Introduction
Mushrooms have become an indispensable part of the supermarket in recent years. They are increasingly used in the kitchen. In addition to the well-known mushrooms and portobellos, oyster mushrooms, shiitake, porcini mushrooms and lion’s mane are increasingly on the shelves. Mushrooms are low in calories and contain a lot of protein, vitamins and various minerals. Also because the taste is good, these mushrooms are becoming increasingly popular in the kitchen. The mushrooms are also increasingly being proposed as a substitute for coffee.
For a number of years now, the medicinal mushrooms have become more and more famous and have really been discovered as superfoods. In Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, mushrooms had already been discovered and widely used thousands of years ago. In the Shennong Bencao-jing (a Chinese herbal medicine book from the 2nd century BC), 6 mushrooms were already described as ‘Imperial Herb’. About 50 years ago, they started scientific research into the medicinal mushrooms in China.
The Western world is lagging behind in this mycotherapy. In the Netherlands, we started to discover a different type of mushrooms in the 90s. The so-called Magic Mushrooms. These mushrooms naturally contain substances that have hallucinogenic effects. The mushrooms are of the genus Psilocybe and can also be found in nature (including the pointed Liberty cap, which is common among our grasslands). Since 2008, magic mushrooms have been part of the Opium Act and are therefore no longer for sale in the smartshops.
The medicinal (non-psycho-active) mushrooms are now starting to advance in the Western world, via the kitchen, as a superfood to food supplements. There are more than 700 mushrooms that contain health-promoting substances. The most well-known medicinal mushrooms used in the Netherlands are Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, Reishi, Chaga, Maitake and Shiitake.
We have also been using medicinal mushrooms in our veterinary center for about 10 years. Mainly used for cancer and immune problems. But given the variety of effects and indications for the different mushrooms, we are doing them a disservice. For the past 2 years, we have been developing our own mushroom supplements (available for purchase on www.NGDCare.nl). We have chosen to process the pulp in combination with the mycelium into a liposomal product. A complicated process that makes our product unique. Mushrooms are relatively poorly absorbed into the cells and bloodstream. Because we have incorporated the mushrooms into a liposome, the active ingredients are better absorbed and the release is more stable. This means that the liposomal mushrooms have an even better and more potent effect compared to other products.
Mechanism
Mushrooms have a high nutritional value and contain a lot of proteins, essential amino acids, fats, oils, vitamins (e.g. Vit B, C) and minerals (e.g. copper, zinc, iron).
There are a number of substances responsible for the effect of the medicinal mushrooms. Polysaccharides, enzymes, terpenes and phenols have the greatest bioactive effect in the mushrooms.
Mushrooms consist mainly of polysaccharides. They are multiple sugar chains that form complex carbohydrates. These are the building blocks of the body. Polysaccharides include beta glucans. Beta glucans strengthen the immune system by activating macrophages and inhibit tumor growth. Polysaccharides have an antioxidant effect and have anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobe and immune-stimulating activity. Each mushroom has its own active glucans such as the Lentinan (in Shiitake) and ganoderan A and B (in Reishi).
The triterpenes are part of the terpenes and inhibit tumor growth, increase antitumor toxicity and inhibit tumor metastasis. They induce natural killer cells. They are antioxidants and are anti-inflammatory. All mushrooms also contain other triterpenes, such as Reishi which contains ganoderic acid, lucidenic acid and lanostenic acid. For example, chaga contains a lot of ergosterol and ergosterol peroxide.
Phenols also have antioxidant activity and inactivate metals. Different types of phenols include phenolic acid, polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, etc.
Mushrooms also produce many bioactive enzymes, proteins and peptides (lectin, etc.). These also have antifungal, antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects.
Each medicinal mushroom has its own unique combination of the above-mentioned bioactive substances and therefore its own unique spectrum of action. Many mushrooms have an overlapping effect, but others have their own unique effect.
Indications
Because of this, mushrooms are indicated for many conditions and symptoms.
Below is a list, but certainly not exhaustive.
Rheumatism, allergies, immune problems, autoimmune diseases, skin problems, gastrointestinal problems, diabetes, liver disease, cholesterol, blood pressure, bladder problems, killing effect against bacteria, viruses, yeasts and fungi, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, support with chemotherapy and radiation.
Mushroom mixes
Because I strongly believe in the synergy between different mushrooms, we have chosen to make 2 combinations of mushrooms. Mix 1 and mix 2. I will go a little deeper into the effects of the specific mushrooms below.
The first combination (Mushroom Mix 1) contains the mushrooms Agaricus, coriolus, maitake and shiitake.
