees.
Traditional use
Reishi (lingzhi) has been used in East Asian traditions for over 2,000 years, per the review.
Proposed mechanism Not established
Not established.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Adverse events were more likely with reishi but not serious; see the Safety tab for liver case reports.
Cordyceps and exercise or reaction time
Mixed findingsA 2026 review of five studies (321 healthy young people) found inconsistent results for exercise performance and recovery. A 2026 crossover trial in 12 young men found faster reaction time after exercise with one dose, but no change in peak oxygen use or in the exercise-related changes.
2 studies1 to 12 g a day across the reviewed studies; amounts only in the stud…
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
A 2026 narrative review (5 studies, 321 people) and a 2026 randomised crossover trial (12 men).
Results
Some gains in selected measures, but inconsistent; the single trial showed faster reaction time after exercise (p = 0.042).
Effect sizes as reported
Reaction time 963.92 vs 1034.33 ms after exercise
Why this rating
Mixed because some measures improved and others did not. Evidence is limited by small, unregistered studies and multi-ingredient products.
Form and dose studied
1 to 12 g a day across the reviewed studies; amounts only in the studies table.
Who was studied
Healthy young people, mostly men.
Limits
Small, short, healthy people; not a trial of coffee blends.
Why researchers looked
Cordyceps is often added to mushroom coffee for energy.
Traditional use
Cordyceps is a fungus used in Asian traditional medicine.
Proposed mechanism Not established
Not established.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
No safety signal was reported in the abstracts.
Connections to the rest of health
How Mushroom Blends and Mushroom Coffee: Label Reading and Claims connects to the rest of our health knowledge graph. Every link says what kind of connection it is. A safety link (for example to the liver) is a warning, not a benefit. A study that merely mentions a topic never creates a benefit link.
Explore every connection: goals, body systems, organs, symptoms, genes
A. Wellness goals
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Energy Vitality | Not enough evidence | Finished mushroom blends and mushroom coffee (the products themselves): No randomised trial of a finished mushroom coffee or a multi-mushroom blend was found. So there is no direct evidence that these products improve focus, energy, immunity or any other health outcome. What is known comes from trials of single mushrooms or purified fibres, and a blend does not inherit those results. | 22 5 15 | |
| Focus Memory | Not enough evidence | Finished mushroom blends and mushroom coffee (the products themselves): No randomised trial of a finished mushroom coffee or a multi-mushroom blend was found. So there is no direct evidence that these products improve focus, energy, immunity or any other health outcome. What is known comes from trials of single mushrooms or purified fibres, and a blend does not inherit those results. | 22 5 15 | |
| Immune Wellness | Low certainty | Beta-glucan fibres from fungi (a common label ingredient): A 2021 review of 34 randomised trials looked at oral beta-glucans from fungi, from yeast and several mushroom sources, and reported fewer or milder colds and better allergy symptoms in many of them. Cell-level immune results were inconsistent. These trials used single-source glucan products, not coffee or blends. | 16 | |
| Focus Memory | Low certainty | Lion's mane and thinking or memory (single-mushroom trials): Small trials of lion's mane alone gave mixed signals. In 30 older Japanese adults with mild cognitive impairment, scores rose over 16 weeks and fell back after stopping. In 41 healthy young adults, one dose gave faster results on one test and a stress trend after 28 days, with other null findings. A 2025 review lists possible stomach upset, headache and allergy. | 13 1 11 | |
| Healthy Weight Metabolism | Evidence against | Reishi and blood sugar, cholesterol or blood pressure: A Cochrane review of five small trials (398 people, three with usable data, all in type 2 diabetes) found no meaningful change in HbA1c, cholesterol or blood pressure with reishi. Adverse events were somewhat more likely with reishi, none serious. | 8 | |
| Energy Vitality | Mixed findings | Cordyceps and exercise or reaction time: A 2026 review of five studies (321 healthy young people) found inconsistent results for exercise performance and recovery. A 2026 crossover trial in 12 young men found faster reaction time after exercise with one dose, but no change in peak oxygen use or in the exercise-related changes. | 4 2 |
B. Body systems
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nervous System | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Studied for: Finished mushroom blends and mushroom coffee (the products themselves) Studied for: Lion's mane and thinking or memory (single-mushroom trials) | 22 5 15 13 1 11 |
| Immune System | Biological association | Low certainty | Studied for: Beta-glucan fibres from fungi (a common label ingredient) | 16 |
| Cardiovascular System | Biological association | Evidence against | Studied for: Reishi and blood sugar, cholesterol or blood pressure | 8 |
| Musculoskeletal System | Biological association | Mixed findings | Studied for: Cordyceps and exercise or reaction time | 4 2 |
E. Health conditions
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liver injury | Adverse effect or risk | Case report | One case of acute hepatitis that cleared in two weeks. One case of acute hepatitis after reishi powder with alcohol. Preparation or compound: Reishi powder with alcohol |
3 |
| Oxalate kidney injury | Adverse effect or risk | Case report | Three case reports after long or heavy daily use. Three case reports after long or heavy daily use of chaga powder. Preparation or compound: Chaga powder |
7 9 10 |
I. Biomarkers
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beta-glucan content of mushroom materials and coffees | Biological association | Low certainty | Measured in trials: varies widely by strain and by product. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 6 15 |
| Cognitive test scores (HDS-R, MMSE, Stroop) | Biological association | Low certainty | Measured in trials: slightly higher in small trials. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 13 1 |
| HbA1c and cholesterol | Biological association | Low certainty | Measured in trials: no change. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 8 |
K. Biological pathways
L. Active compounds
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beta-glucans | Biological association | Human | The usual label figure; tested in trials of purified fungal glucans. Preparation or compound: Mushroom cell walls |
6 15 16 |
| Caffeine | Biological association | Human | Present only if coffee or tea is in the product. Preparation or compound: Coffee |
18 |
| Cordycepin | Biological association | Laboratory | A marker compound; no health effect shown by the source. Preparation or compound: Cordyceps |
15 |
| Triterpenoids and melanin | Biological association | Laboratory | Used as markers to tell real chaga from grain products. Preparation or compound: Wild chaga |
17 |
| Oxalate | Biological association | Human | Linked to kidney injury in case reports. Preparation or compound: Chaga |
10 |
| Minerals and coffee acids | Biological association | Laboratory | Composition only. Preparation or compound: Coffee and mushroom powder |
5 |
Each connection is stored with the ingredient, the connected record, the kind of connection, the evidence status, the supporting studies, the preparation or compound involved, and a review date (last reviewed October 26, 2026).
