Much ado about medicinal fungi

By Tracey Hogan, ND DBM Dip Nutr. Dip Hom, DRT

Mushrooms can help support healthy immunity, provide vital nutrients and in some countries are also registered therapeutic agents where they are used to treat and prevent a wide array of illnesses by being used as immune stimulants, immune modulators, adaptogens and antioxidants.

There are around 650 mushroom species that have been tested for their medicinal properties out of 20,000 known species globally.

Some of the most powerful medicinal fungi attracting plenty of attention include reishi, cordyceps, and Turkey tail. We take a brief look at these three particular types of mushrooms.

Reishi mushroom

Origin Reishi or ling zhi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) has been used in China for over 4,000 years and is one of the oldest known medicinal mushrooms. Ling zhi can be translated as “mushroom of immortality” and is in supplements that are currently used to build immunity.

Benefits Reishi is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to nourish the heart and strengthen Qi (life energy). It is said to nourish the blood and to address heart and spleen deficiencies which may manifest as insomnia, forgetfulness, fatigue, listlessness and poor appetite.

In the Divine Husbandman’s Classic of the Materia Medica, an ancient TCM text, reishi is said to do the following:

• Lighten the body
• Prevent ageing
• Extend one’s life
• Make one immortal

This is, of course, an old text, but the romantic notion of immortality is an interesting one considering it’s just a simple fungus!... or is it?

Scientific studies have confirmed that reishi contains complex beneficial polysaccharides and terpenes which are said to have a positive effect on a healthy immune response. Given that the ancient texts were written purely from observations, it’s no wonder they made the link between a healthy immune system and immortality in earlier times.

Reishi is a supplement that could be taken to help keep your immune system healthy and may be useful for those who tend to pick up the various colds and sniffles that do the rounds during colder months.

Cordyceps sinensis

Origin This fungus grows inside the shell of a caterpillar high in the mountains of China and Tibet at altitudes above 3,000 metres. The wild harvesting has increased in recent times to include Nepal and India. It too has a romantic therapeutic description in ancient texts, being described as a “precious tonic for eternal youth”.

It is one of the most famous and coveted TCM and has been reported in texts as far back as the 17th century. It has been used as a traditional health food and medicine to invigorate the lung and nourish the kidney.

This fungal TCM is called Dong Chong Xia Cao in Chinese, which translates to “winter worm summer grass”. It is described as a tonic for body strengthening and since 1964 has been classified as a drug in the Chinese Herbal Pharmacopoeia.

Benefits Scientific studies have shown benefit from its immuno-modulatory action. There are many studies underway to also evaluate the properties of cordyceps.

Cordyceps received worldwide attention when it was found that the diets of record-breaking Chinese runners had cordyceps as part of their training program diet. It contains polysaccharides which may account for the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immuno-modulatory activities. It exhibits very broad biological and pharmacological actions in the body.

Cordyceps, like reishi, is high in beneficial polysaccharides. These polysaccharides show evidence that they might increase corticosterone production, which could account for its adaptogenic action. An adaptogen is a herb that helps support your body systems during stressful times.

Cordyceps would be a useful supplement to take if you are prone to picking up ailments when you are run down as a result of stress.

Turkey Tail

Origin Turkey tail or Trametes versicolour has a long history of medical use in Asia, dating back hundreds of years in traditional Asian medicine. It grows on tree trunks throughout the world and has a long history of treasured use in Asia.

In China it is called “cloud fungus”, because of its cloud-like shape.Subsequent discoveries in Japan hailed Turkey Tail as the most studied medicinal fungi.

Benefits Its immuno-modulatory activity was apparently discovered by a chemical engineer in Japan in 1965. Subsequent research identified two closely related polysaccharide compounds that may account for the healthy immune support benefits.

Of all the medicinal mushrooms, Turkey tail has been the most analysed for its active components and is used as a support treatment for various conditions in Japan.

Turkey tail may be a useful adjunct supplement to consider during times of convalescence.

From the plethora of traditional natural medicines of Asia has evolved reishi, cordyceps and Turkey tail. These medicinal fungi have been studied for their imnmune-benefiting compounds and are a valuable option to assist with supporting your healthy immunity.

Medicinal fungi supplement  benefits at a glance:

• Reishi: keeps your immune system healthy, may be beneficial for colds and sniffles
• Cordyceps sinensis: high in beneficial polysaccharides which may help increase corticosterone production may be beneficial if prone to ailments when run down due to stress
• Turkey tail: useful adjunct supplement to consider during convalescence

Resource: healthylife.net.au