 |
|
|
|
|
| |
Reishi Mushroom Extract
RM2
|
|
|
|
IN STOCK - YES
|
What is Reishi Mushroom Extract?
Simply, it is the extract of the mushroom, Ganoderma lucidum, also called "reishi" in Japan, or "ling zhi" in china. Ling zhi means "spirit plant", and in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) this mushroom is considered to be of the highest class of tonics. In the Orient this mushroom has a 4,000 year history for use in an unusually wide range of ailments, but is particularly renowned for its use in hepatitis and other diseases of the liver and for promoting longevity. Triterpene-rich reishi mushroom is also reputed to reduce hypertension.
In recent years the focus of research with Reishi is its apparent immuno-enhancing and anti-tumor activities. While the exact mechanism is still unknown, a large numbers of studies have shown that reishi may modulate many components of the immune system such as the antigen-presenting cells, NK cells, T and B lymphocytesm, which are pivotal to initiating a primary immune response. It is believed that it may be through this immune modulation that reishi's apparent anti-tumor effect may be achieved. To that end, a 2005 study found that reishi polysaccharides "effectively promote the activation and maturation of immature dendritic cells" which interact with and stimulate T and B cells, yielding further evidence that Reishi's value comes from its ability to enhance immunity response.7,8,9
Of all the diseases reishi is reputed to mitigate, we will mention only the applications we feel are best documented; volumes have been written on this medicinal.
To be sure you never run out of your favorite products, we now offer our exclusive
Convenience Plan. This plan guarantees delivery of our
high quality products directly
to your door exactly when you need them. Additionally, you receive our lowest price on
each order. It is simple, convenient and free! And, you can change, add to, suspend or
cancel shipments at any time!
|
Polysaccharides from Reishi Mushroom
If you have visited our Echinacea page, then you are already aware of some of the powerful properties of polysaccharides (basically large sugar molecules). Hot water extract of reishi contains about 50% polysaccharides and 5% protein. Some of these polysaccharides have demonstrated anti-tumor activity. The polysaccharides, G-I (Beta-D-glucan) and GL-1, for example, have both been shown to inhibit sarcoma.1 Evidence also suggests polysaccharide ability to stimulate macrophage production of interleukins.2 Interleukins regulate blood cell production and interleukin-2 (there are at least 12 interleukins) stimulates T-lymphocytes and is being investigated in the treatment of cancer. Which polysaccharide, or combination thereof, is responsible for this action is not clear. The protein portion of the extract contains 17 amino acids.3 The Japanese government has officially listed it as an adjunct therapy for cancer.
Triterpenes from Reishi
Users of Ginkgo Biloba, Horse Chestnut and Valerian will recognize the potential benefits of terpenes. For these people it should come as little surprise that the triterpene-rich reishi mushroom is reputed to reduce hypertension. What may be news, however, is that the same compounds may also be adaptogenic and anti-allergic. The Ganoderic acids, C, A and D--in that order--appear to have the greatest anti-allergic activity, inhibiting histamine release.4 Ganoderic acids B and D may reduce hypertension.5 Studies done on a combination formula of reishi and other ganoderma species have shown these anti-allergic effects to be perhaps this medicinal's most promising property. The combination formula has been observed to have a modulating and stabilizing effect on immunoglobulin levels. Patients with bronchitis, bronchial asthma, and allergies have all done well on reishi extract.6 Triterpene content may explain reishi's ability to alleviate altitude sickness, as reported by Chinese mountain climbers ascending as high as 17,000 ft.
Reishi Mushroom and Hepatitis
Two studies that may merit further investigation showed positive results on hepatitis patients, particularly those without severe impairment. One of the studies reported improvement in 92% of 355 patients studied. Use against liver disease is one of the mushroom's longest standing traditional applications. (Chang & But 1986)
|
|
|
Label Facts
 |
|
|
|
|
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 2 Capsules
Servings per container: 30 |
|
| |
Amount Per Serving |
% Daily Value |
|
| Reishi Mushroom 4:1 Extract (10% polysaccharides) |
500 mg |
† |
|
| Whole Reishi Mushroom Powder |
200 mg |
† |
|
|
|
|
|
Other ingredients: Cellulose (plant fiber), Magnesium Stearate(vegetable source).
|
|
|
|
Dietary Restrictions
 Vegetarian capsule used and a vegetarian formula.
|
References
- Miyazaki T, Nishijima N. Studies on fungal polysaccharides. XXVII. Structural examination of a water-soluble, antitumor polysaccharide of Ganoderma lucidum.Chem Pharm Bull. 1981. 29:3611-3616.
- Wang SY et al. The role of Ganoderma lucidum in immunopotentiation: effect on cytokine release from human macrophages and T-lymphocytes. From Program and Abstracts of the 1994 International Symposium on Ganoderm Research. 1994. Beijing: Beijing Medical University.
- Kim C et al. Studies on constituents of higher fungi of Korea. LXIV. Constituents of cultured and fused mycelia of Ganoderma lucidum. Soul Taehakkyo Yakhak Nonmunjip. 1990. 15:38-71. From CA 115:251763p.
- Khoda H et al. The biologically active constituents of Ganoderma lucidum (Fr.) Karst. Histamine release-inhibitory triterpenes. Chem Pharm Bull.1985.33:1367-1374.
- Jong SC, Birmingham JM. Medicinal benefits of the mushroom Ganoderma. Adv Appl Microbiol. 1992. 37:101-134.
- Chang HM, Pui-Hay But P. Pharmacology And Apllications Of Chinese Materia Medica. Vol.1. 1986. Singapore: World Scientific.
- Cao, L. Z. and Z. B. Lin (2002). "Regulation on maturation and function of dendritic cells by Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides." Immunol Lett 83(3): 163-9.
- Lin, Z. B. and H. N. Zhang (2004). "Anti-tumor and immunoregulatory activities of Ganoderma lucidum and its possible mechanisms." Acta Pharmacol Sin 25(11): 1387-95.
- Lin, Y. L., Y. C. Liang, et al. (2005). "Polysaccharide purified from Ganoderma lucidum induced activation and maturation of human monocyte-derived dendritic cells by the NF-kappaB and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways." J Leukoc Biol 78(2): 533-43.
|
|
|
|
|
Back
