Medicinal Mushrooms for Dogs and Cats: Research Reveals the Power of Combining Reishi, Shiitake, and Maitake

Could combining medicinal mushrooms provide greater immune support than using each mushroom individually?

Scientific research suggests certain medicinal mushroom combinations may have powerful effects on immune-cell activity.

A 2019 peer-reviewed study investigated three well-known medicinal mushrooms: Reishi, Shiitake, and Maitake.

Researchers discovered that combining these mushrooms produced synergistic effects on several immune responses in laboratory-grown human cells.

In other words, the combination sometimes produced a greater response than researchers expected from adding the individual effects together.

For pet parents interested in natural wellness, the findings offer an exciting reason to explore medicinal mushroom research.

In their clinics, our founding veterinarians recommend PET | TAO Complement Immune.

This veterinarian-formulated supplement combines all three researched mushrooms with a fourth, Turkey Tail, for additional nutritional and immune-supporting compounds.

Let's explore what scientists discovered and how medicinal mushrooms fit into Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM).

Quick Overview: Medicinal Mushroom Research and Immune Health

• The study: Researchers investigated Reishi, Shiitake, and Maitake extracts in human immune cells.
• The findings: The combination demonstrated synergistic effects on several immune-signaling molecules.
• The science: Mushroom beta-glucans are natural compounds being studied for their effects on immune function.
• The TCVM connection: Medicinal mushrooms have a long history of traditional use for supporting vitality and balance.
• The fourth mushroom: Turkey Tail contains polysaccharides, including compounds studied for immune-modulating activity.
• Veterinarian recommendation: Our founding veterinarians recommend PET | TAO Complement Immune for nutritional immune support in dogs and cats.
• Note: The featured study did not test the recommended supplement or measure health outcomes in pets.

What Did Researchers Discover About Medicinal Mushroom Combinations?

In November 2019, researchers published a study in the scientific journal PLOS ONE.

The study was titled Synergistic Immuno-Modulatory Activity in Human Macrophages of a Medicinal Mushroom Formulation Consisting of Reishi, Shiitake and Maitake.

Scientists wanted to understand whether combining these mushrooms could produce stronger biological effects than using them separately.

The research focused on macrophages, an important type of immune cell.

Macrophages help recognize threats, engulf foreign material, remove damaged cells, and coordinate immune responses.

Researchers exposed laboratory-grown human macrophages to individual mushroom extracts and a combined formula.

They then measured changes in several immune-signaling molecules called cytokines.

What Is a Synergistic Effect?

Synergy occurs when a combination produces a greater effect than expected from its individual components.

Imagine two ingredients that each influence a particular immune response.

When combined, they might produce a stronger response than simply adding their separate effects.

The researchers found evidence of this type of interaction for several cytokines.

However, not every response was enhanced. The combination also showed antagonistic effects involving IL-10.

These results suggest mushroom extracts can interact in complex ways.

The key discovery was that the combination altered several immune-cell responses beyond the effects expected from individual extracts.

How Medicinal Mushrooms Interact With the Immune System

Medicinal mushrooms contain natural compounds called polysaccharides.

Among the most widely researched are beta-glucans.

Beta-glucans occur in mushrooms, yeast, oats, and several other natural sources.

However, their chemical structures differ depending on where they originate.

Certain mushroom beta-glucans interact with receptors involved in immune recognition and signaling.

This interaction can influence how immune cells respond to different stimuli.

What Did the Study Measure?

Researchers examined four cytokines:

• IL-1α: Helps coordinate inflammatory and immune responses.
• IL-6: Participates in inflammation and communication between immune cells.
• TNF-α: Helps regulate inflammation and immune defense.
• IL-10: Helps regulate immune activity and limit excessive inflammation.

The three-mushroom formula demonstrated synergistic effects on several pro-inflammatory cytokine measurements.

However, increased cytokine activity is not automatically beneficial.

A healthy immune system must respond appropriately while avoiding excessive inflammation.

Therefore, the study supports continued research into immune modulation rather than proving better overall immunity.

The Three Medicinal Mushrooms Studied

Reishi, Shiitake, and Maitake each contain naturally occurring compounds investigated for their effects on immune activity.

1. Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum): Traditional Vitality Support

Reishi is known as Ling Zhi in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Traditionally, practitioners value Reishi for supporting vitality, resilience, and overall balance.

Reishi contains several biologically active compounds, including beta-glucans and triterpenes.

Laboratory research suggests certain Reishi compounds can influence immune signaling.

Within the 2019 study, Reishi contributed to the three-mushroom formulation evaluated for synergistic activity.

From a TCVM perspective, Reishi is associated with supporting the body's healthy foundation.

2. Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinula edodes): Nutritional and Immune Support

Shiitake is a widely enjoyed culinary mushroom with a long history in Asian food traditions.

Beyond its nutritional value, Shiitake contains polysaccharides, including lentinan.

