Doctor's Experience about Ganoderma
Doctor's Opinion:
Dr.S. Ranjan,
MD,. D
M (Cardiology)
M (Cardiology)Education and Background:
Ganoderma and Heart
Once thought to be the source of feelings of love and emotion, the
heart is actually the powerhouse of the circulatory system. Rhythmic
contractions of this muscular pump push blood along the blood vessels to all
parts of the body, even to its far extremities, and back to the heart again.
The beating heart ensures that every cell of the body has an uninterrupted
supply of food, oxygen, and other essentials. So powerful is the heart that it
can pump the body´s entire blood volume of 5 litres (8.8 pints) around the body
once every minute. On average, it beats, or pumps, 70 times a minute when the
body is at rest, yet can increase this rate if the body is active. Over a
lifetime of 70 years, the heart beats some 2.5 billion times without tiring or
stopping for a rest, thanks to the cardiac muscle and its walls.
Heart Problems: Unseen inside the chest, the heart is taken for granted
until something goes wrong. A common cause of heart problems is the narrowing
or blockage of the coronary arteries, which provide heart muscle with oxygen, a
condition known as "Coronary Artery Disease". Its main symptom is
chest pain, noticed during stress or exercise when extra demands are put on the
heart. The chances of developing this problem are increased by smoking, high
blood pressure, high-fat diet, obesity, and inactivity.
Reishi or
Ganoderma lucidum is a very powerful herb and it has been used for more than
5000 years for its medicinal effects. It has more than 200 active ingredients
which makes it unique in its positive effect on health.
The important effects on the heart are due to its triterpene
compounds. The triterpenes give Reishi an adoptogenic quality, providing the
person with protection from a wide range of biological, environmental, and
social stresses. They have a kind of harmonizing effects on the body. These
harmonizing effects are in the immune system as well as the circulatory system.
Anti-Oxidant effect: Reishi, being a powerful anti-oxidant helps to scavenge the
free radicals which are injurious to cells. Consumption of Reishi can help in
the prevention of heart diseases, especially heart attacks by its powerful
antioxidant effects. It has been proved to reduce cholesterol levels.
Antiplatelet effect: Reishi contains Adenosine which is a platelet inhibitor.
This action is due to the activation of phospholipase. This antiplatelet effect
prevents clot formation, regularizes blood flow in the blood vessels,
especially in the micro-circulation, thereby preventing heart attack.
ACE inhibition-Lanostane triterpenes with ACE inhibiting effects
have been identified in Ganoderma. Ganoderic acid F exhibited the highest effect.
This effect lowers and normalizes the blood pressure and helps to reduce the
load on the heart and improve pumping function, especially in a failing heart.
Vasodilator effect: Adenosine is a powerful vasodilator and it improves the
blood supply and oxygen delivery to various organs. By improving the oxygen
supply to the heart, Reishi is useful in preventing Coronory Artery disease and
helps to overcome angina.
The ability of Reishi to calm the body and regulate its energy
seems to be the key to its effect on blood pressure, the immune system, and
ultimately how long that system will last.
I would say that
ONE APPLE A DAY KEEPS THE DOCTOR AWAY!
ONE ASPIRIN A DAY KEEPS THE HEART ATTACK AWAY!!
ONE RG/GL A DAY KEEPS THE CARDIOLOGIST AWAY!!!
ONE ASPIRIN A DAY KEEPS THE HEART ATTACK AWAY!!
ONE RG/GL A DAY KEEPS THE CARDIOLOGIST AWAY!!!
Source: DXN Life , Volumn 17
Printed With
Permission Copyright © HealthWorld Online
(http://www.healthy.net)
(http://www.healthy.net)
Immune Power For Kids
Leo Galland M.D., F.A.C.N. Director, Foundation for Integrated Medicine; author, The Four Pillars of Healing: How The New Integrated Medicine Can Cure You.
Asthma, allergic rhinitis, chronic otitis media and sinusitis are
increasing at frightening rates among children in the United States
The first step is a nutritious diet, which decreases consumption of foods made with added fat and sugar. The National Cancer Institute reports that only one per cent of
Detailed guidelines for feeding children in every age group, along
with recipes, are supplied in my first book, Superimmunity for Kids.
Recommendations for nutritional supplementation are listed below.
The second step is provision of a hygienic home environment. The
three most important areas to control are smoke, dust and humidity. Children
exposed to cigarette smoke at home have a higher frequency of asthma,
respiratory infection and otitis. House dust can contains surprisingly high
levels of lead and toxic waste, tracked in and concentrated from roadside soil,
accumulating for years despite routine vacuum cleaning, sometimes exceeding
concentrations found at superfund sites. House dust is especially hazardous to
toddlers crawling on carpets, because carpet pile is a repository for dust.
Excess moisture in the home (a relative humidity of fifty-five per cent or
more) encourages the growth of dust mites and of mold. Mites secrete an enzyme
which damages the lining of the respiratory tract; children with a high mite
exposure are at increased risk for developing asthma. Children who live in
homes with visible mildew or moisture are at increased risk for developing
repiratory illness and for missing days from school. I describe nine simple
steps for parents to take to ensure an environmentally safe home in previous
issues of this column.
The third area is regularity of rest and exercise. Exercise of
moderate intensity, such as brisk walking or cycling, thirty minutes a day,
improves immune function and mood and prevents migraine headache. Most older
children, high school students especially, are sleep-de-prived. Sleep
deprivation or interrruption reduces natural killer cell activity. Parents
should help their children plan schedules that permit eight to ten hours of
sleep a night. Daytime relaxation also has important health benefits. A period
of quiet, focused relaxation each day relieves anxiety, improves nighttime
sleep, and stimulates immune function of stressed individuals.
Nutritional supplements and herbs can make a substantial
contribution to childhood health. Omega-three essential fatty acids, found in
fish oils and flax oil, are essential for normal immune regulation and brain
function. The past century has witnessed a dramatic decline in omega-three
consumption, due to changes in food processing, food choices and animal
husbandry practices. Cod liver oil, which can be a rich source of omega-three's,
has long been used as a food supplement for children. A recent double-blind
placebo-controlled study found that capsules of flax oil, two grams per day,
decreased frequency, severity and duration of illness and days missed from
school among children suffering from recurrent respiratory infection. I
frequently recommend flax oil as a preventive supplement for children and
adolescents at a dose to two to six grams per day.
Vitamin E levels in the blood of U.S.
chil-dren are mark--edly low-er than those of Japa-nese, German, Austrian or
Canadian children, sugge-sting that children in the U.S.
Children with recurrent respiratory infections have lower blood
levels of zinc, iron and vitamin A than do children without recurrent
infection. Adequate intakes of zinc and iron can be difficult to obtain from
food, even when the diet is better than average. For young children I recommend
a preventive daily supplement supplying ten milligrams each of zinc and of iron
and twenty-five hundred units of vitamin A; adolescents need twice the dose.
Because zinc and iron interfere with each other's absorption and because iron
causes oxidation of vitamin E, children who are not doing well with a
multivitamin/mineral pill should take separate doses of zinc, iron and vitamin
E at different times of the day. Zinc is best absorbed on an empty stomach, but
may cause nausea. The second best time for giving zinc is with a high protein
meal. Iron is best absorbed with a high protein meal and when given with
vitamin C. Vitamin E is best absorbed with food; the optimal immune-boosting
dose is a hundred milligrams per day for small children and two hundred
milligrams a day for adolescents.
