1. Known in Japan ad Dancing (Mai) mushroom (take) and "hen of the woods" in the U.S.
2. The whole mushroom shows benefits as a tonic and specifically useful in:
a) Lowering blood pressure
b) Reducing serum cholesterol
c) Lowering blood sugar
d) Weight loss
3. An isolated J3-glucan component, known as D-fraction, functions as a potent immune modulator by boosting the body's own immune responses including natural killer cells, cytotoxic T-cells, macrophage, super oxide anion, interleukin, and other cytokines
4. A recent paper introduced at the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine demonstrated D-fraction's direct action (apoptosis: programmed death of cancer cells) on prostatic cancer cells.
LION'S MANE - Hericium erinaceus
1. A type of tree mushroom that has been used traditionally in China and Japan for hundreds of years, known also as bear's head and monkey's head. The common name in English is hedgehog fungus and in Cantonese in Hous Gu.
2. Studies done primarily in Asia confirm many of its traditional uses, supporting the cardiovascular system (lowering blood pressure and serum cholesterol) strengthening the respiratory system, and acting as a tonic for the nervous system.
3. Some of this mushroom's most promising (and surprising) benefits include possibly being able to stimulate nerve growth factor, which may help inhibit brain dysfunction associated with Alzheimer's disease.
4. Traditional Chinese Medicine used Lion's Mane as a whole body tonic to improve overall strength, and as a digestive tonic for indigestion and constipation.
REISHI - Ganoderma lucidum
1. Once known in China as the "Mushroom of Immortality," it has been used and highly prized for thousands of years for its healing gifts.
2. A traditional tonic used to nourish, tonify and supplement the whole body as it removes toxins and disperses accumulation. As a tonic it calms and nourished the nervous system, strengthens the lungs, protects and stimulates the liver and helps the body adapt to stresses.
3. Research shows it has many actions, including:
a) Boosting immune function, specifically natural killer cells, macrophage and interferon as well as being anti-viral and anti-bacterial.
b) Cardiovascular support, lowering blood pressure and serum cholesterol and protecting the heart.
4. Research demonstrated possible usefulness for allergies, bronchitis, cancer, HIV, inflammation, liver and radiation protection and hepatitis, adrenal, and heart support.
TREMELLA - Tremella fuciformis
1. Also called "Silver Ear" or "White Jelly Leaf and well known as a food containing very rich dietary fibers and Vitamin D.
2. A traditional longevity and chi tonic in China, said to nourish the Yin (fuel for the fire of life), it was believed to enhance beauty. The story has it that Concubine Yang (719-756), said to be the most beautiful woman in Chinese history, used it as her beauty secret.
3. In TCM, it is used to moisten the lungs (asthma, dry cough), support cardiovascular systems and as a tonic in chronic diseases.
4. Modern research indicates its usefulness as an anti-tumor agent, in enhancing red blood cell production, lowering cholesterol, and protecting against radiation.
ROYAL AGARICUS -Asaricus blazei Murill
1. Originating from the mountain region of Piedade, Brazil, it has become quite popular there and in Asia as a panacea and also for its use in cancer. Interest was peaked by two researchers, 30 years ago, who found a much lower occurrence of adult diseases in his region and high number of people who had lived longer than average.
2. Research done in Japan appears to support these benefits. Studies have shown promise for this mushroom's ability of lower blood glucose, serum cholesterol, and blood pressure.
3. It has not been widely available because cultivation was so difficult. Finally, in the mid-1990's, they succeeded in cultivating Agaricus in Korea. The Koreans know it as "Sil-Young-Beo-Seot," meaning god-spirited mushroom, and in Brazil it is called "Cogmelo de Deus," mushroom of god.
4. As with many of the medicinal mushrooms it contains polysaccharides that stimulate cytokines and interferon. Studies demonstrate possible use in recovery from cancer as well as in prevention of the imbalance.
5. It may even turn out as a longevity aid as studies show Agaricus to prolong the life span of mice, revitalizes tissue and positively effects metabolism and the digestive tract.
Turkey Tail - Coriolus versicolor
1. Known as "Yun Zhi" in China, "Kawaratake" in Japan, and "Turkey Tail" in the U.S., it may be the most studied and researched medicinal mushroom.
2. In traditional Chinese Medicine, it is used to clear dampness and phlegm, and is said to invigorate the spirit.
3. Coriolus is the source of two drugs, PSP and PSK; each made up of different polysaccharides. These constituents demonstrate potent immune responses.
4. Studies with Coriolus and cancer show an anti-tumor effect, increases in survival rates, and improved recovery from chemo- and radiation therapies.
SHIITAKE - Lentinus edodes
1. Shiitake derives its name from the Shii tree (chinquapin) and is the common name for Lentinus edodes in Japan.
2. Two different extracts are derived from Shiitake; Lentinan and LEM. Lentinan is one of three mushroom-based anti-cancer drugs approved by the FDA in Japan.. Both exhibit strong immune responses and have been extensively studied for use with cancers and viral infections.
3. Shiitake contains a variety of constituents that have demonstrated a range of actions, including immune modulation, anti-tumor, liver protecting, cholesterol lowering, anti-viral and blood
pressure lowering.
4. Shiitake extract is also a potent anti-fungal agent, effective against Candida albicans.
CORDYCEPS - Cordvcevs sinensis
1. Known in China as Dong chong xia cao ("Winter Worm, Summer Grass") because it is a fungus that 'fruit' out of the head of a worm. It was valued so highly that its use was reserved for the Imperial family.
2. Used to strengthen and rebuild the body (particularly the endocrine system) after disease and or exhaustion.
3. Enhances depressed immune functions including the macrophage, B-lymphocytes, and natural killer cells.
4. May be useful as an anti-aging aid; lowering high cholesterol, liver protective, increases sex drive, and supports heart.