The Mushroom Revolution & The Future of Medicine

An Interview with DR. Catalina Fernández de Ana, Co-Founder and CEO of Hifas da Terra Group

Mushrooms are having a moment. From adaptogenic lattes to lion’s-mane gummies, the wellness world has embraced fungi as the latest natural super-ingredient. But for Dr. Catalina Fernández de Ana, Co-founder and CEO of Hifas da Terra Group, this is no passing fad — it’s a lifelong mission backed by more than two decades of rigorous science, deep ecological understanding, and a profound belief in the healing power of nature.

With a PhD in Medicine, a background in biology and mycology, and a career spanning over 26 years, Catalina is one of the most respected figures in the field of medicinal mushrooms. As she explains, “We don’t just make supplements. We grow, research, analyse, and test everything ourselves. We invest millions in R & D because our priority is results — for human health, animal health, and the environment.”

A Childhood Rooted in Mycology

Catalina’s story begins in Galicia, Spain, where her father — a plant pathologist and mycologist — filled their home with scientific curiosity. “Mushrooms were everywhere. In the kitchen, in the forest, in our family holidays. We were a little obsessed! I would make mushroom sculptures for Father’s Day. It was a joyful, fungi-filled childhood.”

That early passion led her to study biology, and during her final year at university she was encouraged to create a business project that could improve public health. “I realised that mushrooms weren’t just fascinating organisms — they were a potential force for social change. If we could prove their health benefits with science, we could help people live better, longer lives.”

The One Health Vision

For Catalina, mushrooms are not only about human wellness — they are part of a much larger ecological system. “The World Health Organization promotes the concept of One Health: the idea that human health is inseparable from the health of animals and the environment. Mushrooms are central to that balance. They cleanse soils, support ecosystems, and offer therapeutic compounds for every living being.”

Indeed, fungi act as nature’s great recyclers. Through vast underground mycelial networks, they break down pollutants, transform oil spills into harmless sugars, and link trees, plants, and animals in a silent web of communication. “Mushrooms are intelligent organisms. They behave a little like animals and a little like plants. They are resilient, adaptive, and deeply connected to their environment. Without them, ecosystems collapse.”

Boom and Bust: The Mushroom Market

The surge in mushroom-based wellness products has created both opportunity and concern. “It’s wonderful that people are finally discovering the benefits of fungi,” Catalina says. “But the boom has also led to a flood of poorly made products. Some supplements don’t even contain the species listed on the label. That’s not just unethical — it’s dangerous.”

At Hifas da Terra, every batch of product undergoes multiple stages of testing, from cultivation to extraction to encapsulation. “We use pharmaceutical-grade facilities, and we’ve developed our own analytical methods to ensure purity, potency, and consistency. We invest over €3.5 million annually in clinical trials, safety studies, and product development. That level of commitment is rare in this industry.”

She urges consumers to be discerning:

• Check certifications. Organic and GMP labels should be genuine, not just decorative.
• Research the brand. Is there a scientific team behind it? Are there published studies?
• Be sceptical of hype. “If someone claims their extract is 1 000 × stronger than another, that’s scientifically impossible. Don’t be seduced by marketing.”

Nature’s Pharmacy: What Mushrooms Can Do

So what are the actual health benefits of medicinal mushrooms? 

Catalina lists a wide range:

• Immune modulation (reishi, shiitake)
• Cognitive support (lion’s mane)
• Energy and muscle tone (cordyceps)
• Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects
• Hormonal balance
• Neuroprotection and better sleep

Skin health and detoxification

“The variety of active molecules is astonishing,” she explains. “Reishi alone contains over a thousand compounds — many of which we haven’t even named yet. That’s why fungi are considered the next frontier for drug discovery. They offer a whole new kingdom of therapeutic potential.”

Catalina’s personal favourites are reishi, lion’s mane, and cordyceps. “They form the base of my daily supplement routine. Cordyceps, in particular, gives me energy and muscle tone — even when I’m not exercising. My children say I look ‘toned’ just from sitting at my desk!”

