Reishi mushroom, known in Chinese medicine as the 'mushroom of immortality', is one of the most well-researched mushrooms in the world. A number of clinical trials have demonstrated that reishi promotes immune modulation in both healthy adults and adults with systemic immune dysregulation.
Turkey tail mushroom is best known for the isolated, patented constituents polysaccharide krestin (PSK) and polysaccharide peptide (PSP) found in various strains of mycelium, and in different forms in the fruiting body. Both demonstrate anti-neoplastic activity, while PSP also modulates the microbiome. Although the majority of research has been on these isolates, a number of animal trials on whole mushroom extracts have shown stimulation of the innate immune response, and it is used clinically for a variety of immune support functions.
Mechanisms of action
Action
Mechanism
Prebiotic
Digestion of polysaccharides by beneficial microbiota
Immune modulating
Increases TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2 and IL-8; increases NK cell activity
MAITAKE
Maitake mushroom has been used as both food and medicine for centuries. It is a nourishing food, and when taken in a more concentrated form as a powdered extract, promotes immune modulation. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, ß-glucans from maitake were shown to both stimulate and suppress the immune system, demonstrating its immunomodulatory effects.
Lucidum Medicinals is the only mushroom brand founded and formulated by physicians. Dr. Anna brings her decade of experience in mycology and natural medicine to each formulation so that every patient gets what they need, and none of what they don’t. See what other practitioners are saying about Lucidum formulas below.
Guaranteed quality & potency
Our mushrooms are tested extensively to guarantee not only safety but potency. Each is tested for key active ingredients, like beta-glucans and terpenoids, as well as for the absence of the alpha-glucans you would find in myceliated grains or “full spectrum” mushroom products.
100% fruiting body, no mycelium or grain
What we know as a mushroom is the fruiting body - what we see above ground, and can harvest in the wild. The below-ground mycelium part of the fungus has no traditional use, and, crucially, cannot be separated from what it’s growing on. Commercial mycelium products are grown on fermented grain - which makes up a substantial portion of the final product. We use potent 100% fruiting body only, so you get the most out of each mushroom.
Formulas, not "blends"
Other brands sell either single mushrooms or “blends” that throw the kitchen sink at you. Single mushrooms lack synergism, while blends with 5+ ingredients lack focus and specificity. Our formulas are carefully crafted for each body system, informed by available scientific evidence and traditional use, using only the mushrooms that matter.
Extracted for maximum potency
The active molecules in mushrooms are a major component of the fungal cell wall, making them hard to digest and absorb. Our formulas use fruiting body extracted in water and alcohol that is easy to absorb and highly bioavailable so you get the most out of your mushroom medicine.
Committed to mushroom medicine
Mushrooms and natural medicine are not a trend for us - we founded Lucidum Medicinals on a backbone of 10+ years of experience in mycology and natural medicine. We use mushrooms to support a deep life of connection, love, and vitality for our families, our communities, and our patients. We hope you will too.
The Lucidum Story
Dr. Anna Sitkoff, ND Co-founder, Chief Science Officer
I first encountered medicinal mushrooms over 10 years ago during my father’s treatment for leukemia, which changed the course of my life.
In the 10 years since, I:
Started educating the public and professionals about medicinal mushrooms
Completed research on medicinal mushrooms and leukemia cells and published in the Journal of Immunology
Wrote the Medicinal Mushrooms chapter in The Textbook of Natural Medicine
Opened the doors of my naturopathic practice
Finally, I founded Lucidum Medicinals to provide effective mushroom formulas to my patients, my colleagues, and to you.
Take your formula for 90 days at the therapeutic dose:
3g (6 capsules) daily
Assess benefits
After three months, benefits have started to accumulate
Reassess your daily dose and continue compounding benefits
CHOOSE LUCIDUM
Lucidum
others
Physician-formulated
Formulas, not "blends"
100% fruiting body
Mycelium with grain
Bioavailable extracts
Dosage informed by clinical trials
Verified active ingredients
OUR FORMULAS
Frequently asked questions
What's the best dose/how much should I take?
Each of our formulas is designed with the same total dose of 3g daily, in either powders (equivalent to 1.5 teaspoons) or capsules (6 capsules), and each formula label has specifics for the optimal number of doses per day, and timing. We recommend taking 3g total, daily, for at least 3 months in order to get the best results; after 3 months, you can consider reducing your dose to 1.5g total, daily, though benefits will continue to accrue at the therapeutic dose of 3g total daily. Benefits will usually diminish within a few weeks if you stop taking a formula.
Can I take my mushrooms with food?
Both the LUNGS and BRAIN & NERVES formulas are okay to take with food, but we recommend taking the IMMUNE formula away from food (liquids are okay) so that the active constituents can interact directly with the intestinal lining without interference. In general, optimal immune benefits from any medicinal mushroom are achieved on an empty stomach. Notably, we do not recommend blending our mushrooms with coffee, tea, or chocolate under any circumstances to prevent interference from tannins and other compounds found in these plants.
How do you verify the potency of your products?
Every batch of mushrooms is tested to a minimum potency standard based on the beta glucan content of each mushroom, as well as mushroom-specific constituent concentrations. Mushrooms are also tested to confirm the absence of alpha-glucans, a marker for contamination with mycelium or growth substrate. You can learn more about these standards here.
What does an 8:1 or 10:1 extract mean?
In short, it means certain active constituents are concentrated 8-10x compared to a typical extract. Let’s use 8:1 as an example (like our Cordyceps powdered extract found in the LUNGS formula). Fruiting body is harvested, dried, and extracted in water and/or alcohol before being powdered. If you start with 1g of dried mushroom, and the powdered extract yields 1g, this is a 1:1 extract. If the same 1g of powdered extract was obtained from 8g of pre-extracted dried mushroom, we call it 8:1, representing an 8x concentration. With mushrooms, this process leads to lower levels of beta-glucans but much higher levels of other key constituents like terpenes, which is why we use concentrated extracts specifically for Lion’s mane, Reishi, and Cordyceps, depending on the formula.
Can I take multiple formulas at the same time?
Absolutely - each formula is designed to be complimentary, with the following note: both the BRAIN & NERVES and LUNGS formulas offer some immune benefit, though they are not as strong as the IMMUNE formula. If you decide to take both BRAIN & NERVES and LUNGS, you don’t need to take IMMUNE in addition. Combining the IMMUNE formula with either BRAIN & NERVES or LUNGS, or LUNGS with BRAIN & NERVES is quite impactful in our clinical experience.
How long does it take to see the benefits?
On the optimal dose of 3g total, daily, of each formula, you will experience much of the benefit after 3 months. Additional benefits often continue to accrue over time.
Why does each formula only have 3 mushrooms?
Many brands sell either single mushrooms or “blends” that throw the kitchen sink at you. Single mushrooms lack synergism, while blends with 5+ ingredients lack focus and specificity. Our formulas are carefully crafted for each body system, informed by available scientific evidence and traditional use, using only the mushrooms that matter.
How can I carry Lucidum formulas at my clinic, dispensary, or retail location?
If you're a practitioner or have a retail location, we'd love to work with you. Potential wholesale partners can reach out to us at hello@lucidummedicinals.com, or fill out this form to request samples and sales materials. We look forward to hearing from you!
Have a questions we haven't answered? Ask us at hello@lucidummedicinals.com
