The role of medicinal mushrooms in bacterial overgrowth: restoring gut health and emotional state

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, or SIBO, is an increasingly common condition that can cause discomfort and affect the quality of life for sufferers. If you are looking for a natural approach to treating SIBO, consider the benefits of medicinal mushrooms. In this article we review which medicinal mushrooms can be an effective option for restoring gut health and how they can control bacterial overgrowth.

In addition, we bring to the table recent studies conducted by reputable laboratories that take safety measures and pharmaceutical excellence protocols seriously in the production of premium quality supplements from medicinal mushrooms.

What are medicinal mushrooms and why are they useful in small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)?

Medicinal mushrooms are a special category of mushrooms that contain bioactive compounds with therapeutic properties that have been studied for years and are being validated by modern science in recent years. 

Specifically, species such as Lion’s Mane and Reishi have been used for centuries in the traditional medicine of different cultures to treat various conditions, including those related to the digestive system and the gut-brain axis. As we have mentioned, Reishi and Hericium stand out for digestive and emotional wellbeing, but Shiitake and Oyster mushroom have much to contribute to the treatment of intestinal eubiosis.

One of the most outstanding characteristics of the aforementioned mushrooms is their great action as regulators of the intestinal microbiota, being able to act on common disorders such as SIBO, SIFO (intestinal candidiasis) and related symptoms: poor digestion, flatulence, heavy digestion, etc. In addition, these mushrooms, given their active biomolecules, can act as a preventative in the care of the vaginal microbiota, skin and mucous membranes.

When choosing a supplement containing Reishi, Lion’s Mane or Oyster Mushroom, it is important to be confident in the user’s confidence. In this respect, it is important that the bioactive substances it contains are qualitatively and quantitatively reflected on the packaging. You can find out more about how to choose the best natural supplement in our quality section.

Benefits of medicinal mushrooms for bacterial overgrowth or SIBO:

Microbiota imbalances have been linked to more than 105 diseases such as metabolic disorders, inflammatory diseases and autoimmune disorders, among many others. The prebiotic fibre content of mushrooms naturally regulates dysbiosis and relieves frequent digestive discomfort (bloating, flatulence, heavy digestions…). 

Below you can see actions referenced in publications and clinical trials:

Microbiota regulators in SIBO diagnosis:

  • The laboratory’s exclusive organic strains of Reishi and Hericium from Hifas da Terra have been shown to regulate the microbiota in SIBO in patients with IBS(1). 
  • H. erinaceus relieves intestinal inflammation and promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria(5).
  • It also enhances host immunity in vivo in Inflammatory Bowel Disease(6).

Prebiotics for dysbiosis and SIBO

Medicinal mushrooms with prebiotic effect(2-4) that nourish the gut microbiota and promote the development and establishment of a healthy gut microbiota.

Other qualities:

  • Antimicrobial: Several studies have shown that certain medicinal mushrooms possess antimicrobial properties, meaning they can inhibit the overgrowth of unwanted bacteria in the small intestine.
  • Boosting the immune system: Medicinal mushrooms contain bioactive compounds that can strengthen the immune system. By strengthening the immune response, medicinal mushrooms may help regulate the gut microbiota and reduce the recurrence of SIBO.
  • Anti-inflammatory: SIBO can cause inflammation in the intestinal lining, which aggravates symptoms and makes healing more difficult. Some medicinal mushrooms, such as reishi and shiitake, contain compounds with anti-inflammatory properties. These properties may help reduce inflammation in the gut, relieve symptoms and promote healing of the intestinal mucosa.

Studies with exclusive medicinal mushroom formulas in case of SIBO

SIBO HIFAS

As mentioned above, Hifas  da Terra has recently carried out a study on 20 people by the Andalusian Unit of Functional Digestive Disorders (Dr. Manuel Medina + Nutritionist Ms. Alicia Salido) which demonstrates the benefits of medicinal mushrooms in the case of SIBO. Alicia Salido) which demonstrates the benefits of the synergy of Reishi and Melena de Léon HdT strains present in the new Hyphae-Microbiota formula for the improvement of SIBO symptoms, the regulation of the microbiota as well as its action on stress and emotions in patients with positive SIBO Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

How to use medicinal mushrooms in dysbiosis and bacterial overgrowth:

Medicinal mushrooms can be consumed in dietary supplement form, in fact most of the scientific studies carried out are based on extracts or powdered, concentrated forms of their active biomolecules. 