Evidence at a glance: what the research found for 5 outcomes
Each outcome below is one thing researchers measured. Certainty is how far the evidence can be trusted, not how well it works. The full studies are on the next tab.
The evidence
The research centre for Mushroom Blends and Mushroom Coffee: Label Reading and Claims. Every record here was checked against PubMed or the publisher's page; we never list a study we have not verified.
Evidence by outcome
Bars show how many studies we found for each outcome, not how well it works. People are added up across trials only (reviews are not added, to avoid double counting).
How we rate evidence
High certainty
Several well-run trials or reviews agree; further research is unlikely to change the picture much.
Moderate certainty
Good trials point the same way, but some doubt remains.
Low certainty
Small, short or inconsistent trials. The finding could change with better research.
Very low certainty
Very little or very weak human data. Treat as a possibility only.
Mixed findings
Trials or reviews disagree with each other.
Not enough evidence
Not enough human research to say either way.
Evidence against
Good research found no benefit, or found harm.
We take the reviewers' own risk-of-bias and GRADE statements where they exist, and otherwise judge from study size, design, consistency, directness and whether a product matches what is sold. Many publications do not make evidence high. Method note: We started from our existing page on this topic, then re-read PubMed abstracts and the official pages cited. Only abstracts were read for studies; the shiitake rash letter had only a title. Official pages were read on 2026-10-26.
Study library: every study we checked 22
| Study | Design | People | Product, dose, length | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Docherty 2023 The Acute and Chronic Effects of Lion's Mane Mushroom Supplementation on Cognitive Function, Stress and Mood in Young Adults: A Double-Blind, Parallel Groups, Pilot Study. Nutrients · PMID 38004235 · DOI |
Randomised controlled trial |
41 41 healthy adults aged 18 to 45 |
Lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus) product 1.8 g (studied in the trial) Single dose, then 28 days · vs Placebo |
Faster on the Stroop task 60 minutes after one dose (p = 0.005). A trend to less subjective stress after 28 days (p = 0.051). Other results were null or limited. Stroop p = 0.005 (acute) (Not given in the abstract) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Cognitive tests (Stroop), stress and mood Limitations: A small pilot with many outcomes, so a chance finding is possible. One extract, not a blend or coffee. Funding and conflicts: No conflict declared; the product maker supplied the product only. Read: abstract |
| Farzan 2026 Acute Cordyceps militaris supplementation and elevated resting oxygen uptake with faster reaction times: A randomized crossover trial. PLoS One · PMID 42455764 · DOI |
Randomised crossover trial |
12 12 recreationally active young men |
Standardised Cordyceps militaris extract Extract 1 g, 30 minutes before a cycling test (studied in the trial) Single dose, 7-day washout · vs Cornstarch placebo |
Faster reaction time after exercise (p = 0.042) and higher resting oxygen uptake. The change from before to after exercise did not differ between groups, and peak oxygen uptake, blood sugar, blood pressure and heart rate did not change. Post-exercise Stroop 963.92 vs 1034.33 ms (p = 0.042) (Not given in the abstract) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Stroop reaction time, oxygen uptake, blood sugar, blood pressure Limitations: 12 men, one dose. Does not show anything about daily use or coffee blends. Funding and conflicts: No competing interests declared. Read: abstract |
| Guedikian 2023 Ganoderma lingzhi (Reishi Mushroom)-Induced Acute Liver Injury in the Setting of Alcohol Use: A Case Report and Review of the Literature. Cureus · PMID 37885515 · DOI |
Case report |
1 A 47-year-old man with headache and abdominal pain |
Reishi (Ganoderma lingzhi) powder with alcohol Powder |
Acute hepatitis with markedly raised liver enzymes. He was treated with N-acetylcysteine and fluids; symptoms and tests were back to normal at two weeks. Complete resolution at 2 weeks (Not applicable) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Liver tests Limitations: One case; alcohol was also involved, so the mushroom cannot be blamed alone. It cannot show how common this is. Funding and conflicts: No competing interests declared. Read: abstract |
| Jedrejko 2026 Current Evidence of Ergogenic and Post-Exercise Recovery Effects of Dietary Supplementation with Cordyceps militaris in Humans-A Narrative Review. Nutrients · PMID 41829950 · DOI |
Narrative review |
321 5 intervention studies, 321 healthy people aged 16 to 35 |
Cordyceps militaris, alone or in multi-ingredient products 1 to 12 g a day (studied in the trials) 1 to 16 weeks · vs Placebo or control |
