The Fast Facts
- Mushrooms have long been known for their health benefits, and are now widely available in supplement forms such as capsules, powders, gummies, coffee, and matcha.
- Reported effects vary by mushroom type and may include support for cognition, stress, immunity, and energy.
- Our tester loved Cornbread Hemp Focus Mushroom Gummies, which contain Lion’s mane and cordyceps, for boosting energy and clarity, and reducing brain fog.
- Best liquid mushroom supplement: MaryRuth's Organic Mushroom Complex Liquid Extract | Skip to review
While people have long valued mushrooms for their health-promoting properties, they’re kinda having their moment in the wellness world.
Indeed, a quick online search or a visit to your local health store reveals what many are dubbing the ‘shroom boom’, with mushrooms increasingly appearing in products like gummies, coffee, capsules, and powders.
Mushroom supplements typically contain functional or medicinal mushrooms, a broad umbrella term for fungi that support everyday health and well-being.
Within this category, companies often market different mushrooms for different purposes. For example, nootropic mushrooms are typically associated with cognitive support like memory and focus, while adaptogenic mushrooms are better known for helping the body manage stress and maintain balance.
Most mushroom supplements combine one or more mushroom varieties, each selected for specific wellness goals.
Here’s our pick of the best mushroom supplements in 2026.
• cordyceps* (500 mg)
• ginseng* (250 mg)
• KSM-66* (250 mg)
• l-theanine* (50 mg)
• cordycepsprime* (500 mg)
• reishi mushroom* (500 mg)
*organic ingredients.
All brands and products we feature undergo our thorough Healthline vetting process.
For this list, we considered the following factors:
- Price: We strived to include relatively affordable options.
- Ingredients: We considered the types of mushrooms used, the amount of mushroom extract included, and whether other beneficial nutrients or botanicals are present. We also prioritized supplements made with high quality ingredients and minimal added sugars and artificial additives.
- Quality testing: In addition to ensuring ingredients are well-sourced, we prioritized brands and products that undergo third-party testing and hold certifications confirming they are safe for consumption.
- User reviews: Healthline looks at user reviews to understand how existing customers like the products and brand.
- Brand reputation: We always do our best to show reputable brands. For example, we verify that every brand complies with labeling requirements set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Mushrooms are often promoted for their extensive health benefits. According to research, some mushrooms contain biologically active constituents that exhibit various positive effects, including:
- anticancer
- immunomodulatory
- antioxidant
- antidiabetic
In addition, certain mushrooms may help accelerate metabolism, fight obesity, and slow the aging process thanks to their high antioxidant activity.
However, much of the evidence comes from laboratory or animal studies, with limited high quality human clinical data.
While generally considered safe for many people, mushroom supplements are not risk-free and may interact with medications or cause side effects in some individuals.
It’s a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional before starting mushroom supplements.
Types of mushroom supplements
The mushrooms used in supplements are often called functional or medicinal mushrooms, which essentially means they support everyday health and well-being.
You may also see specific marketing categories such as:
- nootropic mushrooms (associated with cognition and focus)
- adaptogenic mushrooms (associated with stress response)
- immune-support mushrooms (associated with immune health)
These terms are not strict scientific classifications but are commonly used in nutrition, wellness, and supplement contexts to describe the effects of mushrooms.
Here are some popular mushrooms included in supplements and their individual potential benefits.
| Mushroom | Primary effect | Potential benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Reishi (aka Ganoderma lucidum, Ganoderma sinense, Chizhi, or Zizhi) | adaptogenic | • reduces inflammation • slows cancer cell growth • fights viruses • kills microbes • lowers blood pressure • supports heart function |
| Lion’s mane (aka Hericium erinaceus, bearded tooth fungus, pom-pom mushroom, monkey head mushroom, satyr’s beard) | nootropic | • slows cancer cell growth • reduces oxidative stress • slows aging effects • regulates immune system • supports the nervous system • eases asthma symptoms |
| Turkey tail (aka Trametes versicolor, Cloud mushroom, yun zhi, kawaritake) | immunodulating | • reduces inflammation • slows cancer cell growth • fights viruses • kills microbes • lowers blood pressure • supports heart function |
| Chaga (aka Inonotus obliquus, cinder conk, birch conk, black mass) | immunodulatory | • reduces cell damage • slows aging effects • fights harmful microbes • slows tumor growth • reduces inflammation • lowers blood sugar • lowers blood fats (cholesterol/triglycerides) |
| Cordyceps (aka Ophiocordyceps sinensis, Cordyceps militaris, caterpillar fungi, zombie fungi) | adaptogenic | • may help slow tumor growth • balances immune system • reduces cell damage • may help prevent weight gain • fights harmful microbes • helps control blood sugar • may support brain function and memory (by affecting neurotransmitters) |
| Maitake (Grifola frondosa, hen of the woods, dancing mushroom, ram’s head, sheeps’ head) | immunodulatory | • reduces allergic reactions • lowers blood sugar • balances immune system • helps trigger removal of damaged cells • reduces cell damage • may slow cancer cell growth • fights harmful microbes |
Medical Perspective“Be careful when mushroom supplements claim to ‘cure’, ‘treat’, or ‘reverse’ specific conditions. The FDA does not approve supplements to do that. Watch out for misleading marketing or vague terms such as ‘boosts immunity’ or ‘supports brain health’ without any scientific evidence.”
— Alex Nguyen, PharmD, RPh, CPh
Learn more about adaptogenic mushrooms: The benefits, risks, and types.
Quotes represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.
There are no well-documented direct interactions between common medicinal mushroom supplements (such as lion’s mane, reishi, or cordyceps) and antidepressants. However, research on their combined use is limited. If you are considering taking both together, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before starting.
Mushroom supplements can usually be taken either on an empty stomach or with food, and there is no strong evidence that one is significantly more effective than the other. The best approach is to follow the product label and see what works best for your body.
The effects of mushroom supplements vary depending on the type of mushroom, dose, and individual response.
For example, our tester observed improved energy and reduced brain fog shortly after using Cornbread Hemp Focus Mushroom Gummies.
However, most mushroom supplement brands recommend taking them regularly for 4 weeks to assess their full effects. That said, the evidence supporting this specific timeline is still limited.
While research on medicinal mushroom supplements is still emerging, early evidence and user reports suggest they may support focus, the stress response, immunity, and overall energy levels.
Common ingredients in these formulations include reishi, lion’s mane, turkey tail, chaga, cordyceps, and maitake mushrooms.
As with any supplement, it’s important to choose high quality, third-party tested products and consult a healthcare professional before adding them to your routine.
