Scientists discovered that a mushroom called Sanghuangporus sanghuang might protect our bodies from harm caused by nanoplastics—tiny plastic particles so small you can’t see them. These particles can damage our brains and mess up how our bodies handle fats. Researchers tested a natural extract from this mushroom on small organisms and found it activated a protective pathway in cells called AKT, which helped reduce damage and clean up harmful molecules. This suggests that eating foods containing this mushroom might help protect us from nanoplastic exposure, though more research in humans is needed before we can be sure.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether an extract from a medicinal mushroom could protect against damage caused by nanoplastics—super tiny plastic particles that get into our bodies and can harm our brains and fat metabolism
  • Who participated: The study used laboratory models including zebrafish and tiny worms (C. elegans) rather than human volunteers. These organisms are commonly used in early-stage research to test if something might be safe and effective
  • Key finding: The mushroom extract successfully reduced damage from nanoplastics by turning on a protective cellular pathway called AKT, which helped cells clean up harmful molecules and prevented fat buildup and brain damage
  • What it means for you: This research suggests that mushroom-based foods might help protect your body from nanoplastic exposure, but this is very early-stage research. Don’t expect mushroom supplements to be a cure—more testing in humans is needed, and the best approach is still to reduce plastic exposure when possible

The Research Details

Researchers started by identifying the active compounds in the mushroom extract using advanced chemical analysis. They then tested whether this extract could protect small organisms (zebrafish and microscopic worms) from damage caused by nanoplastics. To understand how it worked, they used computer modeling to predict which cellular pathways the mushroom compounds might affect. Finally, they confirmed their findings by testing the extract in organisms with specific genes removed, which proved that the AKT pathway was responsible for the protective effects.

This step-by-step approach—from identifying compounds, to testing in simple organisms, to understanding the exact mechanism—is a standard way scientists explore whether natural substances might have medical benefits. The use of multiple model organisms strengthens the findings because it shows the effect isn’t just a fluke in one system.

The researchers also measured how well the extract cleaned up harmful molecules called free radicals, both in test tubes and in living organisms, to confirm its antioxidant power.

Using simple organisms like zebrafish and worms allows scientists to quickly test whether something might work before investing time and money in human studies. This approach is faster and more ethical than jumping straight to human testing. The computer modeling helped identify which specific cellular pathways to focus on, making the research more efficient. By testing in organisms with genes removed, the researchers could prove that the AKT pathway was truly responsible for the benefits, not just a coincidence.

This research has several strengths: it used multiple testing methods (chemical analysis, living organisms, and genetic confirmation), tested in different model systems, and identified specific compounds responsible for the effects. However, the main limitation is that all testing was done in laboratory organisms, not humans. The study also didn’t specify exact sample sizes for all experiments. The findings are promising but preliminary—they show potential, not proof that this will work in people. Published in a peer-reviewed journal, which means other scientists reviewed the work before publication.

What the Results Show

The mushroom extract showed strong antioxidant activity, meaning it was excellent at neutralizing harmful molecules that damage cells. When exposed to nanoplastics, organisms treated with the extract had significantly less damage compared to untreated organisms. The extract worked by activating the AKT pathway, which is like flipping a switch that tells cells to protect themselves and clean up damage.

The extract reduced fat buildup in organisms exposed to nanoplastics, suggesting it helps restore normal fat metabolism. It also protected nerve cells from damage, which is important because nanoplastics can harm the brain and nervous system. The protective effects were strongest when the extract was given before nanoplastic exposure, suggesting it works as a preventive measure.

Two specific compounds in the mushroom—protocatechuic aldehyde and osmundacetone—were identified as the main active ingredients responsible for these protective effects. When researchers tested organisms that had the akt-1 gene removed (so they couldn’t activate the AKT pathway), the mushroom extract no longer provided protection, proving that this pathway was essential for the benefits.

The extract also reduced levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS)—harmful molecules that damage cells—both in test tubes and in living organisms. This explains why the extract was so effective: it both cleaned up existing damage and prevented new damage from forming. The protective effects appeared to work through multiple mechanisms, not just one pathway, suggesting the mushroom compounds are versatile protectors.

Previous research has shown that nanoplastics cause real harm to organisms and humans, but few natural treatments have been identified. This study adds to growing evidence that medicinal mushrooms contain compounds with protective properties. The AKT pathway activation is a known protective mechanism in cells, so finding that this mushroom activates it makes biological sense and fits with how other protective compounds work. This research suggests natural alternatives might exist where current medical options are limited.

The biggest limitation is that all testing was done in simple organisms and laboratory conditions, not in humans. What works in a worm or fish might not work the same way in people. The study didn’t test different doses to find the optimal amount, and it’s unclear how much mushroom extract a person would need to eat to get protective benefits. The research also didn’t examine long-term effects or potential side effects in humans. Additionally, real-world nanoplastic exposure is complex and varies greatly, while the laboratory exposure was controlled and uniform. The study also didn’t compare the mushroom extract to other known protective compounds or treatments.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, we cannot yet recommend mushroom supplements as a treatment for nanoplastic exposure in humans (confidence level: very low). However, the findings suggest that including medicinal mushrooms in your diet as a food source is unlikely to cause harm and might offer some protective benefits (confidence level: low to moderate). The most reliable protection remains reducing plastic exposure by using reusable containers, avoiding single-use plastics, and supporting policies that reduce plastic pollution.

This research is most relevant to people concerned about environmental health and those interested in natural preventive approaches. It’s particularly interesting for researchers studying nanoplastic toxicity and those developing functional foods. People with existing neurological conditions or metabolic disorders might find this relevant, but should not change their treatment based on this early-stage research. This is NOT a replacement for medical treatment of any existing conditions.

If this research eventually leads to human studies and then to approved products, it would likely take 5-10 years minimum. Even then, benefits would probably develop gradually over weeks to months of consistent use, not immediately. This is very early-stage research, so realistic expectations are important.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track weekly servings of medicinal mushrooms (shiitake, reishi, or similar varieties) and monitor general wellness markers like energy levels, digestion, and cognitive clarity using a simple 1-10 scale. This creates a personal baseline while research develops.
  • Incorporate one serving of medicinal mushroom-containing foods per week (mushroom soup, tea, or supplements) while simultaneously reducing single-use plastic consumption. Log both behaviors in the app to track correlation with how you feel.
  • Create a long-term wellness log tracking mushroom consumption frequency, plastic exposure reduction efforts, and subjective health markers monthly. This personal data can help you notice patterns while waiting for larger human studies to be completed.

This research is preliminary and was conducted in laboratory organisms, not humans. The findings do not constitute medical advice or approval for treating any health condition. Mushroom supplements are not regulated by the FDA in the same way as medications and may interact with certain drugs or conditions. Consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you take medications, are pregnant, nursing, or have existing health conditions. This article is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical guidance. The most effective protection against nanoplastic exposure remains reducing plastic use and supporting environmental policies.