Medicinal mushrooms: Fungal sources of strength of nature
Medicinal mushrooms: Fungal sources of strength of nature
In the depths of the forests and on the moist forest floors, nature hides a powerful secret: Medicinal mushrooms, the fungal sources of strength that have been used in traditional healing methods for centuries. But what is really behind these mysterious organisms? Current scientific studies and research results open up fascinating insights into the therapeutic potential of medicinal mushrooms that goes far beyond old folk wisdom. This article illuminates the scientific underpinning of these natural miracles, their areas of application in modern medicine and presents guidelines and best practice for the responsibility of dealing with these potent natural products. Accompany us on a journey through the world of medicinal mushrooms, where science and tradition unite to open new horizons in health promotion and disease prevention.
The scientific basis of medicinal mushrooms: an overview of current studies and research results
Research on medicinal mushrooms has gained considerably in dynamics in recent decades. Various studies have illuminated the therapeutic potential of mushrooms, in particular the Reishi (Ganoderma Lucidum), the Shiitake (Lentinula Edodes) and the shiny paint porling (Ganoderma Lucidum), in prevention and treatment. These fungi contain bioactive substances such as polysaccharides, triterpenes and phenols that have immunomodulatory, antitumoral, antioxidant and antimicrobial effects.
- Immune modulation: polysaccharides, especially beta-glucane, stimulate the immune system by activating macrophages, natural killer cells and dendritic cells. A study in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition showed that eating shiitake mushrooms improves immunity by increasing the number and function of immune cells.
- antitumoral effectiveness: Various research has shown that certain medicinal mushrooms can inhibit the growth of tumors. For example, a study published in the International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms demonstrated that extracts of the Reishi mushroom can prevent the growth of lung and liver cancer cells.
- Antioxidative properties: medicinal mushrooms such as the Chaga (inonotus iliquus) contain high concentrations of antioxidants that could minimize damage caused by free radicals in the body and thus contribute to the prevention of chronic diseases. Research results, published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology , support this statement.
In addition, the role of medicinal mushrooms in improving mental health and cognitive functions is examined. For example, preliminary studies show the potential of hericium erinacus (lion mane) in promoting nerve growth factor synthesis, which is essential for neurogenesis and the repair of neuronal connections.
It should be emphasized that many of the studies carried out are preclinical in nature or are based on smaller groups of subjects. Therefore, further research is necessary to fully understand the mechanisms of action and to transfer the results to the general population.
| mushroom type
| ||
|---|---|---|
| Reishi (Ganoderma Lucidum) | polysaccharides, triterpene | immune system strengthening, antitumoral |
| Shiitake (Lentinula Edodes) | lentinan | immune modulation, antiviral |
| chaga (inonotus obliquus) | Betulinic acid, polysaccharides | antioxidant, anti -inflammatory |
areas of application and therapeutic potential of medicinal mushrooms in modern medicine
The application of medicinal mushrooms in modern medicine extends over a wide range of therapeutic areas. Important medicinal mushrooms such as Reishi, Cordyceps, Shiitake, Maitake and Chaga are researched and used for their potential health benefits. One of the main effects of medicinal mushrooms is to strengthen the immune system. Medicinal mushrooms contain polysaccharides, especially beta-glucane, which act as immune modulators and can stimulate the activity of white blood cells that are responsible for the defense against pathogens.
cancer are a main area of application in which medicinal mushrooms are examined for their therapeutic potential. Studies show that certain medicinal mushrooms, such as Reishi and Maitake, have positive effects on the immune system of cancer patients by promoting the production of immune cells and improving the quality of life.
- Reishi (Ganoderma Lucidum) - known for its antioxidant properties that can help strengthen the immune system and help to protect the body from harmful effects of free radicals.
- cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis) - traditionally used to increase performance and increase in oxygen absorption, is researched for potential positive effects on lung function and in kidney diseases.
- Shiitake (Lentinula Edodes) - contains Lentinan, which has shown in some studies that it strengthens the immune system and could help fight against infectious diseases and certain types of cancer.