Scientists have investigated lentinan for its biological and immune-modulating properties.

Shiitake extracts were among the three ingredients selected for the 2019 study.

Researchers found that combining the selected extracts changed immune-cell signaling in ways not fully predicted by their separate effects.

Shiitake also provides naturally occurring nutrients and compounds of interest in nutritional research.

3. Maitake Mushroom (Grifola frondosa): Supporting Immune Balance

Maitake, often called Hen of the Woods, is another edible medicinal mushroom.

It contains beta-glucans and other polysaccharides studied for possible immune-modulating properties.

Laboratory and animal studies have examined Maitake extracts for effects on macrophages and other immune cells.

In the featured study, Maitake formed an important part of the combined mushroom extract.

Its inclusion helped researchers investigate whether different mushroom polysaccharides could interact synergistically.

Together, Reishi, Shiitake, and Maitake demonstrated measurable effects on immune-cell activity.

Why Our Founding Veterinarians Recommend Adding Turkey Tail

The featured study evaluated three medicinal mushrooms.

However, our founding veterinarians recommend a formula containing those three mushrooms plus Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor).

Turkey Tail has attracted particular interest in veterinary research because of its naturally occurring polysaccharides.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Turkey Tail is known as Yun Zhi.

What Makes Turkey Tail Different?

Turkey Tail contains several biologically active compounds, including beta-glucans and protein-bound polysaccharides.

Two extensively studied preparations are:

• PSP (polysaccharopeptide): A mushroom-derived compound investigated for immune-modulating activity and potential applications in cancer research.
• PSK (polysaccharide-K): Another protein-bound polysaccharide investigated for biological and immune effects.

These compounds have been studied for their interactions with immune signaling pathways.

However, their concentrations and properties vary among mushroom preparations.

What Does Veterinary Research Say About Turkey Tail?

A 2012 pilot study at the University of Pennsylvania investigated a standardized Turkey Tail PSP extract in 15 dogs with splenic hemangiosarcoma.

Researchers compared three different doses of the extract.

Dogs receiving the highest dose experienced a longer median time before progression of abdominal metastases than dogs receiving the lowest dose.

The findings encouraged further investigation.

However, a larger 2022 study involving 101 dogs did not find improved survival when the same type of PSP treatment was added to doxorubicin chemotherapy.

The research demonstrates both the potential and the limitations of medicinal mushroom investigation.

PET | TAO Complement Immune: Four Medicinal Mushrooms in One Formula

At TCVM Pet Supply, our founding veterinarians recommend PET | TAO Complement Immune as a nutritional immune-support supplement for dogs and cats.

The veterinarian-formulated product brings together all three mushrooms investigated in the featured 2019 study, plus Turkey Tail.

Each 4-gram soft chew contains:

• Reishi Mushroom: 578 mg
• Shiitake Mushroom: 446 mg
• Turkey Tail Mushroom: 150 mg
• Maitake Mushroom: 95 mg

The formula also includes additional nutrients and antioxidant-supporting ingredients, including Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, and Coenzyme Q10.

Together, the ingredients are selected to support normal immune function and overall wellness.

Why Choose a Four-Mushroom Blend?

Each medicinal mushroom contains a unique combination of naturally occurring compounds.

Consequently, combining them provides a wider variety of mushroom-derived substances than using one mushroom alone.

The 2019 study supports the scientific rationale for investigating combinations rather than focusing exclusively on individual extracts.

PET | TAO Complement Immune offers a convenient way to include four medicinal mushrooms in a veterinarian-formulated supplement.

Medicinal Mushrooms From a Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine Perspective

TCVM emphasizes maintaining balance and supporting the body's natural ability to function properly.

Rather than focusing on a single organ or symptom, practitioners evaluate the animal's overall condition.

Traditional concepts include Qi, Blood, Yin, Yang, and the relationships between functional organ systems.

Medicinal mushrooms fit into this whole-body philosophy because traditional practitioners have used certain species to support vitality and resilience.

For example, Reishi has a long history of use in traditional Chinese herbal medicine.

Modern researchers now investigate specific compounds within medicinal mushrooms using laboratory methods.

These approaches offer different perspectives.

TCVM provides a traditional framework for individualized wellness, while modern science investigates measurable biological effects.

The 2019 mushroom study is one example of this scientific exploration.

Veterinary Expertise: Why Individualized Immune Support Matters

Not every dog or cat has the same nutritional or medical needs.

Age, existing conditions, medications, and overall health can influence supplement selection.

For example, animals receiving chemotherapy, immunosuppressive medications, or treatment for immune-mediated disease need individualized veterinary guidance.

Medicinal mushrooms contain biologically active compounds, and their safety can depend on the product and the animal.

A veterinarian can help determine whether a mushroom supplement is appropriate alongside the pet's existing treatment plan.

At TCVM Pet Supply, our founding veterinarians emphasize a whole-pet approach to wellness.