Adolescents and children may sometimes develop repeated infections
despite a hugienic environ-ment, a regular schedule of rest and exercise, and a
diet of high nutri-ent density, appropriately tailored to one's consti-tutional
needs, supplemented with EFAs and antioxidants. There are many addi-tional
measures which may be taken to stimulate resis-tance. I recommend these
frequently to patients in my medical practice and have been impressed with
their safety and efficacy for children and adolescents:
(1) Vitamin C, five hundred milligrams per day, increases the
activity of white blood cells.
(3) Granular lecithin, one tablespoon a day, has also been shown
to improved the activity of white blood cells.
(4) The amino acid dimethylglycine (DMG) has been shown to boost
antibody responses to immunization in healthy human volunteers. The dose used
was one hundred and twenty milligrams per day.
(5) Immune stimulating herbs may help children overcome acute
viral infection. The safest and best-studied are:
Echinacea species, which grow wild across the American mid-west from
Wisconsin to Texas
The two main species, Echinacea angustifolia and Echinacea
purpurea, are primarily recommended for acute treat-ment (ten to fourteen days)
of colds or the flu. The dose needed is at least 900 mg per day, and I prefer
Echi-nacea purpurea root to other preparations. Some people with chronic or
recurrent infec-tions benefit from taking Echinacea for prolonged periods,
especially, during the winter. It may be taken continuously for eight weeks at
a time and should be stopped for a week or two between each eight-week period.
In the treatment of acute respiratory infection, the activi-ty of
Echinacea is often enhanced by Chinese herbal mixtures traditionally used for
treating fever. My favorite is called Isatis Formula. It is commercially
available as an alcohol extraction of the leaves and roots of six plants. The
dose is one to three drop-persful three times a day. During heavy flu seasons,
over three quarters of my patients taking the Echinacea and Isatis
combina-tions have made statements like, "Everyone around me was sick for
weeks, taking antibiotics. I usually get sick for three weeks with the flu, but
I was better within a few days after starting these herbs."
Astragalus root is a component of many traditional Chinese herbal formulas,
generally considered to be a strong tonic and reistance-builder. Contemporary
studies reveal that Astragalus can increase natural killer cell activity. I
often recommend Astragalus for maintenance therapy of people with chronic or
recurrent infectious diseases of any type, because of its high margin of
safety.
(6) Mushrooms. Fungal extracts are widely employed in traditional
Chinese medicine. Shiitake (Lentinus edodes) and Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
contain polysaccharides that increase natural killer cell activity and inhibit
tumor growth in animals and in humans. Like Astragalus, Shiitake and Reishi are
used in contem-porary Chinese medicine as Fu Zheng remedies, which means they
"support the normal", stimu-lating health, rather than being used as
medication to treat sickness. A dose which stimulates immune responses is 900
mg per day of each. For people with severe allergies, it is advisable to use
Reishi alone, as Reishi may inhibit allergic reactivity and Shiitake may
increase it.
Archived columns by Leo Galland M.D., F.A.C.N.
Leo Galland, M.D. has received international recognition as a leader in the
field of Nutritional Medicine for the past 20 years. A board-certified
internist, Dr. Galland is a Fellow of the American
College of Physicians and the American College
Red Reishi: King of Adaptogens
June 12, 2007
Global Medicine Hunter® News Release
Dr. Meg Jordan, PhD, RN
Dr. Meg Jordan, PhD, RN
GLOBAL HEALTH MEDIA
ADAPTOGENS: PROVIDING WHAT IS NEEDED
(San
Francisco
Only one in 300 herbs is an adaptogen.
Rhodiola rosea, Eleuthero (once known as Siberian ginseng) and Astragalus are
high potency adaptogenic herbs that are known in Traditional Chinese Medicine
for giving you what you need: enhancing energy you if you’re stagnant, calming
you if you’re irritable and wired.
An adaptogenic botanical for blood
pressure will help reduce it for those with high blood pressure, and yet, taken
by someone else with low blood pressure, the plant offers a gentle boost. An
adaptogen for cholesterol will help boost the good (HDL) without raising the
bad (LDL) cholesterol.
Red Reishi is notably Nature’s crowning
achievement in adaptogen science. Reishi’s balancing qualities offer support
for both the body’s immune and nervous systems. Herbalists use Reishi to
support allergies, bronchitis, viral infections and hypertension, Its
adaptogenic effect also extends to detoxification, mood and appetite, vigor,
and mental alertness.
ADAPTOGEN FOR DETOXIFICATION
But no organ enjoys Reishi’s attention
more than the liver! With its 300-plus biochemical processes and functions, the
liver has the most to gain from regular intake of nature’s strongest adaptogen.
This proves to be the case in preliminary studies showing Reishi extract as an
effective aid in hepatitis B, helping to reduce elevated liver enzymes.
(Stengler, 2005)
Reishi is often used by Chinese medicine
practitioners for detoxification, which is a primary function of the liver that
occurs in two stages. Today's environmental toxins, overabundance of
petrochemicals, additives, pesticides, herbicides and xenoestrogens have our
poor livers waving white flags! They are working overtime and barely able to
perform the metabolic functions the body insists upon for healthy weight
management and thousands of other functions. For the average person, consistent
support of the liver’s filtering action is crucial for overall health and
longevity.
ADAPTOGEN FOR STRESS REDUCTION
Besides detoxification, stress reduction
is a key aspect to Reishi’s adaptogenic qualities. No one escapes the stress of
today’s busy world. Noise pollution, overwork, traffic, expenses and more add
up to powerful and what’s worse – continuous—levels of stress.
As people search for effective
de-stressing strategies such as meditation, moderate exercise, and a natural,
whole foods diet, they still need a natural remedy to help the body ratchet
down its chronic, and life-threatening stress level.
Red Reishi is the superior choice. The
one-of-a-kind class of polypeptides acts as precursors to neurotransmitters and
endorphins, and adjusts the effects of these chemicals through actions known as
mediation, downregulation and upregulation—again, in whatever direction is
needed, the perfect adaptogenic response.
ADAPTOGENIC TRAINING EFFECT
The effect of ingesting Reishi on a
daily basis is akin to training the cardiovascular system through aerobic
exercise, or training the musculoskeletal system through lifting weights.
Reishi actually trains the body’s immune system and nervous system to perform
better. Natural medicine experts are beginning to suspect that the body’s
immune system requires such training, that we’re born with an immature system
that requires “cooking” through childhood fevers and early slaying of
infections such as chickenpox and stomach flu.
That “cooking” action of a fever helps
immune modulators and killer cells do their job later in life, as long-term
studies have shown that children who don’t live in pristine environments have a
higher success rate vanquishing certain cancers. Their immune systems took on
early struggles with dirt, poverty, filth, bugs and grew robust as a result.
If you were given every imaginable type of
immunizations and live in germicidal-scrubbed homes, I’m not suggesting a daily
ingestion of dirt, but I do know that Reishi can provide that training ground
for your immune system at any age. Reishi can be taken daily without adverse
effect to adjust the body’s orchestration of powerful stress hormones such as
coritsol and norepinephrine, enzymes, neurotransmitters, catecholamines,
prostaglandins and a wide range of other compounds.
