5 Immunomodulating Medicinal Mushrooms
- Source of fungal polysaccharides with immunomodulatory properties.
- Source of antioxidants.
- Ganoderma lucidum is used in traditional Chinese medicine to disperse phlegm, stop coughs and wheezing, nourish the heart and strengthen qi and blood to treat heart and spleen deficiencies manifested by insomnia, memory loss, fatigue, lack of attention and poor appetite, to strengthen the body and tonify qi.
- Used in herbal medicine as an adaptogen to help increase energy and resistance to stress (in cases of mental or physical fatigue due to stress), as a liver tonic, to support the immune system.
Its ingredients - Properties supported by science
Auricularia auricula-judae (Judas Ear)
Auricularia auricula is a well-known traditional edible mushroom with high nutritional and pharmacological values. Polysaccharides are identified as one of the crucial bioactive constituents of this mushroom.
In a study, crude polysaccharides from the mushroom Auricularia auricular-judae were extracted by hot water extraction and alcohol precipitation, and their antimicrobial and antioxidant activities were investigated. It was found that Auricularia auricula-judae had great antimicrobial activities against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus . In addition, it also had significant antioxidant activities in scavenging free radicals. 1
1. Cai M, Lin Y, Luo YL, Liang HH, Sun PL. Extraction, Antimicrobial, and Antioxidant Activities of Crude Polysaccharides from the Wood Ear Medicinal Mushroom Auricularia auricula-judae (Higher Basidiomycetes). Int J Med Mushrooms. 2015;17(6):591-600. doi:10.1615/intjmedmushrooms.v17.i6.90. PMID: 26349516.
Tremella fuciformis (Silver Ear or Snow Mushroom)
Polysaccharides have attracted considerable attention due to their diverse biological activities. A study was conducted to elucidate the effects and molecular mechanisms of Tremella fuciformis ( polysaccharides) on glucose and lipid metabolism in palmitic acid. Several parameters were evaluated following Tremella fuciformis treatment, including lipid accumulation, glycogen content, glucose consumption, and enzyme activities. 1
In conclusion: The results suggest that Tremella fuciformis exerted beneficial effects: it effectively inhibited lipid accumulation, promoted glucose consumption, increased cellular glycogen, and improved enzyme activities. These results are clinically significant and provide a starting point for potentially effective treatments for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and associated metabolic disorders.
1. Song H, Lu J, Deng R. Polysaccharides from Tremella Fuciformis Enhance Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in HepG2 Cells Through Activating the AMPK Signaling Pathway. Chem Biodivers. 2024 Sep 25: e202401926. doi: 10.1002/cbdv.202401926. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39319532.
Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi)
Reishi mushroom is an edible medicinal mushroom that has been used for its healing properties for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine, and also fits the definition of a true superfood. It can act as an adaptogen. It has been linked to longevity, improved immune function, and mental clarity, earning it the nickname "the king of mushrooms."
Research shows that it acts as a normalizing substance, regulating various cellular functions and systems, including the endocrine (hormonal), immune, cardiovascular, central nervous, and digestive systems. 1
Studies have even produced promising results on the link between reishi mushroom and cancer prevention. Ganoderma lucidum clearly demonstrates anticancer activity in experiments with cancer cells and has possible therapeutic potential as a dietary supplement for alternative therapy for breast and prostate cancer. 2
However, future and more in-depth studies on the effect of Ganoderma lucidum on long-term cancer survival are needed.
1. Sliva D. Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) in cancer treatment. Integra Cancer Ther. 2003 Dec;2(4):358-64. doi:10.1177/1534735403259066. PMID: 14713328.
2. Jin X, Ruiz Beguerie J, Sze DM, Chan GC. Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi mushroom) for cancer treatment. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016 Apr 5;4(4):CD007731. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007731.pub3. PMID: 27045603; PMCID: PMC6353236.
Grifola frondosa (Maitake)
Used for thousands of years, the nutrient-rich maitake mushroom continues to be a subject of research, as it is known for its incredible beneficial properties.
It is increasingly recognized as a potent source of polysaccharide compounds with immense health potential. This is largely due to the presence of D and MD fractions, specific compounds extracted from this mushroom, which have shown particular promise as immunomodulatory agents and as adjuncts in the treatment of cancer and HIV. It may also provide some benefits in the treatment of hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and hepatitis. 1,2
1. Kodama N, Komuta K, Nanba H. Can maitake MD-fraction help cancer patients? Altern Med Rev. 2002 Jun;7(3):236-9. PMID: 12126464.
2. Mayell M. Maitake extracts and their therapeutic potential. Altern Med Rev. 2001 Feb;6(1):48-60. PMID: 11207456.
Inonotus obliquus (Chaga)
Often referred to as “black gold,” chaga mushrooms are packed with impressive health benefits. For example, they have a very high free radical absorbance capacity (ORAC); the higher this capacity, the better the ability to protect the body from disease-causing free radicals. Chaga mushrooms are said to be one of the best sources of antioxidants. 1
It also has antibacterial, antiallergic, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory activities. 2,3
1. Joo JI, Kim DH, Yun JW. Extract of Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) stimulates 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation. Phytother Res. 2010 Nov;24(11):1592-9. doi:10.1002/ptr.3180. PMID: 21031614.
2. Young-Mi Park, Jong-Heon Won, Yang-Hee Kim, Jong-Won Choi, Hee-Juhn Park, Kyung-Tae Lee, In vivo and in vitro anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects of the methanol extract of Inonotus obliquus, Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 101, Issues 1–3, 2005, Pages 120-128, ISSN 0378-8741, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2005.04.003.
3. Kim YR. Immunomodulatory Activity of the Water Extract from Medicinal Mushroom Inonotus obliquus. Mycobiology. 2005 Sep;33(3):158-62. doi: 10.4489/MYCO.2005.33.3.158. Epub 2005 Sep 30. PMID: 24049493; PMCID: PMC3774877.
Maison Jacynthe disclaims all liability. All information contained on this page is not intended to replace justified allopathic treatment or to disregard the expertise of the medical profession. It is up to each individual to take charge of their own health, to inform themselves, and to make the necessary changes to improve their condition. Therapeutic supervision by a qualified health professional is obviously recommended.
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