October 3, 2007
Medical Research Backs the Ancient Claims of the Benefits of Medicinal Mushrooms
A growing number of people are rediscovering the benefits from one of nature's
oldest food sources - the mushroom. Often confusing to people, however, is the
distinction between the mushrooms found on supermarket shelves and the
"medicinal" mushroom varieties used, even by modern medical doctors, in the
prevention and treatment of disease.
As a food source, mushrooms, in general, are a healthy addition to any diet
because they contain relatively high concentrations of protein, fiber, minerals,
B vitamins and ascorbic acid. Medicinal mushrooms, such as those used in the
Mushroom Matrix, provide much more potent and targeted health benefits. The use
of mushrooms for medical purposes dates back to ancient times. And while there
have always been some holistic health practitioners in the Western world who
have made use of mushrooms in treating their patients, it was among cultures of
the Eastern world, such as in China, that the real "art" of using medicinal
mushrooms survived through the centuries.
Only in recent years has the Western world awakened to the tremendous medical
potential available in many mushroom varieties. As one might expect, the Western
medical world has put the health benefits of mushrooms through numerous tests.
As a result, there is a growing body of scientific evidence that now backs the
health benefit claims of mushroom lovers. The are an estimated 43,000 mushroom
varieties, which means that there is still much to be learned about mushrooms.
But here's a look at some of the more commonly used medicinal mushrooms, many
of which contribute to the make-up of the Mushroom Matrix.
Cordyceps
Cordyceps are naturally found in the higher elevations of Asia, such as in
Tibet. They've been called caterpillar fungi because they were originally found
on caterpillars. In Traditional Chinese medicine, Cordyceps were used to
increase stamina, including sexual stamina, and for treatment of kidney and
lung ailments, such as bronchitis, asthma and tuberculosis. Western interest
in Cordyceps really kicked off in 1993 during the Chinese National Games when
a team of nine Chinese women runners shattered nine world records, including
breaking the 10,000 meter run by an astounding 42 seconds. The athletes' coach
attributed their performance in part to the use of Cordyceps.
Medical research has shown that many of the ancient claims related to
Cordyceps appears to be true. Studies have indicated that Cordyceps help
mammals, which would include the Chinese runners, use oxygen more efficiently.
Another benefit found through research is that Cordyceps help reduce some of
the effects of aging. And perhaps of most interest to many people is that
research indicates Cordyceps help battle cancer tumors and aid in restoring
the immune system to a normal function in people fighting cancer and other
diseases. Research also indicates that Cordyceps may lower cholesterol and
might also be effective in reducing inflammation.
Maitake
Found in temperate regions of Japan, North America and Europe, the Maitake
mushroom is perhaps one of the better-known medicinal varieties. This may be
in part because it's relatively easy to cultivate, and thus, is more available.
It also provides multiple benefits, particularly to people suffering from
diabetes and hepatitis B. In recent years, this mushroom has attracted much
attention among researchers working on treatments for HIV Aids, high blood
pressure and cancer. The cancer research has been especially promising,
indicating that the Maitake mushroom might actually have the capacity to stop
cancer tumor growth and even shrink cancer tumors.
Reishi
Reishi is perhaps one of the oldest of medicinal mushrooms, in terms of use
by humans for medical purposes. It grows slowly and is very rare in the wild,
but fortunately is today fairly easy to cultivate. In the wild, it prefers
decaying matter, such as logs and plants along coastal waterways. Traditionally,
Reishi has been used in Eastern medicine to treat a variety of conditions such
as heart disease, bronchitis, cancer, high blood pressure, joint inflammation,
ulcers and liver conditions.
Modern medical research into the benefits of Reishi back some of these
traditional claims, including use of the mushroom for cancer treatment,
HIV Aids and Hepatitus B. It's also been shown to aid in treating hypertension
and allergies. Some of the recent research into the benefits of Reishi
mushrooms has focused on its anti-inflammatory benefits, which is showing
tremendous promise. In addition, studies indicate that Reishi mushrooms may
be beneficial in treating Alzheimers Disease.
Turkey Tail
So named because it resembles a turkey's tail, this medicinal mushroom has long
been used to aid in the treatment of respiratory ailments and the treatment of
urinary, digestive and liver problems. There is even anti-cancer medication,
widely used in Japan, that contains extracts of Turkey Tail. Modern medical
research is backing the use of this mushroom in cancer treatment. Studies
indicate that it not only aids in the treatment of some forms of cancer but
also helps prevent a reoccurrence. And, unlike traditional cancer medications,
those based on Turkey Tail show few, if any, side effects. Studies also show
that substances found in Turkey Tail appear to inhibit HIV replication, which
means it might be useful in slowing the progression of HIV Aids.
Agaricus Blazei
Found in Brazil and the Southeastern U.S., Agaricus Blazei is showing promise
in the treatment and prevention of a number of ailments. For one, research
indicates that it helps shrink tumors - but only tumors in a host, such as a
human or other mammal, not tumors in a test tube. This medicinal mushroom
species is also showing an ability to jump-start the immune system to respond
to abnormal cells (cancer is considered abnormal cell growth), without damaging
normal cells.
Lion's Mane
Long used in Traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of stomach
disorders and as a cancer prevention, research indicates that the Chinese
knew what they were doing. Studies have found that Lion's Mane actually does
have anti-tumor benefits and can extend the life of cancer patients. It also
helps reduce cholesterol, which aids in the prevention of heart disease. More
recent research indicates that this particular medicinal mushroom might help
in repairing nerve damage in trauma patients and could be useful in treating
senility and Alzheimer's Disease.
King Trumpet
A good, overall nutritional mushroom, the King Trumpet is one of the more
flavorful of medicinal mushrooms. This mushroom is particularly high in the
antioxidant L- ergothioneine and hence, is very beneficial is protecting cells
against oxidative damage and therefore, protecting people against disease and
illness. King Trumpet is also found to be very high in selenium, but not just
any selenium. Rather, this mushroom variety contains high levels of natural
selenium that is much easier for the body to absorb than the forms of selenium
found in most vitamin supplements. And research indicates that selenium is
another important antioxidant that helps prevent cancer.
Beech
Of Beech varieties, the Brown Beech has been found to be an excellent source
of many important nutrients, including potassium, protein, iron, thiamine,
riboflavin, niacin, magnesium and Vitamin D2. Unlike some of the other
varieties mentioned above, there hasn't yet been as much research into the
medical benefits of Beech mushrooms, but what has been done indicates that
Beech mushrooms promote lower cholesterol and a healthier cardiovascular
system. Other research indicates that Beech mushrooms might be useful in
anti-tumor treatment. Perhaps most interesting to many people, however, are
studies that report great results in using Beech mushrooms in skin care
products. Some cosmetic companies are beginning to use extracts of Beech
mushrooms in their products with excellent results.
Antrodia
Antrodia is widely-known as a medicinal mushroom in Taiwan but not so known
in much of the rest of the world. In Taiwan Antrodia mushrooms are used to
prevent and treat allergies, cancer, liver disorders and for itching. Research
is also showing promise in using Antrodia mushrooms in the treatment of
diabetes and cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and hepatitis. As a
form of cancer prevention and treatment, this mushroom is rather
all-encompassing. Among the cancers Taiwanese treat by ingesting Antrodia
mushrooms are liver, lung, cervical, colon, breast cancer and also leukemia
and adenoma.
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