Sarah Brown
Tiger's milk mushroom (TMM) is a rare 400-year-old medicinal mushroom native to the Southeast Asian rainforest in Malaysia. It is commonly known as cendawan susu rimau or kulat susu rimau, which translates to tiger milk mushroom. It has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, particularly in Malaysia and China, for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties. Tiger's milk mushroom is also known to boost the immune system, support respiratory health, and enhance overall vitality.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Tiger Milk Mushroom, Lignosus rhinocerus, cendawan susu rimau, kulat susu rimau |
| Genus | Lignosus |
| Species | L. rhinocerus, L. tigris, L. rhinocerotis, L. cameronensis |
| Origin | Tropical forests of Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Southern China, and parts of Australia |
| Traditional uses | Coughs, asthma, bronchitis, joint pain, fever, breast cancer, stomach cancer, food poisoning, wounds, indigestion, gastritis, respiratory issues, and various cancers |
| Benefits | Anti-inflammatory, immune-modulating, bronchodilating, anti-oxidant, anti-proliferative, anti-glycating, energy enhancement, anticancer, antiviral, hypocholesterolemic, antimicrobial, anti-asthmatic, immunomodulation, respiratory function enhancement, antioxidant, anti-aging, neuroprotective, photoprotective, antidiabetic, wound-healing, and anti-HIV |
| Nutritional composition | Carbohydrates, moderate amount of protein, low fat content, vitamins C, E, and A, soluble fiber, potassium, vitamin K, resveratrol, quercetin, anthocyanin, β-glucan, and phytochemicals |
| Form | Powder, pixie stick, blended |
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What You'll Learn
Tiger Milk Mushroom's (TMM) health benefits
Tiger Milk Mushrooms (TMM) have been used for centuries in traditional medicine, particularly in Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Southern China, and parts of Australia. They are believed to have various health benefits, which have been supported by initial research findings.
Respiratory Health
TMM has been traditionally used to treat respiratory disorders, such as coughs, asthma, and bronchitis. Modern research has validated these traditional uses, demonstrating that TMM supplementation can suppress interleukin 1β, interleukin 8, and malondialdehyde levels, leading to improved respiratory symptoms.
Immune System Support
TMM is known for its immune-enhancing properties, attributed to the presence of polysaccharides, specifically beta-glucans. These compounds modulate the immune system, fostering immune support and contributing to various medicinal attributes.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
TMM exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, which have been studied in the context of airway inflammation and asthma. The sclerotium of TMM, in particular, is believed to possess these properties, aiding in the reduction of inflammation.
Antioxidant Activity
TMM is a rich source of antioxidants, offering protection against oxidative stress-related diseases. The sclerotia of TMM demonstrate free radical scavenging activities due to their phenolic content, contributing to its antioxidant capabilities.
Cancer-Fighting Potential
Initial research suggests that TMM may have cancer-fighting capabilities. The presence of beta-glucans and other phytochemicals could contribute to its potential as an anticancer agent. However, further research is needed to validate these findings.
TMM has also been traditionally used to treat various other ailments, including joint pain, fever, stomach cancer, food poisoning, wounds, indigestion, and gastritis.
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TMM's nutritional composition
Tiger's milk mushroom (TMM), also known as Lignosus rhinocerus, is a fungus native to Southeast Asia. It has been used for centuries by indigenous communities in the region as a traditional medicine for various ailments, including respiratory disorders.
TMM has been the subject of numerous studies investigating its nutritional composition, phytochemicals, and health benefits. Here is a detailed overview of TMM's nutritional composition:
Nutritional Composition
Phytochemicals
TMM contains various phytochemicals, including polysaccharides, polysaccharide-protein complexes, and β-glucan. Phytochemicals are plant-based compounds that have potential health benefits for humans. The phytochemicals in TMM are believed to contribute to its therapeutic properties.
Bioactive Components
TMM also contains bioactive components such as secondary metabolites and polysaccharides. These components are responsible for the mushroom's hepatoprotective, immune-potentiating, anticancer, antiviral, and hypocholesterolemic properties.
Health Benefits
The health benefits of TMM are extensive and include respiratory function enhancement, anti-inflammatory properties, antioxidant effects, anti-aging, neuroprotective qualities, photoprotection, antidiabetic impacts, wound healing, and anti-HIV activities.
While TMM has shown promising results in in vitro and in vivo models, further clinical studies are needed to validate these effects fully. Additionally, more research is required to understand better and utilize the phytochemicals present in TMM for additional health discoveries.
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TMM's phytochemicals
Tiger Milk Mushrooms (TMM), or Lignosus rhinocerus, are a rare medicinal fungus native to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Southern China, and parts of Australia. They are believed to grow where a tigress's milk falls to the ground while nursing her cubs, giving them their distinctive name.
TMMs have been used for centuries by indigenous communities in these regions as traditional medicine for treating a variety of ailments, including respiratory disorders, asthma, bronchitis, joint pain, fever, breast cancer, stomach cancer, food poisoning, wounds, indigestion, and gastritis. They were also a common remedy in Chinese households during the 1950s and 1960s for respiratory issues and in Malay communities for treating various cancers.
TMMs contain various phytochemicals, which are believed to be responsible for their health benefits. These phytochemicals include:
- Polysaccharides: TMMs are rich in polysaccharides, particularly beta-glucans, which have been a key focus of scientific interest due to their potential health-promoting properties. Beta-glucans are naturally occurring polysaccharide compounds found in the cell walls of certain grains, fungi, and bacteria. They play a crucial role in fostering immune support and possess various medicinal attributes. They are widely recognised as Biological Response Modifiers (BRMs), modulating the immune system and adjusting its activity as needed.