Their recommendation of PET | TAO Complement Immune reflects an interest in supporting normal immune function through carefully selected nutritional ingredients.

Personalized TCVM Guidance

If you ever feel like you need extra help supporting your pet's immune health naturally or with TCVM herbal blends, we can help.

TCVM Pet Supply co-founding veterinarians Dr. Marc Smith and Dr. Casey Damron offer TCVM telemedicine consultations.

A consultation provides personalized recommendations specific to your pet, including:

• Evaluation: TCVM evaluation.
• Nutrition: TCVM Food Therapy recommendations.
• Herbal support: TCVM herb recommendations and veterinary authorization.
• Supplements: Supplement recommendations.
• Additional care: Alternative medicine recommendations.

If you reside in the Middle Tennessee area or would like to commute, you may choose an in-clinic appointment instead.

You can learn more about each veterinarian and contact the clinic you prefer directly:

• Marc Smith, DVM, CVA MS - Natchez Trace Veterinary Services
• Casey Damron, DVM, CVA - White Oak Animal Hospital

We wish you the very best in helping your pet feel better. If you ever have questions, we are always happy to help.

Frequently Asked Questions About Medicinal Mushrooms for Dogs and Cats

Do medicinal mushroom combinations work better than individual mushrooms?

A 2019 laboratory study found that a specific combination of Reishi, Shiitake, and Maitake produced synergistic effects on several immune-cell responses.

What are the benefits of Reishi, Shiitake, and Maitake for dogs?

These mushrooms provide naturally occurring polysaccharides and other compounds investigated for immune-modulating activity.

Why is Turkey Tail included in Complement Immune?

Turkey Tail adds another source of mushroom-derived polysaccharides, including compounds of interest in immune research. It has also been investigated in canine cancer studies.

Can medicinal mushrooms help dogs with cancer?

Medicinal mushroom compounds have been investigated for potential roles in cancer care. However, current veterinary evidence does not establish that a four-mushroom supplement treats cancer or improves survival. That being said, many holistic veterinarians report better outcomes and quality of life for pets using mushroom immune supplements. Always coordinate supplements with your veterinarian or veterinary oncologist.

Can cats take medicinal mushroom supplements?

Certain veterinarian-formulated mushroom supplements are designed for both dogs and cats. PET | TAO Complement Immune is labeled for dogs and cats over 12 weeks of age.

What makes PET | TAO Complement Immune different?

PET | TAO Complement Immune combines Reishi, Shiitake, Maitake, and Turkey Tail in one soft chew. It also includes selected antioxidant-supporting nutrients. The formula was developed by veterinarians for dogs and cats.

Conclusion: What Medicinal Mushroom Research Means for Pet Wellness

The 2019 study provides scientific evidence that certain medicinal mushroom extracts can interact synergistically.

Researchers demonstrated measurable effects when combining Reishi, Shiitake, and Maitake in laboratory-grown human immune cells.

The findings are encouraging because they help scientists understand how natural mushroom compounds influence immune signaling.

Turkey Tail adds another interesting dimension through its polysaccharides and growing body of research.

However, the featured study does not prove clinical benefits in dogs or cats.

More veterinary research is needed to determine how specific mushroom formulations affect animal health.

Understanding the science behind medicinal mushrooms helps you make informed wellness decisions for your pet.

Discover Four-Mushroom Immune Support at TCVM Pet Supply

Your pet deserves wellness support tailored to their individual needs.

Our founding veterinarians recommend PET | TAO Complement Immune, a thoughtfully formulated blend featuring four medicinal mushrooms.

By combining Reishi, Shiitake, Maitake, and Turkey Tail, the product provides a convenient source of mushroom-derived compounds being investigated for immune health.

Plus, each soft chew includes additional nutrients selected to support overall wellness.

Discover a simple way to incorporate medicinal mushrooms into your pet's veterinarian-guided wellness routine.

Scientific Research References

Primary study

Synergistic immuno-modulatory activity in human macrophages of a medicinal mushroom formulation consisting of Reishi, Shiitake and Maitake. (2019). PLOS ONE.

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224740

Read the full study on PubMed Central

Additional Turkey Tail veterinary research

Brown, D. C., & Reetz, J. (2012). Single agent polysaccharopeptide delays metastases and improves survival in naturally occurring hemangiosarcoma. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Read the study

Gedney, A., et al. (2022). Evaluation of the anti-tumour activity of Coriolus versicolor polysaccharopeptide (I'm-Yunity) alone or in combination with doxorubicin for canine splenic hemangiosarcoma. Veterinary and Comparative Oncology.

Read the study

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. Laboratory research involving mushroom extracts does not establish equivalent health benefits in dogs or cats. PET | TAO Complement Immune is a nutritional supplement, not a treatment or cure for cancer or other diseases. Consult your veterinarian before introducing supplements, especially if your pet receives medication or has an existing medical condition.