The end result is less wear and tear on
the body’s cellular lining, organs, and tissues, and greater support of the
body’s immune and nervous systems. Your resistance to infections, colds and
flu, virus, bacteria, fungus and exotoxic substances is vastly increased. And
your energy efficiency, concentration, mood, sleep, and general sense of
well-being are significantly enhanced.
Reishi’s adaptogenic qualities include:
- supports nerve function
- scavenges free radicals
- tones and improves immune system function
- helps detoxify and protect the liver
- reduces inflammation
- quells allergies
- supports nerve function
- scavenges free radicals
- tones and improves immune system function
- helps detoxify and protect the liver
- reduces inflammation
- quells allergies
__________
Dr. Meg Jordan, PhD, RN, is a medical anthropologist and behavioral medicine specialist. She teaches at
(constjohn@aol.com)
St. John Group
1750 Montgomery Street
San Francisco, CA 94111
Phone : 415-454-2243
Fax : 415-459-3165
St. John Group
1750 Montgomery Street
San Francisco, CA 94111
Phone : 415-454-2243
Fax : 415-459-3165
More on Global Medicine Hunter Dr. Meg Jordan
High Blood Pressure: A significant problem
with Herbs being a
significant answer
by Terry Willard Cl.H, Ph.D
significant answer
by Terry Willard Cl.H, Ph.D
(09/01/1999), Canada
It is interesting to note that essential hypertension is virtually unknown in developing countries, with no rise in blood pressure due to advancing age. This would lead one to believe that more than 90% of blood pressure problems can be directly related to Western life style and diet.(1,2)
It is interesting to note that essential hypertension is virtually unknown in developing countries, with no rise in blood pressure due to advancing age. This would lead one to believe that more than 90% of blood pressure problems can be directly related to Western life style and diet.(1,2)
On the other side of the fence; what is mainstream medicine doing
to solve the problem? Even though it has been shown that diet alone is as
effective as prescription drug therapy in more than 50% of the cases, long term
drug therapy is the most commonly used approach.
Unfortunately, long term use of several of these prescription drugs for lowering blood pressure may actually increase the risk of having a heart attack!
The most common group of drugs prescribed are beta blockers, such as Inderal (proranolol). They lower blood pressure by decreasing heart rate and cardiac output. The known side effects include congestive heart failure, light headedness, depression, fatigue and sexual impotence. They also increase blood levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, explaining why patients on beta blockers have a higher incidence of heart attacks than high-risk patients not on any medications.(3)
Unfortunately, long term use of several of these prescription drugs for lowering blood pressure may actually increase the risk of having a heart attack!
The most common group of drugs prescribed are beta blockers, such as Inderal (proranolol). They lower blood pressure by decreasing heart rate and cardiac output. The known side effects include congestive heart failure, light headedness, depression, fatigue and sexual impotence. They also increase blood levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, explaining why patients on beta blockers have a higher incidence of heart attacks than high-risk patients not on any medications.(3)
Diuretic prescription drugs are another large category of
mainstream treatment. They also have been shown to increase the risk of having
a heart attack. Such diuretic drugs have been shown to promote the excretion of
several minerals, including calcium and magnesium. These two minerals have been
shown to be effective in lowering elevated blood pressure and to aid in
preventing heart attack.(4)
It is interesting to note that most authorities support non-drug
treatment in mild to moderate hypertension (diastolic 95 mmHg). In fact, the
Joint National Committee on Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood
Pressure, is now recommending not to put most hypertensive patients on
prescription drugs.(3)
The most significant factor in controlling high blood pressure is
lifestyle. The lifestyle factors contributing to blood pressure levels the most
are: smoking, stress levels and alcohol consumption. The most important dietary
factors are: achieving a normal body weight; eating a high-fiber, low-fat,
low-sodium and high-potassium diet. Other factors that appear to contribute
negatively are: heavy consumption of caffeine, exposure to heavy metals (e.g.,
lead and cadmium), and excessive sugar consumption.(5)
The vitamin/mineral supplementations that we suggest are: Calcium
(1.5 g daily), Magnesium (750 mg daily), Zinc (15 -30 mg daily), Ester C (1 - 2
g daily). The mainstay of the hypertension therapy we use is herbal, with the
prominent botanicals being: Reishi, Garlic, Cayenne
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is the most prominent herb I use in cases of
hypertension. Reishi will not only lower blood pressure, it will strengthen the
heart and lower blood cholesterol and triglycerides.
There have been several studies, dating back to the early 70`s with continuous research up to present time. Reishi has been shown to reduce blood pressure after only 10 days of consumption. In mild cases the normalization of blood pressure is between 25 and 120 days. One study with 53 patients with an average blood pressure of 165.5 (systolic) over 106.4 (diastolic) had 136.6/92.8 after 6 months, well within the WHO guide lines for healthy blood pressure.(6,7)
Reishi has the added benefit of lowering both cholesterol and triglycerides, along with improving the HDL (good cholesterol) to LDL (bad cholesterol) ratio of cholesterol.
Even though the chemistry is quite complex, it appears that Reishi`s triterpene constituents are by far the most important ingredients for hypertension and cholesterol. Eight out of the more than 100 triterpenes have been shown to have anti-hypertension function. It appears these triterpenes work by inhibiting an enzyme known as ‘angiotensin converting enzyme` (ACE).(8) I normally give Reishi in a formula with ginger for blood pressure problems, suggesting 180 mg of guaranteed potency (GP 14% triterpenes, 15:1 extract), two to three times daily depending on the severity of the case.
There have been several studies, dating back to the early 70`s with continuous research up to present time. Reishi has been shown to reduce blood pressure after only 10 days of consumption. In mild cases the normalization of blood pressure is between 25 and 120 days. One study with 53 patients with an average blood pressure of 165.5 (systolic) over 106.4 (diastolic) had 136.6/92.8 after 6 months, well within the WHO guide lines for healthy blood pressure.(6,7)
Reishi has the added benefit of lowering both cholesterol and triglycerides, along with improving the HDL (good cholesterol) to LDL (bad cholesterol) ratio of cholesterol.
Even though the chemistry is quite complex, it appears that Reishi`s triterpene constituents are by far the most important ingredients for hypertension and cholesterol. Eight out of the more than 100 triterpenes have been shown to have anti-hypertension function. It appears these triterpenes work by inhibiting an enzyme known as ‘angiotensin converting enzyme` (ACE).(8) I normally give Reishi in a formula with ginger for blood pressure problems, suggesting 180 mg of guaranteed potency (GP 14% triterpenes, 15:1 extract), two to three times daily depending on the severity of the case.
Garlic (Allium sativum) and Onions (Allium cepa) have both proven
to be very effective in reducing blood pressure and blood lipids. In humans,
Garlic can reduce systolic pressure by 20 - 30 points and diastolic by 10 - 20
points.(9,10) Some studies have had amazing results in as short as 24 hours,
but most results I see in the clinic range from 30 - 90 days for significant
improvement. Part of the effects are obviously due to the blood lipid reducing
factor, but other mechanisms are also in play. I usually give about 1,000 mg of
Garlic, twice daily.