Agaricus Blazei
Murill
The Agaricus Blazei Murill is related to the common mushroom ( the Agricus bisporus) and is sometimes called the almond mushroom because this mushroom has a characteristic almond taste. Agaricus Blazeihas the highest concentration of beta glucans of the medicinal mushrooms, giving it the strongest immune-stimulating and anti-cancer effect. Furthermore, the Agaricus inhibits the enzyme aromatase and therefore inhibits the synthesis of estrogens. Research indicates that the mushroom has antidiabetic, antiangiogenesis, apoptotic, and antiproliferative effects. Furthermore, it supports metabolism by reducing weight, body fat, glucose and cholesterol levels. The Agaricus is used for allergies, influenza flu virus, skin disorders, gastrointestinal problems, kidney and liver problems, diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid problems, cystitis, bronchitis, arthritis, neuropathy and in humans it is also used for MS, rheumatism, Alzheimer’s disease and fibromyalgia. The Agaricus is also pre-eminently a mushroom that is used for cancer. Specifically for tumors of the mammary glands, pancreas, bladder, bowel, skin, liver, lung, blood and prostate. In Japan, China, and Brazil, this medicinal mushroom is officially registered in the treatment of cancer.
Grifola Frondosa
Maitake (Grifola Frondosa) grows on oaks and is also called the ‘King of mushrooms’, because it can weigh up to 45kg. The active substances are beta-glucans, alpha-glucans and the MZF (Maitake Z Fraction). In China and Japan, it has been used for 3000 years and is seen as a more powerful immune stimulant than Shiitake. Maitake is used for its antiviral effect, in diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, obesity. Cancer. In the case of cancer, research is done on malignant melanomas, prostate cancer, bladder and breast cancer.
Lentinula Edodes
Shiitake (Lentinula Edodes) has lentinan and eritadenine as its active ingredient. Siitake promotes the production of serotonin, histamine, and catecholamine. It harmonizes the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Shiitake (Lentinula Edodes) has indications of diabetes, allergies, osteoporosis and rheumatism. Lowers cholesterol and various HPV-related tumors (vaginal, penile, anus and throat cancer). In Japan, Shiitake is administered intravenously for HIV and cancer. Many studies have proven that shiitake has an antitumor and antimetastasis effect, works synergistically with other chemotherapeutic drugs and is life-prolonging. It has an antibacterial and antiviral effect. Shiitake has poor bioavailability and fast metabolism. It is often administered intravenously or intra peritoneally.
Coriolus versicolor
The coriolus versicolor, or turkey tail, is a medicinal mushroom that grows frequently in the Netherlands. This is also the most commonly prescribed medicinal mushroom. The Coriolus is used for autoimmune diseases, rheumatism, Lyme disease, colitis, bronchitis and various tumors. Coriolus has been used for centuries to treat liver diseases and liver cancer. A lot of research has been done on tumors of the stomach, colon, esophagus, throat, lung and breast and is used effectively for these tumors in China and Japan. It also has a good effect against the HPV virus and related tumors (including cervical cancer). In addition, it is used leukemia. Furthermore, it protects nerves and reduces nerve inflammation and reduces blood glucose in diabetes.
The second combination (Mushroom Mix 2) contains Lions mane, chaga, cordyceps and reishi.
Hericium Erinaceus
Lion’s mane, or Hericium Erinaceus , is perhaps the most beautiful medicinal mushroom in terms of appearance. It looks like the lion’s mane, hence the name Lion’s Mane. Specific action of lion’s mane is the protection and repair of nerve tissue (supports the production of myelin). As a result, it is used in neurological and neurodegenerative disorders. But it also stimulates the ability to concentrate and memory. Furthermore, it has a balancing effect on the neurotransmitters norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine, which means that it reduces stress and improves mood. In addition, it has a supportive effect on gastrointestinal inflammation (IBS, IBD, Crohn’s disease) and stomach ulcers (also on infection of Helicobacter Pylori).
Inonotus Obliquus
Chaga (Inonotus Obliquus) has been known in Siberia since the Middle Ages as a medicine for cancer. Because the farmers there mainly drank chaga tea instead of coffee because of costs, the percentage of cancer was extremely low. Chaga grows on the birch tree and has the appearance of a cancerous tumor in that it has a hard black cracked black exterior with a bright orange interior. It also causes the death of its host, the birch. The bioactive compounds of Chaga are beta D-glucans, polysaccharide, phytosterols, betulinol and betulinic acid and have strong antioxidant, antitumural and antiviral effects. Furthermore, Chaga is an adaptogen and has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, cardiovascular system, endocrine system and gastrointestinal system. Chaga is used for the following tumors. Skin cancer, esophagus, throat cancer, colon cancer, liver cancer, prostate cancer, and bone cancer. Chaga also has a calming, soothing, and stress-relieving effect. Chaga supports the gastrointestinal system.
