Hi Everyone,

Dr. Andy here with an update on the science behind mushrooms.

 

One question we receive often is whether functional mushrooms are safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As with all health-related inquiries, I take this seriously and review the available research carefully. Currently, there is very limited human research that directly addresses mushroom supplementation during pregnancy or lactation. So, we don’t know the answer. However, the studies we do have suggest that the mushrooms we use are safe in animal models. For example, mouse studies have shown no adverse effects during pregnancy or breastfeeding(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31726135/; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29359595/). These studies are often precursors to those in humans.

Because evidence is still emerging, Brain Wave will never make claims that aren’t supported by solid scientific research. We remain committed to transparency and will keep you updated as new, high-quality studies become available.

On a positive note and a follow-up to my last newsletter, cordycepin from cordyceps was shown to have brain protecting power (https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12035-025-05399-y). It’s more like zombie prevention than zombie invention!

 

While the diagram may be confusing, it suggests that cordycepin helped mice with sepsis (a dangerous body-wide infection) think and remember better. Healthy metabolites could more efficiently cross the gut lining (left side), which in turn reduced inflammatory signals that cross the blood brain barrier (BBB) (right side). In the brain, cordycepin protected important nerve cells and reduced swelling and inflammation. It did this by calming down parts of the immune system called microglia that were overreacting and causing damage, switching them from “inflammatory” (M1) to an “anti-inflammatory/healing” (M2) mode.

Overall, cordycepin helps recovery after infection by reducing inflammation and supporting both healthy gut and brain cells.

 

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Dr. Andy