Ginger (Zingiber sp.) is another folk remedy for high blood
pressure that aids in reducing blood lipids and platelet aggregation. Ginger
has also been shown to reduce peripheral resistance in the capillary beds as
well as increase capillary permeability.(13) I often have the Ginger mixed with
the Reishi and Cayenne, giving 100 - 400 mg, twice daily. A Ginger tea (boil 5
- 10 slices of fresh ginger root, for 2 - 5 min, in 2 - 4 cups of water) is
also a pleasant way to take it.
Hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha) berries and flowers have been
widely used as a folk remedy for both the heart and blood circulation.
Clinically, they have been shown to be effective in reducing blood pressure,
angina attacks, blood lipids and as a cardiac tonic. It is presently used
widely in both Europe and Asia against
hypertension. Hawthorn has been shown to improve the blood supply to the heart
by dilating coronary vessels and to improve metabolic processes in the heart,
thus increasing force of contraction, while eliminating some types of rhythm
disturbance. Hawthorn also inhibits ACE, as does Reishi.(14,15) The active
ingredients seem to be groups of flavonoids such as proanthocyanidins. I usually
use 300 - 450 mg of guaranteed potency Hawthorn berries (GP 1.8% Vitexin), two
- three times daily. By itself, it takes two - four weeks to notice its effect.
I usually combine it with several of the above ingredients.
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) has an effect on the entire circulatory
system relaxing the vessels by stimulating endothelium-derived relaxing factor
(EDRF)and prostacyclin. It also strengthens micro-circulation in the capillary
beds and thereby increases local oxygen levels. Ginkgo has a significant effect
on reducing platelet aggregation.(16) I normally suggest between 100 - 200 mg
of guaranteed potency Ginkgo extract (GP 24% flavoglycosides), twice daily.
Summary - The typical protocol I use for a person who comes in
with high blood pressure includes making the above lifestyle changes, along
with the following supplementation: Calcium (1.5 g daily), Magnesium (750 mg
daily), Zinc (15 -30 mg daily), Ester C (1 - 2 g daily), Reishi (180 mg - 2
times daily), Garlic (1000 mg - 2 times daily), Cayenne (300 - 600 mg, twice
daily), Ginger (100 - 400 mg, twice daily), Hawthorn (300 - 450 mg, twice
daily) and Ginkgo (100 - 200 mg, twice daily).
Reference
1. Pizzorno
J, Murray M.; A textbook of Natural Medicine; John Bastyr College Pub;
VI:HyperT-1; 6/3/85.
2. Meneely G., Battarbee H.; High sodium-low potassium environment and hypertension; Am J. Card; 38:768-81, 1976.
3.Murray M.; The Healing Power of Herbs; Prima
Pub, Rocklin CA
4. McCarron D., Morris C., Cole C.; Dietary calcium in human hypertension. Science 217:267-9; 1982
5.Beattie A., Campbell B., Goldberge A. et al; Blood lead and hypertension; Lancet 2:1-3, 1976.
6. Katsuo Kanmatsue, Nagao K., et al; Studies on Ganoderma lucidum. I. Efficacy against Hypertension and Side Effects; Yakugako Zasshi 1985 105(10): 942-947.
7. Yearul K., Shuichi K. et al; Dietary Effect of Ganoderma lucidum Mushroom on Blood Pressure and Lipid Levels in Spontaneous Hypertensive Rats; Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology 1988; 34(4): 433-438.
8. Aiko M, Katsuaki K, et al; Angiotensin Converting Enzyme-inhibitory Triterpenes from Ganoderma lucidum; Chem and Pharm Bulletin 1986, 37(2): 531-533
9. Petkov V; Plants with hypotensive, antiatheromatous and coronary dilating action; A J Chinese Med 7:197-236, 1979
10. Foushee D., Ruffin J., et al; Garlic as a natural agent for the treatment of hypertension; Cytobios 34:145-53, 1982
11. Negulesco J.A., Younge R.M.; Capsaisin lowers plasma cholesterol and triglyceride of lagomorphs; Artery 12:5 301-311 1985
12. Kawasaki H., Saito A., et al,/i>; Circ Res, 67 733-743; 1990
13. Gujarak S., Bhumra, et al; Effect of ginger (Zingiber officiale) oleoresin on serum and hepatic Cholesterol levels in cholesterol-fed rats; Nut. Rep. Int 17:183-189, 1978
14. Wagner H., Grevel J.; Cardiotonic drugs IV, cardiotonic amines from Crataegus oxyacantha; Planta Medica 45:98-101, 1982
15.Gabor M.; Pharmacologic effects of flavonoids an blood vessels. Angiologica 9:355-74, 1972
16. Auget M, Delaflotte S,et al; The Pharmacological bases for the vascula impact of Ginkgo biloba extract; In Rokan (Ginko biloba) - Recent Results in Pharmacology and Clinic; Springer-Verlag; New York, NY, p. 169-79, 1988
2. Meneely G., Battarbee H.; High sodium-low potassium environment and hypertension; Am J. Card; 38:768-81, 1976.
3.
4. McCarron D., Morris C., Cole C.; Dietary calcium in human hypertension. Science 217:267-9; 1982
5.Beattie A., Campbell B., Goldberge A. et al; Blood lead and hypertension; Lancet 2:1-3, 1976.
6. Katsuo Kanmatsue, Nagao K., et al; Studies on Ganoderma lucidum. I. Efficacy against Hypertension and Side Effects; Yakugako Zasshi 1985 105(10): 942-947.
7. Yearul K., Shuichi K. et al; Dietary Effect of Ganoderma lucidum Mushroom on Blood Pressure and Lipid Levels in Spontaneous Hypertensive Rats; Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology 1988; 34(4): 433-438.
8. Aiko M, Katsuaki K, et al; Angiotensin Converting Enzyme-inhibitory Triterpenes from Ganoderma lucidum; Chem and Pharm Bulletin 1986, 37(2): 531-533
9. Petkov V; Plants with hypotensive, antiatheromatous and coronary dilating action; A J Chinese Med 7:197-236, 1979
10. Foushee D., Ruffin J., et al; Garlic as a natural agent for the treatment of hypertension; Cytobios 34:145-53, 1982
11. Negulesco J.A., Younge R.M.; Capsaisin lowers plasma cholesterol and triglyceride of lagomorphs; Artery 12:5 301-311 1985
12. Kawasaki H., Saito A., et al,/i>; Circ Res, 67 733-743; 1990
13. Gujarak S., Bhumra, et al; Effect of ginger (Zingiber officiale) oleoresin on serum and hepatic Cholesterol levels in cholesterol-fed rats; Nut. Rep. Int 17:183-189, 1978
14. Wagner H., Grevel J.; Cardiotonic drugs IV, cardiotonic amines from Crataegus oxyacantha; Planta Medica 45:98-101, 1982
15.Gabor M.; Pharmacologic effects of flavonoids an blood vessels. Angiologica 9:355-74, 1972
16. Auget M, Delaflotte S,et al; The Pharmacological bases for the vascula impact of Ginkgo biloba extract; In Rokan (Ginko biloba) - Recent Results in Pharmacology and Clinic; Springer-Verlag; New York, NY, p. 169-79, 1988
Red Mushroom - Herb of spiritual Potency
Doctor's Opinion:
Dr N K Venugopal,
Prof K K Janardhanan
Prof M T Joseph
Red mushroom, the ancient Chinese secret of health and longevity, is emerging as an elixir of life for many in India suffering from various ailments, including cancer, claim doctors in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
"It is not disease-specific or organ-specific. It is a dietary supplement, which corrects the disorders of the body mainly by enhancing immunity and rebuilding lost or damaged cells," says Dr S Ranjan, a leading cardiologist in Chennai.
