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Innovative applications of medicinal mushrooms in functional foods and nutraceuticals: a focus on health-boosting beverages

Summary

This comprehensive review explores how medicinal mushrooms are being transformed into health-boosting beverages like coffees, teas, and energy drinks. Mushrooms contain powerful compounds that support immunity, reduce inflammation, protect the liver, and enhance brain function. As consumers increasingly seek natural health alternatives, mushroom beverages are emerging as a major market trend, combining ancient wellness traditions with modern science to create convenient, tasty drinks that genuinely benefit health.

Background

Mushrooms have been integral to human nutrition and traditional medicine across multiple cultures for centuries. They contain rich bioactive compounds including polysaccharides, terpenoids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, and alkaloids that exhibit diverse pharmacological activities. The growing recognition of mushrooms as health-promoting agents has driven innovative integration into functional beverages.

Objective

This review examines the emerging field of mushroom-based beverages, focusing on macrofungal species used in production, historical and cultural context, nutritional and biological properties, and market significance. It highlights health benefits of mushroom-derived compounds and explores potential applications in creating innovative beverages meeting modern consumer demands for taste and wellness.

Results

The review identifies key mushroom species (Ganoderma lucidum, Inonotus obliquus, Trametes versicolor, Lentinula edodes, Hericium erinaceus) commonly used in beverages and details their bioactive compounds and therapeutic applications. It documents innovations in mushroom-based beverages including coffees, teas, fermented drinks, and energy beverages, with market projections showing mushroom coffee valued at $2.5 billion in 2022 with 6.8% CAGR growth.

Conclusion

Mushroom-based beverages represent a rapidly expanding sector in functional foods, combining traditional medicinal knowledge with modern biotechnology. Advanced extraction methods and innovative formulations are enhancing bioavailability and consumer appeal, positioning mushroom beverages as significant contributors to the global nutraceutical market. Continued research and standardization of bioactive concentrations will further establish their therapeutic credibility.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: 10.3389/fcimb.2025.1605301, PMC12405408, PMID: 40909340
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