What are 12 Mushrooms Benefits in C24/7 Natura-Ceuticals and COMPLETE Phyto-Energizer?
Mushrooms have been a source of nutrition throughout history, but
they have been linked to immune function only in the past few decades.
The 20th century opened doors to scientific research that has supported
many of the age-old health claims of several species of mushroom used in
folk medicine. Since most mushrooms are historically known for their
restorative properties, it is not surprising that recent studies have
often associated them with the immune system.
Research on medicinal mushrooms has attracted much attention lately,
spurring an ever growing mushroom niche in the nutraceutical industry.
In general, mushrooms are well accepted as dietary supplements,
especially as immune boosters. That being said, not all species have
been well studied. Only a select few have been proven really beneficial
and considered safe for regular consumption.
Medicinal mushrooms are making their way to the forefront of
nutrition with their potent health benefits that modulate immune system
and increase energy levels.
Medicinal mushrooms have been known in many traditions and cultures
around the world for their immune strengthening and restorative effects
on the entire body.
They have a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine and
some of the very first Western medical antibiotics were extracted from
these mushroom varieties.
Human’s use of mushrooms date back to Paleolithic times with major historical use also in Greece, Mesoamerica and India.
Today, they can be a crucial part of human evolution to help us to grow, evolve and adapt to change.
They help to build a natural resistance to disease, containing the polysaccharides called Beta-glucans, known as “biological response modifiers.”
Every medicinal mushroom has different levels and combination’s of polysaccharides that boost the activities of immune system in different ways.
Natural Antibiotics
Medicinal mushrooms are traditionally used in the treatment of
infections. They work as natural antibiotics due to the fact that they
contain organic compounds that inhibit the propagation of many known
bacteria and fungi. These natural antibiotics interfere with protein
production, DNA replication, and other cellular processes that support
bacterial metabolism. Mushrooms have become the most popular nutritional
supplements in Japan largely owing to their ability to increase the
disease-fighting capacity of the body against influenza virus, herpes
simplex virus, and hepatitis virus, among others.
Host Defense Potentiators:
These compounds are abundant in medicinal mushrooms and include:
hemicellulose, polysaccharides, polysaccharide-peptides, nucleosides,
triterpeniods, complex starches, and other metabolites.
It is believed that a combination of these ingredients target the
human immune system, as well as, aid in neuron transmission, metabolism,
hormonal balance and the transport of nutrients and oxygen.
Through a host-mediated (T cell) immune mechanism, they help the body
regulate the development of lymphoid stem cells and other important
defense responses. These Host Defense Potentiators (HDP) are adjuncts to
cancer treatments in Japan and China.
Major functions of mushrooms:
1) Antioxidant
2) Healthy Skin
3) Increased energy
4) Liver Health
5) Energy Booster
6) Cancer prevention
7) Cholesterol reduction
8) Immune Stimulation
9) Physical Endurance
10) Sexual Performance
11) Asthma & Allergies
12) High Blood Pressure
13) Liver Protector
Below medicinal mushrooms in C24/7 Natura-ceuticals and COMPLETE Phyto-Energizer
.
1)Chaga
– is unique among medicinal mushrooms. In addition to its potent immune
stimulating properties Chaga is also a powerful antioxidant. The
Mushroom Science Chaga was tested for its anti-oxidant properties by
Brunswick Labs. They performed a test that assigns supplements an “ORAC”
score, allowing the comparison of anti-oxidant properties between
different types of supplements. Chaga is Nature’s most powerful
antioxidant with over 125 phytonutrients.
2)Cordyceps –
provide immuno-modulating beta glucans that support immune health.
Cordyceps also contain adenosine, cordycepic acid, cordycep in and
other related compounds. It is the adenosine and these other related
compounds that help with adrenal fatigue and adrenal depletion, and by
doing so, can increase energy levels and stamina and
endurance. Continued stress on the body can lead the adrenal glands to
produce too much cortisol, too much cortisol in the system over time
causes adrenal fatigue or exhaustion. By stress we mean a high stress
life style or excessive physical activity. This also applies to
athletes that are constantly stressing the body through repeated and
intensive physical training and activity.
3)Reishi
– Called the mushroom of immortality in ancient China, Reishi is the
most revered herb in all of Classical Chinese and Japanese medicine.
Used daily as a tonic in ancient China and Japan, modern research has
focused on the use of Reishi for immune support and supporting liver
health. Reishi mushroom is frequently used by mountain climbers to
combat altitude sickness and are contained in many of the performance
enhancing herbal formulas used by Chinese athletes.
4)Shiitake
– In addition to the beta glucans Shiitake contains various enzymes
that may improve liver function. Both Reishi and Shiitake are considered
to be “tonics” for the liver in Traditional East Asian Medicine.
