Myco STACK - How It Works

How to Stack and Optimize Your Myco Stacks:

MycoMIND: This brain cell optimizer should be taken daily with your morning supplement routine as the effects are cumulative. MycoMIND works synergistically with CILTEP and other nootropics like Serotonin or Dopamine Brain Foods.

MycoIMMUNE: Add this daily immune support stack to either your morning or evening supplement routine. Chief Optimizer Ryan Munsey takes his at night with Curcumin and MagTech.

MycoBOOST: Great morning booster or can also be taken pre-workout or any time of day when you want an instant and long-lasting boost without stimulants.

MycoMIND

Lion’s Mane

The original discovery of Lion’s Mane’s ability to increase Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) occurred in 1991 and is credited to Japanese scientists, Dr. Kawagishi. This discovery presented a massive paradigm shift in the way science looks at brain cells. No longer a finite number that decreases over our lifespan, entire fields of scientific research have since been devoted to maintaining - even increasing - brain cell counts for enhanced cognitive function and longevity.

Since that time, numerous studies have confirmed that this naturally occurring mushroom contains active compounds that stimulate NGF synthesis in human cells and promotes neurite outgrowth via activation of the JNK pathway (Jun amino-terminal kinase) This was proven in vivo. When they fed mice with Lions Mane powder there was an increase in the level of NGF mRNA expression in the hippocampus. [3,4]

A study published in the September 2014 edition of the International Journal of Molecular Science confirmed that Lion’s Mane contains a compound known as Erinacine A that effectively scavenges free radicals, inhibiting inflammation and helps repair injured brain and nerve cells. [5]

Based on a 2010 study published in Biomedical Research, Lion’s Mane seems to decrease anxiety and depression symptoms. [6]

According to a 2008 Japanese study, Lion’s Mane seems to halt and reverse (increased score on cognitive function scale) cognitive decline in 50-80 year old Japanese men and women who suffered from mild cognitive impairment. The effect weren’t permanent and the scores declined after 4 weeks of stopping the ingestion of Lion’s Mane. [7]

BioPQQ

Pyrroloquinoline quinone, or PQQ for short, is a coenzyme that was discovered in 1979. PQQ is involved in many of the body’s natural metabolic processes and PQQ supplementation has been shown in studies to provide neuroprotective activity, anti-oxidative activity, and mitochondrial biogenesis.

Our source, BioPQQ is the industry leader for pryyoloquinoline quinone. Simply put, PQQ helps us create new mitochondria. [8]

In recent years, a substantial body of evidence has underscored the importance of mitochondrial function in maintaining energy balance, minimizing oxidative stress and promoting longevity. Mitochondrial function has been examined in many aspects, including metabolic, neural and age-related conditions. PQQ deficiency decreases the size, number and function of mitochondria in rodents, and supplementation reverses these effects.[9,10,11]

Supplementation with PQQ has been shown to improve memory and reasoning, while more studies indicate that PQQ offers neuro-protective properties via reduction of oxidative damage. In a randomized, double-blind study of 71 middle aged individuals, PQQ supplementation over 12 weeks significantly improved short term memory and demonstrated the ability to prevent memory loss. [12,13,14]

In 2012, Japanese researchers performed the first human study examining the effect of BioPQQ on stress, fatigue, and sleep. They concluded that supplementing with PQQ improved sleep, leading to reduced negative mental states, relief of fatigue and rise of positive mood. Other important conclusions from this study were that “mood also was improved by diminishing feelings of fatigue, and improved measures of appetite, sleep, pain and obsession with no adverse effects.” [15]

A 2016 study examining the impact of BioPQQ using near-infrared spectrometry (NIRS) found that cerebral blood flow in the prefrontal cortex was increased by the administration of PQQ. “The results suggest that PQQ can prevent reduction of brain function in aged persons, especially in attention and working memory.” [16]

MycoIMMUNE

Reishi

Long used in Chinese medicine for “immortality and longevity”, Reishi has been shown to increase plasma antioxidant capacity, promoting longevity by facilitating protection of cellular DNA. [1,2,3]

Reishi has also enhanced immune response in cancer patients, shown promise as a cancer-arresting compound and further trials are underway. [4,5]

Turkey Tail

In 2011-2012, the NIH founded a $5.4 Million study at Bastyr University that proved Turkey Tail effectively fights breast cancer [6] and Turkey Tail mushrooms have even been approved by the FDA as an adjunctive anti-cancer treatments for both Prostate and Breast cancers.

