This is a jelly-type fungus that grows mostly on wood (either alive or dead) with a semi-translucent fruiting body. It is an immune tonic because it stimulates DNA and RNA synthesis by human lymphocytes in vitro. It is anticoagulant and antidiabetic with a cytoprotective effect on pancreatic islets demonstrated in mice. Auricularia lowers total cholesterol, triglyceride, and lipid levels in general [8]. It decreases lipofuscin content of the heart muscle and consequently has an anti-aging effect [9–15].

It is a fungus of the genus Ascomycetes found in the high altitude of the Tibetan plateau that parasitizes mostly caterpillars. The wild form of the fungus is rare and expensive, but a strain isolated from the wild form is cultivated industrially and extensively used worldwide for its properties. Its activity is similar to ginseng and is said to be more potent. The first documented use was in 620 ad, during the Tang Dynasty. It is currently used for strengthening of the body after exhaustion or a long-term illness, impotence, backaches and is an antidote for opium poisoning. In traditional Chinese medicine, Cordyceps has also been used to treat respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. It is also useful in immune disorder and has been employed in association with cancer chemotherapy treatments and surgery. It is also believed to be a remedy for weakness and fatigue and is often prescribed as a “rejuvenator” to increase energy. This fungus is very rich in nucleosides: adenine, adenosine, uracil, uridine, guanidine, guanosine, hypoxanthine, inosine, thymine, thymidine and deoxyuridine. It also contains: all essential amino acids, immunoglycans, polyamine, sterols, fatty acids, vitamins (B1, B2, B12, E, and K). Some specific compounds are: cordycepin and other adenosine derivates such as ergosterol (provitamin D), mannitol, cordyheptapeptide A. Cordyceps has a long history of traditional medical use in heart disease. Adenosine and other contained nucleosides are thought to be responsible for the effect seen in animal studies. A vasodilatory action has also been reported in the hypotensive and vasorelaxant effects. Reduced heart rate and restoration from arrhythmias have also been shown in animals. Long-term studies in cardiac failure have described the effect of Cordyceps in improving cardiac function, arrhythmias, and overall quality of life. Fibrinolytic action of a Cordyceps extract has been shown in vitro on bovine and human serum. Platelet aggregation has been inhibited in rabbits and in human platelets in vitro. Extracts of the fungus showed a positive effect on hyperlipidemias.

Cordyceps mushrooms improve aerobic capacity, endurance, and post-workout recovery. It works at a mitochondrial level, increasing ATP synthesis. It also stimulates antioxidant synthesis, explaining the benefits in athletes who can train more effectively for longer periods of time, and can recover more quickly [16, 17].

The effect of Cordyceps sinensis on the Th1/Th 2 cytokines was investigated and after treatment with this mushroom, the serum levels of IL-2 and IL-10 significantly increased and decreased respectively. Thus, this mushroom has no anti-inflammatory effect at a cardiovascular level, but stimulates heart strength, and is thus useful in cardiac insufficiency, complementary to CoQ10 [1, 3].

Ganoderma lucidum, also named Reishi, is a purplish brown fungus with a long stalk, brown spores, and a fan-shaped cap with a shiny, varnish-coated appearance. It grows on decaying wood, especially on oak or Japanese plum. Reishi has been used in traditional medicine for more than 4000 years for treating fatigue, asthma, cough and liver ailments. It has the reputation of promoting longevity. The Chinese name, ling zhi, means “herb of spiritual potency.” The Japanese name for this fungus is mannentake, meaning “10,000-year-old mushroom [3].”

Ganoderic acids triterpene constituents of Reishi decrease high blood pressure through inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme. Decreased biosynthesis of cholesterol, enhanced anti-oxidase activity, decreased platelet aggregation, and reduced lipid peroxidation have been demonstrated in animal and in vitro experiments. The polysaccharide content of Ganoderma is responsible for possible anticancer and immunostimulatory effects. Contraindications have not been identified [18–23].

The well-known immunomodulatory effect of Ganoderma lucidum is mediated through increased levels of IL-1β, IL-12 expression, and is thus also useful in heart conditions [24].

This is a light amber fungus found on fallen broadleaf trees, especially oak, maple, walnut, beech, and chestnut, and is indigenous to Japan and China. Eritadenine, an active compound isolated from Shiitake, has been shown to lower blood levels of cholesterol and lipids [25]. The fungus also stimulates tyrosinase activity, which lowers blood pressure. The administration of Lentinus edodes, increases, in experimental animal and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, the expression levels of IL-2 and TNF α. Laboratory and clinical results suggest that Lentinus edodes might induce Th1 immune responses, which are extremely useful for preventing and treating infectious diseases, often also affecting the heart [7, 26].