Mushrooms are a diverse group of fungi that have been used and documented for centuries. With a long history of traditional use, mushrooms have been used as curatives to support health and vitality and as functional foods.1 Some specific parts within the mushrooms that exert their therapeutic effects include polysaccharides most notably beta-glucans, triterpenes, and antioxidants. These contribute to the mushrooms' medicinal properties that play a major role in supporting wellness and vitality. An important note is that beta-glucans within medicinal mushrooms are a different compound when compared to beta-glucans found in oats or cereals. Ancient oriental traditions have stressed the importance of several mushroom species, namely, Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) and Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes), so let’s take a closer look at these two and their therapeutic potential.2
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
Reishi has a long traditional use in China, Japan and Asian countries, spanning more than 2000 years, it has been used traditionally for promoting longevity, vitality and optimal health.3 Reishi is commonly referred to as the mushroom of immortality or the ten-thousand-year mushroom.3 Reishi mushrooms are kidney-shaped, dark red or reddish-brown black in the centre and yellowish towards the edges, with a glossy looking finish and a wood like texture.3
Stress support
Reishi has been documented and researched for its adaptogenic properties and is described as one of the great original adaptogenic herbs of the Orient.3,4 Adaptogenic herbs work through helping to support the body adapt to stressors and maintain balance. Reishi has been shown in research to help modulate the stress hormone cortisol, thus helping with the effects of stress and supporting the nervous system. This can be attributed to the triterpenes found within Reishi.2-4
It has been utilised traditionally as a general tonic for states of deficiency, coupled with fatigue and lethargy; as well as, helping to act as a calming agent for restlessness, an overactive mind and insomnia.3,4
Immune support
When grown in ideal conditions Reishi mushrooms contain therapeutic levels of beta-glucans and other polysaccharides that exert immune supportive actions within the body. They work through enhancing immune cell responses and support our immune systems’ defence mechanisms.2-4
Anti-inflammatory Support
Chronic inflammation is a central part of many health complications, from arthritis and hypertension through to cancer. Reishi works systemically around the body to help regulate and reduce inflammatory molecules and pathways and may help with the management of inflammatory conditions.2-4
Now let’s have a closer look at Shiitake
Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)
The earliest known record of Shiitake dates back to 1209, during the Song Dynasty in China. This makes it one of the oldest known cultivated mushrooms.5The emperors of China are said to have eaten the mushroom in great quantities to slow the onset of old age.5 Shiitake mushrooms, with their rich umami flavour and meaty texture, have long been cherished in culinary traditions worldwide.5,9
Immune Support
Like Reishi, Shiitake contains polysaccharides and beta-glucans, however Shiitake contains the specific beta-glucan, lentinan.5,6 The beta-glucan lentinan has been shown in research to support the immune system and its function. It does this through activating immune cells which fight against invading pathogens like viruses and bacteria.5,6 Beta-glucans further work to help reduce inflammation, which is heightened during an infection.5-7
Cardiovascular Support
Regular Shiitake consumption and supplementation has the potential to support heart health and may have the potential to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.8 The beta-glucans and other compounds found in Shiitake may help to maintain healthy cholesterol levels.8
Antioxidant Support
Shiitake mushrooms are rich in antioxidants which help to protect cells within our body against oxidative damage and reduce the injury that may be caused from inflammatory free radicals.9 Shiitake works through scavenging free radicals and helps to support cellular health and wellbeing.9
For more information and supplement support reach out to your natural health care practitioner.
References:
1. Ahmed Elkhateeb W, Mosbah Daba G. Medicinal mushroom: What should we know?. IJPCA. 2022 Apr 28;9(1):1-9. https://doi.org/10.18231/j.ijpca.2022.001
2. Wasser S. Medicinal mushroom science: Current perspectives, advances, evidences, and challenges. Biomed J. 2014;37(6):345. DOI:10.4103/2319-4170.138318
3. Wachtel-Galor S, Yuen J, Buswell JA, et al. Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi or Reishi): A medicinal mushroom. In: Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S, editors. Herbal medicine: Biomolecular and clinical aspects. 2nd edition. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press/Taylor & Francis; 2011. Chapter 9. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92757/
4. Bulam S, Üstün NŞ, Pekşen A. Health benefits of Ganoderma lucidum as a medicinal mushroom. Turkish JAF SciTech. 2019 Dec 10;7:84-93. DOI:10.24925/turjaf.v7isp1.84-93.2728
5. Rahman T, Choudhury MB. Shiitake mushroom: A tool of medicine. Bangladesh J Med Biochem. 2012;5(1):24-32.
6. Dai, X., Sharma, M., Chen, J. (eds) Fungi in sustainable food production. Fungal Biology. Springer, Cham; 2021. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-64406-2_6
7. Dai X, Stanilka JM, Rowe CA, Esteves EA, Nieves C, Spaiser SJ, et al. Consuming Lentinula edodes (Shiitake) mushrooms daily improves human immunity: A randomized dietary intervention in healthy young adults. J Am Coll Nutr. 2015 Nov 2;34(6):478-87. DOI:10.1080/07315724.2014.950391
8. Spim SRV, Pistila AMH, Pickler TB, Silva MT, Grotto D. Effects of Shiitake culinary-medicinal mushroom, Lentinus edodes (Agaricomycetes), bars on lipid and antioxidant profiles in individuals with borderline high cholesterol: A double-blind randomized clinical trial. Int J Med Mushrooms. 2021;23(7):1-12. DOI:10.1615/intjmedmushrooms.2021038773
9. Ahmad I, Arif M, Xu M, Zhang J, Ding Y, Lyu F. Therapeutic values and nutraceutical properties of Shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes): A review. Trends Food Sci Technol. 2023 Apr;134:123-35. DOI:10.1016/j.tifs.2023.03.007