# Shaggy Mane (Coprinus comatus)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/shaggy-mane
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-04-01
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Mushroom/Fungi
**Also Known As:** Coprinus comatus, Lawyer's Wig, Shaggy Ink Cap, Inky Cap, Shaggy Parasol, Ink Mushroom, Maned Agaric

## Overview

Shaggy Mane (Coprinus comatus) is a medicinal mushroom containing Y3 protein and bioactive compounds that target androgen receptors and cellular apoptosis pathways. Research shows its ethyl acetate extract can reduce PSA levels by 77% in prostate cancer cells while Y3 protein demonstrates selective anti-cancer activity.

## Health Benefits

• Prostate health support: Ethyl acetate extract inhibited androgen receptor activity and PSA levels by 77% in prostate cancer cells (in vitro evidence only)
• Anti-cancer potential: Y3 protein killed 90% of human [T-cell](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) leukemia cells through selective apoptosis (laboratory studies only)
• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects: Triglycerides at 30 mg/kg reduced TNF-α by 58% and IL-1β by 27% in mouse models (animal studies only)
• Liver protection: Polysaccharides attenuated inflammatory markers IL-6, iNOS, and COX-2 in alcohol-induced liver inflammation (preclinical evidence)
• Cognitive support: Demonstrated [acetylcholine](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)sterase inhibition with IC50 of 0.62 mg/mL, potentially beneficial for Alzheimer's (in vitro data only)

## Mechanism of Action

Shaggy Mane's ethyl acetate extract inhibits androgen receptor activity, reducing PSA (prostate-specific antigen) expression in prostate cells. The Y3 protein component induces selective apoptosis in cancer cells through [mitochondrial](/ingredients/condition/energy) pathway activation. Additional compounds may modulate [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) cytokines and support [immune system](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) regulation.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence is limited to in vitro laboratory studies showing 77% reduction in PSA levels and androgen receptor inhibition in prostate cancer cell lines. Separate laboratory research demonstrated Y3 protein killed 90% of human [T-cell](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) leukemia cells through targeted apoptosis mechanisms. No human clinical trials have been conducted to validate these preliminary findings. Animal studies and human research are needed to confirm therapeutic potential and establish effective dosing protocols.

## Nutritional Profile

Shaggy Mane (Coprinus comatus) provides a low-calorie, high-moisture fruiting body (approximately 90-92% water when fresh). Per 100g dry weight: Protein: 25-30g, comprising all essential amino acids with notable concentrations of glutamic acid, aspartic acid, and lysine (approximately 1.8-2.1g/100g dry weight); Carbohydrates: 50-60g dry weight, predominantly as beta-glucans (estimated 15-20% of dry weight, including (1→3),(1→6)-β-D-glucans with [immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) properties) and chitin (structural component, 5-8% dry weight); Dietary fiber: 15-20g/100g dry weight; Fat: 2-4g/100g dry weight, predominantly unsaturated fatty acids including linoleic acid (C18:2, ~40-50% of total fatty acids) and oleic acid (~20-25% of total fatty acids); the bioactive triglyceride fraction associated with [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects has been isolated from this lipid fraction. Key micronutrients include potassium (approximately 300-400mg/100g dry weight), phosphorus (200-300mg/100g dry weight), selenium (trace amounts, 0.01-0.05mg/100g dry weight), zinc (3-5mg/100g dry weight), and iron (2-4mg/100g dry weight). Vitamin profile includes niacin (B3, approximately 40-60mg/100g dry weight), riboflavin (B2, 2-4mg/100g dry weight), and ergosterol (provitamin D2 precursor, approximately 50-150mg/100g dry weight, converted to vitamin D2 upon UV exposure). Bioactive compounds include: coprinol (a phenolic compound with antimicrobial properties); the Y3 lectin-like protein associated with selective cytotoxicity; coprinin (an antimicrobial peptide); and ethyl acetate-soluble phenolic fractions with androgen receptor inhibitory activity. Bioavailability note: Chitin cell walls significantly reduce bioavailability of intracellular nutrients; cooking or processing substantially improves protein and mineral bioavailability by disrupting chitin matrix. Beta-glucan bioavailability for immune activity is maintained in both cooked and raw forms. The mushroom autolysates rapidly upon harvesting due to auto[digestive enzyme](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) activity (ink cap process), which may alter nutrient composition post-harvest.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied human dosages exist. Preclinical animal studies used triglycerides at 30 mg/kg body weight for [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects and fermented extracts at 1-5 mg/kg for analgesic activity in mice. In vitro studies used crude solvent extracts without standardization. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Shaggy Mane mushroom is generally considered safe when consumed as food, but supplement safety profiles are not well-established. No documented drug interactions exist, though theoretical concerns include potential effects on hormone-sensitive medications due to androgen receptor activity. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid supplements due to lack of safety data. Individuals with autoimmune conditions should consult healthcare providers before use given potential [immune system](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) effects.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses have been conducted on Shaggy Mane mushroom. All available evidence comes from preclinical in vitro studies and animal models, with no PubMed PMIDs provided for human trials in the research sources.

## Historical & Cultural Context

No documented historical traditional medicine use was found in the research sources. Shaggy Mane has been recognized primarily as an edible mushroom, with medicinal research interest emerging only in the 2010s.

## Synergistic Combinations

Reishi, Turkey Tail, Lion's Mane, Cordyceps, Chaga

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the Y3 protein in Shaggy Mane mushroom?

Y3 protein is a bioactive compound isolated from Shaggy Mane that demonstrates selective anti-cancer properties. Laboratory studies show it can kill 90% of human T-cell leukemia cells through targeted apoptosis without harming healthy cells.

### How much Shaggy Mane should I take for prostate health?

No established dosage exists for Shaggy Mane supplements as human clinical trials have not been conducted. The prostate research used ethyl acetate extracts in laboratory settings, which don't translate to consumer supplement dosing recommendations.

### Can Shaggy Mane mushroom interact with cancer medications?

No documented interactions exist, but Shaggy Mane's effects on cellular apoptosis pathways could theoretically interfere with certain cancer treatments. Patients undergoing cancer therapy should consult their oncologist before using any mushroom supplements.

### Is Shaggy Mane safe to eat as food versus supplements?

Wild Shaggy Mane mushrooms are safe when properly identified and cooked fresh, as they deteriorate rapidly after harvest. Concentrated supplements carry unknown risks since safety studies haven't been performed on extracted compounds.

### What's the difference between Shaggy Mane and other medicinal mushrooms?

Shaggy Mane contains unique Y3 protein and specific compounds targeting androgen receptors, unlike reishi or shiitake mushrooms which work through different mechanisms. Its rapid deterioration also makes it less commercially available than shelf-stable mushroom varieties.

### What is the difference between fresh Shaggy Mane mushrooms and standardized extracts?

Fresh Shaggy Mane mushrooms contain whole-food compounds including polysaccharides, while standardized extracts concentrate specific bioactive components like the Y3 protein or ethyl acetate fractions studied in research. Extracts typically deliver higher concentrations of targeted compounds, but fresh mushrooms provide a broader spectrum of nutrients; the choice depends on whether you seek general wellness or support for specific health markers like PSA levels.

### Is Shaggy Mane safe for people taking immunosuppressant medications?

While Shaggy Mane's immune-modulating properties (demonstrated through TNF-α and IL-1β reduction in animal studies) may theoretically interfere with immunosuppressants, there is insufficient clinical evidence to establish direct interactions. Anyone taking immunosuppressive drugs should consult their healthcare provider before adding Shaggy Mane supplements to avoid potential conflicts with their treatment regimen.

### How does the quality of Shaggy Mane cultivation affect its medicinal potency?

The bioactive compound profile in Shaggy Mane—including polysaccharides, ergothioneine, and the Y3 protein—varies based on growing conditions, substrate type, and harvest timing, which directly impacts efficacy for prostate support and anti-inflammatory effects. Mushrooms cultivated under controlled conditions with documented bioactive standardization tend to deliver more consistent results than wild-harvested varieties, though research specifically comparing cultivar variants remains limited.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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