Beyond the Capsule: Mushrooms and Skincare

Expanding beyond supplements, Hifas da Terra now formulates skin care designed for dual action. “Orally, mushroom actives modulate inflammation, enhance detox pathways, and support immune function—clinical effects reflected in improved elasticity, reduced reactivity, and clearer, brighter skin,” Catalina explains. Applied topically, Mico-Soap (mushrooms with herbal complexes) and Mico-Repair serum (mushrooms with botanical oils and plant extracts) reinforce those results at the skin’s surface.

The Challenge of White Labelling

One of Catalina’s greatest concerns is the proliferation of white-label products — mass-produced supplements sold under multiple brand names. “Some companies come to us asking for the cheapest possible formulation. One even asked to encapsulate ‘Reiki’ — they didn’t realise it’s an energy practice, not a mushroom! That’s the level of ignorance we’re dealing with.”

“There are so many products out there making wild claims – ‘1,000 times stronger!’ or ‘miracle superfood!’ It’s marketing, not science. 

And worse, some don’t even contain the ingredients they claim. In 2019, a study found that over 70% of mushroom supplements tested in the U.S. had no measurable trace of the mushrooms listed on their label. That’s unacceptable.”

She believes that the wellness industry must be transparent and accountable. “Formulating a product isn’t just about combining trendy ingredients. You need precise dosages, bioavailability studies, and long-term safety data. Otherwise you’re just selling a fantasy.”

Education and Empowerment

Catalina is also a passionate educator. Hifas da Terra has trained thousands of doctors, therapists, and nutritionists across Europe in the science of mycotherapy — the use of mushrooms for preventive and integrative health. “Our goal is to empower people with knowledge. We can’t rely solely on hospitals or pharmaceuticals. Prevention is the new cure.”

She believes that true wellness comes from daily habits: nourishing food, physical activity, mental resilience, and natural support from ingredients like medicinal mushrooms. “You don’t wait for a health crisis to start caring for your body. You act now — with awareness and intention.”

Fungi and the Future

Looking ahead, Catalina is excited about the future of mycology. Her team is currently researching over 60 new species, although the details remain confidential until they complete the registration process. “Each mushroom has a unique profile of active compounds. Some are antiviral, others neuroprotective, others adaptogenic. We are constantly discovering new applications — but it takes time, rigorous testing, and patience.”

She warns against rushing products to market without proper validation. “Legislation is always behind the science. But we must uphold high standards. Otherwise we risk turning functional medicine into just another marketing gimmick.”

Catalina’s Daily Mushroom Routine

For those curious about how a world-leading mycologist incorporates mushrooms into her life, Catalina shares her personal routine:

• Two capsules of a multi-mushroom extract every morning (reishi, lion’s mane, cordyceps)
• Extra cordyceps when she needs an energy boost
• Mornings and evenings, she uses the face and neck cleansing with the mushrooms soaps and the mushroom serums. This is the only soap she uses.  
• Seasonal rotation of specific extracts depending on stress, travel, or immune needs

“It’s easy to integrate into your life. Two capsules a day is a simple way to support your body’s resilience.”

A Final Word of Advice

Before we end our conversation, Catalina offers one final thought: “Never assume that because something is natural, it’s harmless or effective. Every capsule you take interacts with your digestive system, your liver, your immune cells. You must know what you’re putting into your body. If you don’t trust the source, don’t take it.”

It’s a fitting conclusion from a woman who has spent her life honouring both science and nature. In an era of quick fixes and wellness trends, Catalina Fernández de Ana reminds us that true healing is neither instant nor superficial. It’s a journey — one that requires curiosity, integrity, and a willingness to dig deep.

And like the mycelium beneath our feet, the most powerful transformations often begin unseen, growing quietly in the dark, until one day they rise to the surface and change everything.

Key Takeaway: Mushrooms are more than a wellness trend – they are the next frontier of medicine. But as with all health choices, quality matters. Trust the science, not just the label.

DISCOVER: hifasdaterra.co.uk