Dr N K Venugopal, a medical practitioner at Muvattupuzha in Kerala's Ernakulam district, says he has been prescribing products made out of ganoderma for over six years and claimed to have found total cure in about 1,000 patients suffering from various ailments.
"The regular intake of ganoderma along with medication has proven that cancer can be cured in early stages," he says, adding that the polysaccharide fractions in ganoderma are mainly responsible in developing immunity against tumours.
Prof K K Janardhanan of the Department of Microbiology, Amala Cancer Research Institute, Thrissur, says he was impressed by anti-cancer properties of ganoderma during various studies.
"Our research has shown that methanolic extract of ganoderma lucidium, the variety commonly found in
"When mice were administered a dose of 500mg of ganoderma per
kg of body weight after implanting a tumour, it was found that the tumour load
was reduced by 97.7 per cent within 10 days," he says.
Dr.Venugopal says he has noticed that even in patients in their final stages of cancer, ganodema increases life-expectancy, reduces pain substantially, improved quality of life and reduces the side-effects of chemotherapy and radiation.
Dr Ranjan also says it was the anti-cancer effect of ganoderma on a person with myelomonocytic leukemia that exposed him to the virtues of the mushroom.
"A friend of mine was having blood cancer in its final stages in 1999 when he started having ganoderma products. Within days, he showed signs of remission. He had a more comfortable living for four more years," he says.
Dr.Venugopal says he has noticed that even in patients in their final stages of cancer, ganodema increases life-expectancy, reduces pain substantially, improved quality of life and reduces the side-effects of chemotherapy and radiation.
Dr Ranjan also says it was the anti-cancer effect of ganoderma on a person with myelomonocytic leukemia that exposed him to the virtues of the mushroom.
"A friend of mine was having blood cancer in its final stages in 1999 when he started having ganoderma products. Within days, he showed signs of remission. He had a more comfortable living for four more years," he says.
The effect of mushroom was found to be cent percent in diabetics,
psoriasis, liver and cardiovascular disorders, says Dr Venugopal.
Prof M T Joseph of Thodupuzha in Kerala's Idukki district says he was suffering from acute psoriasis eight years back. "Different systems of treatment, including allopathy, ayurveda and homeopathy, could not bring any relief. Then, I came across ganoderma through a friend who was cured of acute diabetics. After consulting a few experts, I started having ganoderma and, to my surprise, within a few months I fully recovered," he says.
"Another remarkable thing I found was that many other smaller problems like ulcer in the stomach and bleeding of the gum also were cured," he says, claiming that apart from building up immunity of the body, the mushroom also has anti-ageing properties.
Various products of ganoderma are being consumed by people in around 60 countries, says Dr Vengugopal, adding that these have been certified by United States Food and Drug Authority and approved byJapan
WhileIndonesia
InChina
The medicinal properties of various varieties of red mushroom, especially those found inIndia
Agricultural research centres inIndia , including
National Research Centre for Mushrooms, in Solan, Himachal Pradesh, and Kerala Agricultural
University
As much as 6,000 tonnes of ganoderma extracts are produced yearly across the globe, withChina , Japan
and the two Koreas
Dr Ranjan says researchers worldwide are trying to isolate molecules to be used in the allopathic system of medicine. "Though some researchers have developed Ganomycin A and B, the clinical tests are still not complete," he says.
Dr Venugopal wants the Central government to give more emphasis on research in the field and make the products locally available at cheaper rates.
Prof M T Joseph of Thodupuzha in Kerala's Idukki district says he was suffering from acute psoriasis eight years back. "Different systems of treatment, including allopathy, ayurveda and homeopathy, could not bring any relief. Then, I came across ganoderma through a friend who was cured of acute diabetics. After consulting a few experts, I started having ganoderma and, to my surprise, within a few months I fully recovered," he says.
"Another remarkable thing I found was that many other smaller problems like ulcer in the stomach and bleeding of the gum also were cured," he says, claiming that apart from building up immunity of the body, the mushroom also has anti-ageing properties.
Various products of ganoderma are being consumed by people in around 60 countries, says Dr Vengugopal, adding that these have been certified by United States Food and Drug Authority and approved by
While
In
The medicinal properties of various varieties of red mushroom, especially those found in
Agricultural research centres in
As much as 6,000 tonnes of ganoderma extracts are produced yearly across the globe, with
Dr Ranjan says researchers worldwide are trying to isolate molecules to be used in the allopathic system of medicine. "Though some researchers have developed Ganomycin A and B, the clinical tests are still not complete," he says.
Dr Venugopal wants the Central government to give more emphasis on research in the field and make the products locally available at cheaper rates.
International
Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms
Clinical Trials for Medicinal Mushrooms: Experience with Ganoderma lucidum (W.Curt.:Fr.) Lloyd (Lingzhi Mushroom)
Doctor's Opinion:
Shufeng Zhou
Division of Pharmacy, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, Queensland University of Technology, Queensland 4001, Australia; and Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore
Clinical Trials for Medicinal Mushrooms: Experience with Ganoderma lucidum (W.Curt.:Fr.) Lloyd (Lingzhi Mushroom)
Doctor's Opinion:
Shufeng Zhou
Division of Pharmacy, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, Queensland University of Technology, Queensland 4001, Australia; and Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore
Yihuai Gao
Institute of Food, Nutrition and Human Health, Massey University; Landcare Research, Private Bag 92170, Auckland, New Zealand
Institute of Food, Nutrition and Human Health, Massey University; Landcare Research, Private Bag 92170, Auckland, New Zealand
Eli Chan
Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, NationalUniversity
of Singapore , Singapore
Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National
ABSTRACT
Despite the popularity of medicinal mushrooms, most are not well researched in terms of clinical efficacy and toxicity. We have completed seven clinical trials of Ganoderma lucidum in several diseases including cancer, Type II diabetes, coronary heart disease, chronic hepatitis B, and neurasthenia. Most of these studies were randomized, double-blind, multi-centered and placebo controlled. The results arising from these studies are promising. For example, treatment with Ganopoly for 12 weeks showed hypoglycemic activity in Type II diabetes, improved the symptoms/signs of patients with coronary heart disease or neurasthenia, and produced some antiviral and liver protective effects in patients with chronic hepatitis B infection. However, the same treatment regimen did not result in any objective response in late-stage cancer patients, although some stable disease status was observed. Ganopoly appeared to enhance immune functions in some cancer patients, but the results have yet to be confirmed. Ganopoly was generally well tolerated. Overall, the findings from all these clinical studies suggest that Ganopoly may have multiple pharmacological activities, although the activities are minor, moderate, or lacking as a result of many factors, such as inappropriate dosage regimen, difficulties in finding suitable biomarkers and end points, large interpatient variability in responses to the treatment, and unknown mode of action. Well designed clinical studies are needed to explore the mode of action, efficacy and safety of G. lucidum in patients.
http://www.edatacenter.com/journals/708ae68d64b17c52,
2cbf07a603004731,161986855588d740.html
Ganoderma, Elixir of Life
Ganoderma or reishi or lingzhi all refer to the fruiting body of Ganoderma lucidum (Leyss. ex Fr.) Karst. [red lingzhi] and G. japonicum (Fr.) Lloyd. [purple lingzhi]. Ganoderma is a general tonic which benefits qi (energy), improves memory, benefits complexion, eases joint movement, strengthens tendons and bones, and calms nerves. The most common listed traditional uses are against general weakness, cough, asthma, insomnia, and indigestion. Modern, more recent uses includenightmares, neurasthenia, heart problems (coronary heart disease, arrhythmia, hyperlipemia, hypertension etc.), lack of appetite, chronic hepatitis, Food poisoning, chronic bronchitis, leukocytopenia.
