Multiple Sclerosis and Functional Mushrooms: Exploring Reishi, Lion’s Mane and the Science of Nerve Health

Could compounds found in functional mushrooms help us better understand inflammation, immune regulation and the nervous system? A closer look at the emerging research.

Living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) for more than thirty years has given me a very personal interest in understanding how our nervous and immune systems work. When I was first diagnosed, I began exploring nutrition and lifestyle approaches alongside conventional medical care. That journey eventually led me into nutritional therapy and naturopathic practice. And one of the areas I continue to find fascinating is mycotherapy — the study and use of functional mushrooms and their bioactive compounds.

Two mushrooms in particular have attracted attention in research into inflammation and neurological health: Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) and Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus). Both contain naturally occurring compounds that researchers are investigating for their effects on biological pathways. But what does the science actually tell us? And why might these mushrooms be of interest in the context of MS?

 

Understanding Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic immune-mediated condition affecting the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord. In MS, immune activity contributes to inflammation and damage to myelin, the protective covering surrounding nerve fibres. Myelin helps electrical signals travel efficiently along nerves. When it becomes damaged — a process called demyelination — communication between the brain and the rest of the body can be disrupted.

Over time, areas of damage may develop into lesions or plaques, sometimes leaving scar tissue. This is where the term multiple sclerosis, meaning multiple areas of scarring, originates. Because MS can affect different parts of the central nervous system, symptoms vary enormously between individuals.

They may include:

• Fatigue and reduced energy
• Visual disturbances
• Muscle weakness or difficulties with movement
• Changes in balance and coordination
• Tingling, numbness or altered sensation
• Dizziness
• Difficulties with concentration or memory
• Changes in bladder, bowel or sexual function

Some people experience relapses followed by periods of recovery, while others experience a more progressive course.

There is currently no cure for MS, but disease-modifying therapies can reduce disease activity and, in some cases, slow progression. Other treatments and supportive approaches can help manage symptoms and maintain quality of life. An important part of ongoing research involves understanding how to protect nerve tissue, regulate damaging immune responses and encourage repair within the central nervous system.

This is where research into the compounds found in functional mushrooms becomes particularly interesting.

 

What is mycotherapy?

Mycotherapy refers to the use and study of fungi and their bioactive constituents in relation to health. Functional mushrooms contain a wide variety of naturally occurring compounds, including polysaccharides, beta-glucans, triterpenes and other secondary metabolites. Different mushrooms contain different combinations of these compounds, and their biological activities can vary considerably. Researchers are investigating how some of these substances interact with immune signalling, oxidative stress, inflammation and cellular processes involved in nerve function.

It’s important to understand that a whole mushroom, a mushroom powder and a concentrated extract are not necessarily equivalent. Their chemical composition can differ according to the species, growing conditions, part of the mushroom used, extraction method and standardisation. And while laboratory findings may suggest interesting mechanisms, they do not automatically establish a clinical benefit.

With that distinction in mind, let’s look at two of the most interesting mushrooms in this area.

 

Reishi: Exploring immune modulation and inflammatory pathways

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) has a long history of traditional use and is now the subject of research into its effects on immune and inflammatory processes. Among its most studied constituents are polysaccharides and triterpenes, including ganoderic acids. These compounds are being investigated for their ability to influence different aspects of immune signalling.

 

What does the research suggest?

Inflammation involves a complex network of chemical messengers that help immune cells communicate and coordinate their responses. Among these messengers are molecules called cytokines.

Two that frequently appear in inflammation research are:

TNF-α (tumour necrosis factor alpha) — a cytokine involved in coordinating inflammatory responses.

IL-6 (interleukin-6) — a signalling molecule with several roles in immune regulation and inflammation.

 

Laboratory studies involving Reishi extracts have reported changes in the activity or production of these and other inflammatory mediators. Researchers have also investigated effects involving:

Nitric oxide (NO): A signalling molecule with several functions, including roles in vascular activity and inflammation.

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2): A molecule involved in inflammatory responses and other physiological processes.

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2): An enzyme involved in the production of prostaglandins.

Some experimental studies have observed reduced production of particular inflammatory mediators following exposure to Reishi-derived compounds. These findings suggest that Reishi may influence inflammatory signalling under certain laboratory conditions. However, the effects depend on the specific extract, experimental model and concentration used. Immune modulation is complex and does not simply mean suppressing every inflammatory response.

 

Why is this interesting in MS?

Inflammation is an important feature of MS, particularly during periods of active immune-mediated damage. Understanding how inflammatory signalling works is therefore highly relevant to MS research. However, we do not yet have sufficient human clinical evidence to establish that Reishi improves MS symptoms, prevents relapses or reduces lesion activity.

Findings involving cytokines in cell cultures or animal models cannot be assumed to produce the same effects in the human central nervous system. Reishi’s influence on immune pathways also means that potential interactions with medication deserve careful consideration, particularly for people receiving immune-modifying treatments. For me, the value of this research lies in understanding the mechanisms being explored and the questions they raise for future investigation.

 

Lion’s Mane: Nerve growth, neuroprotection and myelin

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a distinctive mushroom, easily recognised by its long, white, cascading spines. It has become increasingly interesting to researchers studying neurological health. One reason is the presence of compounds known as hericenones and erinacines, which have been investigated for their influence on nerve-related biological processes.

What is nerve growth factor?

