Mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. Scientists are now studying whether mushroom-based drinks and supplements can actually improve your health. This review looks at what we know about medicinal mushrooms, how they’re grown using new technology, and the growing market of mushroom beverages. While research suggests these fungi contain helpful compounds, experts emphasize that more studies are needed to confirm exactly how much they can help and who should use them.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether mushroom-based drinks and supplements have real health benefits and how they’re being developed as modern health products
  • Who participated: This is a review article that examined existing research rather than testing people directly. It looked at scientific studies and clinical trials from around the world
  • Key finding: Medicinal mushrooms contain compounds that appear to have health-boosting properties, and mushroom beverages are becoming increasingly popular as functional foods—products designed to provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition
  • What it means for you: Mushroom drinks may offer health benefits, but you should know that more research is still needed. These products shouldn’t replace medical treatment, and it’s smart to talk with your doctor before adding them to your routine, especially if you take medications

The Research Details

This is a review article, which means scientists read and summarized many existing studies about medicinal mushrooms rather than conducting their own experiment. The researchers looked at the history of mushroom use in traditional medicine, examined scientific research on how mushrooms affect the body, and studied new ways scientists are growing and processing mushrooms for health products. They also analyzed the growing business of mushroom-based beverages and how they’re being marketed as health foods. This type of study helps us understand what we currently know about a topic by bringing together information from many different sources.

Review articles are important because they help us see the big picture. Instead of looking at just one study, reviewers examine hundreds of studies to find patterns and common findings. This helps doctors and consumers understand what the overall evidence suggests about a topic. For mushrooms, this approach was useful because mushroom research comes from many different countries and cultures, so bringing it all together helps us see what’s actually proven versus what’s just tradition.

This review was published in a scientific journal, which means other experts checked the work before it was published. However, because this is a review of other studies rather than original research, the quality depends on which studies the authors included and how carefully they evaluated them. The fact that it covers both traditional uses and modern scientific research is helpful, but readers should know that not all mushroom studies are equally strong or reliable.

What the Results Show

Medicinal mushrooms contain special compounds that appear to support health in various ways. These compounds have been studied in scientific research and clinical trials, showing promise for nutritional and medicinal value. The review highlights that mushroom-based beverages are becoming increasingly popular as ‘functional foods’—products designed to do more than just provide basic nutrition. The market for these drinks is growing rapidly, suggesting that both consumers and companies believe in their potential benefits. The research shows that mushrooms have been trusted for health purposes across many different cultures and continents for thousands of years, and modern science is now trying to understand why.

The review also discusses new biotechnology methods for growing and processing mushrooms, which are making it easier to create mushroom products with consistent quality and potency. Different types of mushrooms appear to have different health properties, so researchers are studying which mushrooms might help with specific health concerns. The growing recognition of mushrooms as nutraceuticals—products that are somewhere between food and medicine—shows that the scientific community is taking these fungi seriously as potential health tools.

This review builds on decades of traditional medicine knowledge from Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. Modern science is now validating what many cultures have believed for centuries about mushrooms’ health benefits. However, while traditional use is encouraging, scientists emphasize that we need rigorous modern studies to prove exactly how effective these products are and for whom they work best.

This is a review article, not original research, so it depends on the quality of studies it examined. The review doesn’t specify which mushroom studies were included or excluded, making it hard to know if all available evidence was considered. Many mushroom studies may be smaller or less rigorous than ideal. The review doesn’t provide specific numbers about how much mushroom products help or for which health conditions they’re most effective. Additionally, much of the traditional knowledge about mushrooms comes from cultures with different standards for medical evidence than modern science uses.

The Bottom Line

Mushroom-based beverages and supplements appear to be safe for most people and may offer health benefits, but they should not replace medical treatment or medications. If you’re interested in trying mushroom products, talk with your doctor first, especially if you have health conditions or take medications. The evidence suggests these products are worth exploring, but expect gradual benefits rather than dramatic changes. Confidence level: Moderate—the research is promising but still developing.

Anyone interested in natural health products, people looking to add functional foods to their diet, and those curious about traditional medicine approaches may find this interesting. However, people with mushroom allergies, those taking blood thinners or immunosuppressant medications, and pregnant or nursing women should be especially cautious and consult their doctors. This research is less relevant for people who prefer to stick with proven medical treatments for specific health conditions.

If mushroom beverages do provide health benefits, they likely work gradually over weeks to months rather than days. Don’t expect immediate results. Some people might notice changes in energy or digestion within a few weeks, while other potential benefits might take longer to appear. Consistency matters—occasional use is less likely to show benefits than regular consumption.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily mushroom beverage consumption (type and amount) along with energy levels, digestion quality, and overall wellness on a 1-10 scale. Record this for at least 4-8 weeks to notice patterns
  • Start by adding one mushroom-based beverage to your daily routine—perhaps a morning mushroom coffee or evening wellness tea. Keep it simple and consistent before trying multiple mushroom products
  • Use the app to log which mushroom products you use, how much, and any changes you notice in how you feel. Take weekly wellness snapshots (energy, digestion, mood, sleep) to track patterns over 2-3 months. This personal data helps you determine if mushroom products actually work for your body

This review summarizes research on medicinal mushrooms but is not medical advice. Mushroom products are not approved by the FDA to treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Before using mushroom beverages or supplements, especially if you have existing health conditions, take medications, are pregnant, nursing, or have mushroom allergies, consult with your healthcare provider. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical guidance. Results vary by individual, and what works for one person may not work for another.