2cbf07a603004731,161986855588d740.html
Ganoderma, Elixir of Life
Ganoderma or reishi or lingzhi all refer to the fruiting body of Ganoderma lucidum (Leyss. ex Fr.) Karst. [red lingzhi] and G. japonicum (Fr.) Lloyd. [purple lingzhi]. Ganoderma is a general tonic which benefits qi (energy), improves memory, benefits complexion, eases joint movement, strengthens tendons and bones, and calms nerves. The most common listed traditional uses are against general weakness, cough, asthma, insomnia, and indigestion. Modern, more recent uses includenightmares, neurasthenia, heart problems (coronary heart disease, arrhythmia, hyperlipemia, hypertension etc.), lack of appetite, chronic hepatitis, Food poisoning, chronic bronchitis, leukocytopenia.
Ganoderma is known as lingzhi in Chinese
and reishi or mannentake in Japanese. It was the "elixir of life"
sought by emperors and sages during most of China
Both ganodermas are widely distributed
in China North America . Until
recent years, ganoderma was rather rare and was primarily reserved for the privileged
classes. But since the successful cultivation of G. lucidum, it is now
readily available both from the Far East as well as the United States and Canada
During the past few decades, hundreds of
scientific studies (especially chemical and pharmacological) on ganoderma have
been published, mostly by Japanese and Chinese researchers. These scientists
have found ganoderma to contain many types of biologically active chemical
constituents, including sterols, triterpenes, polysaccharides, fatty acids, amino
acids, peptides, adenosine, betaine, alkaloids, and trace minerals (high in
germanium), among others. Its pharmacological activities are very
broad, including sedative, analgesic, anticonvulsive, hypertensive and
hypotensive, anti-allergic, liver protectant, hypoglycemic, antitumor,
anticoagulant, hypolipemic and hypercholesterolemic, anticholinergic,
antioxidant, immunomodulating, smooth muscle relaxant, antitussive,
antiasthmatic, vasodilative, diuretic, anabolic, antiinflammatory, anti-fatigue
and antibacterial, etc. Even though these are isolated studies, the
sheer quantity of bioactivity seems to give some justification of ganoderma's
good reputation as a highly valued general tonic. Let's face it, there is no
way one can subject a tonic like ganoderma to so-called clinical trials
(double-blind, randomized, etc.) and expect to obtain meaningful results.
As an observant reader, you would have
noticed that ganoderma has both hypotensive and hypertensive as well as both
hypolipemic and hyperchlolesteremic effects. These are opposite effects and the
kind of research that would drive some scientists nuts, especially those
looking for one drug / one effect. Some biochemists and pharmacologists may try
to explain these findings in fancy technical terms, with elaborate theories and
mechanisms of action. But the fact is that they may not have the
foggiest idea why ganoderma exhibits opposite effects. Me? I don't know either.
But I would simply attribute all these effects to Mother Nature's work being
superior to those of human endeavors; you just can't simply break it down to
fit our limited scope of understanding.
Dr. Albert Leung
Dr. Albert Leung
Dr. Albert Leung's book, Better Health
with (mostly) Chinese Herbs and Food discusses the use of 60 different herbs as
healing foods, including ganoderma on pages 33-34. For more information about
Dr. Leung and his writings, visit http://www.earthpower.com/.
Posted by Dr. Albert Leung at 3:21 PM 1 comments Links to this post
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Posted by Dr. Albert Leung at 3:21 PM 1 comments Links to this post
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Fungus Yields Fungicide
By Jennifer Viegas,
Discovery News
Feb. 28, 2006 — A fungus would seem to be the last place to find a fungicide, but two separate research teams recently analyzed fungi and successfully identified two potent antifungal substances.
Infections like Athlete's foot and Candida that are caused by fungus, which is a parasitic plant lacking in chlorophyll, leaves and true stems and roots, spread easily and are often difficult to cure.
In people with compromised immune systems, such as AIDS patients,
fungal infections can be life threatening. Scientists hope the new fungicides
will lead to better treatments.
Since the fungicides also target plant molds, they may also lead to safer, more effective fruit and vegetable sprays in future.
For the first study, recently published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology, lead author J.Y. Liu and researchers from
They extracted the fungi from various tissues of the fish and then
tested it on the three most common opportunistic human fungal pathogens.
These are Candida albicans, which often leads to yeast infections
in women; Aspergillus niger
One fungus from the fish, called Myrothecium, successfully wiped out the entire trio of tenacious pathogens.
Liu and his team believe this fish fungus produces a natural
poison that slows down protein and nucleic acid production in the pathogens.
This likely leads to their eventual demise.
For the second study, published in a recent Peptides journal, Hexiang Wang of
In tests, the mushroom protein wiped out three fungi that commonly cause the gray, green or black moldy rot found on fruits and vegetables. It also cleared up a fungus associated with human fingernail and skin infections.
The findings suggest that in the future, farmers and gardeners might spray a mushroom-derived concoction on their plants to kill and inhibit mold.
According to the
The mushroom may also stimulate the immune systems of HIV patients
and others, but it can interfere with prescribed drugs, so health care
professionals advise that individuals consult with their doctors before taking
Reishi.
Christina Martin is an expert in Chinese medicine and acupuncture at
Martin told Discovery News that she was not surprised that fungicide could be found in a fungus, since she said Chinese medical practitioners often look to the cause of an illness for its treatment.
"If the research proves to be true, then it will be helpful to us because fungal infections are so difficult to clear up," she said. "Black walnut and tea tree oil are two popular alternative medicine treatments now, but even they do not always work."
Martin added, "Since Reishi is a mushroom, it is also less scary to us because we are familiar with edible mushrooms.
It is hard for me to say to someone, 'Here is your bowl of
huangqi,' (a root used to treat fatigue) because the individual probably has no
idea what that is. Medical mushrooms seem to be more widely acceptable."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Are
Medicinal Mushrooms Magic?
by Terry Willard Cl.H, Ph.D
by Terry Willard Cl.H, Ph.D
(06/07/1999), Canada - From the vision-producing mushrooms the shamans used in
their initiation rites to the mushroom hunter of northern Europe, mushrooms
have always held a great fascination for man. Many a fairy tale has included
members of the Fungi
Kingdom Fungi Kingdom
People often shudder when they hear the word `fungi`. It brings up images of some life forms taking over a university student`s refrigerator, athlete`s foot, dirty showers or maybe a yeast infection. There are more than 100,000 different species of fungi, some beneficial to man, some not. Some are edible, some poisonous, some produce visions and some have strong medicinal properties.