In addition to cancer treatment, medicinal mushrooms are also researched in the context of chronic inflammation, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes . The anti -inflammatory properties of certain mushrooms could help to alleviate the symptoms of chronic inflammatory states. There is also indications that taking medicinal mushrooms improve blood lipid levels and thus potentially protect against cardiovascular diseases.
Research on medicinal mushrooms is still relatively at the beginning, but offers promising indications of therapeutic potential in various medical areas. Despite the positive signs, it is important to use medicinal mushrooms as part of comprehensive medical treatment and only under expert guidance. The effect and safety of medicinal mushrooms must be examined in detail in other long -term studies in order to be able to provide well -founded recommendations for use in medical practice.
guidelines and best practice for the use of medicinal mushrooms: security, dosage and quality assurance
The use of medicinal mushrooms in therapy and supplementation requires well -founded knowledge of security standards, adequate doses and methods of quality assurance. In the case of the security guidelines, it is at the forefront that only identified and verified mushroom types should be used in order to exclude toxic effects through confusion. It is essential to buy medicinal mushrooms only from trustworthy dealers or pharmacies that test their products for purity and the presence of pollutants.
dosage guidelines vary greatly depending on the type of mushroom, processing form and individual health conditions. In general, users should start with a low dose and gradually increase them in order to test the individual tolerance. Expert advice from a doctor or naturopath is essential, especially when it comes to the treatment of specific health complaints.
In the quality assurance , checking the origin and the growing conditions play a central role. Biologically grown medicinal mushrooms are to be preferred to minimize pesticides and heavy metals. In addition, the standardization of active ingredients in mushroom preparations is an important aspect to ensure constant therapeutic effectiveness.
- Verification of the mushroom type by DNA barcoding to avoid confusion
- Acquisition of products with quality certificates that demonstrate an examination for pollutants and compliance with production standards
- Use of mushroom extracts instead of all -dry mushrooms for more precise dosage and improved absorption of the bioactive components
The integration of medicinal mushrooms into therapeutic regime should always be accompanied by continuous monitoring by specialist staff in order to identify and adapt side effects or interactions with other drugs at an early stage. It is also important to put realistic expectations of the therapeutic effect and to consider medicinal mushrooms as part of a holistic health approach.
| mushroom type
| ||
|---|---|---|
| Reishi (Ganoderma Lucidum) | 1-2g dried mushroom / day | immune modulation, stress reduction |
| lion mane (hericium erinacus) | 500 mg extract / day | cognitive support, nerve regeneration |
| chaga (inonotus obliquus) | 1-2g extract / day | antioxidant support, anti -inflammatory |
sources and further literature
references
- Chang, S. T., & Wasser, S. P. (2012). The healing power of the mushrooms. Spectrum Akademischer Verlag.
- Gunde-Cimerman, N., Friedrich, J., Cimerman, A., & Benčina, M. (1999). Antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of Ganoderma Lucidum and Pleurotus Ostrreatus Extracts. In International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, 1 (4), 325-331.
Studies
- Lindquist, U., Niedermeyer, T. H. J., & Jülich, W.D. (2005). The pharmacological potency of mushrooms. In evidence-based complementary medicine, 2 (3), 285-299. DOI: 10.1055/S-2005-872865.
- hobbs, C. (1995). Medical fungi: a clinical examination of their effect on human health. In Herbalgram, 34, 33-48.
- Zheng, W., Miao, K., Liu, Y., Zhao, Y., Zhang, M., Pan, S., & Dai, Y. (2010). Chemical composition and immunomodulatory effect of Reishi (Ganoderma Lucidum) mushroom extracts. In Journal of Medicinal Food, 13 (5), 1162-1168. DOI: 10.1089/JMF.2009.1378.
further literature
- Wasser, S. P. (2011). Therapeutic fungi: traditional use and current research. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge.
- fungi as a remedy. (2019). In the German Pharmacist Zeitung (DAZ), 159 (33).
- Wachtel-Galor, S., & Benzie, I. F. F. (ed.). (2011). Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2. Edition. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press. Especially chapter 9 about Ganoderma Lucidum (Lingzhi or Reishi).
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