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Medicinal Mushrooms

Medicinal mushrooms are loaded with nutritional value and are widely recognized for their ability to enhance immune function and inhibit tumor growth. As more research is being conducted the list of their possible health advantages has become endless.

Nearly 2,000 mushrooms are edible and most are chock –full of protein, calcium, fiber, B vitamins, vitamin C and other nutrients. Studies show that mushrooms may be the world’s greatest natural food resource because they are nutrient rich and area good source of protein (generally 34-97%). Polysaccharides are a crucial component of a mushrooms structure, which trigger cell response that increases macrophages and T-cell activity.   And may help patients with immune-compromising illnesses. Below is a sampling of some medicinal mushrooms.

AGARICUS (Agaricus blazei Murill)

Found in Brazil and the Southeastern U.S., Agaricus Blazei is showing promise in the treatment and prevention of a number of ailments. For one, research indicates that it helps shrink tumors - but only tumors in a host, such as a human or other mammal, not tumors in a test tube. This medicinal mushroom species is also showing an ability to jump-start the immune system to respond to abnormal cells (cancer is considered abnormal cell growth), without damaging normal cells. This relatively new medicinal mushroom contains the most beta glucans of all medicinal mushrooms and is most commonly used for the relief of fatigue and the common cold. In the mid-1960’s researchers found that the people of Piedade rarely became ill and credited their strong immune systems to their regular diet of Agaricus mushrooms.
Potential Benefits of Agaricus: Immune and cardiovascular function, anti-cancer, healthy cholesterol, antioxidant, liver support and allergy support.

CORDYCEPS (Cordyceps Sinensis)

In Traditional Chinese medicine, Cordyceps were used to increase stamina, including sexual stamina, and for treatment of kidney and lung ailments, such as bronchitis, asthma and tuberculosis. Studies have indicated that Cordyceps help mammals to use oxygen more efficiently and reduce some of the effects of aging.  Research also indicates that Cordyceps may lower cholesterol and might also be effective in reducing inflammation.

In an animal study,  indicated that the mushroom extract enhanced the activity of natural killer cells in mice that had cancer. After receiving radiation therapy mice given the extract were more likely to survive than the control group.  Athletes, too, have long used this mushroom to improve energy, stamina, and endurance.  The women of the 1993 Chinese National running team attributed their nine world records to Cordyceps. The overall effect of Cordyceps though may be dependent on which fraction is used.
Potential Benefits of Cordyceps: Immune enhancement, anti-cancer/tumor, cardiovascular support, lowers blood pressure, antioxidant, liver support, nerve tonic, kidney support, respiratory tonic, blood sugar balancing, anti-inflammatory, fertility aid in men and digestive support.

LION’S MANE (Hericium erinaceaus)

Long used in Traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of stomach disorders and as cancer prevention.  Studies have found that Lion's Mane exhibits anti-tumor activity, maintain healthy cholesterol level, and support cardiovascular health.  More recent research indicates that this particular medicinal mushroom might be useful in treating senility and Alzheimer. Lion’s Mane is often studied for the possible benefit of nerve growth, which may help prevent brain dysfunction linked with Alzheimer and other neurological disease a recent trial studied the effects of the mushroom on elderly patients in Japan suffering from such diseases. In the experimental group, seven of the patients suffered from dementia and received five grams per day of dried Lion’s Mane for six months. Six out of the seven dementia patient’s showed improvements in their perceptual capacities and all seven showed improvements in their function independence measure.
Potential Benefits for Lion’s Mane:  Immune support anticancer/tumor, nerve tonic and digestive support.

MAITAKE (Grifiola frondosa)

Famous for its taste and broad health benefits the maitake mushroom is abundant in nutrients and can be consumed as food in tea or as a supplement. The primary polysaccharide in maitake mushroom is beta-D-glucan, which is being studied for potential cancer and HIV prevention and treatment as well as for controlling diabetes. Said naturopathic doctor Mark Stengler, ND of a recent trial “Cancer regression or significant symptoms improvement was observed in 11 out of 16 breast cancer patients, seven out of 12 liver cancer patients, and five out of eight lung cancer patients”  A separate study was conducted on the effects of a specific maitake mushroom fraction (D-fraction and SX fraction, Maitake Products) on patients with human prostate cancer and type 2 diabetic patients, five individuals taking oral maitake mushroom supplements (containing about 4-5% of SX-fraction) showed improved glycemic levels. In on case study, the blood glucose level of a type 2 diabetic dropped from 248mg.dl to 80-90 mg/dl when taking maitake mushroom powder caplets.
Potential Benefits of Maitake:  Immune support, anti cancer/tumor, antiviral, reduces blood pressure and cholesterol, liver support, blood sugar balancing, HIV support, radiation/chemo adjunct, infection and weight loss.

POLYPORUS (Polyporus tuberaster)

Although polyporus is mainly used in China, Native Americans may have relied on this fungus for food. Polyporuscontains ergosterol and the polysaccharide I (Gu I ) and is also rich in minerals such as potassium calcium, magnesium and iron.
Potential Benefits of Polyporus: Immune enhancement, anti-cancer/tumor and kidney support.

