MycoForce Immunity [Discontinued] by HealthForce

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD). Although there is interest in using oral chaga for CVD, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of chaga for this condition.
• Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Although there has been interest in using oral chaga for COVID-19, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of chaga for this purpose.
• Diabetes. Although there is interest in using oral chaga for diabetes, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of chaga for this condition. More evidence is needed to rate chaga for these uses.

(Read more about CHAGA)

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

• Allergic rhinitis (hay fever). Although there has been interest in using oral maitake mushroom for allergic rhinitis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of maitake mushroom for this purpose.
• Cancer. Although there has been interest in using oral maitake mushroom for cancer, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of maitake mushroom for this purpose.
• Chemotherapy-induced anemia. Although there has been interest in using oral maitake mushroom for preventing chemotherapy-induced anemia, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of maitake mushroom for this purpose.
• Chemotherapy-induced diarrhea. Although there has been interest in using oral maitake mushroom for preventing chemotherapy-induced diarrhea, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of maitake mushroom for this purpose.
• Chemotherapy-related fatigue. Although there has been interest in using oral maitake mushroom for preventing chemotherapy-related fatigue, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of maitake mushroom for this purpose.
• Chemotherapy-induced leukopenia. Although there has been interest in using oral maitake mushroom for preventing chemotherapy-induced leukemia, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of maitake mushroom for this purpose.
• Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). Although there has been interest in using oral maitake mushroom for preventing CINV, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of maitake mushroom for this purpose.
• Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Although there has been interest in using oral maitake mushroom for CFS, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of maitake mushroom for this purpose.
• Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Although there has been interest in using oral maitake mushroom for COVID-19, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of maitake mushroom for this purpose.
• Diabetes. Although there has been interest in using oral maitake mushroom for diabetes, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of maitake mushroom for this purpose.
• HIV/AIDS. Although there has been interest in using oral maitake mushroom for HIV/AIDS, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of maitake mushroom for this purpose.
• Hyperlipidemia. Although there has been interest in using oral maitake mushroom for hyperlipidemia, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of maitake mushroom for this purpose.
• Hypertension. Although there has been interest in using oral maitake mushroom for hypertension, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of maitake mushroom for this purpose.
• Laryngeal cancer. It is unclear if maitake mushroom is beneficial for improving quality of life in patients with laryngeal cancer. Details: Clinical research in patients with laryngeal or pharyngeal cancer undergoing chemo-radiation treatment shows that taking maitake mushroom polysaccharides D-fraction 1 gram 3 times daily during treatment modestly improve survival over 5 years and prevents the decline in overall quality of life when compared with taking placebo (111935).
• Myelodysplastic syndromes. Although there has been interest in using oral maitake mushroom for myelodysplastic syndromes, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of maitake mushroom for this purpose.
• Obesity. Although there has been interest in using oral maitake mushroom for obesity, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of maitake mushroom for this purpose.
• Pharyngeal cancer. It is unclear if maitake mushroom is beneficial for improving quality of life in patients with pharyngeal cancer. Details: Clinical research in patients with laryngeal or pharyngeal cancer undergoing chemo-radiation treatment shows that taking maitake mushroom polysaccharides D-fraction 1 gram 3 times daily during treatment modestly improve survival over 5 years and prevents the decline in overall quality of life when compared with taking placebo (111935).
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Maitake mushroom may have some benefit in PCOS, but it does not appear to be as effective as clomiphene. Details: Preliminary clinical research in patients with PCOS shows that taking three tablets of a specific combination product (SX-Fraction, Maitake Products, Inc.), each containing maitake mushroom powder 250 mg plus maitake SX-fraction (a glycoprotein-rich extract) 18 mg, three times daily starting on the first day of menses for up to 28 weeks, can improve ovulation cycle rates, but does not appear to be as effective as clomiphene. After 12 weeks of treatment, patients taking the maitake mushroom product had an ovulatory cycle rate of about 42% compared with about 70% in those taking clomiphene 50 mg daily. However, 13 out of 15 patients who failed monotherapy with maitake mushroom or clomiphene alone ovulated when both maitake mushroom and clomiphene were used for 4 cycles (17131). More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of maitake mushroom for these uses.

