Tremella Mushroom Benefits Include Boosted Cognitive Health, Immunity, and More

Help Counteract Stress

“Adaptogen” sounds like a buzzword that gets thrown around a lot, but it’s a real thing. “Adaptogenic herbs and foods like tremella are special in that they work synergistically with each person's unique system to help restore balance,” Volpe explains.

Research has found that mushrooms, including tremellas, are a good example of adaptogens “that help the body adapt to both internal and external stimuli, restoring equilibrium and regulating a variety of biological processes,” states a 2022 paper in Frontiers in Pharmacology.

Boost Brain Health

You may have also seen the word “nootropics” floating around. This term refers to compounds in certain foods and supplements that may enhance cognition, so those looking for a little brain boost may express interest in tremella mushrooms.

“Nootropics are known to help support and enhance memory, focus, and other aspects of cognitive function,” Volpe says, adding that how they work isn’t fully understood just yet.

In the case of tremella mushrooms, it may have something to do with their polysaccharides, carbohydrate molecules with ample essential roles in the body. “Research studies have suggested that the special polysaccharide profile in tremella mushrooms seems to help protect brain cells from neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and even play a role in repairing brain memory impairment,” Volpe says.

Support Healthy Skin

Tremella mushrooms have been found to possess anti-aging, photoprotective, wound-healing, and skin barrier protection properties. “They have a special affinity for the skin,” Volpe says. “Tremella’s potent antioxidants have an anti-inflammatory and anti-aging impact on skin cells, and their polysaccharides have been shown to moisten the skin in ways that are clinically comparable to the coveted hyaluronic acid.”

“A 2021 study found that tremella polysaccharides have the ability to alter gene expression in skin cells in ways that result in increased collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid in skin fibroblasts exposed to UVA rays,” Volpe explains. Other studies echo the ability of tremella to inhibit oxidative stress, and other reviews highlight its potent capacity as an antioxidant and free radical scavenger. Fermented tremella may have significantly more antioxidants, one study shows.

But much of tremella’s skin benefits have to do with its impact on collagen, a protein that’s highly important for skin structure, firmness, and elasticity (and that naturally breaks down as we age). Consuming tremella mushrooms can reduce collagen loss and repair damaged collagen, and tremella polysaccharides in cosmetics can increase collagen. You can reap the skin benefits of tremella by ingesting it or applying it topically, Volpe says.

Enhance Immunity

“Tremella mushrooms play significant roles in immune system modulation and optimization,” Volpe says. She points to a 2020 review that found that tremella mushrooms alter the immune system in ways that are significant and beneficial in both animal and human studies. Since tremella is an adaptogen, this isn’t too surprising. Part of how adaptogens bring the body to equilibrium has to do with their role in balancing the immune system.

The link between tremella and immunity may also have positive effects on gut health, Volpe adds. Researchers are beginning to study the complex relationship between the gut microbiota and immune system, and tremella mushrooms may promote healthy microbial diversity in the colon. “This could support the growth of key immune-modulating probiotics like Lactobacillus,” she explains, citing a 2021 study in Frontiers in Immunology.

Promote Gut Health

Like the mushrooms you’ll find in the produce section of the supermarket, tremella mushrooms contain nutrients that are simply good for you. They’re especially high in fiber. Most Americans don’t get enough fiber in their diets, making high-fiber foods even more beneficial.

“Tremella mushrooms consist of about 30 percent dietary fiber, which can be beneficial for people looking to optimize their digestion,” Volpe says. Tremella mushrooms, themselves, are easy to digest, but they also enhance your digestive system.

The polysaccharides from these mushrooms have also been found to have a positive impact on colonic inflammation. They've also been shown to help restore gut microbiota and microbial metabolites to promote a healthy gut. Beyond digestive and gut health, fiber is also excellent for heart health.

Lower Cholesterol

Mushrooms, and particularly tremella mushrooms, have been shown to help lower cholesterol—thereby improving heart health.  The polysaccharides in these mushrooms enhance the metabolism of lipids and reduce the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines. The antioxidant properties of tremella mushrooms also work to protect against oxidative stress, which boosts cardiovascular health, as well.

Promote Wound Healing

While this one may come as a surprise, tremella mushrooms can actually be used as a natural moisturizer and promote wound healing. A wealth of research suggests that tremella polysaccharide is moisturizing and anti-inflammatory. The gelatinous nature of it can help to heal skin wounds. So if you have cuts, scrapes, or other skin abrasions, these mushrooms may help your skin heal quicker and better.

Reduce UVA Damage

Ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation from the sun radiation can cause oxidative stress to the skin. The concentration of tremella fuciformis polysaccharides (TFPS) in tremella mushrooms, however, can alleviate this UVA-induced skin damage. That's because the polysaccharides have potent antioxidant effects that neutralize the free radicals generated by UVA exposure. Researchers have found that tremella mushrooms are effective as a component in cosmetics for this reason. However, it's still important to wear sunscreen when exposed to the sun to prevent skin damage.

Build Muscle

Protein is important for building and repairing muscle, as well as supporting immune function and producing enzymes and hormones. “Tremella mushrooms contain more protein compared to most other types of mushrooms, which could be helpful for people following a vegan or vegetarian diet,” Volpe says.

“One cup of tremella mushrooms is said to contain about 12 grams of protein.” (Everyone should aim to get 0.8 grams of protein per every kilogram of their individual body weight per day. A 140-pound person would need a minimum of roughly 50 grams of protein daily.)