REISHI (Ganoderma lucidum)

Reishi is perhaps one of the oldest of medicinal mushrooms, in terms of use by humans for medical purposes. Traditionally, Reishi has been used in Eastern medicine to treat a variety of conditions such as heart disease, bronchitis, cancer, high blood pressure, joint inflammation, ulcers and liver conditions.

Modern medical research into the benefits of Reishi back some of these traditional claims, including use of the mushroom for cancer treatment, HIV Aids and Hepatitus B. It's also been shown to aid in treating hypertension and allergies. Some of the recent research into the benefits of Reishi mushrooms has focused on its anti-inflammatory benefits, which is showing tremendous promise. In addition, studies indicate that Reishi mushrooms may be beneficial in treating Alzheimer. Reishi is often used to support respiratory health. In china, a formula using the reishi mushroom was tested in 2,000 patients coping with bronchitis and was deemed effective in 90% of the cases. After numerous months, the patients showed an increase of immunoglobulin A (Ig A) in their respiratory tract, which is vital factor for defending the immune system.
Potential Benefits:  Degenerative disease immune enhancement, anti-cancer/tumor, anti vital, cardiovascular support, lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, liver function, nerve tonic, respiratory tonic, blood sugar balancing, radiation/chemo adjunct, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergy. Also used to fight altitude sickness.

SHITAKE (Lentinus Edodes)

The shitake mushroom is rich in B1 (thiamin) B2, (riboflavin), B12 Vitamin D, calcium phosphorous m iron sodium, and potassium. Shitake also contains all nine amino acids and is 30% protein.  The fiber in shitake mushrooms contains eritadenine, which helps to maintain healthy cholesterol level. It is also an energy enhancer and contains the bioactive constituents beta-glucan, heteroglucan, adenine derivative, guanosine f’-monophosphate and polyacelylene.
The shitake mushroom stimulates the macrophages and natural killer cells of the immune system. Lentinan, a polysaccharide in shitake, is approved in Japan to be used for cancer treatment along with chemotherapy. Research has proven that this medicinal mushroom can increase the life span of cancer patients and possibly inhibit the recurrence of cancer after treatment. For example, shitake was used in a study with 16 patients with advanced cancer; a clinical response appeared in 80% of the lesions. And, the survival time for patients who responded was 129 days and 49 days for those who did not respond.
Potential Benefits:  Immune enhancement, anti-cancer/tumor, anti- viral, lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, liver support and radiation/chemo adjunct.

TREMELLA (Tremella Fuctiformis)

The tremella medicinal mushroom contains 70% dietary fibers such as acidic polysaccharides and is very rich in vitamin D. This mushroom contains the bioactive constituent’s glucuronoxylomannan and vitamin D.  Tremella has been used as a cough syrup to treat chronic cough it is also suitable for skin because it contains polysaccharides mannose, xylose and glucuronic acid.
Potential Benefits: Immune enhancement, anti-cancer/tumor, lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, liver support, respiratory tonic, blood sugar balancing, complementary treatment with radiation/chemo, anti-inflammatory and weight loss.

TURKEY TAIL (Coriolus versicolor)

This medicinal mushroom has long been used to aid in the treatment of respiratory ailments and the treatment of urinary, digestive and liver problems. The turkey tail mushroom annually accounts for 25% of Japan’s expenditure on anti cancer agents. Studies indicate that Coriolus not only aids in the treatment of some forms of cancer but also helps prevent a reoccurrence, without much side effects. Studies also show that substances found in Turkey Tail appear to inhibit HIV replication, which means it might be useful in slowing the progression of HIV Aids.        

Turkey tail mushroom contains the bioactive constituent’s beta-clucan protein complex and heteroglucan –peptide. The turkey tail is said to extend the survival rates of certain cancer patients and can help fight hepatitis B and chronic active hepatitis. Coriolus is responsible for providing protein-bound polysaccharide complexes that enhance the immune system and have enzymes that inhibit oxidative stress and cell growth. Research has shown that after treatment with turkey tail, five-year survival rates have been increased by nearly 30%. Researchers from Bastyr University will soon begin a double-blind, placebo-controlled study on the nutritional use of Coriolus versicolor mushroom in women who have undergone breast cancer treatment. This clinical trial will follow 50 patients to determine whether taking 4500 mg of C. versicolor per day for eight weeks can increase natural killer cell activity.

Potential Benefits:  Immune enhancement, anti-cancer/tumor, anti-viral, liver support, radiation/chemo adjunct and anti-inflammatory.

AHCC

Some mushroom extract supplements are hybridized of several mushrooms. One such version, active hexose-correlated compound (AHCC), has a unique alpha-1, 4 glucan structure and low-molecular weight to support optimal immune function. At the April 2006 Experimental Biology Conference, Drexel University researchers presented findings indicating that AHCC supplements boosted immune response to the flu, increased natural killer cell activity and accelerated recovery time.

Medicinal mushrooms may be considered safe, but before using them, one should review the product labels and pay close attention to the mushroom’s name, type of extract, extraction techniques and quality assurance.  Individuals with high or low blood pressure should consult their physician before use.