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POSSIBLY INEFFECTIVE

• Hyperlipidemia. Preliminary clinical studies show that oral reishi mushroom does not improve lipid levels in patients with hyperlipidemia or type 2 diabetes. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking reishi mushroom extract 1440 mg daily for 12 weeks does not significantly improve the lipid profile in patients with hyperlipidemia (70776). Also, a meta-analysis shows that taking reishi mushroom extract 1400-4000 mg daily for 12-16 weeks does not reduce total cholesterol or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in patients with type 2 diabetes (91435).

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

• Aging. Although there has been interest in using oral reishi mushroom for aging, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of reishi mushroom for this purpose.
• Altitude sickness. Although there has been interest in using oral reishi mushroom for altitude sickness, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of reishi mushroom for this purpose.
• Alzheimer disease. A small clinical study suggests that oral reishi mushroom does not improve Alzheimer disease symptoms. Details: Preliminary clinical research in patients with Alzheimer disease shows that taking reishi mushroom powder 1000 mg three times daily for 6 weeks does not improve memory, language skills, or quality of life when compared with placebo (97942).
• Asthma. Although there has been interest in using oral reishi mushroom for asthma, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of reishi mushroom for this purpose.
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Preliminary clinical research suggests that oral reishi mushroom extract can help reduce some lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with BPH. Details: Clinical research in patients with mild to moderate lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with BPH, urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, or other conditions, shows that taking reishi mushroom extract 6 mg orally once daily for up to 12 weeks moderately improves total symptom severity measured on the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) scale, when compared with placebo (91436,91437). A higher dose of 60 mg daily is not more effective than the 6 mg dose, and a lower dose of 0.6 mg daily is not more effective than placebo (91437). Reishi mushroom extract does not improve peak urine flow rate, residual urine volume, prostate volume, or quality of life when compared with placebo (91436,91437). The relevance of these results is unclear since not all of the patients with LUTS had BPH.
• Bronchitis. Although there has been interest in using oral reishi mushroom for bronchitis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of reishi mushroom for this purpose.
• Cancer. It is unclear if oral reishi mushroom is beneficial when used in conjunction with chemotherapy. Details: A meta-analysis of 9 clinical trials using various reishi mushroom products in combination with chemotherapy found that complete and partial responses increased by 30% with combination therapy when compared with chemotherapy alone. However, there was no difference in overall survival (102915). The reliability and applicability of these results are unclear since the trials looked at several different types of cancer, used varying doses and durations of therapy, and were all conducted in China or other Asian countries.
• Cancer-related fatigue. It is unclear if oral reishi mushroom is beneficial in patients with breast cancer and fatigue. Details: Results from a small clinical study in breast cancer patients show that taking reishi mushroom powder 1000 mg orally three times daily for 4 weeks can improve cancer-related fatigue when compared with placebo (91438). However, it is not clear if the improvement is clinically meaningful.
• Cardiovascular disease (CVD). It is unclear if oral reishi mushroom is beneficial for reducing CVD risk factors. Details: A meta-analysis of 5 low-quality studies in adults with diabetes shows that taking reishi mushroom 1400-3000 mg daily for 12-16 weeks does not reduce CVD risk factors, including total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure, and body mass index, when compared with placebo (91435).
• Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Although there has been interest in using oral reishi mushroom for CFS, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of reishi mushroom for this purpose.
• Chronic kidney disease (CKD). Although there has been interest in using oral reishi mushroom for CKD, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of reishi mushroom for this purpose.
• Colorectal adenoma. Limited clinical research suggests that oral reishi mushroom extract may be beneficial for reducing colorectal adenoma size. Details: Preliminary clinical research in patients with colorectal adenomas shows that taking reishi mushroom extract 1500 mg orally in two divided doses daily for 12 months reduces the number and size of adenomas when compared with no treatment (70774).
• Coronary heart disease (CHD). It is unclear if oral reishi mushroom is beneficial for CHD. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking a specific reishi mushroom extract (Ganopoly, Encore International Co.) 1800 mg orally three times daily for 12 weeks reduces symptoms of CHD, such as chest pain, palpitations, and shortness of breath, in a greater percentage of patients when compared with placebo (70800).