Some studies reported gains in selected measures but findings were inconsistent. The authors say certainty is limited by small studies, lack of registration, unstandardised preparations and multi-ingredient products. Not pooled (Not applicable) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Oxygen uptake, time to exhaustion, power, recovery markers Limitations: Narrative review, healthy young people, mixed products. Funding and conflicts: No conflicts declared. Read: abstract |
| Kala 2024 Coffee with Cordyceps militaris and Hericium erinaceus Fruiting Bodies as a Source of Essential Bioactive Substances. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) · PMID 39065803 · DOI |
Laboratory analysis n/a |
Three coffee types (machine-brewed, instant, traditionally brewed) with added mushroom fruiting-body powder | Cordyceps militaris and lion's mane powder in coffee Fruiting body powder · vs Plain coffee |
Traditionally brewed coffee was the best source of minerals. Cordyceps added more magnesium, zinc, copper, sodium, potassium and calcium, and lion's mane slightly more iron. The authors call the combination 'beneficial', but only minerals and compounds were measured, not health. 4-feruloylquinic acid 18.6 mg/200 mL with cordyceps (Not applicable) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Minerals and coffee-acid compounds Limitations: Composition only; no people studied. The authors' health conclusion goes beyond their data. Funding and conflicts: No conflicts declared. Read: abstract |
| Keerthana 2026 Unveiling the glucan profile: a comparative study of Lion's Mane and Shiitake mushrooms. Nat Prod Res · PMID 40407020 · DOI |
Laboratory analysis n/a |
Cultivated lion's mane and Indian shiitake strains | Lion's mane and shiitake · vs Strains compared |
Shiitake beta-glucan ranged from 13.433 to 26.190% by strain (lion's mane 17.442%). The authors say using these in products needs more research on bioavailability and health advantages. Shiitake beta-glucan 13.433-26.190% (Not applicable) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Alpha, beta and total glucan content Limitations: Cultivated strains in a lab, not commercial products. Content is a composition fact, not a health result. Funding and conflicts: Authors include staff of a mushroom company (Shroomery); no conflict statement in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Kikuchi 2014 Chaga mushroom-induced oxalate nephropathy. Clin Nephrol · PMID 23149251 · DOI |
Case report |
1 A 72-year-old woman who had liver cancer surgery |
Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) powder Powder 4 to 5 teaspoons a day for 6 months (reported in the case) 6 months |
Kidney function fell and dialysis was started. Biopsy showed oxalate crystals; the authors say chaga contains very high oxalate. First report of this kind. Dialysis started (Not applicable) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Kidney function and biopsy Limitations: One case. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Klupp 2015 Ganoderma lucidum mushroom for the treatment of cardiovascular risk factors. Cochrane Database Syst Rev · PMID 25686270 · DOI |
Systematic review meta analysis |
398 5 trials in adults, 398 people; the 3 trials used for statistics were all in type 2 diabetes |
Ganoderma lucidum (reishi) preparations 1.4 g to 3 g a day (studied in the trials) 12 to 16 weeks · vs Placebo |
No meaningful change in HbA1c, total or LDL cholesterol or body-mass index. Post-meal sugar results went both ways. No difference in blood pressure or triglycerides. Adverse events were somewhat more likely with reishi (no serious ones). HbA1c WMD -0.10%; adverse events RR 1.67 (HbA1c -1.05% to 0.85%; adverse events 0.86 to 3.24) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Blood sugar (HbA1c), cholesterol, blood pressure, triglycerides, body-mass index, adverse events Limitations: Few small trials, mostly unclear risk of bias, all in type 2 diabetes. Reishi alone, not a blend. Funding and conflicts: Some review authors wrote an included trial; others declared nothing. Read: abstract |
| Kwon 2022 Chaga mushroom-induced oxalate nephropathy that clinically manifested as nephrotic syndrome: A case report. Medicine (Baltimore) · PMID 35451393 · DOI |
Case report |
1 A 69-year-old man |
Chaga powder plus vitamin C Powder 10 to 15 g a day, with vitamin C 500 mg a day, for 3 months (reported in the case) 3 months |
Acute kidney injury with oxalate crystals on biopsy. Kidney function recovered one month after dialysis and steroids. Recovered at 1 month (Not applicable) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Kidney function and biopsy Limitations: One case; he also took vitamin C. Funding and conflicts: No conflicts declared. Read: abstract |
| Lee 2020 Development of End Stage Renal Disease after Long-Term Ingestion of Chaga Mushroom: Case Report and Review of Literature. J Korean Med Sci · PMID 32419395 · DOI |
Case report |
1 A 49-year-old man with end-stage kidney disease |
Chaga powder Powder Long-term, about 5 years (reported in the case) About 5 years |
