Mushrooms have been historically important in the human diet and in traditional medicine, especially in Asian countries, due to their numerous therapeutic properties. In the last decades, their popularity has increased all over the world, especially since the second half of the 20th century, when the development of cultivation techniques made it easier to access these mushrooms, making them increasingly popular due to their scientifically proven medicinal properties. In addition to fresh consumption, there are preparations in the form of powders, capsules, tablets and tinctures made from medicinal mushrooms, which are available on the market as food supplements and are used in the prevention and treatment of various health problems.
In veterinary medicine, the use of medicinal mushrooms can be considered recent, as well as the number of specific studies on the use of these mushrooms in animal health. Nevertheless, their use is also becoming popular among veterinarians, with excellent results. Today, more than 50 species of mushrooms are known to possess a wide range of therapeutic properties, the most popular of which are Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi), Cordyceps spp., Agaricus Blazei, Coriolus Versicolor and Hericium Erinaceus, among others.
They all contain a wide range of biologically active compounds, including β-glucans, polyphenols, triterpenes, proteins and others. In general, they strengthen the immune system and have antineoplastic activity, particularly when used as a complementary therapy to conventional treatment. In addition, they have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties, regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels, as well as blood pressure, act to prevent diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and protect against viral and bacterial infections. They are also a source of ergosterol, which is the precursor of vitamin D2, which has various metabolic functions and plays a protective role in various diseases.
Given the great utility of medicinal mushrooms in veterinary medicine, we're going to look at the properties of some of them.
Ganoderma Lucidum (Reishi)
This is the most famous of all medicinal mushrooms due to its many properties. It has been used in traditional Asian medicine for thousands of years to promote health and longevity. In China and Japan, it is called lingzhi or reishi, respectively, meaning “miraculous”, “divine” or “Mushroom of Immortality”. It works to improve general health and immunity, as well as being useful in the prevention and treatment of a wide variety of diseases, and is known for its anti-ageing properties.
A diverse range of around 400 biologically active compounds have been identified in Reishi, belonging to the groups of polysaccharides, terpenes, sterols, phenols, nucleosides, proteins and peptidoglycans, as well as minerals and β-glucans that give the mushroom a wide range of therapeutic properties. Several scientific studies have confirmed its medicinal properties, including strengthening the immune system, antineoplastic, antioxidant and neuroprotective activity, as well as preventing cardiovascular, liver and kidney diseases, diabetes, respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders. In addition, the triterpenes give it anti-inflammatory properties, making it very useful in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and bronchitis, as well as anti-allergic properties, since it inhibits the release of histamine. It's recommended for patients with atopic dermatitis and eczema, with good results. It can also prevent the formation of blood clots, control blood pressure and reduce cholesterol levels, as well as blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Additionally, It is a natural source of antibiotics and antivirals, as it has demonstrated antibacterial activity against various bacteria and an inhibitory effect on herpes simplex viruses type 1 and 2, hepatitis B and the vesicular stomatitis virus. It also helps relieve insomnia and anxiety and has neuroprotective effects in animals with cognitive dysfunction.
There are no known adverse or side effects, but it should be used with caution in animals using anticoagulants, antiaggregants, hypoglycemic or immunosuppressive drugs.
Agaricus blazei Murrill (ABM)
Originally from the Americas, this medicinal mushroom is becoming increasingly popular all over the world due to its therapeutic properties. Also known as the “Royak Sun Mushroom”, it is rich in minerals, B vitamins, Vitamin E and ergosterol, as well as proteins, lipids and enzymes. It is widely recognized for its antitumour and immunostimulatory activity, has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties, hepatoprotective and antiviral activity and reduces blood sugar and cholesterol levels, protecting against diabetes and atherosclerosis.
It is also used to reduce physical and emotional stress and to treat various health problems, including hepatitis, dermatitis, osteoporosis, peptic ulcers, as well as digestive and cardiovascular disorders. One of its most notable applications in veterinary medicine is its antiprotozoal activity, which is very useful in the treatment of Leishmaniasis, as it reduces Leishmania's ability to infect, reducing the protozoa's strength in the lymph nodes and spleen and stimulating the immune system to produce defense cytokines and reduce pro-inflammatory interleukins. It also acts on allergies and dermatitis, with good results.
No serious adverse effects have been reported, but due to its high fiber content, increased peristalsis and diarrhea are possible in predisposed animals.
Cordyceps sinensis
This is an insect parasitic fungus, also known as the “Zombie Fungus” and is widely used in traditional East Asian medicine due to its high therapeutic value. It has been used for centuries as an invigorating tonic against fatigue and fertility problems, protects the kidneys and liver and is useful in the treatment of various diseases as cancer, respiratory disorders (asthma, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and osteoporosis. It also has antioxidant properties and regulates cholesterol and insulin levels in the blood, which respectively helps prevent cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Its main pharmacologically active compounds include cordicepin, which has antibiotic, antiviral, antineoplastic and immunomodulatory effects, as well as various polysaccharides, vitamins, amino acids, ergosterol and others. It increases the cellular immune response and strengthens the immune system, also acting against tumors and viral infections.