• Diabetes. Evidence on the use of oral reishi mushroom in patients with type 2 diabetes is conflicting. Details: A meta-analysis of clinical research in patients with type 2 diabetes shows that taking reishi mushroom extract 1400-4000 mg daily for 12-16 weeks does not reduce glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) or plasma lipids (91435). However, one preliminary clinical study in patients with type 2 diabetes shows that taking a specific reishi mushroom extract (Ganopoly, Encore International Co.) 1800 mg three times daily for 12 weeks reduces HbA1c, but not fasting blood glucose, when compared with placebo (70801).
• Fibromyalgia. It is unclear if oral reishi mushroom is beneficial for fibromyalgia. Details: A small clinical trial in patients with fibromyalgia shows that taking reishi mushroom (MundoReishi Salud S.L.) powder 3 grams twice daily for 6 weeks does not improve mood, quality of life, anthropometric measures, blood pressure, or glycemic or lipid parameters when compared with placebo (108309,108310). However, the study may have been underpowered to detect any differences between groups.
• Genital herpes. Oral reishi mushroom has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: Preliminary clinical research in adults with recurrent genital herpes shows that taking 4.4 grams of a mixture of hot water extracts of reishi mushroom, terminalia, Job's tears, Wisteria floribunda, Trapa natans, and Elfvingia applanata orally once daily for 2 days, then 2.2 grams daily thereafter until outbreak resolution, decreases the time to outbreak resolution by 6 days when compared with previous outbreaks (91434).
• Gulf war syndrome. It is unclear if oral reishi mushroom is beneficial for Gulf war syndrome. Details: A very small exploratory clinical trial in adults with Gulf war syndrome shows that taking reishi mushroom extract (JHS Natural Products, Mushroom Science) 1600 mg in two divided doses daily for 30 days does not improve symptoms when compared with placebo. Also, symptoms modestly worsened after an additional 30 days of treatment at a dose of 3200 mg daily (108311).
• Hepatitis B. One small clinical study suggests that a specific reishi mushroom extract may reduce hepatitis B activity and improve liver function. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking a specific reishi mushroom extract (Ganopoly, Encore International Co.) 1800 mg orally three times daily for 12 weeks reduces levels of hepatitis B viral DNA and hepatitis B surface antigen, which are markers of hepatitis B activity, and normalizes aminotransferase levels in a greater percentage of patients when compared with placebo (70799).
• Herpes labialis (cold sores). Oral reishi mushroom has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: Preliminary clinical research in adults with recurrent herpes labialis shows that taking 4.4 grams of a mixture of hot water extracts of reishi mushroom, terminalia, Job's tears, Wisteria floribunda, Trapa natans, and Elfvingia applanata orally once daily for 2 days, then 2.2 grams daily thereafter until outbreak resolution, decreases the time to outbreak resolution by almost 4 days when compared with previous outbreaks (91434).
• Herpes zoster (shingles). Although there has been interest in using oral reishi mushroom for herpes zoster, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of reishi mushroom for this purpose.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV). Oral reishi mushroom has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: Preliminary clinical research in patients with oral HPV shows that taking a combination of reishi and coriolus mushroom powders, 400 mg orally daily for 2 months, clears HPV in 88% of patients when compared with baseline (91433). The validity of this finding is limited by the lack of a comparator group.
• Hypertension. Limited research suggests that oral reishi mushroom may be beneficial in some types of hypertension. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking reishi mushroom extract 1440 mg daily for 12 weeks does not lower blood pressure in patients with hypertension (70776). However, in other clinical research, taking reishi mushroom extract 330-1440 mg daily for 1-6 months reduces blood pressure in patients with stage II or essential hypertension, but not in those with mild hypertension or diabetes (70786,70802,91435).
• Influenza. Although there has been interest in using reishi mushroom for influenza, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of reishi mushroom for this purpose.
• Insomnia. Although there has been interest in using reishi mushroom for insomnia, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of reishi mushroom for this purpose.
• Lung cancer. Small clinical studies suggest that oral reishi mushroom does not reduce the size of lung tumors. Details: A meta-analysis of preliminary clinical research shows that taking reishi mushroom does not reduce the size of lung tumors. However, it may stimulate immune function and improve quality of life in lung cancer patients when compared with control (70779).
• Peptic ulcers. Although there has been interest in using oral reishi mushroom for peptic ulcers, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of reishi mushroom for this purpose.
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Oral reishi mushroom has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: A small clinical trial in patients with active RA who are taking disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs shows that taking reishi mushroom extract 4 grams in combination with San Miao San (containing 2.4 grams each of atractylodes, phellodendron, and Achyranthes bidentata) daily for 24 weeks does not increase the percentage of patients achieving a 20% response based on the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria or modify blood markers of disease and inflammation when compared with placebo (70767).
• Stress. Although there has been interest in using oral reishi mushroom for stress, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of reishi mushroom for this purpose. More evidence is needed to rate reishi mushroom for these uses.

