Beta-Glucans in Medicinal Mushrooms: The Healing Compound You Should Know About

In the world of tonic herbs and medicinal mushrooms, there’s a class of natural compounds that consistently stands out for its profound impact on human health: beta-glucans.

Found in the cell walls of many functional fungi, including all of our medicinal mushrooms, beta-glucans are a a type of soluble fiber found in the cell walls of certain plants, fungi, bacteria, and yeast that help regulate the immune system, balance inflammation, and support everything from gut health to metabolic function.

While the ancient healing traditions of China and Japan have long revered mushrooms for their energetic and physical healing properties, modern science is now catching up, with beta-glucans being one of the compounds that make these mushrooms a superstar.

What Are Beta-Glucans?

Beta-glucans are naturally occurring polysaccharides, or long chains of glucose molecules, found in the cell walls of fungi, yeasts, algae, and certain grains. But not all beta-glucans are created equal.

• Mushroom-derived beta-glucans, particularly those with beta-1,3 and beta-1,6 linkages, have shown the most promise in immunological and clinical research.
• These specific linkages allow beta-glucans to interact directly with immune cell receptors—particularly dectin-1 and CR3 receptors found on macrophages, dendritic cells, and neutrophils—effectively “priming” the immune system.

This priming doesn’t overstimulate the immune response (as synthetic immune boosters might), but instead enhances its intelligence, supporting a more modulated, resilient immune response.

How Beta-Glucans Work in the Body

Unlike vitamins or antioxidants that are absorbed into the bloodstream, beta-glucans mostly travel through the digestive tract. As they interact with gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT)—a key part of the immune system housed in the intestines—they:

• Activate innate immune responses, enhancing the body’s first line of defence
• Improve the surveillance and elimination of pathogens and mutated cells
• Reduce inappropriate inflammation—supporting a more regulated immune balance
• Modulate gut microbiota, acting as a prebiotic to support a healthy ecosystem

In short, beta-glucans have a dual effect on immune function, which is why they’ve been studied for their roles in cancer therapies, infection prevention, allergies, autoimmune modulation, and more.

Key Benefits of Beta-Glucans from Mushrooms

1. Immune Modulation (Not Stimulation)

Medicinal mushrooms don’t simply “boost” immunity—they teach it how to regulate itself more wisely.

• Reishi and Turkey Tail are particularly rich in beta-glucans, which increase natural killer (NK) cell activity while calming overactive immune responses.
• This duality is what makes beta-glucans adaptogenic on the immune level, offering support in both deficiency (like chronic infections) and excess (like autoimmunity).

2. Gut and Microbiome Health

Beta-glucans act as soluble fibres that resist digestion in the upper GI tract, reaching the colon where they:

• Feed beneficial bacteria (like Bifidobacteria)
• Help reinforce the gut-immune axis, which governs systemic inflammation and immunity.
• Assist in repairing gut lining integrity.

This makes beta-glucans especially supportive for people dealing with leaky gut, IBS, or chronic inflammation.

3. Anti-Tumour and Anti-Cancer Research

• Clinical trials, particularly in Japan and Korea, have studied PSK (polysaccharide-K) from Turkey Tail mushroom, which is rich in beta-glucans, in post-operative cancer patients.
• Results show improved immune surveillance and extended survival rates when used in conjunction with conventional treatments.

While we don’t make medical claims, it’s clear that beta-glucans hold an essential place in integrative, immune-informed wellness strategies.

4. Metabolic and Cardiovascular Support

• Beta-glucans can bind to cholesterol in the gut, reducing LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels.
• They also assist in regulating blood sugar levels, improving insulin sensitivity.
• This supports cardiovascular health, especially for those with metabolic imbalances or at risk for Type 2 diabetes.

Top Mushrooms Rich in Beta-Glucans

At Shokuiku, we work with a diverse range of medicinal mushrooms, each selected for its unique energetic properties and bioactive compounds. Here’s a deeper look into some of the key mushrooms we use — and how their beta-glucan content supports the body:

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)

Known as the “Mushroom of Immortality,” Reishi is revered for its immune-modulating, cardiovascular, and adaptogenic effects. Its 1,3 and 1,6-beta-glucans are particularly effective in enhancing natural killer (NK) cell activity and overall immune intelligence, while also supporting the parasympathetic nervous system.

Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor)

A cornerstone of gut and immune health, Turkey Tail contains PSK and PSP—two highly researched protein-bound beta-glucans. These compounds are studied for their role in immune support, particularly in integrative oncology settings, and their ability to nourish the gut microbiome.

Maitake (Grifola frondosa)

Valued for its ability to regulate blood sugar and support metabolic health, Maitake is rich in D-fraction beta-glucans. These polysaccharides help improve insulin sensitivity, enhance T-cell response, and balance immune function in a non-stimulating way.

Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)

Shiitake contains lentinan, a well-known beta-glucan with potent immune-enhancing and antiviral properties. This mushroom is traditionally used to strengthen Qi, support cardiovascular health, and nourish the blood.

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)

Famous for its brain-boosting properties, Lion’s Mane offers both beta-glucans and unique compounds that stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) production. It supports cognitive clarity, neuroprotection, and regeneration of nerve tissue—all while enhancing gut-immune communication.

Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris/sinensis)

Cordyceps is prized for its ability to build physical endurance, support lung function, and increase ATP production (the primary source of cellular energy). While its beta-glucan content is moderate compared to others, it offers strong adaptogenic and rejuvenating effects, making it a favourite among those recovering from fatigue or burnout.

Agaricus blazei (Agaricus subrufescens)

This lesser-known but influential mushroom is exceptionally high in 1,3-beta-glucans. It’s been extensively studied for its immune-regulating effects, particularly in allergic responses and cancer support. It also shows promise in modulating inflammation and supporting a balanced Th1/Th2 immune response.

Poria (Poria cocos)

Used widely in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Poria is a mycelial fungus that supports digestion, fluid metabolism, and emotional balance (Shen). It contains beta-glucans that gently modulate the immune system and support spleen Qi, making it a valuable tonic for individuals with damp or weak digestion.

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)

Often referred to as the “King of Medicinal Mushrooms,” Chaga is rich in antioxidants and possesses anti-inflammatory properties. Its beta-glucans work in conjunction with betulinic acid and melanin to support immune function, modulate inflammation, and promote skin and cellular health. It also supports the liver and is often used as a grounding, nourishing tonic.

How to Incorporate Beta-Glucans in Your Life

Here’s how we recommend incorporating them:

• Powdered extracts: Hot-water extracted mushroom powders retain high levels of bioavailable beta-glucans.
• Daily tonics: Try adding mushrooms like Reishi, turkey tail, or lion’s mane to your morning tea, coffee, smoothie, or other latte
• Blends that synergise: Many of our alchemical blends pair mushrooms with other herbs and roots that enhance their function, like astragalus, gynostemma, and he shou wu.

Always look for:

• Hot water extraction (vs raw powders)
• Fruiting body sources (no grain-based mycelium)

The Shokuiku Approach

At Shokuiku, we’re not just offering medicinal mushrooms—we’re offering a way of living more deeply connected to nature, your body, and your consciousness.

Our mushroom-based offerings are carefully selected for:

• Ethical and sustainable sourcing
• Traditional preparation methods
• Energetic harmony with the body’s innate wisdom

We honour mushrooms as living intelligence, not just as supplements. And beta-glucans are part of how that intelligence works through us—quietly, intelligently, adaptively.

In a world where immune systems are either overstimulated or depleted, these compounds offer gentle, intelligent support grounded in both ancient tradition and modern research.

Mushroom	Key Actions	Notable Beta-Glucan Effects
Reishi	Immune, cardiovascular, anti-stress	1,3 / 1,6-beta-glucans enhance NK cell activity
Turkey Tail	Gut, immune modulation, microbiome	Rich in PSK + PSP for clinical immune support
Maitake	Blood sugar, metabolic health	Improves insulin response and T-cell activity
Shiitake	Heart health, immune boosting	Contains lentinan, a well-studied immune-enhancing beta-glucan
Lion’s Mane	Cognitive support, nerve regeneration	Contains both beta-glucans and NGF-stimulating compounds for brain health
Cordyceps	Energy, endurance, lung health	Moderate beta-glucans; supports ATP production and oxygen uptake
Agaricus blazei	Immune modulation, anti-inflammatory	Extremely high in 1,3-beta-glucans; studied for anti-tumour and allergy-regulating potential
Poria cocos	Digestive and fluid balance, calming Shen	Contains beta-glucans and triterpenes; supports spleen function and gentle immune regulation
Chaga	Antioxidant, immune tonic, skin health	Rich in 1,3-beta-glucans and betulinic acid; modulates immunity and quenches inflammation