Reishi and Shiitake Flashcards
Reishi
Reishi is referred to as “the mushroom of eternal youth” and has been used for over 2000 years in the traditional medical systems of China, Japan, Korea and other Asian countries for its health promoting effects.
* It is considered a ‘tonic’ in Chinese medicine, or an ‘adaptogen’ in Western medicine.
* Important constituents include primarily polysaccharides (e.g. beta glucans) and triterpenes ( ganoderic acids), but also lectins, sterols and B vitamins.
Reishi: Therapeutic Uses
Immune boosting
Anti-viral
Anti-cancer
Anti-inflammatory
Anti-coagulant
Benign prostatic hyperplasia
Stress and sleep
Blood-sugar regulating
Reishi: Immune boosting
- Increases the number and activity of numerous immune cells including T- lymphocytes, macrophages and NK cells.
Reishi: Anti-viral
- The triterpenes inhibit the replication of the Epstein Barr and hepatitis B viruses .
- They also inhibit reverse transcriptase in HIV
Reishi: Anti-cancer
- It induces apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells) and inhibits angiogenesis.
- Evidence suggests it can inhibit tumour metastases by limiting attachment to endothelial cells.
- The beta glucans strengthen the immune system contributing to its anti cancer properties.
Reishi: Anti-inflammatory
- Triterpenes provide an anti-inflammatory ( reduces the activity of NF-kB) and anti histamine action. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of reishi are thought to provide it with its healthy ageing properties.
Reisi: Anti-coagulant
Ganoderic acids inhibit platelet aggregation, thinning the blood. Supportive in cardiovascular disease.
Reishi: Benign prostatic hyperplasia
It is a 5α-reductase inhibitor meaning that it blocks the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), preventing abnormal prostate growth.
Reishi: Stress and sleep
Triterpenes have a sedative action and calm nervous system activity, supporting sleep and relaxation.
Reishi: Blood-sugar regulating
- Ganoderic acids increase insulin secretion and decrease cellular resistance to insulin.
- Useful in cases of insulin resistance such as Type 2 diabetes and PCOS .
Reishi dosage range
3-9 g / day (doses of up to 15 g / day are used in some circumstances). Start at the lower of the dosage range and gradually increase with tolerance. Use as a powder in food, tea or capsules for higher dosages. It is a bitter, woody tasting mushroom that is considered non-edible.
Reishi: Interactions
Combining high dose reishi with anticoagulant drugs may increase the risk of bleeding.
Shiitake
Shiitake is a common edible mushroom. Its Japanese name comes from the words ‘ shii ’’(species of chestnut) and ‘take’ (mushroom), since it grows on chestnut
* Important constituents include the beta glucan Lentinan, choline, zinc, provitamin D, iron, B vitamins and unsaturated fatty acids.
* Large scale clinical trials have confirmed significant anti-cancer activity from Lentinan. Lentinan (injected) is a licensed pharmaceutical in Japan and is the third most widely prescribed anti cancer ‘drug’ in the world
* In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), shiitake is used to replenish Qi and nourish the blood
Shiitake: Therapeutic uses
Immune-modulating
Cardiovascular diseases
Cancer
Gout
Benign prostatic hyperplasia
Shiitake: Immune modulating
- Increases phagocytes, T lymphocytes and NK cells.
- Increases interferon synthesis (anti viral proteins).
- These properties are useful for general immune support , immune support in cancer patients and HIV
- Shiitake is also a good anti candida agent.
- Has antibacterial activity on bacteria resident in the oral cavity that cause gingivitis and periodontitis . Also prevents dental plaque formation.