(Read more about REISHI MUSHROOM)

POSSIBLY INEFFECTIVE

• Dental Plaque. A solution containing an extract of shiitake mushroom is less effective than fluoride mouthwash for reducing dental plaque. Details: Clinical research shows that rinsing the mouth with a solution containing shiitake mushroom extract does not reduce dental plaque when compared with placebo and appears to be less effective than fluoride mouth rinse (Meridol) (94250).

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

• Aging. Although there has been interest in using oral shiitake mushroom for aging, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of shiitake mushroom for this purpose.
• Atherosclerosis. Although there has been interest in using oral shiitake mushroom for atherosclerosis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of shiitake mushroom for this purpose.
• Breast cancer. Although there has been interest in using oral shiitake mushroom for breast cancer, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of shiitake mushroom for this purpose.
• Cancer. It is unclear if oral shiitake mushroom is beneficial in patients with cancer. Details: Although some small clinical studies in patients with gastric or colon cancer have found that patients taking the shiitake mushroom extract AHCC 3-6 grams daily have better survival rates and quality of life when compared with historical population data, other observational research has not found a benefit for patients with head, neck, lung, or breast cancer when compared with baseline (30421,30425,30454). The validity of these studies is limited by lack of a comparator group.
• Chemotherapy-induced anemia. It is unclear if oral shiitake mushroom is beneficial in patients with chemotherapy-induced anemia. Details: A small clinical study in adults receiving chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer shows that taking the shiitake mushroom extract AHCC 6 grams daily for 8-12 weeks does not reduce the rate of grade 2 to 3 anemia when compared with placebo (110131).
• Chemotherapy-induced leukopenia. It is unclear if oral shiitake mushroom is beneficial in patients with chemotherapy-induced leukopenia. Details: Preliminary clinical research in patients with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy shows that taking the shiitake mushroom extract AHCC significantly reduces chemotherapy-related neutrophil events and lipid abnormalities when compared with standard care (94829).Observational research in patients with resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma has found that taking this product orally 3 grams daily throughout 2 cycles of neoadjuvant gemcitabine improves the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and nutritional scores when compared with standard of care (106783). In contrast, other clinical research in patients with pancreatic or biliary tract cancer receiving gemcitabine chemotherapy shows that taking AHCC 6 grams daily for two months does not seem to affect neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, or hepatic dysfunction when compared with standard of care. However, taking AHCC did reduce C-reactive protein and increase hemoglobin and albumin when compared to standard of care (30424).
• Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). It is unclear if oral shiitake mushroom is beneficial in patients with CINV. Details: Preliminary clinical research in patients being treated for head and neck cancers shows that taking the shiitake mushroom extract AHCC 3 grams daily, beginning 3 days prior to chemotherapy and continuing until one week after chemotherapy, reduces gastric side effects and the need for antiemetic therapy when compared with baseline (30425). The validity of these findings is limited by the lack of a comparator group.
• Chemotherapy-induced taste changes. It is unclear if oral shiitake mushroom is beneficial for the prevention of taste changes due to chemotherapy. Details: A small clinical study in adults receiving chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer shows that taking the shiitake mushroom extract AHCC 6 grams daily for 8-12 weeks reduces the rate of patient-reported taste disorders by 27% when compared with placebo (110131). Although patients in the AHCC group had modest improvements in some nutritional parameters when compared with the placebo group, it is unclear if any changes would be considered clinically significant.
• Common cold. Although there has been interest in using oral shiitake mushroom for the common cold, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of shiitake mushroom for this purpose.
• Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Although there has been interest in using oral shiitake mushroom for COVID-19, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of shiitake mushroom for this purpose.
