Mushrooms and testosterone levels
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Enokitake Mushroom, Adenosine, and Testosterone Production
Research shows that enokitake mushrooms (Flammulina velutipes) and their active component, adenosine, can increase testosterone production. In animal studies, enokitake extract boosted testosterone levels in mice with impaired testicular function and in fatigued mice. The effect is mainly due to adenosine, which enhances Leydig cell function and upregulates insulin-like peptide three, a factor involved in testosterone synthesis. Structurally similar compounds like cordycepin were less effective. These findings suggest that consuming adenosine-rich mushrooms like enokitake may help restore or increase testosterone, especially in cases of aging or fatigue .
Enoki Mushroom Extract and Male Menopausal Symptoms
A clinical study in middle-aged and elderly men found that taking powdered enoki mushroom extract containing adenosine for 12 weeks improved symptoms of male menopause, particularly sexual function. Importantly, more men in the enoki group experienced an increase in total testosterone levels of at least 0.5 ng/mL compared to the placebo group. This suggests that enoki mushroom extract can have a beneficial effect on testosterone levels and related symptoms in men .
Pleurotus tuber-regium and Testosterone Enhancement
Studies on Pleurotus tuber-regium, another edible mushroom, show that its extract can significantly increase testosterone levels in rats. Higher doses led to greater increases in testosterone, alongside improvements in cholesterol profiles. This suggests that P. tuber-regium may support male reproductive health and could be considered a healthy dietary supplement for maintaining testosterone and cholesterol levels .
Morel Mushroom (Morchella esculenta) and Testosterone Protection
Morel mushroom extract has been shown to protect against cadmium-induced reproductive toxicity in rats. Not only did it reverse testicular and sperm damage caused by cadmium, but the extract alone also increased testosterone production. This indicates that morel mushrooms may help protect and enhance testosterone levels, especially under toxic stress .
Calocybe indica and Testosterone-Induced Prostate Changes
Calocybe indica mushroom extract was tested in rats with testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). While the extract did not significantly lower red blood cell counts or hemoglobin, it did reduce markers of prostate enlargement and oxidative stress. The study suggests that Calocybe indica may help counteract some negative effects of high testosterone, particularly oxidative tissue damage, though its direct effect on testosterone levels was not the main focus .
White Button Mushroom (Agaricus bisporus), Androgen Receptor, and Aromatase Activity
White button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) have been found to disrupt androgen receptor signaling in prostate cancer cells and reduce testosterone-induced cell proliferation. The active compounds, including conjugated linoleic acid, act as strong androgen receptor antagonists and aromatase inhibitors. These effects may help lower testosterone-driven cancer cell growth, suggesting a potential role for white button mushrooms in managing hormone-sensitive cancers 68.
Lentinula edodes and Testosterone Biodegradation
Lentinula edodes (shiitake mushroom) mycelium can degrade synthetic testosterone in vitro, which may be useful for environmental cleanup of hormone pollutants. However, this does not directly relate to dietary effects on human testosterone levels .
Conclusion
Multiple mushroom species, including enokitake, Pleurotus tuber-regium, and morel mushrooms, have demonstrated the ability to increase or protect testosterone levels in animal and human studies. Enokitake, in particular, shows promise for improving testosterone and related symptoms in men, likely due to its adenosine content. Other mushrooms, like white button mushrooms, may help regulate testosterone activity by inhibiting androgen receptors or aromatase, which could be beneficial in hormone-sensitive conditions. Overall, certain edible mushrooms may support healthy testosterone levels and male reproductive health 124768.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic