MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS AMONG FALL HARVEST by Patti Kantor The bounties of harvest can be seen overflowing in produce aisles at grocery stores everywhere this time of year. And now, thanks to advancements in refrigeration and transportation as well as new cultivation techniques, no matter where you live in the continental United States, mushrooms are likely to be popping up along with the traditional fall offerings of apples, pumpkins and squash. And where there is one mushroom, there are often many others. This is true of the fungi habitat as well as in the produce section. Like new kids on the block, the new additions in the produce aisle - which come in all shapes, sizes and textures making them even more curious to look at - often deserve a second glance. VALUABLE HEALTH FOOD In North America we are just now discovering what other cultures have known for years - mushrooms are a valuable health food. They are low in calories, high in vegetable proteins, iron, zinc, chitin, fiber, vitamins and minerals. And, although their use as food is obvious, their contribution as medicine is perhaps even more important. Mushrooms have a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine. In fact, it is estimated that in China more than 200 species of mushrooms are believed to have medicinal properties with 25 percent of them thought to have anti-tumor capability. WHAT MAKES THEM SPECIAL All mushrooms have cleansing properties. They are one of the few rich organic sources of germanium, which increases oxygen efficiency, counteracts the effects of pollutants and increases resistance to disease. They help neutralize toxic residues in the body. Mushrooms contain compounds called polysaccharides giving them both anti-tumor and immune-stimulating properties. They are generally rich in amino acids, specifically lysine and tryptophan, as well as nicotinic acid, riboflavin, pantothenic acid and Vitamins B, C and K. In addition, medicinal mushrooms also contain compounds called terpenes and steroids, some of which also can promote anti-tumor activity. Mushrooms legendary effects on promoting good health and increasing the bodys adaptive abilities have been supported by a number of recent studies. Many studies have revealed they are beneficial to the immunity system. In fact, it has been said that with mushroom supplements we have a 24 hour Nautilus for our immune system. Shiitake, reishi and maitake are three specific varieties of medicinal mushrooms that are worth discovering. THE SHIITAKE MUSHROOM The shiitake is the most popular edible mushroom in Japan. The Asians have used it for thousands of years as a tonic and stimulant to increase vitality, prevent cerebral hemorrhage strokes, as well as improve circulation. Currently Western scientists are extracting a substance called lentinan from the shiitake mushroom. Lentinan is currently involved in Phase II clinical trials in the U.S. It is being studied not only for its anti-tumor properties but also for its ability to lower cholesterol and blood pressure. A highly purified form of lentinan is already approved in Japan as an anti-cancer drug used with chemotherapy. It has been shown to be helpful in reducing chromosomal damage caused by anti-cancer drugs. Eritadenine is also found in the shiitake mushroom. This compound is believed to be responsible for reducing blood levels of cholesterol and fats by promoting their excretion. Another healthy compound in the shiitake mushroom is lentinula edodes mycelium (LEM). LEM is thought to be helpful in not only treating and preventing cancer, but also heart disease, hypertension, infectious diseases and also hepatitis. However, despite all of its attributes, it should be noted that shiitake might produce a few side effects including diarrhea and skin rashes. Also individuals taking blood thinners should consult a health practitioner before using shiitake because it has anti-clotting properties. THE REISHI MUSHROOM Reishi has become one of the most prized Chinese herbs. It is full of medicinal compounds and is said to promote a healthy heart and prostate. Reishi is also believed to be a powerful anti-cancer agent. It is used in Chinese medicine for its immunogenic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It demonstrates its anti-tumor and immunomodulating activity by increasing bodily resistance against the growth of tumors. It can act also as a metabolic regulator. Reishi is currently gaining the attention of Western medical practitioners because it has been shown to help treat coronary heart disease, hypertension, arthritis and muscular dystrophy. It is also one of eight herbs combined in a specialized formula known as PC SPES, which has shown success in suppressing the symptoms of prostate cancer. It is also believed that reishi can induce the production of chemotherapy agents such as Interferon a protein that is produced inside cells to fight viral infection - and Interleukin1 & 2. Thus further reinforcing its reputation for enhancing immunity function and killing tumor cells, according to recent studies at the Education Center for Prostate Cancer Patients in Jericho, N.Y. Natural health practitioners in the West are also beginning to use reishi for its sleep-promoting effects. Compounds called triterpenes are thought to be responsible for producing a calming effect on the nervous system. Other traditional benefits of reishi that have been confirmed by modern scientific research include inhibition of allergic reactions and relief from chronic bronchitis. THE MAITAKE MUSHROOM Maitake mushrooms have been prized in Japan for hundreds of years for strengthening the body and improving overall health. In the United States, the National Cancer Institute has been studying its active ingredients and recent research seems to confirm the mushrooms ability both to stimulate immunity and inhibit tumor growth. In addition, maitake has been shown to be beneficial for AIDS patients and has helped lower blood sugar levels in diabetics. It has also been shown to reduce high blood pressure, shrink brain tumors and fight prostate cancer. Maitake is considered an adaptogen, which means it aids the body in adapting to physical and emotional stress. Active ingredients in maitake are polysaccharides; in particular a unique beta-glucan called D-fraction. D-fraction protects the body by stimulating immune cells to fight cancer. Additionally, it is believed that maitake may make chemo drugs more effective, reducing the need for high dosages of medication. Preliminary research indicates also that maitake may prevent the destruction of HIV T-helper cells. A patients T-helper cell count is measured to trace the progression of HIV to AIDS. Initial animal studies show that this mushroom may also be able to inhibit the escalation of blood glucose levels, indicating anti-diabetic activity possibilities. While some mushroom extracts need to be injected to actually show anti-tumor activity, maitake D-fraction is effective orally. It, along with other medicinal mushrooms, can also be obtained as a supplement. CONSIDER SUPPLEMENTS For those who have not acquired a taste for mushrooms, yet want the medicinal benefits of mushrooms, consider supplements. Much like an apple a day, a mushroom a day is a good rule of thumb or in the case of supplements, one or two capsules or three ounces of tincture is usually adequate for general health maintenance. Be sure to check with your healthcare provider if in doubt. IN CONCLUSION Shiitake, reishi and maitake mushrooms have all been found to exert remarkable healing properties. And although they may be among the new additions to the produce aisle for culinary consideration, they will no doubt gain a prominent position in Western civilization for many years to come as we continue to learn more about medicinal fungi. Click here for more information about medicinal mushrooms. - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - | 