Chinese tonifying herbs such as Ganoderma and Cordyceps, which possess antioxidant and/or immunomodulatory activities, can be useful in the prevention and treatment of age-related diseases. Pharmacological studies on tonifying herbs suggest that they possess antioxidant properties and exert immunomodulatory functions that may boost a weak immune system and may also suppress overreactive immune responses. Ko, K. M., Leung, H. Y. (2007). [Electronic Version]. Chinese Medicine, v.2:3.
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Histamine-mediated allergic responses like asthma and allergies are increasing in frequency and are difficult to target with modern medicine. This article discusses how a unique array of compounds within Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi), could play a major role in treatment of histamine-mediated allergic responses. Powell, M. (2006) [Electronic version]. Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, May, 2006.
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In this study, an animal model was used to test whether the mycelium extract of the Chinese herbal medicine C. sinensis would provide the host with protection against bacterial infection. The study concludes C. sinensis should be considered a preventive rather than a therapeutic remedy. Kuo, Y. C., C. Chen, Y. Lou, R. Huang, W. Chuang, C. Sheu, Y. Lin. (2005). Journal of Medical Microbiology 54: 795-802
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In this study diabetic rats are fed an extract of Hericium erinaceus (Lion's Mane) that is referred to as HEM. Rats fed with HEM had significantly lower elevation rates of blood glucose level than those not fed with HEM. The effects on blood glucose, serum triglyceride and total cholesterol levels were significant in the rats fed daily with HEM. Wang, J. C., Hu, S.H.H., Wang, J.T., Chen, K.S., Chia, Y.C. (2004). [Electronic version]. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, Vol 85, No 4, 641-646(6)
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Highlighting this species as a Chinese herb and its substances as anti-aging, pro-sexual, anti-cancer and immune boosting, now Cordyceps and its products are present in the market of the Western countries as over-the-counter medicine/tonic; however, the primary source is Tibet. For the past few years, there has been large-scale harvesting of the wild material from Nepal and India. This study highlights the importance of the fungus as medicine, a case study of collection and trade in the Central Himalayan region, and research needs in the Indian context. Sharma, S. (2004). Current Science 86(12)1614-19
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Both resilient and rare, Chinese legends and myths of this revered healing mushroom span the course of millennia. Cordyceps finds itself amongst the most famous medicinals of the modern age as western research reveals its healing power. Holliday, J., Cleaver, M. (2004).
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Agaricus blazei, the almond portabello, has shown to be effective in leukemia treatment. It enhances the immune system, slows tumor growth, and promotes the growth of new cells in the bone marrow. Blazei increases the success of chemotherapy by lessening some of the side effects of the chemotherapy and has no toxicity in the human body. Hui, T. X., Guo, L. Z., Jing, W., Ito, H., Shimura, K., Zhi, W. J. (2004). The Nutrition Notebook. 

Test with mice shows that Maitake induces the activation of macrophages, enhancing humoral immunity. Results of the test show enhanced immune response in normal mice, increasing host defense against pathogens and disease. Kodama, N., Murata, Y., Nanba, H. (2004). Journal of Medicinal Food. 7(2): 141-145. doi:101089/1096620041224012. 

Extracts of Agaricus blazei are tested for their effects on the immune system. It is shown to be immunomodulating and to have antitumor qualities. Kasai, H., He, L. M., Kawamura, M., Yang, P. T., Deng, X. W., Munkanta, M., Yamashita, A., Terunuma, H., Hirama, M., Horiuchi, I., Natori, T., Koga, T., Amano, Y., Yamaguchi, N., Ito, M. (2004). Oxford Journals Evidence-Based Complimentary and Alternative Medicine. V.1, N.3. Pp. 259-267. 2004. 

Testing shows that Agaricus blazei helps improve immune function and inhibits cancer. It helped the symptoms and signs of patients that had malignant tumors in their alimentary tract and improved their blood picture. The polysaccharides in Agaricus blazei have not been shown to kill cancer cells, but release cell factors that are successful in cancer inhibition through activating the immune system and the anticancer function of natural killer cells. Jing, W., Min, M. X., Zheng, C. R., Zhi, W. J., Ito, H., Shimura, K. (2004). The Nutrition Notebook. 

Maitake D- fraction, a bioactive compound of the mushroom Grifola frondosa, and whole powdered Maitake display success in regression and symptom improvement of stage II-IV cancer. Maitake is also shown to inhibit tumor growth and increase natural killer T cells in animal studies. Kodama, N. (2002). Alternative Medicine Review. June, 2002.

Most mushrooms are rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids and fiber, while they are low in fat, cholesterol and calorie content. In addition, extensive basic and clinical research on mushrooms over the past 20 years has revealed them as having an unfolding number of properties that seemingly provides remarkable health benefits. Konno, S. (2002). Today's Chiropractic.
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Shiitake mushroom (Lentinus edodes) is a fungus native to Japan, China, and Korea. Now it's cultivated worldwide. During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the shiitake was reserved only for the emperor and his family and it became known as the emperor's food. Shiitake is an excellent source for amino acids ; vegetable proteins; iron; thiamine (vitamin B₁); riboflavin (vitamin B₂); niacin; and vitamins B₆, B₁₂, and D₂. Lodge, J.L. (2002) Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine
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Agaricus blazei has been used in the prevention of cancer, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, arteriosclerosis and chronic hepatitis. In this text they look at the tumor reducing qualities of different substances isolated from the lipid fraction of Agaricus blazei. Takeshi, T., Kimura, Y., Okuda, H. (2001). Journal of Nutrition. 2001; 131: 1409-1413.

Maitake has been used for centuries in China and Japan. Recent studies conducted over the last 20 years have shown this mushrooms benefits for enhancing the immune system and as an anti-tumor. Other benefits include decreasing high blood pressure, positive affect on the liver and cholesterol, and benefits for HIV patients. Crawford, S. (2001). Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine.

The antitumor properties of Ganoderma lucidum was derived from the elevated levels of cytokines, mainly TNF (Tumor necrosis factor) and IFN (Interferon). These two cytokines acted synergistically on the inhibition of leukemic-cell growth. Sheng-yuan Wang, Ming-Ling Hsu, Shiuh-Sheng Lee, Ming-Shi Shiao, Chi-Kuan Ho (1998) International Journal of Cancer Vol. 70, No. 6,  699-705