Cordyceps Sinensis
Cordyceps Sinensis is called the Caterpillar fungus. This is because this mushroom grows in the wild on insects and larvae (mainly on the larva of a moth). Cordyceps contains high levels of cordycepine and cordycepic acid. These substances provide better energy, stamina, sexual performance (libido enhancing), delay of old age and is cholesterol-lowering. Other specific indications of Cordyceps are stress reduction and regulation of hormone levels. Further indications are specifically lung diseases and diabetes, cognitive disorders and various forms of cancer such as breast cancer, bladder cancer and thyroid cancer and it has a positive effect to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy.
Ganoderma lucidum
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) has been called the “Divine Mushroom of Immortality” and has been used for 4000 years to prolong and promote quality of life. A lot of research has been done on how Reishi works. Reishi has a very broad spectrum of action. It is used for lung diseases, chronic fatigue syndrome, neurological disorders, skin problems, diabetes, allergies, and has an immune-modulating, kidney-protective, liver-protective and blood pressure-lowering effect. Furthermore, it improves lower urinary tract problems. It has a relieving effect on chemotherapy and enhances the effects of radiation. It also has an improved effect in chemotherapy for ovarian cancer (Cisplatin) and has a suppressive effect in colorectal adenoma and hepatocellular carcinoma. In addition, it has an application in bladder cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer, breast cancer and leukemia.
Side effects
Several mushrooms have mild side effects such as nausea and diarrhea in high doses. Furthermore, sleeplessness and liver damage have been reported as side effects. Also, liver enzymes can increase when using mushrooms. However, this is also linked to the amount of toxic metals in the mushrooms. Wild mushrooms can contain many toxic metals such as arsenic, lead, cadmium and mercury. Mushrooms also have the ability to absorb radioactive substances.
In humans, a swelling of the lip has been observed (cheilitis).
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to mushrooms
Due to the immune-stimulating effect of mushrooms, it is contraindicated in organ transplants.
Agaricus blazei has estrogen-like activity. People with hormone-sensitive cancer should be careful with this. However, there are studies that indicate that tumor growth of breast tissue was not negatively affected by Agaricus blazei.
Interactions
Mushrooms interact with enzyme CYP450 (Cytochrome P450). CYP450 consists of 57 different enzymes that are involved in the oxidation and breakdown of drugs and toxins. Agaricus inhibits enzyme CYP3A4 and therefore can affect the concentration of drugs metabolized by this enzyme. 30-50% of medication is metabolized by CYP3A4. This includes medications such as anticoagulants, immunosuppressants, chemotherapeutics, cytostatics, antidepressants, antipsychotics, opiates, benzodiazepines, calcium channel blockers, antihistamines, glucocorticoids. Reishi inhibits the enzymes CYP2E1, CYP1A2 and CYP3A. The clinical relevance of the interaction with CYP450 is further unknown and has yet to be investigated in research.
Due to its cholesterol-lowering, blood sugar-lowering, blood pressure-lowering, hormone, immune-strengthening and anti-inflammatory effect, it affects the regular medication given for this reason.
Conclusion
Mushrooms have a nice broad effect on various processes in the body. As a result, they also have a very broad indication for diseases. Because we have made 2 combinations which have a synergistic effect.
The mushroom mix 1 is especially indicated for allergies, autoimmune problems and cancer.
Mushroom mix 2 has a more adaptogenic effect with stress and anxiety-reducing mushrooms and has a greater effect on the gastrointestinal system and nervous system. The fact remains that all medicinal mushrooms used have an effect on the immune system and cancer, as well as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral effect. That means that you can also choose to give both mixes together and also that you can increase the dosage for a better effect without any problems.
Literature used
1-Medicinal mushrooms as a new source of natural therapeutic bioactive compounds, Elkhatee et al. 2019
2-https://www.drugs.com/npp/lion-s-mane-mushroom.html
3-Medicinal mushrooms and medicines. Han Siem, 2020
4-Medicinal mushrooms, Dr.Michiels. 2014
5-https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92757/
6-Medicinal mushrooms, A new perspective on healing, Peter van Ineveld
7-https://www.igene.nl/medicijnresponse/cyp3a4-enzyme
8-https://nutrigenomicsinc.com/agaricus-blazei.php
9-The Medicinal Mushroom Agaricus blazei Murrill: Review of Literature and Pharmaco-Toxicological Problems. F.Firenzuoli et al.
10-Pharmacological and therapeutic potential of Cordyceps with special reference to Cordycepin, Hardeep et al.