Mycotherapy (Medicinal Mushroom Compounds) Flashcards
What is the process of mycotherapy?
The use of mushroom compounds as medicines or health promoting agents.
Why are mushrooms so beneficial to the environment?
They create a mycelial (root like) under the soil that digests dead organisms which move nutrients back into the soil.
Explain the most useful medicinal compounds found in mushrooms.
Beta-glucans- polysaccharides, support optimal immune function, promote immunomodulation, exert ant tumour activity.
Titerpenes- hepato-protective, anti tumour
Sterols- a sub group of steroids e.g. ergosterol (pre cursor of Vit D)
Lectins- agglutinate tumour cells, immune-modulatory
Which mushroom is Gandoerma Lucidum and what are its therapeutic uses?
Reishi Adaptogen Immune boosting Anti viral Anti cancer Anti inflammatory Anti coagulant Blood sugar regulating
Which mushrooms can be used to support cancer treatment?
REishi, Shittake, Turkey tail, Mitake and Chaga
How can turkey tail be used in cancer treatment?
It has anti proliferation, anti metastatic and anti angiogenesis properties. It can induce apoptosis of cancer cells.
It’s extracts are commonly used in Japan as part of cancer treatment protocols. Polysaccharide K and polysaccharide peptide were approved as drugs in cancer patients in 1990.
Which medicinal mushrooms provide immune boosting properties and how do they do this?
Reishi (Ganoderma Lucidum)- Shitake (Lenticular erodes), Turkey Tail (Coriolus versicoloured) Mitake (Grifola frondosa) and Chaga (Inonotus obliques)
Because they increase the no. and activity of immune cells, increase anti viral properties, have antibacterial activity, can normalise an overactive immune system, can inhibit COX 1 & COX 2 pathways reducing inflammation
Whcih mushroom acts as a parasite in insects?
Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis)
How does Cordyceps support renal health?
It decreases proteinuria, improves creatine clearance and has been shown to promote regeneration of kidney tubular cells.
It protects the kidney from damage due to immunosuppressants.
Improves hepatocyte function
Improves liver function.
Which medicinal mushrooms could be used to support Fatigue, concentration and depression and in what dosage?
Cordyceps(Cordyceps)- Adenosine content provides extra energy and MAO inhibitor leads to increased dopamine. And serotonin.
2-5 g daily
Name one medicinal mushroom which may support fertility and libido
Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis) - increases testosterone in men- impotency
Up regulates ovarian hormone production in women helping to regulate the menstrual cycle.
Why would lions mane be a chosen treatment?
In Gi disorders e.g. GIT permeability, IBD, peptic ulcers and GORD
In Nervous system disorders e.g AD, Parkinson’s, MS, cognitive declaring due to its stimulating effect on nerve growth factor to regenerate and repair nerve tissue.
Dosage 1-6g daily
What is the appropriate daily dosage of Reishi?
3-9g
Which mushroom is also known as Hericium erinaceus? What therapeutic uses can it support?
Lion’s main.
Intestinal permeability, IBD, Peptic ulcers and GORD
Alzheimer’s Parkinson’s, MS, cognitive decline.
1-6g daily
When might medicinal mushrooms be used with caution?
Due to interactions with anticoagulant drugs, blood glucose medications and safety in pregnancy unknown.