In the Western world, medicinal mushrooms have not played as much a central role as they have in Asian culture. We do, howerver, find references in Western culture for medicinal mushrooms as far back as 455 B.C. with Hippocrates` use of them.
Fungi are also mentioned in the works of Pliny ( 23-78 AD), Dioscorides (55 AD) and Galen (130 - 200 AD), showing that the ancients were quite familiar with their uses.{1} Even in the present day, after the discovery in 1928 of penicillin (a fungus), we find them playing a prominent role, making up a whole class of antibiotic medicines. But, for the richness of folklore on medicinal mushrooms, we have to delve into Asian culture, where there is more than 3,000 years of recorded fungi use, continuously maintaining a prominent spot in their medical systems.
People often shudder when they hear the word `fungi`. It brings up images of some life forms taking over a university student`s refrigerator, athlete`s foot, dirty showers or maybe a yeast infection. There are more than 100,000 different species of fungi, some beneficial to man, some not. Some are edible, some poisonous, some produce visions and some have strong medicinal properties.
In the Western world, medicinal mushrooms have not played as much a central role as they have in Asian culture. We do, howerver, find references in Western culture for medicinal mushrooms as far back as 455 B.C. with Hippocrates` use of them.
Fungi are also mentioned in the works of Pliny ( 23-78 AD), Dioscorides (55 AD) and Galen (130 - 200 AD), showing that the ancients were quite familiar with their uses.{1} Even in the present day, after the discovery in 1928 of penicillin (a fungus), we find them playing a prominent role, making up a whole class of antibiotic medicines. But, for the richness of folklore on medicinal mushrooms, we have to delve into Asian culture, where there is more than 3,000 years of recorded fungi use, continuously maintaining a prominent spot in their medical systems.
It shouldn`t be surprising that some mushrooms have strong
medicinal properties when you consider their basic role is that of transmuting
waste material into good, nutritious material. It is surprising that they are
considered panacea, making medicinal mushrooms seem somewhat magical. Claims
from being tonic and energy enhancing, with beneficial effects on the immune,
respiratory, circulatory, endocrine, nervous, digestive and skeletal/muscular
systems, make one wonder if they are a little over-stated.
The fact that they are used to reduce tumors, blood cholesterol, blood pressure, bronchial inflammation, nervous tension, viral infection, insomnia, duodenal ulcers, allergies, diabetes, hepatitis, progressive muscular dystrophy and high-altitude sickness makes us wonder how they work. They are also being used to reduce symptoms of AIDS, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Asthma, Cancer and the side effects of chemo-therapy.At the same time these wondrous medicinal mushrooms are being used to enhance over- all energy, athletic feats, intellectual challenges, environmental stresses and are considered longevity herbs. {2,3}
The fact that they are used to reduce tumors, blood cholesterol, blood pressure, bronchial inflammation, nervous tension, viral infection, insomnia, duodenal ulcers, allergies, diabetes, hepatitis, progressive muscular dystrophy and high-altitude sickness makes us wonder how they work. They are also being used to reduce symptoms of AIDS, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Asthma, Cancer and the side effects of chemo-therapy.At the same time these wondrous medicinal mushrooms are being used to enhance over- all energy, athletic feats, intellectual challenges, environmental stresses and are considered longevity herbs. {2,3}
What makes them tick? Besides the myths of their transmuting our
toxic waste material and negative emotions into healthy ones, we can gain some
insight by looking at their biochemistry. There are three basic groups of
chemicals that seem to be responsible for a large amount of the medicinal
effects of these mushrooms. They are branched polysaccharide-protein complexes,
triterpenes and nitrogen-containing compounds, for example adenosine.
Polysaccharides have been extensively studied in the last several
years for their immune regulating abilities. Many well-known medicinal herbs
such as Echinacea, and Astragalus have polysaccharides as a major part of the
immune-enhancing actions. It now appears that the polysaccharide-protein
complexes are even more important than the individual polysaccharides. Most of the
medicinal mushrooms are very rich in these complexes, resulting in many of the
immune responses credited to their action.
Triterpenes are an interesting group of compounds which have a
steroidal nature, being similar to our own hormonal system. Working as hormonal
communicators, these biochemicals have a profound effect on subtle actions in
our bodies.
Nitrogen-containing compounds, like the amino acids, are known to
be building blocks of our basic cellular material of RNA, also being very
important in our energy system. Adenosine, a nucleoside, is the core of cAMP
and ATP From these fundamental biochemical roles we can understand why
medicinal mushrooms can have such a wide range of therapeutic action. To
demonstrate some of these actions, I am going to discuss five of my favorite
medicinal mushrooms: Reishi, Maitake, Shiitake, Cordyceps and Poria cocas.{4,5} By far my favorite of the medicinal mushrooms is Reishi (Ganoderma
lucidum, and related species) because it has all of the above biochemical
groups and it holds the prominent position in Asian medicinal folklore. Reishi
has a large range of therapeutic uses and can be found growing around the
world.
My favorite description of Reishi is the Chinese by-line, `` . . . to protect an academic from their own brain.`` Reishi will calm the nervous system, reduce insomnia, lessen paranoia and readjust what the Chinese call disturbed Shen Qi (spiritual mind). One of my patients suggested that taking Reishi, was like getting an additional half hour of meditation a day. Meditation in a bottle.
Is
Reishi`s antimicrobial action works against bacteria, fungi and
viruses. Several countries use this mushroom to treat cancer, AIDS,
fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Reishi calms the autonomic nervous
system. It also reduces spasticity, ulcers, colitis and detoxifies the liver.
Reishi`s anti-allergenic effect works for air bound and food bound allergens.
Instead of taking Reishi completely alone for long periods of
time, take Reishi with other supplements. Vitamin C and ginger are particularly
good companions for it. A useful formula for the above is: Reishi solid extract
1:15, Echinacea root, Ginger root, and Barberry root. This is one of the most
prominent formulas we use in our clinics.
Maitake (Grifola frondosa), also known as the dancing mushroom, is
a prized medicinal mushroom from Japan
As an anti-cancer agent it has reduced tumors as well as the side effects of chemotherapy. It has also been shown to reduce blood pressure, help recovery from hepatitis, and reduce blood sugar in diabetics. As a weight management herb, it has slow, but consistent results to aid in weight loss. As with some of the other fungi, Maitake can aid in reducing uterine fibroids. However I have found that Cordyceps is better in my clinical experience. {6,7}
As an anti-cancer agent it has reduced tumors as well as the side effects of chemotherapy. It has also been shown to reduce blood pressure, help recovery from hepatitis, and reduce blood sugar in diabetics. As a weight management herb, it has slow, but consistent results to aid in weight loss. As with some of the other fungi, Maitake can aid in reducing uterine fibroids. However I have found that Cordyceps is better in my clinical experience. {6,7}
Shiitake (Lentinus edodes) is beneficial in reducing dermatitis,
liver cirrhosis, vascular sclerosis, high blood pressure, high blood
cholesterol. It has been used for preventing toxicity from acid foods. It has
antitumor activity by inhibiting growths of sarcoma 180 (97.5%) and Ehrich
carcinoma (80%). Shiitake`s immune-regulating effect can been seen in many
studies including being useful in treating chronic fatigue syndrome.
