Mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders and depression affect hundreds of millions of people globally. As interest in complementary approaches grows, functional mushrooms have attracted increasing scientific attention for their potential to support mood, stress resilience, and cognitive well-being. While pharmaceutical interventions remain the standard of care for clinical conditions, a growing body of preclinical and clinical research suggests that certain mushroom species may offer meaningful adjunctive benefits. This article reviews the current evidence for three mushrooms most studied in this context: Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus), Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), and multi-mushroom formulations.
Why Functional Mushrooms May Influence Mental Health
The mechanisms through which mushrooms may affect mood and cognition are several. Beta-glucans and other polysaccharides found in functional mushrooms are thought to modulate the immune-gut-brain axis by supporting a balanced gut microbiome, which in turn influences neurotransmitter production. Certain mushroom compounds also appear to interact with neurotrophin pathways, reducing oxidative stress and neuroinflammation that have been linked to depressive and anxiety disorders. These proposed pathways remain under active investigation, and robust human trials are still limited.
Lion’s Mane and Mood: What the Research Shows
Lion’s Mane is the most extensively studied functional mushroom for neurological and psychiatric outcomes. Its fruiting body and mycelium contain erinacines and hericenones, bioactive compounds that may stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) production. NGF and BDNF are critical regulators of neuronal survival, plasticity, and mood regulation.
A 2025 systematic review examining five randomized controlled trials, 15 laboratory studies, and multiple pilot clinical trials found that Hericium erinaceus supplementation was associated with enhanced BDNF and pro-BDNF production, promoted hippocampal neurogenesis, and reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbance in study participants.[1] The review also noted that HE increased gut microbiota diversity and the abundance of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria, a mechanism that may contribute to reduced neuroinflammation and improved mood.
Preclinical work has examined Lion’s Mane in animal models relevant to depression. One study using ovariectomized rats as a postmenopausal depression model found that long-term administration of H. erinaceus fruiting body extract reduced depressive-like behavior in the forced swim test, an effect attributed in part to estrogen receptor beta (ERb) activation in brain tissue.[2] While animal models do not directly translate to human outcomes, such findings provide mechanistic rationale for further clinical investigation.
A comprehensive phytochemical and pharmacological review by Friedman (2015) catalogued Lion’s Mane’s reported properties across studies, identifying improvement of anxiety, cognitive function, and depression among its documented effects, alongside anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and immunostimulating activities.[3]
For a focused look at Lion’s Mane and anxiety specifically, see our article on Lion’s Mane Mushroom and Anxiety: What the Current Research Suggests.
Reishi and Psychological Well-Being
Reishi has a long history of use as a calming adaptogen in traditional East Asian medicine, and emerging research has begun to characterize its potential effects on stress and mood through modern methods.
A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 78 female college students examined Ganoderma lucidum supplementation at two levels over 30 days. The group receiving the higher supplementation level showed statistically significant improvements in anxiety scores, depression scores, vitality, and positive well-being compared to the placebo group, with researchers concluding that GL1000mg supplementation might improve overall psychophysiological health and quality of life.[4]
A 2020 pilot randomized controlled trial in women with fibromyalgia found a trend toward improved happiness, satisfaction with life, and reduced depression scores after six weeks of Reishi supplementation, though between-group differences did not reach statistical significance in this small sample.[5] The authors noted that larger trials are needed to confirm these findings. A broad 2021 review of Reishi’s pharmacological properties identified anxiety and depression as among the conditions for which preclinical evidence exists, while also acknowledging that high-quality clinical data in humans remains limited.[6]
Multi-Mushroom Formulations and Stress Reduction
Some of the most compelling recent human data comes from combination mushroom products. A 2026 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated a multi-mushroom blend (Restake) in 50 participants over 12 weeks. Anxiety scores measured by both the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and Hamilton Anxiety Scale showed significantly greater reductions in the treatment group at both 6 and 12 weeks compared to placebo. Depression scores on the Beck Depression Inventory decreased significantly at both timepoints. Fatigue and sleep quality also improved, while serum cortisol and ACTH levels were significantly reduced, suggesting a modulating effect on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.[7]
This trial is notable for including biomarker data alongside subjective ratings, providing a more complete picture of the physiological changes accompanying the observed mood and anxiety improvements.
Understanding the Limitations
The research reviewed here reflects a rapidly developing field, and important caveats apply. Many studies are small in sample size, of short duration, or rely on preclinical models that may not translate directly to human outcomes. Standardization of mushroom extracts varies considerably across products, making cross-study comparisons difficult. Additionally, the specific contributions of individual bioactive compounds versus whole-extract effects have not been fully characterized.
Individuals considering functional mushrooms as part of a mental health support strategy should consult a qualified healthcare provider, particularly if they are currently taking medications for anxiety, depression, or other conditions, as potential interactions have not been comprehensively studied in clinical populations.
Summary
Research suggests that Lion’s Mane, Reishi, and multi-mushroom formulations may offer modest support for mental health parameters including anxiety, depression, and stress biomarkers. Lion’s Mane shows the strongest mechanistic rationale through its effects on NGF, BDNF, and gut microbiota, while Reishi has demonstrated preliminary effects on psychological well-being in controlled trials. Multi-mushroom blends have shown promise in reducing cortisol and improving anxiety and depression scores in recent human trials. The evidence base is growing but remains early-stage for clinical recommendations, and functional mushrooms are best viewed as a potential complementary approach rather than a standalone treatment for mental health conditions.
References
- 1. Menon A, et al. Benefits, side effects, and uses of Hericium erinaceus as a supplement: a systematic review. Front Nutr. 2025;12:1641246. PMID: 40959699
- 2. Anuar AM, et al. Ameliorating Effect of the Edible Mushroom Hericium erinaceus on Depressive-Like Behavior in Ovariectomized Rats. Biol Pharm Bull. 2022;45(10):1438-1443. PMID: 36184501
- 3. Friedman M. Chemistry, Nutrition, and Health-Promoting Properties of Hericium erinaceus Fruiting Bodies and Mycelia. J Agric Food Chem. 2015;63(32):7108-23. PMID: 26244378
- 4. Mitra S, et al. Efficacy of Ganoderma lucidum Supplementation on Psychological Stress and Selective Fitness Profile Parameters. Int J Med Mushrooms. 2024;26(11):51-64. PMID: 39241163
- 5. Pazzi F, et al. Ganoderma lucidum Effects on Mood and Health-Related Quality of Life in Women with Fibromyalgia. Healthcare (Basel). 2020;8(4):520. PMID: 33265969
- 6. Ahmad R, et al. Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi): a comprehensive and critical review. Phytother Res. 2021;35(11):6030-6062. PMID: 34411377
- 7. Hisamuddin AS, et al. Adaptogenic Effects of Mushroom Blend Supplementation on Stress, Fatigue, and Sleep: A Randomised, Double-Blind, and Placebo-Controlled Trial. Brain Behav. 2026;16(1):e71193. PMID: 41540766
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Functional mushroom supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or mental health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, particularly if you are being treated for a mental health condition or taking prescription medications.
