Emily Johnson
Mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine for centuries, but only recently have they been explored as a potential cure for various diseases. The mighty mushroom is neither plant nor animal, but a fungus with medicinal properties that are beginning to be uncovered by modern science. Research suggests that mushrooms may be a powerful tool in the fight against cancer, with the ability to detoxify the body, increase survival rates, and stop cancer cell growth. Additionally, mushrooms have been linked to improved cognitive function and mood, with the potential to treat psychiatric and behavioural disorders. While the full extent of their benefits remains unknown, one thing is clear: mushrooms are more than just a tasty pizza topping.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Treatment for | Cognitive and mood disorders, depression, anxiety, addiction, Parkinson's disease, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, hepatitis, congested arteries, and deadly septicaemia |
| Types | Shiitake, oyster, white button, turkey tail, caterpillar fungus (Cordyceps sinensis), sun mushroom (Agaricus blazei), magic mushrooms, reishi, maitake, king oyster, golden |
| Compounds | Psilocybin, lentinan, polysaccharide, Active Hexose Correlated Compound (AHCC), F3 polysaccharides, GD or PL "fractions" |
| Benefits | Lowers cholesterol, reduces cognitive decline, boosts the immune system, lowers risk of cancer, detoxifies the body, reduces sodium intake, decreases cholesterol, promotes neuroplasticity |
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What You'll Learn
Could mushrooms cure cancer?
Mushrooms have been used for hundreds of years in Asia, particularly in Japan and China, to treat infections, lung diseases, and cancer. They are also used in traditional Chinese medicine. In these countries, mushrooms are approved as an addition to standard cancer treatments, and they have been used safely alone or in combination with radiation or chemotherapy.
Medicinal mushrooms are being investigated for their potential to boost the immune system and their ability to stop or slow the growth of tumors or kill cancer cells. There is some evidence that mushrooms can stimulate compounds responsible for tumor suppression and decrease inflammatory compounds, which is helpful for cancer patients. Some studies have shown that cancer patients who take mushrooms may live longer, possibly due to a positive immune response. Mushrooms have also been linked to improvements in several quality-of-life indicators for cancer patients, such as improved appetite, physical and mental competency, and reduced fatigue.
However, there is currently insufficient evidence to conclude that any type of mushroom can prevent or cure cancer. While mushrooms are generally considered safe and may provide complementary benefits when combined with conventional treatments, they are not a standalone cure for cancer. More research is needed to understand the specific effects of different mushroom species and extracts on cancer and overall health.
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Could mushrooms cure cognitive decline?
Mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat age-related diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. They are also known to have immune system healing effects. For instance, the "Turkey Tail" mushroom is known to detoxify the body and cure cancer.
Medicinal mushrooms have been the subject of much interest in recent years, with researchers pointing to their potential in treating cognitive and mood disorders. A 2016 study on senior Singaporeans revealed that plasma levels of ET in participants with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) were significantly lower than in healthy individuals of the same age. This led researchers to believe that a deficiency in ET might be a risk factor for neurodegeneration, and that increasing ET intake through mushroom consumption could promote cognitive health.
Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a medicinal mushroom with pharmacological activities in preventing age-associated neurological dysfunctions, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Its extract is highly recommended in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases due to its ability to regenerate damaged nerve axons and enhance myelinization.
While the research is still in its early stages, the evidence suggests that mushrooms may indeed play a role in reducing the risk of cognitive decline. Further studies, including randomized controlled trials, are needed to confirm the efficacy of mushroom consumption in delaying cognitive decline and to identify other dietary factors that could promote healthy brain ageing.
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Could mushrooms cure depression?
Psilocybin, the psychoactive compound found in certain mushroom species, has shown promising results as a potential treatment for depression. Research suggests that psilocybin can rewire the brain, fostering greater connections between different regions and freeing individuals from long-held patterns of rumination and excessive self-focus. This is supported by brain scans, which have shown reduced connections within brain areas tightly connected with depression and increased connections to other regions.
A recent study from Johns Hopkins found that psilocybin treatment relieved major depressive disorder symptoms for up to a month. Another study from the same institution reported that psilocybin treatment produced large decreases in depression severity, which remained low for up to a year after treatment. These findings add to the growing evidence that, under carefully controlled conditions, psilocybin can lead to significant and durable improvements in depression.
