Emily Johnson
Medicinal mushrooms have been used since 3000 BCE and are known to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular-protective, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, and
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types of Mushrooms | Reishi, Lion's Mane, Turkey Tail, Cordyceps, Agaricus blazei, Grifola frondosa, Ganoderma lucidum, Trametes versicolor, Chaga, Shiitake, Oyster, Maitake, King Oyster |
| Health Benefits | Anti-inflammatory, Anticancer, Antidiabetic, Cardiovascular protection, Anticancer, Brain booster, Hormone helper, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Anti-allergic, Immune-boosting, Anti-anxiety |
| How to Consume | Tea, Powder, Nutritional supplement, Fresh, Smoothie, Ale, Coffee |
| Other Benefits | Savory flavor, Low in calories, Low in fat, Low in sodium, Rich in fiber |
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What You'll Learn
- Turkey tail mushrooms and their polysaccharide-K (PSK) compound
- Reishi mushrooms and their calming properties
- Lion's mane mushrooms and their ability to foster the production of the bioprotein nerve growth factor (NFG)
- Chaga mushrooms and their anti-oxidant polyphenols, betulin and betulinic acid
- Maitake mushrooms and their immune-stimulating effects
Turkey tail mushrooms and their polysaccharide-K (PSK) compound
Turkey tail mushrooms, or Trametes versicolor, are well-known for their medicinal properties. They have been used for centuries worldwide to treat various conditions, and in traditional Chinese medicine, they have been used to treat lung diseases.
Turkey tail mushrooms contain a variety of powerful antioxidants and other compounds that may boost the immune system. One of the most notable compounds in turkey tail mushrooms is polysaccharide-K (PSK), a polysaccharopeptide. PSK is an active compound that has been shown to stimulate the immune system and fight cancer. In Japan, PSK is an approved adjuvant cancer treatment, and it is often used alongside standard cancer treatments. Laboratory and animal studies have demonstrated that PSK can inhibit the growth and spread of certain tumours, and it has been shown to be particularly effective in patients with programmed death-1 ligand 1 negative (PD-L1) negative tumours. These tumours typically do not respond well to immunotherapy.
PSK can be consumed in tea or capsule form, and it is available as a supplement in some countries. However, it is important to note that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States has not approved PSK as a treatment for cancer or any other medical condition.
In addition to PSK, turkey tail mushrooms also contain polysaccharopeptide (PSP), which may have the ability to stimulate the immune system, especially when combined with other anticancer treatments. Turkey tail mushrooms are also a source of fibre, which can help maintain healthy digestion and feed gut bacteria.
While turkey tail mushrooms have many potential health benefits, it is important to consume them safely. They should not be consumed in the wild, as they may be contaminated with pollutants or bacteria, and some types of mushrooms are poisonous. It is recommended to purchase purified supplements or dried mushrooms from a reputable source. Additionally, anyone with a mushroom or mould allergy should avoid consuming turkey tail mushrooms.
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Reishi mushrooms and their calming properties
Reishi mushrooms, also known as Ganoderma lucidum or Lingzhi, are a fungus that grows in hot and humid locations in Asia. They have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years and are believed to have various health benefits.
One of the most well-known benefits of reishi mushrooms is their calming properties. Reishi mushrooms contain a high concentration of naturally sedative compounds called triterpenes, which work with the nervous system to induce calmness, relaxation, and drowsiness. Triterpenes are also believed to regulate neurotransmitters, the brain's chemical messengers responsible for nerve function. Reishi mushrooms have also been shown to interact with the GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric acid) pathway, which is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that lowers neural activity and promotes sleep.
In addition to their calming effects, reishi mushrooms are also known for their potential immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties. Some studies have found that reishi mushrooms can affect the genes in white blood cells and alter inflammation pathways, which are critical parts of the immune system. Reishi mushrooms are also believed to have anti-cancer properties and have been shown to improve the quality of life for people with cancer when used alongside traditional treatment.
Reishi mushrooms can be consumed in various forms, such as tea, extract powder, liquid, or capsules. They are also sometimes added to foods such as chocolate desserts or hot chocolate. However, it is important to note that reishi mushrooms can also cause digestive side effects and may be unsafe for certain individuals, so it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before consuming them.
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Lion's mane mushrooms and their ability to foster the production of the bioprotein nerve growth factor (NFG)
Lions mane mushrooms are known to have a positive impact on the human body. They are packed with antioxidants and strengthen the immune system like most medicinal mushrooms. However, what makes lion's mane mushrooms unique is their ability to foster the production of the bioprotein nerve growth factor (NGF) and myelin, an insulation around nerve fibers.
