Site Accessibility Features: Skip to page menus
Site Menus Section Skip to page content
Medicinal mushrooms are a group of fungi that are used to treat and prevent several different diseases or to promote general health. Examples of medicinal mushrooms include maitake (Grifola frondosa, Polyporous umbellatus, Grifola umbellatus, and Boletus frondosus), shiitake (Lentinus edodes), reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), cordyceps (Cordyceps ophioglossoides), and turkey tail (Trametes versicolor) mushrooms. It is important to note that not all mushrooms are medicinal, and some mushrooms are toxic and deadly.
> "It is important to note that not all mushrooms are medicinal, and some > > mushrooms are toxic and deadly."The active ingredients in medicinal mushrooms include polysaccharides (complex sugars), proteins, and glycoproteins (sugar-protein compounds), and they are commonly used as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting supplements. Other conditions that have been treated with medicinal mushrooms include diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, lung disease, infection, gastrointestinal disease, and nerve disease.
Dietary supplements are substances that can be used to supplement the diet, such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbs, botanicals, enzymes, and probiotics. While many supplements are sold over the counter, they still contain ingredients that have biological effects that should be managed by your veterinarian. Follow your veterinarian’s directions and cautions very carefully as their directions may be significantly different from those on the label.
There are differences in how countries regulate supplements. In the United States, these substances are not as vigorously regulated by the FDA as other medications, which means they can be sold without the manufacturer proving their effectiveness, safety, and without a guarantee of consistent or accurately reported ingredients. In Canada, products that have been evaluated for quality, safety, and effectiveness by Health Canada and authorized for sale will have a license number on the label.
Limited studies in companion animals have been performed, but there is anecdotal evidence that medicinal mushrooms work to treat cancer and other diseases by increasing the effectiveness and activity of immune system cells. There is also some promising evidence in human studies, although more rigorous clinical studies are needed for each mushroom type.
Medicinal mushrooms are given by mouth in the form of capsules, powder, chewable tablets, or liquid extracts. Mushrooms may be given with or without food; however, if stomach upset occurs when dosed on an empty stomach, give future doses with food. Measure liquid forms carefully.
Give the missed dose as soon as you remember, and then wait the recommended amount of time between doses. Never give your pet two doses at once or give extra doses.
Studies are limited for this supplement and therefore information regarding side effects is also limited. Side effects depend on the type of mushroom used and may include upset stomach, diarrhea, dizziness, and skin rash. Serious side effects may indicate a toxicity and can include seizures, severe vomiting or diarrhea, increased drinking, lack of appetite, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or weakness.
Studies are limited for this supplement and therefore information regarding risk factors is also limited. Risk factors depend on the type of mushroom used, but in general, do not use medicinal mushrooms in pets that are allergic to mushrooms. Medicinal mushrooms should be used cautiously in pets with bleeding disorders, low blood pressure, liver or kidney disease, or immune-mediated disorders. They should be used cautiously in pregnant or nursing pets, as safety has not been established. Do not use medicinal mushrooms without veterinary monitoring, as prolonged use or high doses may cause harm.
The following medications should be used with caution when given with medicinal mushrooms: insulin or other diabetes medications, anti-inflammatories, anti-coagulants, or immune modulators.
Vitamins, herbal therapies, and supplements have the potential to interact with each other, as well as with prescription and over the counter medications. It is important to tell your veterinarian about any medications (including all vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies) that your pet is taking.
There is no specific monitoring that needs to be done while your pet is taking this medication. Your veterinarian may monitor your pet to be sure that the medication is working.
In general, store this supplement in a cool, dry place, protected from light. There are many formulations and manufacturers of medicinal mushrooms, so always follow the specific storage instructions on the product label.
If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately. If they are not available, follow their directions in contacting an emergency facility.
© Copyright 2025 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license. This content written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written consent of LifeLearn. This content does not contain all available information for any referenced medications and has not been reviewed by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, or Health Canada Veterinary Drugs Directorate. This content may help answer commonly asked questions, but is not a substitute for medical advice, or a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian. Please contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health. Last updated on Dec 7, 2020.
Site Sidebar: Skip to end of sidebar
Search Articles
Filter By Species
View All
We are currently seeing regular, urgent care and surgical appointments using curbside service only. We are still restricting lobby traffic at this time and are keeping our door locked. Please call our office at 803-469-6077 for additional instructions. Upon arrival please remain in your vehicle and one of our staff will come out to greet you as soon as possible Due to limited staffing you may get our voicemail system when you call. Please leave a message as we check this frequently during the day. We hope to be back to normal lobby hours and services in the near future.
1230 Wilson Hall Road Sumter, South Carolina, 29150
Phone: 803-469-6077 Email: contact@advancedvethospital.com
© 2025 Advanced Veterinary Hospital. Provided by Covetrus | Powered by LifeLearn WebDVM