Psilocybin is believed to work differently from conventional antidepressants by making the brain more flexible and fluid. It acts on specific serotonin receptors in the brain, which can result in alterations to mood, cognition, and perception. This mechanism may explain why psilocybin can be effective for individuals with treatment-resistant depression, as it encourages the growth of new connections between neurons in the brain, a process known as neuroplasticity or brain plasticity.
While psilocybin shows promise as a potential treatment for depression, more research is needed to understand its long-term effects and safety profile. Some studies have found that psilocybin has similar side effects to traditional antidepressants, including headache, nausea, anxiety, dizziness, and elevated blood pressure. However, these side effects were generally well-tolerated and faded within 24 to 48 hours. It is important to note that psilocybin should be used under professional supervision due to its potential risks.
In conclusion, psilocybin, the compound found in certain mushroom species, has shown encouraging results as a potential treatment for depression. It appears to work by rewiring the brain and promoting new connections, leading to significant improvements in depressive symptoms. However, further research is necessary to fully understand its long-term effects and ensure its safe use.
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Could mushrooms cure addiction?
Mushrooms that contain the substance psilocybin, often called "magic mushrooms", are a form of fungi that causes hallucinations, changes in perception, thought, and mood. While the risk of addiction to psilocybin mushrooms is low, psychological dependence can develop.
In recent years, there has been a growing body of research suggesting that psilocybin could be an effective treatment for addiction. For example, a 2017 Johns Hopkins University pilot study found that the majority of 15 participants were able to quit smoking for at least 16 months after receiving two to three moderate to high-level doses of psilocybin. A similar study in 2015 on alcohol use disorder found that abstinence among addicts increased significantly following the use of psilocybin. Observational studies have also found that psilocybin is associated with a reduced risk of using substances like cocaine, marijuana, and opioids.
Psilocybin-assisted therapy may reshape the neural networks in the brain that are associated with addiction-related habits and could help people escape rigid thinking patterns. However, it is still uncertain how effective psilocybin is in treating addiction in the long term, and some individuals may be more likely to benefit from it than others. Some study participants have had troubling experiences during their trips, and experts advise against taking the drug outside of legitimate research studies or without medical supervision.
While psilocybin mushrooms are illegal in most countries, including most states in the United States, some cities and states in the US are working towards decriminalizing them. For example, Oregon has opened a state-regulated program for the supervised administration of psilocybin, and Colorado plans to open a similar program soon.
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Could mushrooms cure Parkinson's disease?
Mushrooms have been used medicinally for centuries, and now modern science is exploring their potential to treat various ailments, including Parkinson's disease.
Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that causes progressive deterioration of the brain and nervous system. It is characterised by motor symptoms and mood dysfunction, which often includes depression and anxiety. Standard medications often don't work well for these patients, and there is an enormous need to develop novel treatments.
Psilocybin, a natural compound found in certain mushrooms, has shown promise in treating depression and anxiety. Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), are investigating whether psilocybin could help Parkinson's patients who experience these debilitating mood dysfunctions. In a clinical trial, they administered psilocybin to 12 patients with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease, and the results exceeded their expectations. Another theory is that psilocybin could provide relief from multiple symptoms of the disease by reducing inflammation and promoting neuroplasticity – the growth and reconnection of brain cells involved in mood, cognition, and movement regulation.
In addition to psilocybin-containing mushrooms, other medicinal mushrooms are being explored for their potential to stabilise or improve cognitive function in Parkinson's patients with mild cognitive impairment. The oriental mushrooms Hericium erinaceus and Ganoderma lucidum, commonly used as food supplements in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine, are being studied for their cognitive-enhancing effects.
While the research is still in its early stages, the potential for mushrooms to help treat Parkinson's disease is promising.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms are a rich source of compounds that can be used to cure diseases. They are low in sodium, which helps to keep blood pressure low. They are also a powerful source of ergothioneine, an amino acid and antioxidant that prevents or slows cellular damage.
Mushrooms have been hailed as a miracle cure for cancer. The shiitake mushroom, for example, is famed for its compound lentinan, which has been found to help increase the survival rate of cancer patients.
Yes, "magic mushrooms", which contain the psychedelic substance psilocybin, are proving useful in treating depression.
Yes, "magic mushrooms" are also proving useful in treating addiction.
Research has shown that psilocybin, a natural compound found in certain mushrooms, has the potential to help with Parkinson's disease.