• Diabetes. Although there has been interest in using oral shiitake mushroom for diabetes, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of shiitake mushroom for this purpose.
• Genital herpes. Although there has been interest in using oral shiitake mushroom for genital herpes, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of shiitake mushroom for this purpose.
• Hepatitis C. It is unclear if oral shiitake mushroom is beneficial in patients with hepatitis C. Details: Preliminary clinical research in adults with chronic hepatitis C shows that taking the shiitake mushroom extract AHCC 6 grams daily for 6 months does not significantly reduce alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or hepatitis C virus RNA levels when compared with placebo (30419).
• HIV/AIDS. Although there has been interest in using oral shiitake mushroom for HIV/AIDS, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of shiitake mushroom for this purpose.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV). It is unclear if oral shiitake mushroom is beneficial in patients with HPV. Details: A small clinical study in adult females with persistent high-risk HPV shows that taking the shiitake mushroom extract AHCC 3 grams daily leads to clearance of HPV RNA and DNA in 64% of patients after 6 months of treatment, compared to 11% of patients taking placebo (110129). The validity of these findings is limited by lack of statistical comparison between groups.
• Hypercholesterolemia. It is unclear whether oral shiitake mushroom is beneficial for lowering blood lipid levels. Details: Clinical research in adults with borderline high levels of cholesterol or triglycerides shows that consuming bars providing shiitake mushroom for 66 days modestly reduces triglyceride levels, but does not affect levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol or high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, when compared with placebo bars. Each bar provided dried shiitake mushroom 3.5 grams daily and the number of bars consumed daily was based on body mass index (108300). The effect of shiitake mushroom in patients with hypercholesterolemia, specifically, is unclear due to the heterogenous patient population.
• Hypertension. Although there has been interest in using oral shiitake mushroom for hypertension, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of shiitake mushroom for this purpose.
• Impaired glucose tolerance (prediabetes). Oral shiitake mushroom has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear. Details: Clinical research in adults with prediabetes shows that taking freeze-dried shiitake mushroom 0.96 grams in combination with chokeberry 1.36 grams, Panax ginseng 1.64 grams, and nattokinase 0.8 grams (Chakreis, YD Nutraceuticals Ltd.) twice daily for 12 weeks does not affect glycated hemoglobin, fasting blood glucose, or oral glucose tolerance test results when compared with placebo. However, there were some modest beneficial effects on insulin resistance and fasting insulin and liver transaminase levels (108301).
• Influenza. Although there has been interest in using oral shiitake mushroom for influenza, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of shiitake mushroom for this purpose.
• Liver cancer. Small, low-quality clinical studies suggest that oral shiitake mushroom extract may improve overall survival in patients with liver cancer. Details: Preliminary clinical research in patients with advanced hepatic cancer shows that taking the shiitake mushroom extract AHCC orally 6 grams daily for a median of 3.5 months along with supportive care increases the median survival time by 2 months when compared with placebo. Taking AHCC also improved quality of life scores when compared with placebo (30359). Population research in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma has also found that taking AHCC 3 grams daily for up to 9 years after surgical resection reduces tumor recurrence and mortality by 48% and 56%, respectively, when compared with control (30353). In another small, open label clinical study of adults with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, tumor recurrence occurred in 52% of patients who took AHCC 1 gram three times daily for 2 years after surgical resection (110130). The interpretation of these results is limited by the lack of a control group.
• Obesity. Although there has been interest in using oral shiitake mushroom for obesity, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of shiitake mushroom for this purpose.
• Prostate cancer. It is unclear whether shiitake mushroom has a role in preventing disease progression. Details: Preliminary clinical research shows that taking shiitake mushroom extract does not prevent disease progression, as determined by prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, when compared with baseline (10451). More evidence is needed to rate shiitake mushroom for these uses.