Biopsy showed chronic kidney inflammation with oxalate crystals. The leftover chaga had very high oxalate content (14.2 per 100 g), and estimated oxalate intake was 2 to 5 times that of a usual diet. Oxalate 14.2 per 100 g (unit as printed in the abstract) (Not applicable) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Kidney biopsy and oxalate content of the remaining powder Limitations: One case. Funding and conflicts: No conflicts declared. Read: abstract |
| Menon 2025 Benefits, side effects, and uses of Hericium erinaceus as a supplement: a systematic review. Front Nutr · PMID 40959699 · DOI |
Systematic review |
5 randomised trials, 3 pilot trials, 15 lab studies and others | Lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus) supplements Fruiting body and mycelium products Varied Varied · vs Placebo or none |
Pooling one randomised and one pilot trial, memory-test (MMSE) scores rose by a weighted mean of 1.17 points. The authors say possible side effects include stomach discomfort, headache and allergic reactions, though these are commonly unreported. MMSE combined weighted mean +1.17 (1 RCT and 1 pilot) (Not given in the abstract) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Cognition and mood; side effects Limitations: Mixed study types (many lab studies), small trials and different products. The abstract's conclusions are stronger than the human data shown. Funding and conflicts: No competing interests declared; one author is a journal editorial board member. Read: abstract |
| Mijares 2026 Flagellate Erythema From Mushroom Coffee: A Novel Exposure Route for Shiitake Dermatitis. Int J Dermatol · PMID 42231050 · DOI |
Case report |
Not stated (no abstract in the record) | Mushroom coffee containing shiitake (from the title) |
Only the title was read: it reports a whip-like (flagellate) skin rash linked to shiitake in mushroom coffee. No abstract was available, so no further details are stated. Not available (Not applicable) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Skin reaction Limitations: Title and letter type only; no abstract in PubMed. Funding and conflicts: Not available. Read: title-only |
| Mori 2009 Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytother Res · PMID 18844328 · DOI |
Randomised controlled trial |
30 30 Japanese men and women aged 50 to 80 with mild cognitive impairment |
Lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus) dry powder tablets Dry powder (96% in the tablets) Four 250 mg tablets, three times a day (studied in the trial) 16 weeks, then 4 weeks follow-up · vs Placebo |
Scores were higher than placebo at weeks 8, 12 and 16 and fell significantly 4 weeks after stopping. Lab tests showed no adverse effect. Higher HDS-R scores at weeks 8, 12, 16 (Not given in the abstract) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Score on a cognitive scale (HDS-R); lab tests Limitations: Only 30 people, one product, older people with mild impairment, not healthy adults. The abstract gives no funding statement. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Rohweder 2024 Caffeine intake during pregnancy and adverse outcomes: An integrative review. Reprod Toxicol · PMID 38042437 · DOI |
Narrative review |
59 studies of caffeine use in pregnancy | Caffeine (coffee and other sources) Varied Varied |
Caffeine intake was linked to pregnancy loss, low birth weight and other outcomes, often dose dependent. Some studies found links even below 200 mg a day. The authors say defining a safe amount is difficult. Not pooled (Not applicable) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Pregnancy loss, birth weight, anomalies, child development Limitations: Mostly observational studies with hard-to-measure intake. Funding and conflicts: No competing interests declared. Read: abstract |
| Song 2020 Functional Cordyceps Coffee Containing Cordycepin and beta-Glucan. Prev Nutr Food Sci · PMID 32676470 · DOI |
Laboratory analysis n/a |
Lab-made coffee from green beans treated with Cordyceps, Phellinus and chaga extracts | Experimental mushroom-treated coffee · vs Plain coffee and raw mushrooms |
Raw cordyceps, Phellinus and chaga contained 3.79%, 7.06% and 8.57% beta-glucan. The finished coffee had only 2.03% beta-glucan and cordycepin was about 2,275 mg/kg against about 11,533 mg/kg in the raw mushroom. Aroma stayed like plain coffee. Beta-glucan 2.03% in coffee (Not applicable) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Polyphenols, beta-glucan, cordycepin, aroma Limitations: One lab-made coffee, not a commercial product. No human outcomes. Funding and conflicts: No conflict declared. Read: abstract |
| Vlassopoulou 2021 Effects of fungal beta-glucans on health - a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Food Funct · PMID 33876798 · DOI |
Systematic review |
34 randomised trials of oral fungal beta-glucans in healthy people or patients | Fungal beta-(1-3,1-6)-glucans (yeast, Pleurotus, Lentinula, Ganoderma and others) as single-ingredient supplements Isolated glucan or mushroom-derived material 2.5 to 1000 mg a day (studied in the trials) Up to 6.5 months · vs Placebo or control |
