Science Weekly

Do medicinal mushroom products actually work?

47 snips
Jun 19, 2025
Nik Money, a mycologist at Miami University and author of 'Moulds, Mushrooms and Medicines,' shares insights on the booming market for medicinal mushroom products. He discusses the hype surrounding mushrooms like lion's mane and reishi, exploring their potential health benefits from mental well-being to energy boosts. However, Money emphasizes the lack of solid scientific evidence backing these claims and highlights the need for more rigorous research. He also humorously recounts his own experience with mushroom products, shedding light on their appeal as alternative health solutions.
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ANECDOTE

Madeleine's Mushroom Coffee Tryout

  • Madeleine Finlay shares her experience trying mushroom coffee and drinks.
  • She finds them expensive and questions their actual effects.
INSIGHT

Fungi Are Animal Relatives

  • Fungi are closer to animals than plants biologically.
  • They include mushrooms, molds, and yeasts, forming a diverse group beyond visible mushrooms.
INSIGHT

Medicinal Mushrooms Lack Strong Evidence

  • There is very limited scientific evidence that medicinal mushrooms confer health benefits.
  • Most studies lack rigor and credibility, especially for serious disease treatments.
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