Shiitake mushrooms have been used medicinally by the Chinese for more
than 6,000 years. Now that their rich, smoky flavor has endeared them to
American tastebuds, these exotic hearty mushrooms can be found in
supermarket shelves across the U.S. Invigorate Your Immune System.
5)Hiratake – Hiratake
or Oyster mushrooms do not taste like oysters but rather get their name
from their resemblance to the shellfish. Oyster mushrooms are among the
most abundant of wild mushrooms. They can be found throughout the year,
most often on the trunks of dead trees. Oyster mushrooms have been
revered for thousands of years as both a food and a medicine in both
Eastern and mid-European cultures. Oyster mushrooms are rich in protein,
vitamin C, niacin, folic acid and potassium. The protein content varies
between 1.6 to 2.5 percent. Oyster mushrooms contain most of the
mineral salts required by the human body. Their niacin content is about
ten times higher than any other vegetables and the folic acid in oyster
mushrooms helps to cure anemia. Oyster mushrooms are suitable for people
with high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes due to their low
sodium/potassium ratio, starch, fat and calorific value. Oyster
mushrooms are a natural source of statin (cholesterol lowering) drugs.
Studies have shown that they typically contain 0.4% to 2.7% statins.
6)Maitake – is
the Japanese name for the edible fungus Grifola frondosa , which is
characterized by a large fruiting body and overlapping caps. Maitake has
been used traditionally both as a food and for medicinal purposes.
Polysaccharide constituents of maitake have been associated in animal
studies with multiple bioactive properties. Extracts of maitake
mushroom, and particularly the beta-glucan polysaccharide constituent,
have been associated with immune modulation in pre-clinical studies, and
are hypothesized to exert anti-tumor effects as a result of these
immune properties. Human data are limited, and at this time there is
insufficient evidence to recommend for or against the use of oral
maitake for any indication. Maitake has been used traditionally both as a
food and for medicinal purposes. Early studies in the laboratory as
well as in humans suggest that beta-glucan extracts from maitake may
increase the body’s ability to fight cancer. Antifungal, anti-infective,
antitumorigenic, antiviral, arthritis, bacterial infection, diagnostic
agent, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, HIV, liver inflammation
(hepatitis), weight loss.
7)Yamabushitake – This
is an edible mushroom occurring widely in Japan and China, growing on
standing and decayed broadleaf trees such as oak, walnut and beech. It
can also cause heart rot in standing trees. Originally collected from
the wild, it is now extensively grown artificially on logs and sawdust
mixtures making this mushroom available all the year round. It is known
in the West as the hedgehog or monkey head fungus and in China as
Shishigashida because the fruiting body looks like the head of a lion.
When air dried and extracted with hot water it is used extensively in
traditional Chinese medicine (Houtou), to promote digestion and general
vigour, strength and general nutrition. The polysaccharide from this
mushroom have cyto-static effects on gastric, oesophageal, hepatic and
skin cancers (Mizuno, 1999;.42 Mizuno et al., 1992). Mycelium produced
from several Hericium spp. and then extracted with hot water formed the
basis of a sports drink named Houtou that was used in the 11 th Asia
Sports Festival (1990) and is believed to have contributed to the
remarkable activities of Chinese players!!
8)Himematsutake – Originating
from the mountain region of Piedade, Brazil, Royal Agaricus Mushroom
(Agaricus blazei Murill) has become quite popular there and in Asia as a
medicinal mushroom and also for its use in cancer. Interest was peaked
when a much lower occurrence of adult diseases was found in this region.
Research done in Japan in 1980′s and 1990′s appears to support these
benefits. Studies demonstrate agaricus mushroom’s possible use in
recovery from cancer as well as in prevention of the imbalance, while
also showing promise for agaricus mushroom’s ability to lower blood
glucose, lower serum cholesterol, and lower blood pressure, as well as
that of strong immune enhancement. In Brazil, agaricus mushroom is
called “Cogmelo de Deus,” “Mushroom of God”.
9)Kawaratake – PSK,
a high molecular polysaccharide was first isolated from had Coriolus
versicolor mushroom in the early 1970′s. The main component of the
carbohydrate moiety is aglucose with galactose, mannose, xylose and
fucose as minor components. The protein moiety is rich in acidic amino
acids and neutral amino acids with basic amino acids n small amounts.