- Phenolic compounds: TMMs contain phenolic compounds, which are a type of naturally occurring antioxidant. These compounds can effectively neutralise free radicals and offer protection against oxidative stress-related diseases. The phenolic content in TMMs has been found to contribute to their free radical scavenging activities.
- Vitamins: TMMs are a natural source of vitamins C, E, and A, which are also antioxidants. These vitamins help boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and provide respiratory support.
- Other phytochemicals: TMMs also contain other phytochemicals such as soluble fibre, potassium, vitamin K, resveratrol, quercetin, and anthocyanin. These contribute to the overall nutritional and health benefits of TMMs.
While TMMs have a long history of traditional use, further research and clinical studies are needed to fully validate their efficacy and potential health benefits.
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TMM's scientific advancements
Tiger's Milk Mushroom (TMM), or Lignosus rhinocerus, is a rare medicinal mushroom native to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Southern China, and parts of Australia. It is also known as "cendawan susu rimau" in Malaysia and Indonesia, which directly translates to "Tiger Milk Mushroom".
TMM has been used for centuries by indigenous communities in Southeast Asia as traditional medicine for treating various ailments, including respiratory disorders, asthma, bronchitis, joint pain, fever, breast cancer, stomach cancer, food poisoning, wounds, indigestion, and gastritis.
Respiratory Health
TMM has been scientifically proven to improve respiratory health and suppress respiratory symptoms. An open-label prospective study examined the effect of TMM supplementation on 50 voluntary participants, who took 300 mg of TMM twice daily for three months. The results demonstrated a significant suppression of interleukin 1β (IL-1β), interleukin 8 (IL-8), and malondialdehyde (MDA), as well as a reduction in respiratory symptoms.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
TMM exhibits anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to suppress interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and interleukin 8 (IL-8), which are pro-inflammatory cytokines. In addition, the cold water extract of a TMM cultivar, TM02® (xLr®), has been found to be a promising anti-inflammatory source, potentially protecting against UVB-induced photoaging.
Antioxidant Activity
TMM is a rich source of antioxidants, including phenolic compounds, and has been shown to possess antioxidant properties. The sclerotia of TMM have free radical scavenging activities, which can offer protection against oxidative stress-related diseases.
Immunomodulation
TMM has immune-modulating properties and has been found to suppress immunoglobulin A (IgA). Additionally, the polysaccharides present in TMM, particularly beta-glucans, play a crucial role in fostering immune support and enhancing the body's defences.
Anticancer Potential
TMM has been traditionally used to treat various cancers, including breast cancer and stomach cancer. The polysaccharides and beta-glucans present in TMM are believed to contribute to its potential cancer-fighting capabilities.
Other Benefits
TMM has also been associated with additional health benefits, including antimicrobial, anti-asthmatic, antiviral, hepatoprotective, hypocholesterolemic, and wound-healing properties. Furthermore, TMM may improve sleep quality, enhance energy levels, and provide allergy relief.
While TMM has shown promising results in various scientific studies, further research is needed to validate these findings and explore the full potential of TMM's health benefits.
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TMM's history and folklore
History and Folklore
Tiger's Milk Mushroom (TMM) or Lignosus rhinocerus is a tropical polypore genus that can be found in the tropical regions of Australia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Vanuatu. It is believed to have been first mentioned in John Evelyn's diary in 1664, where it was referred to as "Lac tygridis" or Tiger's milk. It was documented as a gift from Jesuits in Japan and China to their Order in Paris.
In 1879, MC Cooke made the first recorded mention of Polyporus rhinocerus, using a specimen from Penang Island, Malaysia. In 1890, Sir Henry Nicholas Ridley, the founder of the Malaysian rubber industry, attempted to cultivate the mushroom. Over a century later, in 2009, TMM was successfully cultivated, making it commercially available and sparking further research into its therapeutic uses.
TMM has been used for centuries by indigenous communities in Southeast Asia, particularly in Malaysia, as traditional medicine for various ailments, including respiratory disorders, asthma, coughs, fever, and food poisoning. It is also believed to have spiritual significance in some cultures. For example, the Semai people of Malaysia believe it can reinstate the spirit of a crop and guarantee a bountiful harvest. They use the sclerotia during paddy farming and prayer rituals. The Besisi (or MahMeri) people believe that the mushroom is easier to spot after the full moon. The Semang (or Negrito) people hold that the mushroom contains "the soul of an unborn tiger cub," which is conveyed to the tiger when it eats the mushroom.
In addition to its traditional uses, modern scientific studies have investigated the potential health benefits of TMM, including its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-asthmatic, anticancer, antiviral, hepatoprotective, immune-potentiating, and hypocholesterolemic properties.
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Frequently asked questions
Tiger's Milk Mushroom (TMM) is a rare 400-year-old medicinal mushroom that is native to Southeast Asia. It is also known as "cendawan susu rimau" or "kulat susu rimau" in reference to its name.
Tiger's Milk Mushroom has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including respiratory disorders. It has been scientifically proven to improve respiratory wellness, boost immunity, reduce allergy symptoms, and enhance energy. It is also rich in antioxidants and a natural source of vitamins C, E, and A.
Tiger's Milk Mushroom is available in various forms, such as powder, capsules, and pixie sticks. It can be mixed with water, juice, or a smoothie, or poured directly onto the tongue to enjoy its sour candy taste.
