Several people across the country have recently been hospitalized after consuming mushroom gummies distributed by Australian brand Uncle Frog and made in the United States. Their reported symptoms included elevated heart rate, nausea, anxiety and hallucinations. This has prompted a product recall and warnings from local health authorities not to consume the gummies.
Two varieties are affected: Cordyceps and Lion's Mane. The Cordyceps product purports to offer "natural energy and power," while the Lion's Mane variety "supports memory and focus." Both fungal varieties are infused with hemp.
So what in these products could have made people sick? And how are they regulated in Australia? The Cordyceps product claims to contain extracts of the fungus Cordyceps militaris . The Lion's Mane product is based on the Hericium erinaceus species. Both Cordyceps and Lion's Mane have a long history of use in traditional medicine for improving mental function—in particular traditional Chinese medicine.
There's increasing research interest and a very early but emerging body of evidence suggesting these mushrooms may have some positive effects on mood and cognition . My team at Southern Cross University are also researching the therapeutic potential of these ingredients, though our work is not published yet. Both fungi are available as therapeutic products in Australia, either via the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods , which allows the sale of a variety of Cordyceps and Lion's Mane pr.