Introduction
Medicinal mushrooms have long been valued for their health-promoting properties, and modern research continues to uncover their powerful benefits. This article highlights six key varieties—Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, Chaga, Turkey Tail, and Maitake—focusing on their active compounds, health effects, and common uses.
Whether taken as powders, capsules, or tinctures, these fungi offer natural support for immunity, cognition, energy, and more. To make selection easier, we provide a clear medicinal mushroom chart that summarizes essential information for each type, helping you choose the right mushroom for your wellness needs.
Key Medicinal Mushrooms
Lion’s Mane
Lion’s mane mushrooms contain hericenones and erinacines as its main active compounds. Research shows that lion’s mane supports cognitive health and may improve memory. Many studies highlight its potential for nerve growth and brain function. People often use lion’s mane in supplements as powders or extracts.
Lion’s mane extract appears in capsules and tinctures for easy use. Lion’s mane offers benefits for focus and mental clarity. Lion’s mane mushrooms have become popular for cognitive support. Lion’s mane extract remains a top choice for those seeking brain health. Lion’s mane supplements provide a convenient way to access these benefits. Lion’s mane mushrooms also support nerve health.
Reishi
Reishi mushrooms contain triterpenes and polysaccharides. Studies show that reishi supports immune health and stress reduction. Reishi extract appears in capsules, powders, and liquid supplements. Many people use reishi mushrooms for their calming effects. Reishi extract offers benefits for sleep and relaxation.
Reishi mushrooms also help balance the immune system. Reishi supplements provide a reliable source of these compounds. Reishi extract remains a staple in many wellness routines. Research continues to explore reishi’s full range of benefits. Reishi mushrooms have a long history in traditional wellness.
Chaga
Chaga mushrooms contain betulinic acid and beta-glucans. Chaga extract supports antioxidant activity and immune health. Studies suggest chaga mushrooms help protect cells from damage. Chaga extract appears in powders, capsules, and teas. Chaga mushrooms offer benefits for overall wellness.
Chaga supplements provide a concentrated source of active compounds. Chaga extract remains popular for daily immune support. Research highlights chaga’s role in fighting oxidative stress. Chaga mushrooms grow on birch trees in cold climates. Chaga extract is easy to add to many supplement routines.
Cordyceps
Cordyceps mushrooms contain cordycepin and adenosine. Cordyceps extract supports energy and athletic performance. Studies show cordyceps mushrooms help improve stamina. Cordyceps extract appears in capsules, powders, and liquid supplements. Cordyceps mushrooms offer benefits for respiratory health.
Cordyceps supplements provide a natural way to boost endurance. Cordyceps extract remains a favorite among athletes. Research continues to examine cordyceps mushrooms for energy support. Cordyceps extract is easy to include in daily supplements. Cordyceps mushrooms have a unique lifecycle in nature.
Turkey Tail
Turkey tail mushrooms contain polysaccharide-K and polysaccharide-P. Turkey tail extract supports immune modulation and gut health. Studies show turkey tail mushrooms help balance the immune system. Turkey tail extract appears in capsules, powders, and teas. Turkey tail mushrooms offer benefits for digestive wellness.
Turkey tail supplements provide a rich source of beta-glucans. Turkey tail extract remains important in cancer support research. Research highlights turkey tail mushrooms for immune health. Turkey tail extract is easy to add to daily supplements. Turkey tail mushrooms have a colorful, fan-like appearance.
Maitake
Maitake mushrooms contain D-fraction and beta-glucans. Maitake extract supports blood sugar balance and immune health. Studies show maitake mushrooms help regulate glucose levels. Maitake extract appears in capsules, powders, and liquid supplements. Maitake mushrooms offer benefits for metabolic wellness.
Maitake supplements provide a concentrated source of active compounds. Maitake extract remains a top choice for immune support. Research highlights maitake mushrooms for their adaptogenic properties. Maitake extract is easy to add to daily supplements. Maitake mushrooms grow in clusters at the base of trees.
| Mushroom | Main Active Compounds | Primary Benefits | Typical Supplement Forms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lion’s Mane | Hericenones, Erinacines | Cognitive, Nerve Health | Extract, Powder, Capsule |
| Reishi | Triterpenes, Polysaccharides | Immune, Stress, Sleep | Extract, Powder, Capsule |
| Chaga | Betulinic Acid, Beta-glucans | Antioxidant, Immune | Extract, Powder, Capsule |
| Cordyceps | Cordycepin, Adenosine | Energy, Stamina | Extract, Powder, Capsule |
| Turkey Tail | PSK, PSP | Immune, Gut Health | Extract, Powder, Capsule |
| Shiitake | Lentinan, Eritadenine | Heart, Immune | Extract, Powder, Capsule |
| Maitake | D-fraction, Beta-glucans | Blood Sugar, Immune | Extract, Powder, Capsule |
Herbal Treasure’s Medicinal Mushroom Chart
Mushroom Supplement Forms
Herbal Treasure offers a wide range of customizable mushroom supplement forms to meet diverse market needs. Whether you require capsules, powders, tinctures, or gummies, Herbal Treasure can tailor the formulation and delivery method to fit your target audience. This flexibility ensures that brands can provide effective, convenient, and appealing mushroom-based products that stand out in competitive markets.
| Supplement Form | Advantages | Typical Uses |
| Capsules / Tablets | Easy to swallow, ensure consistent dosage, and have longer shelf life | Convenient for daily use, ideal for busy lifestyles or travel |
| Powder | Flexible use—can be mixed into smoothies, coffee, or recipes, allowing personalized dosage | Used in beverages, cooking, or combined with other supplements for synergistic effects |
| Tinctures / Extracts | Highly concentrated, absorbed quickly by the body, often alcohol-based for preservation | Suitable for fast immune support or targeted health benefits |
| Tea / Decoction | Traditional preparation method that soothes digestion and promotes relaxation | Favored for calming effects and mild immune enhancement |
| Gummies | Enjoyable taste, easy for children or those who dislike swallowing pills | Good for daily supplementation without the hassle of capsules |
How to Identify Six Key Medicinal Mushrooms
1. Reishi
Reishi exhibits a characteristic glossy, reddish-brown cap with a varnished appearance. The cap is typically kidney-shaped or fan-like with concentric zones of varying shades. Its underside contains numerous tiny pores instead of gills. This species predominantly grows on hardwood trees such as oak and maple.
2. Chaga
Chaga presents as an irregular, blackened, cracked mass resembling burnt charcoal. It grows mainly on birch trees. The exterior is hard and rough, while the interior reveals a rusty orange-brown coloration. Unlike typical mushrooms, Chaga lacks a defined cap structure.
3. Lion’s Mane
Lion’s Mane is identified by its unique white, globular shape composed of cascading spines or teeth, lacking a traditional cap or gills. These long, soft spines give it a “mane-like” appearance. It typically grows on dead or dying hardwood trees.
4. Cordyceps
Cordyceps species are slender, elongated fruiting bodies with a bright orange to reddish coloration. Unlike typical mushrooms, they develop on insect hosts, especially caterpillars, and have a club-shaped, smooth surface.
5. Turkey Tail
Turkey Tail is recognizable by its thin, tough, and leathery fan-shaped layers arranged in overlapping clusters. The surface displays concentric, multicolored bands ranging from brown, tan, white to blue-green hues. This species grows on decaying hardwood.
6. Maitake
Maitake forms large, dense clusters of ruffled, feather-like fronds that emerge from a common base. The coloration ranges from light brown to grayish tones. It is commonly found at the base of oak trees and other hardwoods.
Summary Table for Quick Reference：
| Mushroom | Key Visual Features | Typical Habitat |
|---|---|---|
| Reishi | Glossy reddish-brown varnished cap; pores underneath | Hardwood trees (oak, maple) |
| Chaga | Black cracked mass, rusty orange interior | Birch trees |
| Lion’s Mane | White cascading spines, no cap | Dead hardwood trees |
| Cordyceps | Slender orange club-shaped bodies on insects | Insect hosts |
| Turkey Tail | Thin, multicolored concentric fans | Decaying hardwood |
| Maitake | Dense ruffled clusters, light brown | Base of oak trees |
Conlcusions
This medicinal mushroom chart clearly summarizes the key compounds, benefits, and uses of six essential mushrooms, making it easier to understand their unique health effects and how to identify them. Whether you seek immune support, cognitive enhancement, or energy boost, these mushrooms offer targeted solutions backed by research and tradition.
At Herbal Treasure, we specialize in customizable medicinal mushroom supplements tailored to your brand’s needs. You can select from Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, Chaga, Turkey Tail, and Maitake, and choose from various convenient forms like capsules, tablets, powders, tinctures, tea or gummies. Our flexible manufacturing ensures your products stand out while delivering effective, high-quality mushroom benefits.
Contact us to develop personalized mushroom supplements that meet your customers’ demands and drive your business growth.
