Some of the keys to longevity are much simpler than you might think — especially when they’re readily available in nature. Lately, functional mushrooms like lion’s mane, cordyceps, and reishi have entered the spotlight in longevity circles.
These aren’t the typical mushrooms you might toss in a stir-fry or on top of a pizza (although those mushrooms have benefits, too!). Rather, they’re nutritional powerhouses you might see in a variety of supplements, drinks, and other products, with bioactive compounds that support brain function, mood, cellular health, and even a longer and healthier life.
At NOVOS, we’re fascinated by nature’s wonders, particularly when they align with our mission to help you live better, longer. That’s why we’re exploring the world of functional mushrooms and their extraordinary effects on how we age, think, and feel. NOVOS Bar includes Lion’s Mane, Reishi, and Cordyceps at disclosed doses, next to taurine and astaxanthin. Functional mushrooms belong in a healthy aging toolkit, which is why they are in the Bar rather than a separate bottle. This article explores the science behind them and how supplementation can support your longevity regimen.
What Are Functional Mushrooms? Benefits and Why They Are Trending
With everyone from celebrities and fitness trainers to longevity-minded consumers touting their benefits, functional mushrooms have gained global fame. In the United States alone, the demand for functional mushrooms is booming: In 2024, the market size reached $35.74 billion and is expected to exceed $76 billion by 2033.
So, what makes these mushrooms so special? While many culinary mushrooms offer nutritional value as part of a varied diet, functional mushrooms are studied for a distinct set of bioactive compounds. Used in traditional medicine for centuries, mushrooms like lion’s mane, cordyceps, and reishi each contain unique bioactive compounds. These include beta-glucans, terpenoids, and polysaccharides, which support key biological pathways associated with longevity.
In short, incorporating functional mushrooms into your wellness routine may support cognitive function, energy levels, and stress management, all of which tend to decline with age. Let’s take a closer look at key functional mushroom benefits for each type.
Lion’s Mane Benefits for Brain Function and Focus
Lion’s mane, or Hericium erinaceus, is one of the most promising natural nootropics. It’s been shown to stimulate the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein essential for the development and maintenance of neurons.
In a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, older adults taking 3 grams of lion’s mane daily showed statistically significant changes in cognitive assessment scores compared with placebo over the trial period. These are measured changes on assessment scales, not disease outcomes. Individual results will vary, with some obtaining no benefit. These gains declined after stopping the supplement, underscoring the importance of consistent intake.
Areas where lion’s mane has been studied include:
- Memory and learning performance
- Markers of neuroplasticity
- Measures of mood and stress response
- Cognitive assessment scores in older adults
Cordyceps Benefits for Cellular Energy and Physical Resilience
Best known for its adaptogenic properties, cordyceps helps the body respond to stress, particularly in terms of energy production. In a placebo-controlled clinical trial, healthy adults supplemented with 1.5 grams of cordyceps militaris daily for three weeks. Compared to the placebo group, participants showed significant increases in VO₂ max, a measure of maximum oxygen capacity. They also showed measured changes in oxygen utilisation and time to exhaustion, outcomes studied in relation to mitochondrial function under physical stress.
Cordyceps supports:
- Physical endurance and oxygen efficiency
- Mitochondrial health
- Stress recovery and adaptive energy
Mitochondrial function changes with age, and cordyceps is studied for its support of energy, stamina, and metabolic processes at the cellular level.
Reishi Mushroom Benefits for Longevity, Immune Balance and Stress
Often called the “mushroom of immortality,” reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is a staple in traditional Chinese medicine, and with good reason. It has been studied in relation to immune regulation, balanced inflammatory signalling, and stress response.
A Cochrane Systematic Review of five randomised controlled trials reported measured increases in natural killer (NK) cell activity and changes in T-cell responses with reishi supplementation. These are measured changes in immune biomarkers, not disease outcomes. Individual results will vary.
Reishi mushroom benefits for longevity have been studied in relation to:
- Immune regulation
- Balanced inflammatory signalling
- Sleep quality and stress response
Beta-Glucans and Ergothioneine: The Shared Longevity Mushroom Mechanisms
All three mushrooms share a key bioactive: β-glucans, a type of natural polysaccharide found in fungal cell walls. β-glucans are best known for supporting immune health, but recent research highlights their role in delaying cellular aging by reducing oxidative stress, limiting senescent cell buildup, and enhancing tissue resilience.
In a 2019 study using a short-lived killifish model, beta-glucans were associated with lower senescent cell accumulation, preserved tissue markers, and lifespan differences between treated and control groups. Animal studies are not relied upon to support any representations of health benefit in humans. These effects were measured through reductions in lipofuscin buildup and SA-β-Gal, both markers of biological aging.
Can You Take Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps and Reishi Together?
Yes, you can! They complement each other beautifully.
- Lion’s mane targets the brain and nervous system.
- Cordyceps supports cellular energy and physical performance.
- Reishi calms the stress response and balances immunity.
Together, this trio works in synergy across key systems that tend to decline with age. Their beta-glucan content, alongside ergothioneine, provides a shared mechanism studied in relation to oxidative stress, cellular senescence, and healthy aging.
Functional mushrooms have been well tolerated in published human studies at the doses used, particularly when sourced from standardised extracts like those found in NOVOS products.
Adding Longevity Mushrooms to Your Healthy Aging Routine
Aging well might seem like a tall order, considering the many systems that need to work in harmony to support your healthspan and lifespan — from your brain and metabolism to your immune defenses. However, functional mushrooms like lion’s mane, cordyceps, and reishi show how simple it can be to give your body the tools to function well at the cellular level. When paired with a healthy diet, lifestyle, and exercise routine, these ingredients can become part of a long-term strategy for living healthier for longer.
Whether you’re just starting your longevity journey or looking to optimize an existing routine, functional mushrooms may give you a healthy edge. To learn how mushrooms and other scientifically researched supplements can support your longevity routine, explore NOVOS’ longevity solutions today.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
FAQs
Longevity mushrooms are functional species such as lion’s mane, cordyceps and reishi, studied for bioactive compounds including beta-glucans and ergothioneine.
Yes. They are commonly combined because each is studied in relation to different systems: cognition, cellular energy, and immune and stress response.
Lion’s mane has been studied in relation to nerve growth factor and cognitive assessment scores in older adults. Individual results will vary.
Reishi earned the name through centuries of use in traditional Chinese medicine. The name reflects tradition, not a demonstrated effect on human lifespan.
Ergothioneine is an amino acid found in mushrooms and studied as an antioxidant. Levels vary by species, with oyster and shiitake among the richest sources.
Published trials have used around 3 grams of lion’s mane and 1.5 grams of cordyceps militaris daily. Reishi trial doses vary more widely.
Functional mushrooms have been well tolerated in published human studies at the doses used. Speak with your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.
