The Medicinal Magic of Mushrooms

Did you know that the rich, distinctive flavor mushrooms was once reserved only for royalty? Ancient Egyptian pharaohs banned commoners from even touching them!

But today, commercial cultivation enables fungi fans across the world enjoy the abundant edible varieties for the entire year. Aside the fact that these simple delicacies are mouth-watering, they are also filled with strong medicinal powers including immune system stimulations, reproductive benefits and energy enhancements.

Shiitake

This mushroom is a common ingredient in the Pacific Rim cuisine for they add a distinctive flavor to noodle and tofu dishes. But on the therapeutic side, they may offer hope in the fight against cancer.

Like the Maitake mushrooms, they contain a powerful compound that has been studied for its health applications. Lentinan, a polysaccharide extract of shiitake, may act as a cancer preventative, according to research reported in the October 2002 issue of The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine and Japanese researchers have proven that the Shiitake can lower cholesterol. But on the flip side, a human trial that was published in the same month in Urology magazine stated that unrelated treatment was fruitless against prostrate cancer.

Maitake

This fungus is called the 'dancing mushroom' and is thought to strengthen immune function and to have beneficial value against cancer and type 2 diabetes. This giant mushroom's polysaccharide is frequently recognized for its immunostimulant properties.

Researchers reported in the Journal of Medicinal Food that a polysaccharide extract increased both natural and adaptive immune responses in mice. Previous research back in 2003 in the same journal states the maitake's immune-enhancing effects may play a role in cancer prevention.

Cordyceps

A parasitic fungus that is used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and is popularly used in sexual and performance nutrition; Cordyceps may also have anticancer and anti-hyperglycemic properties.

TCM practitioners have long accepted cordyceps as a sexual aid and recent research has supported this declaration. Life Science has shown that the supplementation of this mushroom may be therapeutic in male reproductive health by stimulating testosterone production and, in sports medicine; it's believed to increase endurance and energy. No research has proven this but check out your local health food stores and you will find the shelves stocked with energy products that list as a main ingredient.

Reishi

Like many mushrooms, Ganoderma lucidum grown in wet climes and commonly on decaying plant matter. TCM practitioners call it ling shi and it is supposedly promotes health and longevity, lower the risk of cancer and heart disease and strengthen immunity according to a study in the British Journal of Nutrition.

It has also been published in various magazines and journals that Reishi can arrest cell proliferation and induce apoptosis (cell death) in human prostate cancer cells. A polysaccharide extract was declared an anti-tumor and anti-angiogenic agent back in 2004 but no recent publications are reputed these findings.

AHCC

Active Hexose Correlated Compound or AHCC is a hybridization of several mushrooms that has proven to be a potent immune system stimulant. Its effectiveness was shown in an animal study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology. Researchers saw an increased resistance to infection in mice fed AHCC.

As you can see there are always opposing sides to any issues, including a tasty fungus that we love in our spaghetti sauce and salads. While there are various therapeutic benefits that can be gained from mushroom supplements, educating yourself is the main ingredient in choosing the right product or any product at all. You need to do your own research and become informed before taking anything as part of any medicinal therapy. It does not matter what your health issues are, the more you know, the better choices you can make.

SOURCES:
Journal of of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, October 2002

Urology, October 2002

Journal of Applied Physiology, 2004

British Journal of Nutrition, 2004

Nature's Pharmacy, by the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians