Medicinal Mushroom Research

Suggestions for maximizing mushroom health benefits

Mushroom Research: Basidiomycetes polysaccharides have been shown to possess anti-tumor, anti-viral, anti-bacterial and immune-modulating activities. Well known examples of Basidiomycetes mushrooms are shiitake, reishi and maitake.    

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"...they (medicinal mushrooms) represent an unlimited source of polysaccharides with anti-tumor and immuno-stimulating properties." Dr. S. Wasser, Internationally-recognized medicinal mushroom expert and founder of International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms

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Polysaccharides from mushrooms do not attack cancer cells directly, but produce their anti-tumor effects by activating different immune responses in the host.  (unlike green tea extract which directly attacks cancer cells).

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In 2004, the NIH (National Institute of Health) funded a grant to determine how Basidiomycetes mushroom extracts strengthen the immune system.

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Lentinan (a Basidiomycetes mushroom extract) seems to enhance T-helper cell function, increase stimulation of interleukin, interferon, and normal killer cells. In addition to antitumor activity, it also possesses immune-regulatory effects, anti-viral activity, antimicrobial properties and cholesterol-lowering effects.

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Sloan-Kettering is currently conducting a Phase I/II cancer study with a Basidiomycetes Mushroom extract.

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Extracts from basidiomycetes mushrooms (Coriolus versicolor, Lentinula edodes, and Schizophyllum commune) are used as drugs in Japan with an annual aggregate sales of over one billion U.S. dollars.

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Extracts from basidiomycetes mushrooms are used to elevate the immune systems of patients undergoing chemotherapy. 

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Suggestions for maximizing mushroom health benefits

Medicinal Mushroom references for information contained on this page.

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Last Updated 10/13/2008