Research & Citations
Headwater is built for clear days—steady focus, clean energy, and recovery support—using functional mushrooms and plant-based nutrients. This page is where we show our work. Below are research citations we reference when formulating, teaching, and talking about ingredients, along with brief takeaways to make the studies easier to scan. The science in this space ranges from early-stage lab research to emerging human data, so we aim to be precise about what’s known, what’s promising, and what still needs larger clinical trials.
Immune Support
Lion's Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus)
Study: Ren, X., Chen, Z., Zhang, H. et al. "Immunomodulatory activities of a fungal protein extracted from Hericium erinaceus through regulating the gut microbiota." Food Funct 12, 372–384 (2021).
Findings: This study investigates the immunomodulatory effects of a protein extracted from Lion's Mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus). The research suggests that this fungal protein may influence the immune system by regulating the gut microbiota, opening avenues for potential health benefits.
Chaga Mushroom (Inonotus obliquus)
Study: Gieroba R, Sikora J, Broniek J, Skalniak L, Wawrzynczak D, Rzeski W. "Anti-Inflammatory and Cytotoxic Activity of Compounds Isolated from Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) Extracts." Molecules. 2020 Jul;25(14):3220.
Findings: This study explores the anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic properties of compounds isolated from Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) extracts.
Study: Glamočlija J, Ćirić A, Nikolić M, et al. Chemical characterization of Inonotus obliquus polysaccharides and their potential immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties. Int J Biol Macromol. 2019 Sep 1.
Findings: This study investigated the impact of Chaga mushroom extract (Inonotus obliquus) on cancer cells and found that it induced apoptosis. Apoptosis is a form of programmed cell death that plays an important role in eliminating damaged or harmful cells in the body.
Key observation
The Chaga mushroom extract was observed to trigger apoptosis in the HCT-116 cell line (a human colorectal carcinoma cell line), suggesting potential as a natural compound worth further study for anti-cancer properties.
Summary
Overall, the findings suggest that Inonotus obliquus (Chaga mushroom) extract may help induce apoptosis in human colorectal carcinoma cells—supporting its potential as a promising topic for future research into therapeutic applications in cancer treatment.
Cognitive Function Enhancement
Lion's Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus)
Study: Mori K, Kikuchi H, Obara Y, et al. "Inhibitory effect of Hericium erinaceus on collagen-induced platelet aggregation." Phytomedicine. 2010 Jan;17(13):1082-5.
Findings: This research suggests an inhibitory effect of Lion's Mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) on collagen-induced platelet aggregation, which may relate to cardiovascular and cognitive health.
Chaga Mushroom (Inonotus obliquus)
Study: Yim JH, Lee OH, Choi UK, et al. "Antioxidant and immune-enhancing effects of a Chaga mushroom-based dietary supplement in healthy subjects: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study." Curr Top Nutraceutical Res. 2009;7(3):159-66.
Findings: This research investigates the antioxidant and immune-enhancing effects of a dietary supplement based on Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) in healthy individuals.
Stress Reduction
Lion's Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus)
Study: Nagano M, Shimizu K, Kondo R, Hayashi C, Sato D, Kitagawa K, Ohnuki K. "Reduction of depression and anxiety by 4 weeks Hericium erinaceus intake." Biomed Res. 2010 Aug;31(4):231-7.
Findings: This study explores the potential reduction of depression and anxiety symptoms through the intake of Lion's Mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) over a four-week period.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Chaga Mushroom (Inonotus obliquus)
Study: Shashkina MY, Shashkin PN, Sergeev AV. "Chemical and medicobiological properties of chaga (review)." Pharm Chem J. 2006;40(10):560-8.
Findings: This comprehensive review discusses the chemical and medicobiological properties of Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus), emphasizing its potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory effects.
Study: Joo JI, Kim DH, Choi JW, Yun JW. "Protoplast preparation from Inonotus obliquus and its anti-inflammatory activity in macrophage cells." Enzyme Microb Technol. 2008 Nov;43(6):478-83.
