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. Along with NOVOS Core and our other longevity-focused products, functional mushrooms can be a valuable addition to your healthy aging toolkit. This article explores the science behind them and how supplementation can support your longevity regimen.
What Are Functional Mushrooms & Why Are They 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 impressive health benefits — warding off chronic diseases and improving everyday health — functional mushrooms are in a class of their own. 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: Brain Function, Focus & Neuroprotection
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, adults aged 50 to 80 with mild cognitive impairment who took 3 grams of lion’s mane daily for 16 weeks experienced improvements in cognitive function. These gains declined after stopping the supplement, underscoring the importance of consistent intake.
Key benefits of lion’s mane may include:
- Enhanced memory and learning
- Improved neuroplasticity
- Reduced anxiety and depressive symptoms
- Protection against cognitive decline
Cordyceps: Cellular Energy & 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 demonstrated enhanced oxygen utilization and longer time to exhaustion — clear signs of more efficient mitochondrial function under physical stress.
Cordyceps supports:
- Physical endurance and oxygen efficiency
- Mitochondrial health
- Stress recovery and adaptive energy
In aging, where mitochondrial decline is common, Cordyceps offers a natural way to boost energy, stamina, and metabolic health at the cellular level.
Reishi: Immune Balance & Stress Adaptation
Often called the “mushroom of immortality,” reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is a staple in traditional Chinese medicine, and with good reason. It modulates immune responses, reduces inflammation, and supports emotional calm.
A Cochrane Systematic Review of five randomized controlled trials found that reishi supplementation boosted natural killer (NK) cell activity and improved T-cell responses. These are essential immune functions that often decline with age, increasing vulnerability to chronic inflammation and infection.
Reishi supports:
- Immune regulation, either activating or suppressing inflammatory responses as needed
- Reduced chronic inflammation
- Enhanced sleep and stress resilience
The β-Glucan Advantage: One Powerful Mechanism, Three Mushrooms
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 short-lived fish models, β-glucans reduced senescent cell accumulation, preserved tissue health, and extended lifespan. These effects were measured through reductions in lipofuscin buildup and SA-β-Gal, both markers of biological aging.
Can You Take Lion’s Mane, Reishi & Cordyceps Together?
Yes, you can! They complement each other beautifully.
- Lion’s mane targets the brain and nervous system.
- Cordyceps boosts 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 β-glucan content provides a unified mechanism to fight oxidative stress, reduce senescence, and promote longevity.
And, unlike some supplements that must be cycled or taken in high doses, functional mushrooms are well-tolerated and safe for daily use, especially when sourced from standardized extracts like those found in NOVOS products.
The Future of Longevity Is Functional
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.