Most trials looked at immune outcomes. The authors report fewer or milder colds, flu and other respiratory infections and better allergy symptoms, but findings at the cell and molecule level were inconsistent. No adverse event was causally linked to glucans. Not pooled in the abstract (Not given in the abstract) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Immune outcomes, allergy symptoms, mood, obesity-related markers, adverse events Limitations: Trials used purified or single-source glucans, not coffee or multi-mushroom blends. Sources include yeast, so not all are mushrooms. The abstract does not rate risk of bias. Funding and conflicts: No funding statement in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Windsor 2025 Comparative Study of Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) Dietary Supplements Using Complementary Analytical Techniques. Int J Mol Sci · PMID 40243601 · DOI |
Laboratory analysis n/a |
North American chaga supplements, including products made from mycelium fermented on grain, compared with wild chaga | Chaga products · vs Wild chaga |
Whole chaga contained triterpenoids and melanin. Fermented-grain products were starch-rich, and starch was absent in real chaga. The authors say the methods can tell real chaga from misrepresented products. Not applicable (Not applicable) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Triterpenoids, polysaccharides, melanin, beta-glucan, starch Limitations: Authors work for a company that sells chaga and for its testing lab. The abstract does not say how many products were tested. Funding and conflicts: Authors are employed by Nammex, which sells authentic chaga supplements, and by the lab it uses (stated in the record). Read: abstract |
| s-fda-caffeine US FDA consumer update: Spilling the Beans: How Much Caffeine Is Too Much? (content current as of 2024-08-28) · Source |
Regulator page n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: web page | ||
| s-fda-label US FDA: Dietary Supplement Labeling Guide, Chapter IV Nutrition Labeling (content current as of 2005-04-01) · Source |
Regulator page n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: web page | ||
| s-nccih NCCIH: Using Dietary Supplements Wisely (last updated January 2019) · Source |
Regulator page n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: web page | ||
| s-nci-pdq US National Cancer Institute: Medicinal Mushrooms (PDQ patient version), last updated 2024-07-11 · Source |
Regulator page n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: web page | ||
| s-pubmed-search PubMed searches run 2026-10-26 for trials of mushroom coffee and multi-mushroom blends |
Search record n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: search-record |
What we do not know yet
- No randomised trial of a finished mushroom coffee or blend was found.
- No NIH ODS fact sheet on mushroom blends was read.
- No interaction, pregnancy, breastfeeding or children safety data for mushroom extracts were found.
- No survey of heavy metals or label accuracy in mushroom coffee was read.
- Amounts per serving in commercial products were not surveyed.
How new research is added
New studies are found by a saved PubMed search and placed in a review queue before the page changes.
Lab markers
What changed in blood or saliva tests during trials. A changed number is not the same as feeling or being healthier, and we give no "normal ranges".
Other 3
Beta-glucan content of mushroom materials and coffees
Varies widely by strain and by product in trials
The percent of the dry weight that is beta-glucan, measured in a lab. It describes composition, not a health effect.
Low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
Labels often quote beta-glucan as a quality signal.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Shows that content varies by strain and falls when mushrooms are made into coffee. It does not show a health effect.
Safety implication
Not applicable.
Cognitive test scores (HDS-R, MMSE, Stroop)
Slightly higher in small trials in trials
Short tests of memory, thinking and reaction speed.
Low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
To see whether single mushrooms change thinking.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Small changes in small trials; the lift faded after stopping in one.
Safety implication
No problem reported in the abstracts.
HbA1c and cholesterol
No change in trials
HbA1c reflects average blood sugar over about 3 months. LDL cholesterol is a blood fat linked to heart disease risk.
Low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
To see whether reishi changes heart and sugar risk factors.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
No meaningful change.
Safety implication
Adverse events slightly more likely, none serious.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | HbA1c -0.10% (-1.05 to 0.85); LDL +0.02 mmol/L (-0.41 to 0.45) | 130 and 107 people with type 2 diabetes | Reishi vs placebo |
Safety
What studies and official sources say about side effects, medicines and who should check first. Each point shows what kind of evidence it comes from.
