What are medicinal mushrooms?
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, shiitake, reishi, cordyceps, and turkey tail mushrooms. It is important to note that not all mushrooms are medicinal, and that some mushrooms are toxic and deadly.
Medicinal mushrooms are primarily used in dogs and cats but may be used in many species. Much of the research on medicinal mushrooms comes from lab studies on rodents (rats and mice).
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, Cushing’s disease, arthritis, lung disease, infection, gastrointestinal disease, and nerve disease.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not review non-drug health supplements (e.g., herbals, nutraceuticals, shampoos, and other supplements) for safety or effectiveness before they are sold to the public. Manufacturers of non-drug health supplements must ensure their supplements are safe and labeled accurately.
The FDA requires that these non-pharmaceuticals contain a disclaimer that says, “This supplement is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.” Health Canada licenses “veterinary health supplements” after reviewing safety, efficacy, and manufacturing information provided by the manufacturer. These supplements are not tested by Health Canada.
Your veterinarian is the best source of information about the safety of non-drug health supplements in pets. Just because a supplement is natural does not mean it is safe. All medicines and medicinal plants are potentially toxic if used inappropriately or given at high doses. Supplements can also have side effects, like pharmaceuticals. Few supplements and herbs have been subjected to rigorous scientific trials to determine their efficacy.
Although the information in this handout may be helpful, it also may be incomplete and may not represent the full range of effects the supplement could have on your pet.
How do I give my pet medicinal mushrooms?
- Medicinal mushrooms are given orally (by mouth) and come in various forms, including capsule, powder, chewable tablet, and liquid extract.
- Oral doses may be given with or without food.
- If vomiting occurs when dosed on an empty stomach, give future doses with food or a treat.
- Follow your veterinarian’s directions and use supplements according to their label.
- Ideally, give this supplement at the same time daily.
- Ensure access to fresh, clean drinking water.
- Wash your hands after handling.
- Do not handle if you have a known sensitivity to this supplement.
- If you have difficulty getting your animal to take the supplement, ask your veterinarian or pharmacist for tips to reduce the stress of medication time for both you and your animal.
This supplement can take a few weeks before full effects are noted, but gradual improvements are usually noticeable after a few days.
What if I miss giving my pet the supplement?
If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember, and then continue with the regular dosing schedule. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once or give extra doses.
Are there any potential side effects?
Medicinal mushrooms may cause the following side effects:
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Skin rash
Serious adverse reactions associated with this drug may occur without warning and could, in rare cases, lead to death. If any of the following signs develop, stop giving medicinal mushrooms and contact your veterinarian immediately:
- Diarrhea
- Increased drinking
- Lack of appetite
- Seizures
- Severe vomiting
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Weakness
Sensitivities can develop over time with repeated exposure. Your pet may have no reaction after the first few doses but may develop a sensitivity later. It is important to watch for signs of an allergic reaction over the entire course of treatment. Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian immediately. This short-acting supplement should stop working within 24 hours, although effects can be longer in pets with liver or kidney disease.
Are there any risk factors for this supplement?
DO NOT USE medicinal mushrooms in:
- Pets with allergies to any kind of mushroom
USE WITH CAUTION in:
- Pets with bleeding disorders
- Pets with low blood pressure
- Pets with liver or kidney disease
- Pets with immune-mediated disorders
- Pets that are pregnant or nursing
Are there any drug interactions I should be aware of?
Several medications should be used with caution when given with medicinal mushrooms, including:
- Anti-coagulants
- Anti-inflammatories (e.g., NSAIDs)
- Immune modulators
- Insulin or other diabetes medications
Be sure to tell your veterinarian about any medications (including vitamins, supplements or herbal therapies) that your pet is taking before starting any treatment.
Is any monitoring needed with this supplement?
- Do not use medicinal mushrooms without veterinary monitoring, as prolonged use or high doses may cause harm.
- At home, monitor for abnormal changes. If any occur, discontinue the supplement and contact your veterinarian.
- Your veterinarian will let you know when they want to reassess your pet to ensure the supplement is working and not causing side effects.
How do I store medicinal mushrooms?
- Ensure oral supplements are stored in a cool dry area in tightly sealed containers to prevent accidental ingestion.
- Keep out of the reach of children and pets
- There are many formulations and manufacturers of medicinal mushrooms, so always follow the specific storage instructions on the product label.
What should I do in case of emergency?
- 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.
- Be prepared to provide information about the product and your pet’s weight and symptoms.
- Report any adverse effects to the FDA or Health Canada.
