John Miller
Medicinal mushrooms are fungi that are used in the form of extracts or powder to prevent, alleviate, or heal multiple diseases. They have been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years, particularly in Asia. They are used to treat infections, lung diseases, and cancer, and have been approved as an addition to standard cancer treatments in Japan and China. There are many types of medicinal mushrooms, including Lion's Mane, Reishi, Chaga, Cordyceps, Shiitake, and Turkey Tail, each with its own unique benefits. Medicinal mushrooms have a wide range of pharmacological activities, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and antidiabetic properties. While the research into the health benefits of medicinal mushrooms is still ongoing, the initial results are promising, and they are increasingly being recognised by the scientific community.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Medicinal mushrooms are macroscopic fungi used in the form of extracts or powder to prevent, alleviate, or heal multiple diseases, and/or in balancing a healthy diet. |
| Uses | Medicinal mushrooms have been used to treat infections, lung diseases, and cancer. They are also used as dietary supplements and in biopharmaceutical applications. |
| Types | Lion's Mane, Reishi, Chaga, Cordyceps, Shiitake, Turkey Tail, Ganoderma lucidum, Trametes versicolor, Lentinus edodes, Grifola frondosa, Phellinus spp., and more. |
| Benefits | Antiallergic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antiviral, cytotoxic, immunomodulating, antidepressive, antihyperlipidemic, antidiabetic, digestive, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, nephroprotective, osteoprotective, hypotensive, anticancer, and more. |
| History | Medicinal mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine for centuries in ancient Greece, China, Egypt, North America, and Mesoamerica. They have also been found in ancient frozen remains dating back to around 3300 BC. |
| Scientific Research | Laboratory and animal studies have been conducted to test the effects of medicinal mushrooms, and there is growing interest in expanding clinical trials to confirm their safety, efficacy, and dosage. |
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What You'll Learn
Lion's Mane for brain function and digestion
Medicinal mushrooms have been used to treat infections for hundreds of years, especially in Asia. They are also used to treat lung diseases and cancer. Turkey tail, reishi, shiitake, and maitake are some of the more common medicinal mushrooms.
Lion's mane, also known as Hericium erinaceus, is a type of medicinal mushroom that has been used in traditional Asian medicine practices to nourish the five internal organs: the liver, lung, spleen, heart, and kidney. In contemporary practice, lion's mane is noted for its neuroprotective potential and is considered a powerful tonic for the nervous system. It contains two compounds, hericenones and erinacines, that can stimulate the growth of brain cells and may help protect against degenerative brain diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Animal studies have shown that lion's mane extract can help improve the functioning of the hippocampus, a region of the brain that processes memories and emotional responses. A small 2010 study of menopausal women found that consuming lion's mane mushrooms daily for a month helped reduce self-reported feelings of irritation and anxiety.
Lion's mane has also been shown to have potential benefits for the digestive system. It contains probiotics, which support the immune system and promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the digestive system. Lion's mane can also prevent the growth of H. pylori bacteria, which can cause stomach ulcers. Additionally, it has been shown to protect against other gastrointestinal issues such as gastric ulcers and chronic gastritis.
While lion's mane mushrooms offer a range of potential health benefits, it is important to note that they may not be suitable for everyone. Patients with asthma or other allergic conditions should use caution when consuming lion's mane, as there have been reports of heightening symptoms. It is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating new substances into your diet or treatment plan.
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Reishi for sleep and calmness
Mushrooms have been used as medicine for hundreds of years, particularly in Asia. They have been used to treat infections, lung diseases, and cancer. Medicinal mushrooms have a wide range of pharmacological activities, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and antidepressant properties.
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is a type of mushroom that grows on live trees and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for a long time. It is known as Ling Zhi in China, Reishi in Japan, and by its scientific name, Ganoderma lucidum, in the West.
Reishi mushrooms have been shown to enhance the immune system, reduce stress, improve sleep, and lessen fatigue. In traditional Chinese medicine, Reishi is believed to have tranquilizing effects. Recent studies in mice have supported this claim, finding that the administration of an extract of Reishi mycelia (GLAA) promoted sleep by shortening sleep latency and prolonging sleep time. The mechanism involves increasing levels of the sleep-promoting neurotransmitter 5-hydroxytryptamine in the hypothalamus.
Reishi mushroom supplements are available commercially and are often sold as a food or in dried form. However, optimal doses of Reishi have not been set, and quality and active ingredients may vary. Side effects may include allergic reactions and an increased risk of bleeding, particularly for those with a low platelet count or those taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs. Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals should also avoid using Reishi due to a lack of studies on its safety in these circumstances.
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Turkey Tail for lung disease and cancer treatment
Turkey tail mushrooms, scientifically known as Trametes versicolor or Coriolus versicolor, are colourful mushrooms that grow on dead logs worldwide. They are called turkey tail because their rings of brown and tan resemble the tail feathers of a turkey. In traditional Chinese medicine, they are known as Yun Zhi, and in Japan, they are called kawaratake, or roof tile fungus.