Main points to know 5
- Caffeine: mushroom coffee contains it, and decaf still has some. If a blend contains coffee, it contains caffeine. The FDA says decaffeinated coffee typically has 2 to 15 mg in an 8-ounce cup. The FDA has cited 400 mg a day as an amount not generally associated with negative effects for most adults, and notes people differ widely in sensitivity. Its page advises anyone pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding to talk to a health care provider about limiting caffeine. Check the label: some mushroom blends are sold without coffee. Regulator statement (FDA, content current 2024 08 28) 18 14
- Reishi powder with alcohol: a liver injury case report. A 47-year-old man had acute hepatitis after reishi powder and alcohol, with liver tests back to normal at two weeks. A single case with alcohol also involved cannot show how common this is or that reishi alone was the cause. Anyone with liver disease should ask a clinician before using products with reishi. Case report 3
- Chaga powder: oxalate kidney injury case reports. Three case reports describe kidney damage with oxalate crystals after long or heavy daily use of chaga powder, including one case of end-stage kidney disease. The authors say chaga contains very high oxalate; one measured the leftover powder. These are individual cases, not the risk of a typical product, but people with kidney disease or kidney stones should ask a clinician before using any product with chaga. Case reports 7 9 10
- Allergy and skin reactions. A 2026 letter describes a whip-like skin rash (flagellate erythema) from shiitake in mushroom coffee. Only the title was available, so details are not stated here. A 2025 review of lion's mane lists allergic reactions among possible side effects. Case report (title only) and systematic review 12 11
- What is on the label may not be what is in the jar. A 2025 lab study of chaga products found that products made from mycelium grown on grain were starch-rich, unlike real chaga, and the authors argue labels can misrepresent what is inside. The authors work for a chaga seller and its testing lab. The NCI says the FDA does not regularly review how supplements are made, so batches and brands may differ. Laboratory analysis (industry linked) and regulator statement 17 21
Side effects 5
| Effect | How often | Severity and recovery | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liver inflammation (acute hepatitis) after reishi powder with alcohol Alcohol was also involved. | One case report | Hospital care needed Normal liver tests at two weeks | Case report 3 |
| Oxalate kidney injury after chaga powder Large or long daily use of powder in these cases. | Three case reports | Serious: dialysis started in two, end-stage kidney disease in one Kidney function recovered in one case after dialysis and steroids; recovery is not described in the other abstracts | Case reports 7 9 10 |
| Whip-like skin rash from shiitake in mushroom coffee | One reported case | Not stated Not stated | Case report (title only) 12 |
| Stomach discomfort, headache, allergic reactions with lion's mane | Not given; the review says commonly unreported | Not stated Not stated | Systematic review 11 |
| Slightly more adverse events with reishi than placebo, none serious | RR 1.67 (95% CI 0.86 to 3.24), not statistically clear | Not serious Not stated | Meta-analysis 8 |
Liver
A reishi plus alcohol case report describes acute hepatitis with recovery in two weeks. No source read gave how often liver injury happens with mushroom blends. A liver-safety reference (LiverTox) was not opened. 3
How often. No frequency was found.
Monitoring. No agency monitoring advice was found.
- . 47-year-old man, reishi powder and alcohol, acute hepatitis, normal at two weeks. 3
This is a safety connection. It is not evidence that Mushroom Blends and Mushroom Coffee: Label Reading and Claims supports liver health.
Medicines and supplements 6
| With | Why it matters | Importance | Evidence | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prescription and over-the-counter medicines (general) prescription | Not specific to mushrooms. | NCCIH says supplements may interact with medicines. No interaction study of a mushroom blend with any medicine was found. | Regulator statement Not enough evidence 20 | Tell a doctor or pharmacist about every supplement you use. |
| Surgery and anaesthesia procedure | Not specific to mushrooms. | NCCIH advises telling all providers about supplements, as early as possible before an operation. | Regulator statement Not enough evidence 20 | Tell your surgical team. |
| Alcohol substance | Not established. | The one reishi liver case involved alcohol as well. | Case report Very low certainty 3 | Ask a clinician if you drink regularly or have liver disease. |
| Vitamin C supplement | One chaga kidney case also took vitamin C each day; the abstract does not say whether it contributed. | Case report Very low certainty 9 | Ask a pharmacist before combining. | |
| Stimulant medicines and other caffeine sources prescription | Caffeine adds to other stimulants. | No source read gave detail beyond the FDA's note about wide differences in sensitivity. | Absence of evidence Not enough evidence 18 | Count caffeine from all sources and ask a pharmacist. |
| Immune-suppressing medicines prescription | Mushroom beta-glucans are marketed as immune-active, but no interaction study was found. | The NCI page read does not address this. Not stated as fact. | Absence of evidence Not enough evidence 21 | Ask the prescriber before use. |
Who should check first 6
| Situation | Advice | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding | No safety study of mushroom extracts in pregnancy or breastfeeding was found. For caffeine, the FDA advises talking to a provider about limiting it, and a 2024 review found links with pregnancy loss and low birth weight in some studies, even below 200 mg a day. Ask a doctor or midwife before use. | Regulator statement and review 18 14 |
| Children | No safety data for mushroom blends in children were found, and NCCIH notes many supplements have not been tested in children. Ask a doctor before giving any to a child. | Regulator statement 20 |
| Kidney disease or kidney stones | Ask a clinician before using any product with chaga; oxalate kidney injury was reported. | Case reports 7 9 10 |
| Liver disease or regular alcohol use | Ask a clinician before products with reishi. | Case report 3 |
| Mushroom allergy or past reaction to shiitake | Avoid blends that list the mushroom and ask an allergist. | Case report and review 12 11 |
| Planned surgery | Tell the surgical team about all supplements. | Regulator statement 20 |
Overdose, product quality and regulators
Summary. No poisoning or overdose data for finished mushroom blends were found. The harms in the sources are case reports and the usual effects of caffeine.
Animal. Not reviewed.
High dose or long term signals. Chaga oxalate kidney injury was reported with long or heavy daily powder use.
Overdose response. Not found.
Genotoxicity. Not researched.
Only one lab survey of mushroom product identity was read, on chaga, and it was done by industry. Heavy metals and label accuracy for mushroom blends and coffee were not found in the sources read.