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There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of chaga.

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

(Read more about CHAGA)

POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately as extracts. A maitake mushroom extract 3 mg/kg twice daily has been used safely for up to 12 weeks (92843). Doses up to 5 mg/kg twice daily of another maitake mushroom extract have been used safely for up to 3 weeks (61239). Maitake mushroom polysaccharides (MMP) 1-1.5 grams daily have also been used safely for up to 2 years (8188).

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

(Read more about MAITAKE MUSHROOM)

POSSIBLY SAFE ...when an extract of reishi mushroom is used orally and appropriately for up to one year (12,5485,70767,70774,70786,70799,70800,70801,70802). ...when whole powdered reishi mushroom is used orally and appropriately for up to 16 weeks (70776,70799,70800,70801,91433,91435,91436,91437,108309).

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using

(Read more about REISHI MUSHROOM)

LIKELY SAFE ...when consumed in typical food amounts (6).

POSSIBLY SAFE .... ..when the shiitake mushroom extract AHCC is used orally and appropriately. AHCC 4.5-6 grams daily has been used with apparent safety in clinical trials lasting up to 6 months (22926,30419). Population research identified no safety concerns with the use of AHCC 3 grams daily for up to 9 years (30353,94830).

POSSIBLY UNSAFE ...when shiitake mushroom powder is used orally in medicinal amounts. Ingestion of shiitake mushroom powder 4 grams daily for 10 weeks can cause eosinophilia (1149). ...when uncooked shiitake mushroom is ingested. The lentinan component, which is broken down by heat, can cause toxic reactions, including shiitake dermatitis (94354).

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid consuming greater than food amounts.

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ANTICOAGULANT/ANTIPLATELET DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, chaga may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.  Details In vitro and animal research suggests that chaga extract can inhibit platelet aggregation (26260). This effect has not been reported in humans.

ANTIDIABETES DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, taking chaga with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.  Details Animal research suggests that chaga might decrease blood glucose levels and increase insulin levels (26253,111924,111925,111927). This has not been reported in humans.

IMMUNOSUPPRESSANTS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, chaga might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.  Details In vitro research suggests that certain constituents of chaga stimulate immune function (26263). This has not been reported in humans.

(Read more about CHAGA)

ANTIDIABETES DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = B Theoretically, combining maitake mushroom with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.  Details Clinical research shows that taking maitake mushroom polysaccharide (MMP) can lower blood glucose levels in patients with types 2 diabetes (8188).

ANTIHYPERTENSIVE DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, combining maitake mushroom with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.  Details Animal research shows that maitake mushroom can lower blood pressure (1213,1214,61226).

WARFARIN (Coumadin) Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D There is limited evidence that maitake mushroom may increase the anticoagulant effects of warfarin.  Details In a case report, a patient previously stabilized on warfarin developed an elevated international normalized ratio (INR) of 5.1 after taking maitake mushroom (Grifron-Pro Maitake D-Fraction) 1 drop/kg daily in three divided doses for one week. The elevated INR resolved after holding warfarin for two days, then reducing the dose by 11%. It is thought that the beta-glucan constituent of maitake mushroom might cause warfarin dissociation from proteins, resulting in increased free warfarin levels and increased warfarin effects (17209).

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ANTICOAGULANT/ANTIPLATELET DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, high doses of reishi mushroom might increase the risk of bleeding.  Details A dose of 1.5 grams daily of reishi mushroom does not seem to decrease platelet aggregation, but a higher dose of 3 grams daily does (5476,13235).

ANTIDIABETES DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, reishi mushroom might have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs.  Details Animal research suggests that reishi mushroom decreases blood sugar (70769). However, in patients with type 2 diabetes, taking reishi mushroom does not reduce fasting glucose levels, and its effects on glycated hemoglobin are inconsistent (70801,91435).