Neurotrophic factors are important in promoting the growth and differentiation of neurons. Nerve growth factor (NGF) is essential for the maintenance of the basal forebrain cholinergic system. Hericenones and erinacines isolated from the medicinal mushroom Hericium erinaceus can induce NGF synthesis in nerve cells. In a study, the combination of 10 ng/mL NGF with 1 μg/mL mushroom extract yielded the highest percentage increase of 60.6% neurite outgrowth. The extract contained neuroactive compounds that induced the secretion of extracellular NGF in cells, thereby promoting neurite outgrowth activity.
Lion's mane mushrooms have been found to promote nerve growth and protect the brain from Alzheimer's-related damage. Animal research has also found that lion's mane mushroom extract has anti-inflammatory effects that can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in mice. Other animal studies have found that lion’s mane extract can help regenerate brain cells and improve the functioning of the hippocampus, a region of the brain that processes memories and emotional responses.
Lion's mane mushroom shows potential as a therapeutic diabetes supplement as well. Several animal studies have shown that lion’s mane can cause significantly lower blood sugar levels in both normal and diabetic mice, even at daily dosages as low as 2.7 milligrams (mg) per pound of body weight. Lion’s mane lowers blood sugars by blocking the activity of the enzyme alpha-glucosidase, which breaks down carbs in the small intestine.
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Chaga mushrooms and their anti-oxidant polyphenols, betulin and betulinic acid
Medicinal mushrooms have been used since at least 3000 BCE and are known to possess antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular-protective, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, and anticancer properties. They are also adept at immune modulation and can affect hematopoietic stem cells, lymphocytes, macrophages, T cells, dendritic cells (DCs), and natural killer (NK) cells.
Chaga mushrooms (Inonotus obliquus) are a unique type of medicinal mushroom known for their high antioxidant content and immune-boosting properties. Chaga contains beta-glucan-rich polysaccharides, which are found in most medicinal mushrooms and provide immune-supporting benefits. In addition to these polysaccharides, Chaga also contains other active compounds, including betulinic acid and polyphenols, which give Chaga extracts their powerful antioxidant properties.
Betulinic acid is a triterpene acid that has been shown to possess antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-HIV, anti-malaria, and antioxidant effects in numerous studies. It is derived from lupeol, which is found in the birch bark that Chaga mushrooms grow on. The mushroom fruit body absorbs betulin from the birch bark and converts it into betulinic acid. Betulin, the precursor to betulinic acid, has been shown to possess anti-tumor and anti-cancer properties.
The presence of betulinic acid and polyphenols in Chaga mushrooms contributes to their high ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) score, a measurement of antioxidant properties. Chaga's ORAC value is similar to that of blueberry extracts and higher than that of green or black tea extracts. This indicates that Chaga extracts have potent antioxidant capabilities.
Chaga mushrooms and their derivatives, such as Siberian Chaga extract, are thus valued for their potential health benefits, including immune support and overall well-being. However, it is important to note that while medicinal mushrooms like Chaga show promise in boosting the immune system, they should not be solely relied upon for cancer treatment or prevention. A holistic approach to health, including good nutrients, exercise, and sleep, is recommended for a robust immune system.
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Maitake mushrooms and their immune-stimulating effects
Medicinal mushrooms have been used since at least 3000 BCE and are known to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular-protective, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, and anticancer properties. They are also adept at immune modulation and can affect hematopoietic stem cells, lymphocytes, macrophages, T cells, dendritic cells (DCs), and natural killer (NK) cells. Maitake mushrooms are one of the most well-researched mushrooms in the medicinal mushroom family.
Maitake mushrooms contain beta-glucan, a type of polysaccharide that increases host immune defense by activating the complement system, enhancing macrophages, and improving natural killer (NK) cell function. Essentially, maitake mushrooms help the body produce more NK cells, which are white blood cells that carry out many of the immune system's capabilities. When beta-glucan from maitake enters the system, it signals to the body that it is under attack, prompting a defensive response. This response has been shown to stimulate both the cellular and humoral branches of immune reactions.
Research on rats and mice has found that maitake mushrooms help lower triglyceride, cholesterol, and phospholipid levels in the blood. Additionally, maitake mushrooms contain antioxidants like fatty acids and polyphenols, which may help improve skin health. Maitake mushrooms have also been found to have hypoglycemic effects, meaning they can help lower blood sugar levels. This is particularly relevant for individuals at risk of developing diabetes.
While maitake mushrooms have been shown to have immune-stimulating effects, it is important to note that most of the data comes from laboratory and animal studies, and more research on human subjects is needed. Additionally, it is always recommended to consult with a doctor or healthcare professional before incorporating any new supplement or dietary change, especially for individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
Turkey tail, maitake, and reishi mushrooms have been proven to strengthen the immune system.
Mushrooms contain polysaccharides, which are bioactive ingredients that stimulate the immune system.
Mushrooms have been shown to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular-protective, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, and anticancer properties. They are also rich in fiber and low in sodium, which helps to maintain low blood pressure.