Mycelium on grain sold as chaga. Fermented-grain products were starch-rich and unlike real chaga in several tests. 17
Beta-glucan falls when mushrooms are made into coffee. A lab-made cordyceps coffee had 2.03% beta-glucan against 3.79% to 8.57% in raw mushrooms. 15
Supplement oversight. The NCI says the FDA does not regularly review how supplements are made, so batches and brands may differ. 21
Label versus contents. NCCIH warns that what is on the label may not match what is in the product. 20
| Body | Action | Date |
|---|---|---|
| US Food and Drug Administration (FDA): caffeine (United States) | Cited 400 mg a day as an amount not generally associated with negative effects for most adults, notes wide differences in sensitivity, says decaf typically has 2 to 15 mg per 8-ounce cup, and advises talking to a provider if pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding. source | 2024-08-28 |
| US National Cancer Institute (PDQ): Medicinal Mushrooms (United States) | States the FDA regulates supplements separately from food and drugs and does not regularly review how supplements are made, so batches and brands may differ. States the FDA has not approved reishi as a treatment for cancer or any other medical condition. source | 2024-07-11 |
| US FDA: Dietary Supplement Labeling Guide, Chapter IV (United States) | A proprietary blend is named as such with the total weight of its ingredients on one line and the ingredients listed beneath in descending order by weight, without each amount. Ingredients with a Daily Value must be listed separately. One serving is the maximum amount the label recommends per eating occasion. source | 2005-04-01 |
| NCCIH (US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health) (United States) | Says supplements may interact with medicines, to tell providers about all supplements before surgery, that many supplements are untested in pregnancy, nursing and children, and that labels may not match contents. source | 2019-01 |
When to get medical help
- Swelling of the face, lips or tongue, hives, wheezing or trouble breathing after a mushroom product: call emergency services.
- Passing much less urine, swelling, or severe back or side pain after weeks of daily mushroom powder: see a doctor urgently.
- Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine or severe stomach pain after a product with reishi, especially with alcohol: see a doctor.
- A spreading streaky rash after mushroom coffee: stop it and see a doctor.
- Racing heart, chest pain or severe shaking after a caffeinated blend: get medical help.
Stop using the product and contact a clinician or emergency service. In the US, Poison Control is 1-800-222-1222.
General information only, not medical advice. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before use, especially with medicines, in pregnancy or with a health condition. See the Natural Remedy Safety guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is mushroom coffee?
Is mushroom coffee healthier than regular coffee?
Does a mushroom blend contain caffeine?
Only if it contains coffee, tea or another source. Check the label. Decaf coffee still has about 2 to 15 mg per 8-ounce cup, says the FDA.
Do mushroom blends improve focus or memory?
Do mushroom blends boost the immune system?
Not shown for blends. A review of fungal beta-glucan trials reported fewer colds and milder allergy symptoms, but the trials used single-source products and immune markers were inconsistent.
Does reishi help blood sugar or cholesterol?
A Cochrane review of small trials found no meaningful change in HbA1c or cholesterol, in people with type 2 diabetes.
What is a proprietary blend?
A label listing the blend's total weight and its ingredients in order of weight without each ingredient's amount.
Is fruiting body better than mycelium?
No source read compared them in people. One lab study found grain-based chaga products were starch-rich and unlike real chaga.
Can mushroom supplements harm the liver?
One case report describes acute hepatitis after reishi powder with alcohol, normal by two weeks. One case cannot show how common it is.
Can chaga harm the kidneys?
Are they safe in pregnancy or for children?
Explore by health goal
Energy VitalityFocus MemoryImmune WellnessHealthy Weight Metabolism
Editorial transparency
- Written by
- AlternativeMed editorial team. Research compiled with AI assistance, then checked against the sources listed.
- Medical review
- None. This page has not been reviewed by a physician or pharmacist.
- First published
- 2026-10-26
- Last substantive update
- 2026-10-26
- How we research
- We started from our existing page on this topic, then re-read PubMed abstracts and the official pages cited. Only abstracts were read for studies; the shiitake rash letter had only a title. Official pages were read on 2026-10-26.
- How we rate evidence
- See "How we rate evidence" in the Evidence tab.
- Independence
- No product is promoted on this page. No affiliate links are shown. The chaga lab study was written by staff of a chaga seller; this is flagged.
Sources 22
Each source was opened and checked. Where we read only the abstract, it says so. The small numbers in the text point here.