On our quality page we explain how to differentiate quality food supplements developed from medicinal mushrooms. Here we focus on key aspects such as safety, their production – organic cultivation guarantees the absence of toxic substances – and their extraction method – guarantees the amount of bioactive substances in the product. This information is essential when choosing the best supplement for health care in general and microbiota care in particular.

Summary: Medicinal mushrooms and SIBO

Medicinal mushrooms offer a promising natural integrative option in the treatment of SIBO. Their prebiotic properties and their ability to restore intestinal eubiosis, coupled with their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity, make them a valuable option for restoring intestinal health and addressing small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.

However, it is important to remember that each individual is unique, and it is advisable to consult a doctor or specialist before starting any treatment for SIBO, including the use of medicinal mushrooms. It is also important to be aware of the production and quality criteria of each manufacturer, as the selection of the strain, substrate and other production criteria as well as the methods of obtaining the extract and powder determine the quality of the final product and its activity. 

References

  1. Rojo D, Méndez-García C, Raczkowska BA, Bargiela R, Moya A, Ferrer M et al. Exploring the Human Microbiome From Multiple Perspectives: Factors Altering Its Composition and Function. FEMS Microbiol Rev. 2017; 41 (4): 453-78. 
  2. Jayachandran M, Xiao J, Xu B. A Critical Review on Health Promoting Benefits of Edible Mushrooms through Gut Microbiota. Int J Mol Sci. 2017 Sep 8;18(9):1934. 
  3. Synytsya, A., Mícková, K., Synytsya, A., Jablonský, I., Spevácek, J., Erban, V., … & Copíková, J. (2009). Glucans from fruit bodies of cultivated mushrooms Pleurotus ostreatus and Pleurotus eryngii: Structure and potential prebiotic activity. Carbohydrate polymers, 76(4), 548-556.
  4. 4.Spisni E, Turroni S, Alvisi P, Spigarelli R, Azzinnari D, Ayala D, Imbesi V, Valerii MC. Nutraceuticals in the Modulation of the Intestinal Microbiota: Current Status and Future Directions. Front Pharmacol. 2022 Mar 18;13:841782.
  5. Xie XQ, Geng Y, Guan Q, Ren Y, Guo L, Lv Q, Lu ZM, Shi JS, Xu ZH. Influence of Short-Term Consumption of Hericium erinaceus on Serum Biochemical Markers and the Changes of the Gut Microbiota: A Pilot Study. Nutrients. 2021 Mar 21;13(3):1008. 
  6. Diling C, Xin Y, Chaoqun Z, Jian Y, Xiaocui T, Jun C, Ou S,Yizhen X. Extracts from Hericium erinaceus relieve inflammatory bowel disease by regulating immunity and gut microbiota. Oncotarget. 2017 Sep 6;8(49):85838-85857. 
  7. Schwartz B, Hadar Y. Possible mechanisms of action of mushroom-derived glucans on inflammatory bowel disease and associated cancer. Ann Transl Med. 2014 Feb;2(2):19. 
  8. Zhao, J., Hu, Y., Qian, C., Hussain, M., Liu, S., Zhang, A., …& Sun, P. (2023). The Interaction between Mushroom Polysaccharides and Gut Microbiota and Their Effect on Human Health: A Review. Biology, 12(1), 122. 
  9. Xu CP, Liu WW, Liu FX,Chen SS, Liao FQ,Xu Z, Jiang LG, Wang CA, Lu XH. Chin Med J (Engl).1985 Jun;98(6):455-6. A double-blind studyof effectiveness of Hericium erinaceus pers therapy on chronic atrophicgastritis. A preliminary report.