Mixture of Reishi and Cordyceps Extracts Found to Have Significant Antioxidant Capacity

Reishi mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum) and Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris) are among the most well-known medicinal mushrooms due to their therapeutic properties and significant levels of bioactive compounds. Notably, both mushrooms are commonly researched for their significant antioxidant activities that protect the body against oxidative stress and damage. As medicinal mushrooms become increasingly more popular in the pharmaceutical industry, more research has gone into determining the most effective dosages and combinations of medicinal mushrooms for the highest amount of biological efficiency. To harness the full therapeutic potential of the two mushrooms, recent research has evaluated the combined effects of Reishi and Cordyceps extracts, developing a new product with substantially higher antioxidant capacities.

Chemical analysis and properties

Prior to extraction, the mushrooms were cultivated under well-controlled conditions to ensure their consistency and quality.

The combined extracts showcased a complex chemical composition, with 94 identified substances, including a variety of bioactive compounds such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, triterpenes, and nucleosides. Notable compounds include ferulic acid, ganoderic acid A, adenosine, and cordycepin. Furthermore, the mixture demonstrated potent antioxidant properties. One of the major findings was its ability to protect human skin cells from H202-induced oxidative stress. The preparation reduced cell death by 21-22%, illustrating its potential as a protective agent against cellular damage caused by oxidative stress (1).

Oxidative stress occurs when there are too high levels of free radicals in the body. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can build up and damage cells, leading to aging, inflammation, and various diseases like cancer and heart disease. These radicals are a natural part of our metabolism but can be dangerously increased by external factors like pollution, smoke, and UV exposure.

Antioxidants like those found in Reishi and Cordyceps can bind to these unstable molecules, effectively neutralizing them before they cause any more harm.

Future developments

The high antioxidant content in the novel mixture has significant potential in the development of future medications and health supplements. The researchers of the study are optimistic that with further research, this mushroom blend could be optimized and tailored for various health applications, potentially leading to new treatments for conditions where oxidative stress plays a key role, such as neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular issues, and even certain types of cancer. 

References

1. Nguyen, Khoa D, Chanh M Nguyen, Duy A Le, Hung T Huynh, Mai T Tran, Anh T.N. Truong, Trang H.D. Nguyen, Danh C Vu, and Lien-Thuong T Nguyen. 2024. “The Mixture of Ganoderma Lucidum and Cordyceps Militaris: Chemical Compositions and Protective Effects against Oxidative Stress.” Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, February, 101045–45. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafr.2024.101045.