A recent scientific review published in Molecular Nutrition & Food Research examined a wide range of medicinal mushrooms and their potential role in treating depression (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40289452/). The authors reviewed evidence on 20 different mushrooms, four of which are included in Brain Wave Gummies’ Daily Fusion Blend as seen in the figure below.
This research comes at a time when depression is increasingly recognized as a major mental health concern. According to Gallup polls from 2023, nearly 30% of U.S. adults report having been diagnosed with depression at some point in their lives, an increase of 10% since 2015. Rates are rising most sharply among young people and women. These trends highlight the need for accessible, supportive approaches to treating depression.
How do mushrooms work as antidepressants?
Medicinal mushrooms contain naturally occurring compounds that interact with key systems involved in mental health. For instance, research shows they help support healthy levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which play central roles in mood, motivation, and emotional balance. Other bioactive compounds 1) influence the tryptophan–kynurenine (KYN) pathway, which affects how the body processes stress and produces serotonin; 2) regulate the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, the body’s main stress-response system; and 3) reduce neuroinflammation, which is increasingly linked to depression and other mood disorders.
Let’s break down some key antidepressant elements of each of the mushrooms in Brain Wave’s blend highlighted above.
Lion’s mane contains molecules called erinacines. These molecules can regulate neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine (controls mood and “flight or fight” response), dopamine (associated with motivation reward), and serotonin (known as the “feel-good” molecule) (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29364170/).
Cordyceps extracts have been shown to affect how the brain uses serotonin and dopamine, while also helping reduce inflammation in the brain. The antidepressant-like effects of cordyceps may result from the regulation of the stress-related ROCK2/PTEN/Akt pathway (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33974945/).
Maitake mushrooms are rich in beneficial compounds such as ergothioneine and beta-glucans. Ergothioneine is a powerful antioxidant that protects brain cells from oxidative stress and neurotoxins, which may help improve depressive symptoms (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35788879/). Beta-glucans from maitake have been shown to influence specific brain signaling pathways involved in mood regulation, particularly in the prefrontal cortex (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27329257/).
Reishi has polysaccharides that have been shown to decrease inflammation in the brain to improve symptoms of depression (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33705858/). Additionally, ganoderic acid A from reishi is neuroprotective, and can regulate and improve synapse formation, the connections between neurons that allow our neurons to communicate effectively, which can improve depression (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38723681/). As discussed in my previous post, these same mechanisms may be especially relevant during menopause, when hormonal shifts can affect mood and cognition. Reishi’s traditional role in supporting liver health may also help with symptoms like hot flashes.
Lastly, all mushrooms naturally contain tryptophan. Yes, that amino acid found in Turkey that makes us sleepy after that big Thanksgiving meal. Beyond that reputation, tryptophan is a key building block for pathways of serotonin production in the brain, which are directly linked to clinical depression (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32272859/).
The bottom line is growing scientific evidence suggests mushrooms play a supportive role in mental health by reducing inflammation in the brain, regulating the stress response, and maintaining neurotransmitter balance, three key factors involved in depression.
Until next time,
Andy, PhD