- Docherty S, Doughty FL, Smith EF. The Acute and Chronic Effects of Lion's Mane Mushroom Supplementation on Cognitive Function, Stress and Mood in Young Adults: A Double-Blind, Parallel Groups, Pilot Study.. Nutrients. 2023. PMID 38004235. DOI 10.3390/nu15224842. (abstract)
- Farzan H, Koushkie Jahromi M. Acute Cordyceps militaris supplementation and elevated resting oxygen uptake with faster reaction times: A randomized crossover trial.. PLoS One. 2026. PMID 42455764. DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0351725. (abstract)
- Guedikian R, Kim B, Singh G, Alexander R. Ganoderma lingzhi (Reishi Mushroom)-Induced Acute Liver Injury in the Setting of Alcohol Use: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.. Cureus. 2023. PMID 37885515. DOI 10.7759/cureus.45953. (abstract)
- Jedrejko M, Jedrejko K, Granda D, Kala K, Pokrywka A, Muszynska B. Current Evidence of Ergogenic and Post-Exercise Recovery Effects of Dietary Supplementation with Cordyceps militaris in Humans-A Narrative Review.. Nutrients. 2026. PMID 41829950. DOI 10.3390/nu18050781. (abstract)
- Kala K, Cicha-Jelen M, Hnatyk K, Krakowska A, Sulkowska-Ziaja K, Szewczyk A, Lazur J, Muszynska B. Coffee with Cordyceps militaris and Hericium erinaceus Fruiting Bodies as a Source of Essential Bioactive Substances.. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2024. PMID 39065803. DOI 10.3390/ph17070955. (abstract)
- Keerthana CS, Kumari R, Beura M, Sharan S, Sharma SK, Ganjoo A, Dahuja A, Krishnan V. Unveiling the glucan profile: a comparative study of Lion's Mane and Shiitake mushrooms.. Nat Prod Res. 2026. PMID 40407020. DOI 10.1080/14786419.2025.2509142. (abstract)
- Kikuchi Y, Seta K, Ogawa Y, Takayama T, Nagata M, Taguchi T, Yahata K. Chaga mushroom-induced oxalate nephropathy.. Clin Nephrol. 2014. PMID 23149251. DOI 10.5414/CN107655. (abstract)
- Klupp NL, Chang D, Hawke F, Kiat H, Cao H, Grant SJ, Bensoussan A. Ganoderma lucidum mushroom for the treatment of cardiovascular risk factors.. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015. PMID 25686270. DOI 10.1002/14651858.CD007259.pub2. (abstract)
- Kwon O, Kim Y, Paek JH, Park WY, Han S, Sin H, Jin K. Chaga mushroom-induced oxalate nephropathy that clinically manifested as nephrotic syndrome: A case report.. Medicine (Baltimore). 2022. PMID 35451393. DOI 10.1097/MD.0000000000028997. (abstract)
- Lee S, Lee HY, Park Y, Ko EJ, Ban TH, Chung BH, Lee HS, Yang CW. Development of End Stage Renal Disease after Long-Term Ingestion of Chaga Mushroom: Case Report and Review of Literature.. J Korean Med Sci. 2020. PMID 32419395. DOI 10.3346/jkms.2020.35.e122. (abstract)
- Menon A, Jalal A, Arshad Z, Nawaz FA, Kashyap R. Benefits, side effects, and uses of Hericium erinaceus as a supplement: a systematic review.. Front Nutr. 2025. PMID 40959699. DOI 10.3389/fnut.2025.1641246. (abstract)
- Mijares J, Ramachandran V. Flagellate Erythema From Mushroom Coffee: A Novel Exposure Route for Shiitake Dermatitis.. Int J Dermatol. 2026. PMID 42231050. DOI 10.1111/ijd.70497. (title-only)
- Mori K, Inatomi S, Ouchi K, Azumi Y, Tuchida T. Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial.. Phytother Res. 2009. PMID 18844328. DOI 10.1002/ptr.2634. (abstract)
- Rohweder R, de Oliveira Schmalfuss T, Dos Santos Borniger D et al.. Caffeine intake during pregnancy and adverse outcomes: An integrative review.. Reprod Toxicol. 2024. PMID 38042437. DOI 10.1016/j.reprotox.2023.108518. (abstract)
- Song HN. Functional Cordyceps Coffee Containing Cordycepin and beta-Glucan.. Prev Nutr Food Sci. 2020. PMID 32676470. DOI 10.3746/pnf.2020.25.2.184. (abstract)
- Vlassopoulou M, Yannakoulia M, Pletsa V, Zervakis GI, Kyriacou A. Effects of fungal beta-glucans on health - a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.. Food Funct. 2021. PMID 33876798. DOI 10.1039/d1fo00122a. (abstract)
- Windsor C, Kreynes AE, Chilton JS, Chioffi WA, Krishnamurthy A, Ishii M. Comparative Study of Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) Dietary Supplements Using Complementary Analytical Techniques.. Int J Mol Sci. 2025. PMID 40243601. DOI 10.3390/ijms26072970. (abstract)
- . US FDA consumer update: Spilling the Beans: How Much Caffeine Is Too Much? (content current as of 2024-08-28). . . (web page)
- . US FDA: Dietary Supplement Labeling Guide, Chapter IV Nutrition Labeling (content current as of 2005-04-01). . . (web page)
- . NCCIH: Using Dietary Supplements Wisely (last updated January 2019). . . (web page)
- . US National Cancer Institute: Medicinal Mushrooms (PDQ patient version), last updated 2024-07-11. . . (web page)
- . PubMed searches run 2026-10-26 for trials of mushroom coffee and multi-mushroom blends. . . (search-record)
Where to buy
Check the label first. Whatever you buy, look for these:
- The amount of the active ingredient per serving, not just the front-label claim
- A third-party testing mark (USP, NSF or ConsumerLab)
- Other ingredients and allergens
- Ask a pharmacist about interactions with your medicines
Talk to a pharmacist or doctor before you start any supplement, especially if you take medicines. See the Safety tab for interactions.
Support our free guides: as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Full disclosure.