ANTIHYPERTENSIVE DRUGS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, concurrent use of reishi mushroom with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.  Details Reishi mushroom has shown hypotensive activity in animal research (5488,70784). Clinical evidence suggests that reishi mushroom reduces blood pressure in some, but not all, patients with hypertension (70786,70802).

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CYTOCHROME P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) SUBSTRATES Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = Moderate •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, shiitake mushroom might decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.  Details In vitro studies suggest that the shiitake mushroom extract AHCC might induce the CYP2D6 enzyme (30369,30420). This effect has not been reported in humans.

IMMUNOSUPPRESSANTS Interaction Rating = Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Severity = High •  Occurrence = Possible •  Level of Evidence = D Theoretically, taking shiitake mushroom might decrease the effects of immunosuppressive therapy.  Details In vitro evidence suggests that shiitake mushroom extracts stimulate immune function (30351,30358,30360,30361,30366,30367,30368,30371,30376,30379,30381,30382,30416,30418) (74769,74783,74876,94245).

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General ...There is limited reliable information available regarding the adverse effects of chaga.

Renal ...Orally, there have been two cases of kidney failure and one case of acute nephropathy related to excessive chaga consumption, which contains high concentrations of oxalate (96566,105246,108756).

(Read more about CHAGA)

General ...Orally, maitake mushroom is generally well tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Gastrointestinal effects, including diarrhea and epigastric pain.

Dermatologic ...In a clinical trial, one patient experienced rash and pruritus after two doses of maitake mushroom polysaccharide extract. The allergic reaction cleared without intervention (61239).

Gastrointestinal ...In clinical research of a polysaccharide extract from maitake mushroom, one patient reported nausea (61239) and 2 out of 26 reported epigastric pain (17131). In a clinical trial of a liquid extract from maitake mushroom, 2 out of 21 patients experienced diarrhea, and one experienced nausea. One patient withdrew from the study due to diarrhea (92843).

Immunologic ...In a clinical trial of a liquid extract from maitake mushroom, 4 out of 21 patients experienced eosinophilia (92843).

Musculoskeletal ...In a clinical trial of a polysaccharide extract from maitake mushroom, one patient reported joint swelling (61239).

Pulmonary/Respiratory ...There is one case of occupational hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) caused by maitake mushroom spores (61228).

(Read more about MAITAKE MUSHROOM)

General ...Orally, reishi mushroom is generally well tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Dizziness, dry mouth, itching, nausea, rash, and stomach upset.

Dermatologic ...Orally, reishi mushroom can cause itching, rash, and other skin reactions (12,5479).

Gastrointestinal ...Orally, reishi mushroom can cause dryness of the mouth, throat, or nasal cavity, nausea, stomach upset, and, more rarely, diarrhea (12,70779,91438,108309).

Hematologic ...Orally, reishi mushroom can cause nosebleed and bloody stools (12,91438).

Hepatic ...One case of hepatotoxicity and one case of fatal fulminant hepatitis have been reported in patients who had used reishi mushroom powder for 1-2 months (70766). There is a case report of a 61-year-old male with hypereosinophilia associated with hepatic nodules following the use of reishi mushroom powder for about 2 months. Symptoms resolved after discontinuation of the product. Although these side effects were thought to be associated with the use of reishi mushroom powder, it is unclear if other factors played a role. The patient had been taking tegafur, gimeracil, and oteracil potassium for about 4 months following anterior resection for rectal adenocarcinoma but discontinued these agents and initiated reishi mushroom due to liver injury (108312).

Neurologic/CNS ...Orally, reishi mushroom can cause dizziness (91438). Other rare symptoms include insomnia and headache (70776,70779).

Pulmonary/Respiratory ...Respiratory allergy to reishi spores can occur (12,5479). Sore throat and runny nose have also been reported (70776,91438).

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General ...Orally, shiitake mushroom is generally well tolerated when cooked and consumed as a food.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Abdominal discomfort, bloating, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: Consumption of raw shiitake mushroom can cause shiitake dermatitis, a skin eruption resembling whiplash marks which can be accompanied by systemic symptoms. Large pieces that have been inadequately chewed can cause intestinal blockage, occasionally requiring surgery.