Antimicrobial properties have been demonstrated in a large range of viruses,
bacteria and fungi. LEM (Lentinis edodes mycelium) is often the form used in
medicine these days. This delicious mushroom can be found as a popular addition
to both Japanese and Chinese cuisine. {1}
Cordyceps sinensis (Dong chong xia cao) is also known as the
Caterpillar fungus because it grows on insect caterpillars. It has received
quite a lot of attention due to it ability to enhance athletic performance,
being heavily consumed by Asian athletes in the last few Olympics. Besides its
strong tonic effect, it can be used to increase oxygen uptake in the lungs,
while reducing bronchial inflammation and working as an expectorant. It is well
known to relieve exhaustion, night sweats, sexual impotency and as a sedative.
It benefits the kidneys, lungs and gonadal function, increasing sperm count. It
is specific for reducing uterine fibroids. Cordyceps stimulates immune function
(due to CS-1) by activating T-cells and B-cells, while increasing interleukin-1
and gamma-interferon. It is still one of the most expensive of Chinese herbs.
{1,3}
Poria cocas (Fu ling) is one of the most used fungi in the Orient,
being incorporated into many formulas. It has been shown to have a relaxing
effect on the nervous system and smooth muscles. Poria cocas will also lower
blood glucose, reduce diarrhea and edema, working as a good diuretic. Its tonic
effect aids in digestion and absorption of food, while having a quieting effect
on the spirit, strengthening the heart and reducing insomnia and forgetfulness.
{5,8}
I often combine all of the above medicinal mushrooms together in a
formula to get the full effect of medicinal mushroom power. We use this formula
in the clinic for a variety of things including a calming tonic that enhances
the immune system, while reducing some of North America
worst health issues. As you can see with the huge amount of both folklore and
scientific information, these medicinal mushrooms can play an important role in
almost anyone`s health program. Even though it is true that several mushrooms
should not be consumed by people with Candida Yeast infections, all of these
mushrooms are not only safe in these patients, they can often reduce the
symptoms and underlying causes of this problem.
There are many myths around these mushrooms, but my favorite is
the one I learned from one of my teachers, an Amazon Shaman. In trying to
understand more about the personality of a medicinal mushroom, I asked him to
explain. I wanted to know more about his use of Reishi (G.lucidum) that grew in
his area. He stated that the part we use is its fruit. The actual plant lives
underground, often covering several acres and even up to a couple miles under
the Amazon jungle. He explained that these fungi are very old Beings, living in
earth (Gaia) energy for 1,000s of years. This has created a calming, wise
energy to these mushrooms -- an energy that we might consider a wise sage of
possessing. By using its fruit as medicines, we take on some of the calming
wise energy, helping to ground us - something many in western society could use.
1. Hobbs, C; Medicinal Mushrooms; Bontanica Press, Santa Cruz CA; 1995 p. 7-19.
2. Benjamin D; Mushrooms poisons and panaceas; W.H. Freeman & Co;
3. Ying J, Mao H; Icons of Medicinal Funfi From
4. Chihara G, et al Antitumor polysaccharide derives chemically from natural glucan; Nature 225;943-944 1970.
5. Willard T.; Reishi Mushroom; Herb of spiritual Potency and Medical Wonder; Sylvan Press Issaquah Was; 1990.
6. Townsend Letter for Doctors, May 1994, pp. 432-434;
7. Explore! For the Professional, Vol. 4, No. 5, 1993, pp. 17-19.
8. Willard T.; Textbook of Advance Herbology;
Chinese herb Ganoderma lucidum mushroom can cure diabetes
A team from the
The clinical trial is the first of its kind to rigorously test the mushroom - known in Asia as the ‘King of herbs’, because of its huge range of medicinal properties - and needs 170 Sydneysiders to take part.
UWS PhD researcher Nerida Klupp hopes the findings contribute to
western medicine’s knowledge of this Chinese herb, and provide much-needed
clinical evidence of a possible new treatment for people with metabolic
syndrome.
“Many people
in Australia
“Scientists
and doctors now know these conditions are linked, and a person with at least
three of these health problems is diagnosed with a condition called metabolic
syndrome - also called ‘Syndrome X’.”
“Affluent
countries with lazy lifestyles and bad diets are at particular risk, with 44
per cent of Americans aged over 50 years of age diagnosed with metabolic syndrome.
While we don’t really know how prevalent the condition is here in Australia , we suspect similar trends to those in
the United States
“Currently
there is no single pharmaceutical treatment for metabolic syndrome, which is
why we are conducting the first randomised clinical trial to test if this
medicinal mushroom can offer western medicine an effective, long-term treatment
to help lower blood sugar as well as control other problems associated with the
condition,” he says.
Nerida Klupp says
the mushroom has been revered in Asia for over
2000 years.
“Ganoderma
lucidum, which is also known as Reishi, has long been used to fight a wide
range of diseases, and was thought to be the ‘elixir of immortality’ -
enhancing vitality and helping to delay ageing,” she says.
Thankfully,
there has been increased cultivation of the herb over the last thirty years,
and preliminary animal and human pilot studies have proved promising,
suggesting it can have a positive effect on blood sugar levels, cholesterol
levels and blood fats.
Traditionally,
Ganoderma lucidum has been considered to be even more potent when taken in
combination with another medicinal mushroom called Cordyceps sinensis.
“Cordyceps is also thought to have significant health properties,
so we want to find out if Ganoderma is
effective on its own, or whether it works better in combination with the second
mushroom,” says Ms Klupp.
There are So many Doctor's around
the world who realized the potential benefits of ganoderma in their personal
life. Fortunately I got the oppurtunity to meet some of them from INDIA
One among them is Dr.K.K. Janardhanan,
Ph.D., FNSE, FNABS, Professor Department of Microbiology Amala Cancer Research
Centre,
Thrissur – 680 555, Kerala ,
India
Below is a photo when I met Dr.
K.K. Janardhanan
|
Myself
(Right ) with Dr. K.K. Janardhanan Ph.D.,
FNSE, FNABS, Professor Department of Microbiology Amala Cancer Research
Centre, Thrissur
|
|
|
He was doing his extensive
research in Ganoderma from the past 15+ years & came to know about the
potency of ganoderma , especially DXN ganoderma (No.1 Producers). He is damn
confident about DXN ganoderma products because of his personal experience with
his visit in DXN farm in Malaysia
Watch one of the program broadcasted in Doordarshan where Dr. Janardhanan express his views
Watch one of the program broadcasted in Doordarshan where Dr. Janardhanan express his views
Dr.S. Ranjan MBBS, MD, DM
(Cardiaology)
Another person is Dr.S. Ranjan MBBS, MD in General
Medicine, DM (Cardiology) ofMadras Medical College,
Post Doctoral Teacher in Cardiology for 17 Years, Personal Physician andCardiologist
to Former Honourable Presidents of India.
You
can See Dr. S. Ranjan explaining about ganoderma's functioning down here..
Please Watch it Here..
Some other doctors who realized the potential of ganoderma sharing there opinions down here