Findings: This study investigates the anti-inflammatory activity of Inonotus obliquus (Chaga) protoplasts in macrophage cells, highlighting its potential as an anti-inflammatory agent.
Antioxidant Effects
Lion's Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus)
Study: Lee EJ, Kim JH, Kim JH, Lee SH, Sin SM, Hwang HS, Cho IH, Youn UJ, Lee SJ, Suh YS, Kim J, Kim SH. "Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Mechanism of Tangeretin in Activated Microglia." J Neuroimmune Pharmacol. 2016 Mar;11(1):294-305.
Findings: This study investigates the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of tangeretin, a compound found in Lion's Mane mushroom, in activated microglia, which play a role in neuroinflammation.
Lion's Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus)
Study: Yang BK, Park JB, Song CH. "Hypocholesterolemic effect of hot-water extract from mycelia of Cordyceps sinensis." Biol Pharm Bull. 2003 Sep;26(9):1344-6.
Findings: This study explores the potential cholesterol-lowering effect of Cordyceps sinensis mycelia, a close relative of Lion's Mane mushroom, highlighting its potential for cardiovascular health.
Clinical Trials
Lion's Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus)
Study: Mori K, Inatomi S, Ouchi K, Azumi Y, Tuchida T. "Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial." Phytother Res. 2009 Mar;23(3):367-72.
Findings: This clinical trial demonstrates the improving effects of Lion's Mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment, highlighting its potential as a natural cognitive enhancer.
Study: Mori K, Kobayashi C, Tomita T, Inatomi S, Ikeda M, Kurashige S. "Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial." Phytother Res. 2011 Mar;25(3):367-72.
Findings: This clinical trial further supports the improving effects of Lion's Mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment, confirming its cognitive benefits.
Lion's Mane Mushroom (Hericium erinaceus)
Study: Nagano M, Shimizu K, Kondo R, Hayashi C, Sato D, Kitagawa K, Ohnuki K. "Reduction of depression and anxiety by 4 weeks Hericium erinaceus intake." Biomed Res. 2010 Aug;31(4):231-7.
Findings: This clinical trial explores the potential reduction of depression and anxiety symptoms through the intake of Lion's Mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) over a four-week period.
Study: Lai PL, Naidu M, Sabaratnam V, Wong KH, David RP, Kuppusamy UR, Abdullah N, Malek SN. "Neurotrophic properties of the Lion's mane medicinal mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Higher Basidiomycetes) from Malaysia." Int J Med Mushrooms. 2013;15(6):539-54.
Findings: This study investigates the neurotrophic properties of Lion's Mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) from Malaysia, suggesting its potential for nerve regeneration and neural health.
Chaga Mushroom (Inonotus obliquus)
Study: Park YK, Lee HB, Jeon EJ, Jung HS, Kang MH. "Chaga mushroom extract inhibits oxidative DNA damage in human lymphocytes as assessed by comet assay." Biofactors. 2004;21(1-4):109-12.
Findings: This study examines the inhibitory effect of Chaga mushroom extract on oxidative DNA damage in human lymphocytes, highlighting its potential antioxidant properties.
Study: Youn MJ, Kim JK, Park SY, et al. "Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) induces G0/G1 arrest and apoptosis in human hepatoma HepG2 cells." World J Gastroenterol. 2008 Oct 14;14(38):511-7.
Findings: This research investigates the effect of Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) on human hepatoma HepG2 cells, suggesting potential anticancer properties.
Investigating the remarkable world of functional mushrooms has uncovered a wealth of scientific insights and research findings. Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) and Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) mushrooms, in particular, have been the focus of extensive research, shedding light on their potential benefits for immune support, cognitive function enhancement, stress reduction, and more. These studies not only deepen our understanding of the bioactive properties of these mushrooms but also underscore their promising roles in promoting overall well-being.
At Gentleman Forager, we are dedicated to bringing you products grounded in science and informed by the latest research. Our commitment to providing you with the highest quality functional mushroom products is bolstered by this ever-growing body of evidence. Explore the studies and findings that drive our passion for crafting products that empower your health and vitality.