Mushrooms as Medicine?

Some context to get us started… Why are fungi potentially our greatest ally? They separated from animals nine million years after plants did, making us more closely related to them than to plants. Under a microscope, human cells and fungal cells are extremely similar.We inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. Thanks to the fact that we have evolved side by side, many of the same bacterial diseases that affect us also affect fungi. Having only a single cell wall to protect them, fungi have become highly adaptable at warding off catastrophe, and have as such built up a vast array of protective modalities of which we can take advantage.

FIVE MUSHROOMS SHOWING THE MOST PROMISE FOR MEDICINAL USE

Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor)

So called thanks to its similarity in appearance to the tail feathers of a wild turkey, the fruitingmushroom is found growing on trees and logs throughout the world. Its most active and researched compounds arepolysaccharide krestin(PSK) and polysaccharide peptide (PSP). 

What the research reveals…

• A clinical trialof women with breast cancer (stages one to three)consuming turkey tail myceliumafterradiation therapy showed faster recovery of lymphocytes (infection-fighting white blood cells), with measurements exceeding pre-radiation levelsafter six weeks. 
• Three studies revealed that patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer who received PSK were less likely to have recurrent cancer and lived longer than those who did not.
• Six randomised clinical trials in patients with lung cancer studied chemotherapy with or without PSK. Patients who received PSK improved in one or more ways, including enhanced immune function, a healthier body weight, improved overall wellbeing, a reduction in tumour-related symptoms, and longer survival. 
• Preliminary studies show that PSP may reduce chemotherapy toxicity and increase the effectiveness of both chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
• In a study of healthy people, PSP extracted from turkey tail mushrooms showed beneficial changes in gut bacteria.
• A test tube study found that turkey tail extract increased populations of beneficial gut bacteria while reducing those of potentially harmful bacteria.

In a nutshell…

Turkey tail mushrooms show exciting potential as an adjunct to traditional cancer treatment. They’ve also proven effective at improving gut health.

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)

Purplish-brown with a long stalk, brown spores and a fan-shaped cap, this bitter mushroom is native to China, Japan and North America. It grows on decaying wood or tree stumps, and contains at least 36 different compounds of medicinal interest. 

What the research reveals…

• Research in cancer patients has shown reishi to improve immune function by increasing natural killer cell activity. 
• Studies on patients with colorectal cancer have revealed an increase in lymphocytes and a reduction in the number of tumours in people with colorectal adenomas.
• A study on athletes exposed to stressful conditions showed improved lymphocyte function in those supplementing with reishi,
• After eight weeks of taking a reishi supplement, people with neurasthenia reported reduced fatigue and improved overall wellbeing.
• Astudy of breast cancer survivors yielded similar results, with an added reduction in anxiety and depression.

In a nutshell…

Reishi could decrease anxiety and depression as well as improve quality of life in those suffering from certain medical conditions. While the full spectrum of benefits is yet to be determined, it has shown promising in enhancing immune function.

Cordyceps 

A genus of parasitic fungi that grows on the larvae of insects throughout the world. Of the 400 species, health research has focused on sinensis and militaris. 

What the research reveals…

• Studies on healthy adults have shown an increase in VO2 max - a measurement used to determine fitness level. An exception was in well-trained athletes, where no improvement was found. 
• Several studies in aged mice showed increased antioxidants, improved memory and enhanced sexual function in those given cordyceps.
• Another study found that mice given cordyceps lived several months longer than those given a placebo. 
• Numerous test tube studies have revealed the anti-tumour effects of cordyceps, with inhibited growth of lung, colon, skin and liver cancers. 
• Mice given cordyceps showed a reversal in leukopenia - a side effect of many cancer treatments that reduces white blood cells and lowers the body’s defences.
• Cordyceps proved effective in decreasing blood sugar levels in several studies on diabetic mice.
• Animal research has shown cordyceps to decrease ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, both of which are linked to heart disease. 
• Cordyceps proved effective in reducing inflammatory markers in animal study subjects. 

In a nutshell…

Research suggests strong evidence for the anti-ageing properties of cordyceps, as well as its potential to help treat cancer and some of the side effects of cancer treatment. It may also be beneficial in reducing inflammation and balancing blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)

A large white mushroom resembling a lion’s mane, this species is native to North America, Europe and Asia.

• Studies have shown lion’s mane to contain two special compounds that stimulate the growth of brain cells: hericenones and erinacines. These reduce the symptoms of memory loss as well as prevent the neuronal damage caused by amyloid-beta plaques (which accumulate in the brain in Alzheimers disease) in mice.
• A study in older adult humans with mild cognitive impairment found lion’s mane to significantly improve mental functioning. 
• Studies in which animals have been given lion’s mane have found brain cell regeneration and improved functioning of the hippocampus, which could explain the reduction in anxious and depressive behaviours in test subjects.
• Lion’s mane administered to rats with nervous system injuries reduced recovery time by 23 to 41% It also reduced the size of stroke-related brain injury by 44%
• Animal and test tube studies have found lion’s mane to reduce triglyceride levels and prevent oxidation of cholesterol, lowering the risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke.
• Significantly lower blood sugar levels, reduced pain from nerve damage and increased antioxidant levels have been found in studies on diabetic mice given lion’s mane. 

In a nutshell…

Lion’s mane shows great potential as a therapeutic supplement for diabetes, a natural nootropic (cognition enhancer) and an adjunct cholesterol treatment.

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)

Producing a woody growth that looks similar to a lump of burnt coal, chaga grows mainly on the bark of birch trees in cold climates such as in Siberia, Korea and Alaska. It boasts a high antioxidant content. 

• Animal and test tube studies suggest that chaga stimulates white blood cells (which are essential for fighting harmful bacteria and viruses) by promoting the formation of beneficial cytokines - specialised proteins that regulate the immune system, 
• In other animal and test tube studies, chaga proved successful in preventing the production of harmful cytokines, which trigger inflammation and are associated with disease.
• Giving chaga to mice with cancer resulted in a 60% reduction in tumour size.
• Chaga was effective in preventing the growth of cancer in human liver cells in test tube studies. Similar results were observed with cancer cells of the lung, breast, prostate and colon.
• Chaga contains the antioxidant triterpene, which test tube studies have shown to help kill cancer cells.
• A study of diabetic mice given chaga showed a 31% decrease in blood sugar levels over three weeks.
• In an eight-week study in rats with high cholesterol, chaga reduced ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing antioxidant levels.

In a nutshell…

Studies in test tubes and animals suggest that chaga may reduce cholesterol, boost immunity, lower blood sugar levels, fight cancer and prevent chronic inflammation.

Researching this article has converted me to the ways of the mushroom. I have become a vocal proponent in spreading the word to assist the proliferation of these natural wonders, while benefiting from their extraordinary resources myself. Studies in humans are obviously still sorely lacking, but with little to no side effects and potential benefits so vast, it’s a no-brainer for me to add a medicinal mushroom supplement to my daily regime. 

By Quentin Crofford