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Mar 17, 2023

Tremella Mushrooms: Benefits, Uses, Side Effects, and More

Lindsey Desoto is a licensed, registered dietitian and experienced medical

Lindsey Desoto is a licensed, registered dietitian and experienced medical writer.

Emily Dashiell, ND, is a licensed doctor of naturopathic medicine operating her own private practice for women, children, and families seeking preventative health and health maintenance.

zhudifeng / Getty Images

Tremella mushrooms (Tremella fuciformis), also known as white fungus or snow ear, are edible mushrooms that grow in tropical and subtropical regions around the world.

They have been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for disease prevention, boosting immunity, and improving skin appearance. Today, the tremella mushroom is still used for medicinal purposes. However, the research supporting its use is limited.

This article explores the health benefits of tremella mushrooms, along with their usage, potential side effects, and safety considerations.

Most of the health benefits associated with tremella mushrooms are linked to their high polysaccharide (a type of carbohydrate) content, which may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

However, most research on tremella mushrooms has been limited to test-tube and animal studies. More research is necessary to determine the potential effects of tremella mushrooms on your health.

Oxidative stress is a condition that occurs when there are too many free radicals and not enough antioxidants in the body, leading to potential cell and tissue damage. The condition can eventually lead to chronic inflammation and increase the risk of serious health conditions such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and kidney disease.

Test tube studies suggest that tremella polysaccharides have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, indicating their potential as an effective treatment for inflammation-related health conditions.

However, it's important to mention that while test tube studies provide valuable insights into the properties of tremella mushrooms, these effects may not directly apply to humans. More human studies are required to confirm these effects.

In chemistry, a free radical is an atom, molecule, or ion that has at least one unpaired valence electron. Usually, these unpaired electrons make radicals highly chemically reactive, and can damage cells, causing illness and aging. Free radicals are produced when your body uses oxygen to generate energy.

There is limited evidence that tremella polysaccharides may help improve brain function by protecting nerve cells in your brain from damage.

In a 2018 randomized control trial, 75 individuals with self-reported confusion or memory loss were assigned either a placebo or a tremella mushroom supplement (600 or 1,200 milligrams) daily for eight weeks. The group taking the tremella mushroom supplement showed improved memory questionnaire scores and significant enhancements in short-term memory and executive functions compared to the placebo group.

Similarly, an older test-tube study found that the use of tremella mushrooms as a preventive measure in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease may be promising.

More human research is necessary to confirm the relationship between tremella mushrooms and cognitive health.

Tremella mushrooms are commonly used in cosmetics because of their anti-aging and moisturizing properties.

There is evidence that tremella polysaccharides may improve your skin's appearance by helping to retain moisture and reducing collagen loss.

For example, a small 2021 study involving 20 individuals discovered that a hand sanitizer gel containing tremella mushroom extract was more effective than the placebo in moisturizing the skin.

Furthermore, some research suggests that the mushroom's polysaccharides may have the potential to help reduce damage to the skin caused by UV rays.

Tremella mushroom has been used for centuries in China to improve immunity with good results.

A 2022 study showed that tremella mushroom might help alleviate atopic dermatitis in mice by regulating immune response and restoring gut health.

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that causes an itchy rash.

Another 2018 study in laboratory-induced immunosuppressed mice found that tremella mushroom polysaccharides improved immune function and protected immune organs from damage.

However, it's important to note that these studies have been conducted in rats, and we cannot say for sure that these same effects will be seen in humans.

Tremella mushroom shows promise in helping to promote heart health.

One 2015 study found that exopolysaccharides in tremella mushrooms may help reduce triglycerides and total cholesterol levels while improving high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or "good" cholesterol levels in mice with type 1 diabetes.

Elevated levels of triglycerides and cholesterol are associated with a higher risk of heart disease, whereas higher levels of HDL cholesterol are considered protective against heart disease.

Some animal studies suggest that tremella mushrooms may benefit blood sugar control.

In the 2015 study mentioned above, blood sugar levels in mice with type 1 diabetes were significantly reduced after consuming tremella mushroom for 15 days.

Furthermore, an older study in mice found that tremella mushroom polysaccharides significantly improved blood glucose levels and insulin sensitivity, or how responsive the body's cells are to insulin.

Keep in mind, though, that the results of animal studies may not apply to humans and should be interpreted cautiously.

Tremella mushrooms are relatively small and tend to resemble a sea creature or jellyfish rather than the mushrooms typically found in grocery stores.

Finding fresh, whole tremella mushrooms outside of Asia can be difficult. However, you can easily purchase dried tremella mushrooms or find them in capsule or powder form online or at your local health food store. Some brands also offer liquid tremella mushroom extract.

Tremella mushroom powders and extracts have a mild taste and can be added to teas, smoothies, and juices. They can also be incorporated into soups, savory dishes, and desserts.

Due to the lack of human studies on tremella mushrooms, there is currently no established recommended dosage.

Always follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer and consult with a healthcare provider to ensure appropriate dosing and usage of tremella mushrooms.

Children and pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should refrain from tremella mushroom use unless otherwise approved by a healthcare provider.

Tremella mushroom is considered safe for most healthy individuals. However, due to the limited human research available, it is recommended to exercise caution and consult with a healthcare provider before using it.

You should also avoid tremella mushrooms if you have an existing mushroom allergy.

Currently, there are no known drug interactions associated with the use of tremella mushrooms. However, if you are taking other prescription medications or dietary supplements, have a conversation with your pharmacist or another healthcare provider to ensure no interactions exist.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness before they are sold.

When possible, choose a tremella mushroom product from a reputable brand that utilizes third-party testing to help ensure the quality and purity of the supplement.

Reputable third-party agencies include NSF International, United States Pharmacopeia (USP), and ConsumerLab.

It is not recommended to look for tremella mushrooms in the wild, as they may be mistaken for other mushrooms that may be potentially toxic.

In human studies to date, no significant side effects have been observed with tremella mushroom use.

However, it's still a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider before incorporating any new dietary supplement or food into your diet.

Tremella mushrooms contain polysaccharides with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties, which may help protect against oxidative stress and health conditions associated with chronic inflammation.

Limited evidence suggests that tremella polysaccharides may also help with blood sugar control and support brain, skin, immune, and heart health.

However, more high-quality human studies are needed to better understand the mushroom's potential health benefits.

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