The main component unit of the polysaccharide moiety is a beta-glucan
with the main chain consisting of β-(1 to 4) glucose polymer branched a
positions 3 and 6 of the glucose5. Studies and safety evaluations in
Japan on PSK had demonstrated benefit through a variety of immune
actions in human, animal and in vitro research. They had shown PSK
activating macrophage and T-killer-cell activity, stimulating lymphocyte
counts and balancing helper/suppresor ratios. PSK was found to be
useful as a maintenance therapy for patients after their curative
surgical operations for colorectal cancer.
10)Mesima- Phellinus
linteus, also known as Sang-Hwang, Mesima or Meshimakobu has long been
used in traditional medicine. Mesima is especially rich in beta 1-3
glucans and has been shown to cause increased production of T cells and B
cells. Along with increasing white blood cell counts, mesima has also
demonstrated an ability to increase the activity of macrophages and
natural killer cells.
11)Zhu Ling – Zhu
Ling can reduce the occurrence rate of B-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)
nitrosamine (BBN)-induced bladder tumors in rats, the number of tumors
per rat, the tumor diameter, and the tumor malignity. Toxicity
Carnogenic test: negative (PPS extract/mice/hypodermic or
intraperitoneal injection, 0.5, 50mg/kg daily for 6 consecutive months).
Teratogenic test: negative (PPS/mice/200mg/kg, intraperitoneal
injection).(1) Chemical Composition: Polyporusdextran I; Polyporusteron
A, B, C, D, E, F, G; Ergosta-4, 6, 8(14), 22-tetraen-3-one;
25-deoxymakisterone A; 25-deoxy-24(28)-dehydromakisterone A; Ergosta-7,
22-dien-3-one; Ergosta-7, 22-dien-3-ol; Ergosta-5, 7, 22-trien-3-ol; 5a,
8a-epidioxyergosta-6, 22-dien-3-ol; a-hydroxytetracosanoic acid; 3,
4-dihydroxy benzaldehyde; Axungia; Isoleucine; Leucine; Aspartic acid;
D-mannose; D-galactose; D-glucose.(2),(3),(4),(5) (6),(7). Inorganic
Chemicals It contains trace elements, including calcium (Ca), phosphorus
(P), copper (Cu), sodium (Na), potassium (K), and sulfur (S). Enhancing
immunity. Experiments on mice have shown that polyporus polysaccharides
can enhance Concanavalin A and bacterial lipopolysaccharide-induced
proliferation reactions of splenocytes, increase the number of specific
antibody-secreting cells, enhance heterotypic splenocyte-induced
hypersensitivity reactions, and enhance the killing capacity of
splenotoxic T lymphocytes.(18) Experiments also have shown that
polyporus polysaccharides can enhance the phagocytic and bactericidal
functions of the human neutrophilic granulocytes,(19) and that it has a
dose-dependent and interferon-g (TFN-g)-synergistic effects that promote
the production of nitric oxide by the mice’s macrophage.(20)
12Agarikon – Historical
records indicate that Agarikon may have been the most important
medicinal mushroom of ancient Europe. The earliest preserved record
dates to 65 B.C., when it was listed by Greek physician Dioscorides in
Materia Medica as a remedy for tuberculosis. It may be a species of a
bygone era. Agarikon is practically extinct in Europe. Most remaining
Agarikon mushrooms are now found in the moist old growth rain forests of
western North America. Fortunately, it can be cultivated, so there is
no immediate risk of loosing the genetic material. There is little
modern research on the medicinal use of Agarikon extract but traditional
use of this medicinal mushroom included tuberculosis (Mycobacterium
tuberculosis) and pneumonia (Bacillus pneumoniae and others). It’s also
been used topically as a poultice to relieve muscle and skeletal pain.
Congruent with this is a report from Poland, listing the historical uses
of Agarikon extract to have included lung conditions (coughing, asthma)
and rheumatoid arthritis, but also infected wounds and open bleeding.
It is said to have been considered an elixir for long life. In North
America, it is believed that Agarikon extract was used by Native
Americans as protection from smallpox and other diseases brought over by
the Europeans. But there is no definite written record of this
information. The Haida Native American mythological tradition also
retains a connection between Agarikon and the female creator spirit
Raven, and with female sexuality.
OMG!! I was searching for this kind of a blog that have all information about all kinds of mushrooms with pictures. Thank you for your post. I found all the answers of my questions at one place. Digestive enzymes Canada
ReplyDeleteThanks Michael for this good work done . Keep it up. Very informative and educative
ReplyDeleteConcanavalin A (ConA) is a lectin (carbohydrate-binding protein) originally extracted from the jack-bean, Canavalia ensiformis. It is a member of the legume lectin family. It binds specifically to certain structures found in varioussugars, glycoproteins, concanavalin a
ReplyDeleteGreat article! Thanks for sharing I added some thoughts on Mushrooms benefits sometime ago
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