Nerve growth factor, usually abbreviated to NGF, is a protein involved in the development, maintenance and survival of certain nerve cells. It belongs to a family of proteins called neurotrophins, which play important roles in nervous-system function. Some experimental studies suggest that particular compounds from Lion’s Mane may influence NGF-related activity. This has prompted researchers to investigate their potential relevance to neuronal health and responses to nerve injury. It’s a fascinating area because maintaining healthy nerve connections is essential for communication throughout the nervous system.

But nerve growth is only one part of a much larger picture.

 

What about myelin?

For somebody living with MS, research involving myelin is especially interesting. Myelin acts as an insulating layer around many nerve fibres, helping electrical impulses travel quickly and efficiently. In the central nervous system, myelin is produced by specialised cells called oligodendrocytes. When myelin becomes damaged, the body may attempt to repair it through a process called remyelination.

However, this repair process is often incomplete, particularly as MS progresses. Researchers are therefore investigating ways to support the cells and biological processes involved in myelin maintenance and repair.

Experimental studies involving Lion’s Mane or its extracts have reported effects on nerve-related pathways, myelination and responses to nerve injury. Some of this work has involved peripheral nerves — those outside the brain and spinal cord — while other studies have used cell models. This distinction matters because repairing a peripheral nerve is not the same biological challenge as restoring damaged myelin within the central nervous system of somebody with MS.

Although these findings offer interesting directions for further research, they do not establish that Lion’s Mane can regenerate myelin in people living with MS.

 

The importance of looking beyond one mechanism

The nervous system is extraordinarily complex. Nerve growth, synaptic connections, myelin maintenance, inflammation and cellular energy production all involve overlapping biological processes. Research into Lion’s Mane is interesting partly because different compounds may influence several of these processes. However, effects observed in isolated cells or animals may not occur in the same way in humans. Questions remain about absorption, metabolism, appropriate concentrations, safety and whether the compounds reach the relevant tissues.

These are all important steps between an intriguing laboratory finding and an evidence-based clinical application.

 

Functional mushrooms and MS: What do we actually know?

When reading about functional mushrooms online, it’s easy to come across enthusiastic claims about immune regulation, nerve regeneration and neurological recovery. Some of those claims are based on genuine scientific studies. But the type of study matters enormously.

A result observed in a laboratory dish is not equivalent to a result demonstrated in a human clinical trial. Likewise, a study involving nerve injury in an animal does not necessarily tell us what will happen in somebody with MS.

At present, there is insufficient high-quality clinical evidence to recommend Reishi or Lion’s Mane as interventions that improve MS disease activity, neurological disability or myelin repair. That doesn’t mean the research lacks value. It means we are still at the stage of investigating biological mechanisms and determining whether any of those findings can translate into safe, meaningful clinical applications.

And that is an important distinction.

 

Why extract quality and standardisation matter

Another issue worth understanding is the difference between mushrooms themselves and the extracts used in research. Studies may investigate purified compounds, specific extracts or preparations with carefully measured concentrations of active constituents. Commercial products can differ considerably. Factors such as mushroom identification, growing conditions, extraction methods and testing for contaminants can all influence quality. A study involving a particular standardised extract cannot automatically be applied to every product sold under the same mushroom name.

There are also safety considerations. Functional mushroom supplements can interact with medicines or be unsuitable for some individuals. This is particularly relevant for people with autoimmune conditions who may be receiving disease-modifying or other prescription treatments.

For anyone living with MS, it is sensible to discuss supplements with their MS team or an appropriately qualified healthcare professional before introducing them. Functional mushrooms should not replace prescribed MS therapies.

 

My perspective after thirty years of living with MS

My own experience has shaped the way I look at health. Over the years, I’ve become increasingly interested in nutrition, immune function, the nervous system and the many influences on our overall wellbeing. I believe there is enormous value in exploring the relationship between these different systems. But I also believe we need to be curious without getting ahead of the evidence.

The research into Reishi and Lion’s Mane offers intriguing possibilities.

Reishi is helping researchers explore how fungal compounds interact with inflammatory and immune pathways.

Lion’s Mane is contributing to investigations into nerve-related signalling, neuroprotection and the biological processes involved in nerve health.

Neither has yet been shown to repair MS-related damage or alter the course of MS in human clinical trials. And for me, that doesn’t make the science any less interesting. It simply means there is more to discover.

 

Looking ahead

One of the things I love about nutritional science is that it continually reminds us how much we still have to learn. The relationship between fungi and human biology is an extraordinary area of investigation. Functional mushrooms contain complex mixtures of compounds, and researchers are gradually beginning to understand more about their biological activity.

For people interested in neurological and immune health, Reishi and Lion’s Mane are certainly worth watching as research develops.

The most exciting discoveries often begin with a question, not a conclusion.

And perhaps that’s the best way to approach this field: with curiosity, an open mind and a healthy respect for the evidence.

References and further reading

• Kawagishi, H. and Zhuang, C. (2008). Research into bioactive compounds from Hericium erinaceus and nerve growth factor-related activity.
• Mori, K. et al. (2008). Research into Hericium erinaceus and nerve growth factor-related mechanisms.
• Ma, B.-J. et al. (2010). Research into bioactive constituents of Hericium erinaceus.
• Wong, K.H. et al. (2012; 2016). Experimental research into Hericium erinaceus and peripheral nerve injury.
• Huang, H.T. et al. (2021). Research into Hericium erinaceus and nerve-related biological processes.
• ScienceDirect — Research article supplied for further reading
• MS Society — Information and research about Multiple Sclerosis
• National MS Society — Complementary and Alternative Medicines