Turkey Tail contains a compound known as “Polysaccharide K” or PSK that has been shown to Polysaccharide K and Coriolus versicolor extracts for lung cancer: a systematic review. [7] Larger studies are underway to continue to explore the potential of this powerful natural healer.

Other studies reinforcing the immuno-modulating capabilities of Turkey Tail, verifying that PSK “may act to increase leukocyte activation and response through up-regulation of key cytokines. Indeed, natural killer (NK) and lymphocyte-activated killer (LAK) cell activation has been demonstrated in vivo and in vitro, and recent genetic studies reveal increased expression of key immune cytokines in response to treatment with PSK.” [8]

In yet another study, “protein-bound polysaccharide K (PSK) increased the 5-year disease-free survival rate and reduced the risk of recurrence in a randomised, controlled study for stage II and III colorectal cancer.” [9]

Chaga

As reported in this review, numerous recent studies have verified the anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties of medicinal mushrooms, including Chaga. [10] There are also numerous reports of anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties attributed to medicinal mushrooms, including Chaga, which has been used for centuries in Russian teas and tonics. [11]

Specifically, Chaga has been shown to selectively kill cancer cells without harming human cells. “These data indicate that Chaga extract has selective cytotoxic effects on human hepatoma cells. This selectivity may be the great advantage of the Chaga extract for therapeutic or preventative use in cancer treatment.” [12]

Chaga can be used to improved digestive disorders by lowering inflammatory cytokines associated with certain gastrointestinal maladies. [13]  

MycoBOOST

Cordyceps

Cordyceps delivers powerful endurance boosting effects. Doses of 150-300 mg per kg of bodyweight of cordyceps given orally to rats increased the time it took for rats to become fatigued during a swimming test by 12.5%. [1]

These findings are supported by human experiments that showed Cordyceps increased lactic acid threshold by an average of 10.5% - thus enabling the exerciser to  increase the intensity and duration of exercise. Researchers concluded that supplementing with cordyceps “improves exercise performance and might contribute to wellness in healthy older subjects.” [2]

A 2007 study in Hong Kong that examined traditional Chinese Herbs found that cordyceps does indeed increase ATP production. As they noted, “enhancing mitochondrial ATP generation preserves mitochondrial structural and functional integrity, thus retarding the aging process.” [3]

Aside from boosting exercise capacity, the high beta-glucan content of cordyceps helps it reduce fatigue, boost immune system function, increase antioxidant activity, and may even increase testosterone and libido in men. [4]

In a small pilot study, cordyceps was also shown to help support optimal glucose metabolism. [5]

Finally, cordyceps has been shown to “significantly attenuate the liver and heart injuries in Chronic Kidney Disease rats.” The same mechanisms of action - reversing elevated levels of inflammatory markers - “can also be used to elucidate the mechanisms of action of other traditional Chinese medicines.” [6]

Yerba Mate

Yerba Mate, the dried leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant, contain several health promoting compounds, including saponins, polyphenols, and xanthines (caffeine and theobromine). These have been shown to increase metabolism, exhibit antioxidant properties, and support regular functioning of the body’s cells and tissues. Yerba Mate also contains 7 of the 9 essential amino acids. [7]

Theobromine is a phytochemical antioxidant (also found in real chocolate) that has been shown to boost nitric oxide and dilate blood vessels throughout the body and in the respiratory system. [8]. It has a slight stimulatory effect, about 1/10 the power of caffeine.

Together, the combination of caffeine and theobromine can provide enhanced alertness, boost mental performance, and improve sports performance by up to 5%. [9,10,11]

There are numerous anti-obesity benefits of Yerba Mate including reduced blood sugar levels, increased feelings of satiety, modulates leptin levels, and decreases adipogenesis (creation of fat cells). [12,13,14]

In fact, in a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled human study, oral supplementation of Yerba Mate decreased body fat mass and percent body fat. [15]

A 2004 study concluded that the antioxidant powers of Yerba Mate are slightly higher than those of Green Tea. [16]

Yerba Mate has also been shown in several studies to reduce advanced glycation end-products or AGEs. These has serious anti-aging and longevity promise. [17,18]