Dermatologic ...Orally, shiitake mushrooms can cause shiitake dermatitis, a skin eruption that resembles whiplash marks, usually found on the trunk and limbs. This dermatitis is thought to be a toxic response to lentinan or other compounds found normally in uncooked or inadequately cooked shiitake mushroom. The rash can be made worse by scratching. Symptom onset is usually within hours to days and can persist for 3-4 weeks before resolving on its own. There is some evidence that treatment with steroids alone or with antihistamines might reduce the duration of the rash by a small amount in some people (1148,1152,74782,74806,94236,94237,94238,94240,94241,94243) (94244,94246,94247,94248,94249,94252,94253,94254,94255,94256)(94257,94259,94261,94262,108302,111909,111912,111913). The dermatitis may include small purple spots from broken capillaries, skin plaques, burning, blanching, and pustules (94256,108302). Rarely the rash may look like measles rather than whiplash (94256). Histologically, there may be evidence of dermal and epidermal edema, lymphocyte infiltration, and skin thickening (94256,94257). Other symptoms associated with the dermatitis include fever, aching, malaise, eosinophilia, diarrhea, prickling in the hands, trouble swallowing, conjunctivitis, and pustules with small ulcers in the mouth (94240,94246,94247,94249,94256,94257,108302). It is likely that the dermatitis and other symptoms are due to a delayed type hypersensitivity reaction (94244,94255). Cooking shiitake mushroom generally prevents shiitake dermatitis, although some cases have occurred in people who have consumed cooked sources (94242,94244). It appears that to inactivate lentinan, cooking temperatures of at least 130°C are needed (94243).
Less common is a photosensitivity reaction associated with oral ingestion, which involves rash and pruritus after sun exposure (1148,94241).
Orally, the shiitake mushroom extract AHCC has been reported to cause mild itching (30375).

Gastrointestinal ...Orally, shiitake mushrooms can cause abdominal discomfort, including bloating, nausea, pain, vomiting, and diarrhea (1149,30365,30375,30419,94241). Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea, problems swallowing, or mouth ulcers have been associated with shiitake dermatitis (94241,94256). Consumption of large pieces of shiitake mushroom with inadequate chewing can cause abdominal obstruction that has resulted in death in one case and surgical intervention in two others. In another case, parenteral nutrition was used exclusively until the shiitake mushroom pieces were passed (1147,94260,103160,108303,108304).
Topically, an oral rinse containing shiitake mushroom extract has been associated with teeth sensitivity, teeth staining, and burning in the mouth (94250).

Hematologic ...Ingestion of shiitake mushroom powder 4 grams daily for 10 weeks caused eosinophilia in 5 of 10 healthy humans (1149). Eosinophilia, and leukocytosis or leukopenia have been reported with shiitake dermatitis (94254,94256,94257).

Immunologic ...Allergic contact dermatitis can occur by contact with shiitake hyphae (filaments) (1153,74785,111913). It appears to be more common in growers or others that handle shiitake mushrooms extensively (94241,94259). Contact or inhalation also results in other symptoms of allergy, such as asthma, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and pneumonia (94241,94249,94258,94259).

Musculoskeletal ...Orally, the shiitake mushroom extract AHCC has been reported to cause foot cramps and difficulty moving hand joints (30365,30416).

Neurologic/CNS ...In patients experiencing shiitake dermatitis, other symptoms may include prickling in the hands (94256). Malaise has also been reported following oral intake or contact (1151,94240).
Orally, the shiitake mushroom extract AHCC has been reported to cause mild and transient headache (30365).

Ocular/Otic ...Conjunctivitis has been reported rarely in mushroom growers and handlers, or following oral intake in patients with shiitake dermatitis (94241,94256,94259).

Pulmonary/Respiratory ...In mushroom workers, hypersensitivity pneumonitis due to shiitake spore inhalation has occurred. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, chest pain, a dry cough, asthma, and rhinitis (1150,1151,74776,74813,94239,94241,94258,94259).

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