There are more than 100,000 varieties of mushroom on earth, some 700 of which are edible. In
laboratory tests (mostly in Japan and China), about 50
species have been confirmed to have some medicinal
properties. Mushrooms are available in a variety of
forms, including whole, dried, powdered, tinctures, capsules, tablets, and tea. Most edible
mushrooms are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and
amino acids.
Maitake:
the “dancing mushroom,” the maitake mushroom is called
the “hen of the woods” by American mushroom hunters.
Reishi: Reishi has been
used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for fatigue, asthma,
insomnia, and cough for more than 2,000 years.
Shiitake:
(lentinus edodes) mushroom has been revered in Asia for
centuries, both as a food and as a medicine. Its
most studied active ingredient is the polysaccharide
lentinan.
ROLE FOR ANTI-AGING: Maitake:
maitake mushrooms called D fraction is marketed in the
U.S. and Japan as a dietary supplement. D fraction has been shown to stimulate the
production of immune cells and
increases their effectiveness. As well as protecting
healthy cells from cancer, D fraction helps prevent the spread of cancer (metastasis) and
slows the growth of tumors. Unlike other mushroom
extracts, D fraction is effective not only by injection but
orally as well. Two other factions, X and ES, have been used
to lessen the side effects of chemotherapy. As an HIV/AIDS treatment, maitake may help prevent the
destruction of T-cells. In animal studies, maitake extracts
have lowered blood pressure and glucose levels. Maitake
mushrooms, fresh or preserved, taste good and can be used in a variety of food preparations. Maitake tea, juice, powder, and granules are available. A liquid extract of maitake D-fraction is
available to health professionals. Reishi:
Reishi mushrooms contain several constituents, including sterols, coumarin, mannitol,
polysaccharides, and triterpenoids called ganoderic acids.
Ganoderic acids lower blood pressure, lower LDL (“bad”)
cholesterol levels, and reduce the ‘stickiness’ of
platelets – all of which help to lower the risk of coronary artery disease.
Animal studies and some preliminary
human studies have suggested that reishi extracts may be
beneficial for the treatment of diabetes and
cancer.
Shiitake: Shiitake extract
can be used to boost the immune system, protect the body
from cancer (and even shrink existing tumors), lower blood cholesterol levels, reduce
blood pressure and combat viruses and bacteria.
Shiitake contains vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and a number of polysaccharides, which are linked to countering cancer, primarily by
promoting immune function rather than attacking cancer cells
directly. Following the discovery that cancer patients given lentinan have increased survival times
and a more positive prognosis, the Japanese have recently
begun prescribing the polysaccharide as an adjunct to
chemotherapy. Other research also indicates shiitake extracts may assist in the treatment of
AIDS.
THERAPEUTIC DAILY AMOUNT:
Maitake: 3-7 grams per day of the supplement
is recommended. Reishi: 1.5-9 grams per
day of the crude dried mushroom, 1-1.5 grams per day in
powdered form. Shiitake: products vary
in potency; follow dosage directions on
labels.
MAXIMUM SAFE LEVEL: Not established SIDE EFFECTS/CONTRAINDICATIONS:
Maitake: no reported side effects. Reishi: continuous use of reishi over 3-6 months may
produce dizziness, dry mouth and throat, nose bleeds, and
abdominal upset, however these side effects are quite
rare. Reishi is not recommended for individuals taking anticoagulant drugs. Shiitake: safe and
non-toxic, even in very large doses.
