Mushroom extracts could offer an immune cell boost

Extracts from Shiitake, Reishi and Maitake mushrooms have been found to work together to boost the immune response of human cells known as macrophages, according to Australian researchers. Mushrooms are rich in a type of carbohydrate called β-glucans. Humans can't make β-glucans so our immune system sees them as foreign and is stimulated by them. The researchers found that a combination of three commercially available mushroom extracts worked together to stimulate the immune response of macrophages in the lab, changing their production of immune signalling molecules.