Its invigorating properties are due to its beneficial effects on respiratory and cardiovascular function, since it increases blood flow, oxygen uptake, utilization and consumption by cells, thus increasing cellular energy levels (ATP). For this reason, it is recommended for high-performance animals, as well as those suffering from chronic stress, exhaustion and the ageing animals, as it has been clinically proven that Cordyceps reduces fatigue, increases vitality and energy and improves mental health and brain function.
In addition, it has a protective effect on the liver, where it improves the Kupffer cell function, increasing energy metabolism and hepatic blood flow, as well as protecting the liver from tissue damage. On a renal level, it protects kidney function in the ageing process. In animal athletes, Cordyceps speeds up muscle recovery time, reduces oxidative damage as well as bronchial constriction on exertion, improves lactic acid clearance and improves cardiac function.
There are no known adverse effects, but it should be used with caution in hormone-dependent tumors such as breast and prostate tumors.
Hericium erinaceus
It is popularly known as “Lion's mane”. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is recognized for a variety of therapeutic properties, especially for its beneficial effects on the nervous system, since it acts on neuronal regeneration, which gives it neuroprotective properties, prevents dementia and neurodegenerative diseases. It also harmonizes the psycho-neuro-organic axis, helping with depression and anxiety.
Around 70 different biologically active compounds have been identified in Hericium erinaceus, which include β-glucans that boost the immune system, thus exerting anti-tumor activity; phenols with antioxidant properties and ergosterol. The latter, in the presence of sunlight or ultraviolet light, is converted into vitamin D2, which has potential protective effects against various diseases, such as multiple sclerosis.
Its neuroprotective activity is due to erinacins and hericenones, which stimulate the synthesis of the nerve growth factor involved in maintaining and organizing the function of neurons and can therefore prevent neurodegenerative diseases such as cognitive dysfunction, dementia and depression, as well as demonstrating neuroregenerative potential and improving the formation of the myelin sheath.
It has anti-inflammatory, regenerative and prebiotic action throughout the digestive system, where it supports the development of the intestinal microbiota and corrects imbalances due to changes in the intestinal membranes' permeability in inflammatory diseases, including improving nutrient absorption. It also has an effect on allergies and food intolerance, as well as protecting against gastric ulcers and gastritis, as it fights infections caused by Helicobacter pylori.
No adverse effects have been reported, but it should be used with caution in patients with brain tumors as it has properties that favour neurological growth factors.
Coriolus versicolor
Also called Trametes versicolor or “Turkey Tail” is one of the most clinically studied medicinal mushrooms and is used for the treatment of various types of cancer. Research focuses mainly on the anti-tumor properties of the two pharmacologically active polysaccharide-protein complexes, called PSK (Polysaccharide-K or Krestin) and PSP (Polysaccharide-Peptide). PSK is a water-soluble glycoprotein that is considered an adaptogen. It has anti-tumor properties, acting to prevent carcinogenesis and avoid metastasis. In various clinical studies, it has shown excellent results in patients with gastric, esophageal, nasopharyngeal, lung, breast and leukemia cancers, among others. In addition, PSK has antimicrobial and antiviral activity due to its excellent ability to activate the immune system.
Similarly, PSP protects against oxidative stress in cancer patients, as well as having immunostimulant, analgesic and hepatoprotective activity. It protects against the side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, such as depletion of red blood cells and leukocytes, and damage to mucous membranes.
Coriolus versicolor has also been shown to have antiviral activity, especially against herpesviruses. In in veterinary medicine, we cannot fail to highlight the importance of this mushroom in the treatment of dogs and horses suffering from Lyme disease and Borreliosis.
There are no known side effects, but its use is contraindicated in autoimmune diseases and in patients using immunosuppressive drugs.
Conclusion:
Medicinal mushrooms are emerging as powerful allies in veterinary medicine. With a rich history of use and a growing scientific base that supports their therapeutic properties, these fungi offer natural solutions for the prevention and treatment of various health conditions in our pets. Their ability to strengthen the immune system, act as anti-inflammatories and offer support in chronic disease treatments highlights their value. As research advances, it is essential that veterinarians and pet owners explore natural treatment options that promote an integrated and natural approach to animal health.
References:
Podda, A. Micoterapia : I funghi medicinali per il benessere degli animali, Istituto Fauno, 2022.
Pohleven, J. et al. Medicinal Mushrooms. El. knjiga. - Podkoren : MycoMedica, 2016
Singh, M.P. Mushrooms: a Wealth of Nutraceuticals and Agent of Bioremediation. Bentham Books, India. 2023
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