Vitamin D
Mushrooms exposed to sunlight or UV radiation are great sources of dietary vitamin D2(ergocalciferol). While most vitamin D
supplements contain D3 (cholecalciferol), dietary D2 from mushrooms has been shown to be as effective as vitamin D2 and D3
supplements in raising and maintaining 25(OH)D levels.
Morel mushrooms contain approximately 206 IUs of vitamin D2 per 100 grams of fresh material .
Protection against drug side effects
Research shows, however, that an aqueous-ethanol (water and alcohol) extract from cultivated morel mycelium has the remarkable
ability to enhance the internal antioxidant defense system, thereby protecting against toxicity caused by the chemotherapy and
antibiotic drugs.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants from morel mushrooms have also been shown to inhibit lipid peroxidation – a process involving tissue damage which, if
left unchecked, can lead to inflammation and cancer .
Liver protection
The research that morel mushroom mycelium may provide therapeutic use as a liver-protecting agent.
Immune system activity
A 2002 study analyzed the immuno-stimulatory property of a unique polysaccharide isolated from the morel mushroom. Known as
galactomannan, this compound comprises 2.0% of the dry fungal material, and may work on both innate immunity and adaptive immunity
by enhancing macrophage activity.