Turkey tail mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat lung diseases and cancer for many years. Polysaccharopeptide (PSP) and polysaccharide-K (PSK) are two active compounds found in turkey tail mushrooms that may inhibit the growth of cancer cells. PSK is the best-known active compound in turkey tail mushrooms and has been studied in patients with lung cancer, as well as breast, gastric, and colorectal cancer. Turkey tail mushrooms are also rich in vitamins and antioxidants, which are vital for survival.
Research has shown that turkey tail mushrooms may be beneficial as a complementary treatment for people with cancer. A 2012 clinical trial found that immune function was enhanced in women with stages I-III breast cancer who took daily doses of turkey tail in pill form. Another study found that cancer patients who were given 1-3.6 grams of turkey tail mushroom every day, in addition to conventional cancer treatments, experienced a 9% reduction in 5-year mortality compared to the control group. Turkey tail mushrooms have also been found to increase beneficial gut bacteria, which supports overall immune system health.
It is important to note that the use of turkey tail mushrooms for cancer treatment should be done cautiously and only after consulting with a doctor or oncologist. While generally considered safe, they may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with allergies or diabetes. The FDA has not approved medicinal mushrooms for cancer treatment, and supplements are not regulated by the FDA, so it is crucial to purchase organic certified mushrooms from reliable and reputable retailers.
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Shiitake for cancer
Medicinal mushrooms are used to treat infections and other diseases, including cancer. They have been used for hundreds of years, especially in Asia. In Japan and China, mushrooms have been approved as an addition to standard cancer treatments for over 30 years. There are more than 100 types of mushrooms used to treat cancer in Asia, including shiitake.
Shiitake mushrooms, or Lentinus edodes, are native to East Asia and are cultivated worldwide for their purported health benefits. They are one of the only medicinal mushrooms that can be bought whole in grocery stores.
Shiitake mushrooms have been found to alter immune function in young adults, which may be useful in preventing dyslipidemia in adults with borderline high cholesterol. They have also been found to modulate intestinal microbiota in hypercholesterolemic adults. In patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancer, an orally administered shiitake mycelial extract decreased the incidence of chemotherapy-associated adverse effects. In combination with immunotherapy, shiitake improved the quality of life for cancer patients.
Lentinan, a polysaccharide extracted from shiitake, may help extend the survival of patients with some cancers when used with chemotherapy. Lentinan does not kill cancer cells directly but enhances a number of aspects of the immune system, which may aid in the slowing of tumour growth. Lentinan also kills viruses and microbes directly in laboratory studies. However, it is uncertain whether the ingestion of shiitake mushrooms provides similar effects. One clinical trial has shown shiitake extract alone is not an effective treatment for prostate cancer.
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Chaga for anti-ageing
Mushrooms have been used as medicine for hundreds of years, particularly in Asia. They are used to treat infections, lung diseases, and cancer. Medicinal mushrooms have pharmacological activities, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antidiabetic, antioxidant, anticancer, and antiallergic properties.
Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) is one such medicinal mushroom. Chaga mushrooms are rich in antioxidants, which are crucial for protecting the skin from oxidative stress, a primary factor in premature ageing. By neutralising free radicals, Chaga helps to minimise skin damage that contributes to wrinkles and skin sagging. Chaga is also enriched with skin-nourishing nutrients such as vitamins B1, B2, B3, and D2, which aid in repairing and rebuilding skin.
Chaga's melanin content acts as a natural defence against UV radiation, shielding the skin from sun damage and supporting skin repair. Chaga's anti-inflammatory properties, such as Beta-glucans, Triterpenes, and antioxidants, can also help to reduce inflammation in the skin. Inotodiol, a lanostane-type triterpenoid found in Chaga mushrooms, has been proven to have anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, antiviral, antiaging, and antioxidant properties.
Chaga is used in skincare products such as serums and creams, which claim to improve skin elasticity, reduce wrinkles and fine lines, and promote a youthful, rejuvenated complexion. These products often combine Chaga with other ingredients such as argan oil, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid to enhance their anti-aging effects.
While Chaga shows promise for anti-aging, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating Chaga or any new substance into your routine, especially if you have specific skin concerns or conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
Medicinal mushrooms are fungi used to prevent, alleviate, or treat multiple diseases, or to balance a healthy diet. They have been used in traditional medicine for centuries.
Medicinal mushrooms have been used to treat infections and combat inflammation. They are also said to have anti-cancer, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and immunomodulating properties.
Medicinal mushrooms include Lion's Mane, Reishi, Chaga, Cordyceps, Shiitake, and Turkey Tail.
Medicinal mushrooms are consumed in boiled, fried, roasted, soup, tincture, tea, and powdered forms. They can also be added to morning smoothies or coffee.
The therapeutic properties of medicinal mushrooms are not fully understood yet. Controlled human trials are needed to confirm their nutraceutical effects, safety, and dosage.
