lvleschino Health Comprehensive Guide to

Reishi Mushroom Extract

General Features

Reishi Ít4ushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) is called "the mushroom of rnmortality" in Chna and has been used in

0rental lMedicine Íor over 2,000 years.12 ln recent years ts active ingredients have been ihe subject of intensiveresearch regarding the r apparent ab I ty to he p prevent or treat certain types of cancer, aid in the treatment of iverdisease, HIV infeclion, acute or recurrent herpetic infectons, high blood ptessure, chronic bronchits, alerges andasthma, and favorab y modulaie immune Íunction.3 The Reishi l\y'ushroom grows wld on decaying ogs and treestumps in the coasta prov nces of China. The fruiting body of the mushroom is used med cina ly a

Principle Active Constituents

1. Specific Polysaccharldes: whlch occur ln the form of Beta-D-g ucans bound to an'rino acds. These agenis areshown to possess immune-modulat ng and ant -cancer propeflies 3

2. Triterpene compounds known as ganoderic acids: which have been shown to owet bLood pressure, reduce p ate etslickiness and may decrease LDL-cho esterol 5

3. other maior active consttuents include sterols, coumarin and mannitol 5

Clinical Application and Mechanism of Action

1. Anti-Cancer Agent

Animal cancer sludies have shown a 50% tumor regression outcome with Reishi l\lushroonr Extract treatment (e.9.,

connect ve t ssue cancer model in mlce).6 Reishl l\y'ushrooÍn Extract is used by some cancer surgeons in Japan to treatcancer patients and sign ficant antiluÍnor and immunostlmulalion effects have been noted in Ínany of these cases.TPo ysaccharides from re shi mushrooms and ftom other types of fo k-medic nal fungi are patented ln Japan for use asmmunomodulators n the treatment of cancer. They are cornbined with chemo- and radiotherapy and havedemonstrated an ablllty to reduce slde effects, increase the efficacy oÍ treatments, and to acceerate recovery fromdisease.s,e

Studies Írom China have shown lhat Reishl [,4ushroom Extract potenUates the tumoricidal capacity of macrophagesand T-ce ls 101r Reishi l\lushroom Extract is known to have other immune modulating effects and antioxidantpTopedies 1213141s,16

Animal siudies a so show that the polysaccharde Íaction of re shi mushroorns can induce apoptosls (programmed celL

death ofcancerce ls) in eukemic cells and nduce ce lu ar differentiation ln 40-45% of leukenric cells ireated wth reishipolysaccharides, demonstrating sgnificant cancer treatmeni potentia These efíects were primarly due to theincreased secretion of anti-tumor cytokines (signaling agents) induced by Reishi [,lushroom polysacchardes, namelyTNF-alpha and IFN-gamrna, and these two cytokines acted synergisticaly on the nhibit on oí leukemic-cell growth.rT ln

a related experment, the D-glucan polysaccharide fraciion of Reishi I\lushroom was shown to produce dramatic tumorTegress on in a mice sarcoÍna study. ln many animals, compLete turnot regression occurred n the group injected wthbeta-D glucan fracUons w thin a s-week period. The study by Y. Sone et al, reported iumoÍ inhibiUon rates of g0% andiumor regression in 75% oí afflcted animalsls

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2. lmmune System Enhancement (Bronchitis Asthma, Allergies, Herpetic Conditions and HIV lnfectlon)

As noled above, Relsh [4ushroom Exiract modu ates many components oíthe immunesystem, which in part, accountÍor its apparent anti-tumor propertes. Chronic bronchitis in ihe eLderly has been shown to respond favorab y totreatment using a concentrated Reishi l\,4ushroom product in a trial nvolving 2,000 cases ln China. This studydemonstrated a better than 60% success rate. After several months of treatment there was a noted rise in the levels ofÍnmunogobulin A in the sputurnl0 lmmunoglobu ln A ls the main immunog obulln found in the respiratory tract Adeficiency is common in allerg es,le sysiemic lupus and rheumatoid arthrtis.20 Reishi l\lushroom Extractsupplementation has been shown to hep improve cases of asthma and allergies. Two constituents oÍ Relshl\,4ushroom Extract, oleic acid and cyc ooctasulfur were shown to inh blt the re ease of histamlne, which ls llkely how tbeneíts asihmaic and allergic patients.r0,21,22

A speclfc protein-bound polysaccharde component of Reishi Mushroom Extract known as GLhw-02 has been shownto possess poi-"nt ani -viral properlies against herpes s rnplex virus lype 1 and 1ype"2 under experimental conditions 23

A sma I human trial dernonstrated that Reishi i\lushroom Extract reduced pain dramaticaly ln two pat ents w th post-herpetic neuralgia and n two other patents wiih severe pain due to herpes zoster lnfection (shingles, which is causedby a herpes vlrus).2a

t.lnder experimenlal conditons, varous ganoderic acids in Reishi l\,4ushroom Extract have been shown to be activeant-HlV agenls, showng an ablty to reduce vira replication by 50% at conservatve doses.25 Combined with other0rental herbs, reishi is currently used ln treatments of A|Ds-related complex, AIDS, and aone or in combinationforrnulas to treat chron c fatgue syndrome.262728

Finaly, stud es on male mice revea that Relsh Nlushroom Extract was effeclive in enhancing the recovery of celLu armmunocompetence after gamma-ray rrad ation Reishi l\lushroom supplementation sjgniícanily ncreased whteblood cel count (eukocyies) and other parameters of irnrnune function in these animals,2e n a sim lar íash on as hasbeen shown to occur with astragalus suppLementation n patients treated with chemo- or radiaUon therapy fseeAstragalus in this docunent )

3. Cardiovascular Health (High Blood Pressure and Reduced Platelet Aggregation)

Two human controled studies revealed ihal Reish l\,4ushroom Extract can reduce high bLood pressure to asignifcantdegree (systolc and d astoLic), even n patients who had previously failed to respond to establshed anti-hypertens veÍned catons 3031 Animal studies reveal that Relsh N,4ushroom Extract reduces blood pressure through a centrainhibiUon of sympathetic nerve act vty, aLthough it does not s ow head rate or induce a sedatve effect n general.32

Under experimental conditions, Reishi ft,4ushroom Extract has a mld to moderaie effect on reducng platelet

aggregation which may Íu(her help to decrease risk of cardiovascLr ar disease. (33) lt has also been shown io increaseendurance, bLood flow to the brajn and to lÍnprove oxygenation of ce ls As such, ii aids energy producilon on a cel ularleveL, which may mprove cardiovascular health and s used to boost memory and ntellectua capacity in somecultures,3a ncluding success in a study oí Alzheimers patients.35

4, Livër Protective Effects (Hepatoprolective Properties)

Reishi is prescrbed n China for the treatment of chronic and acute hepatitis 36 Various ganoderic acids in reshimushrooms have strong antihepatotoxic propeÍt es,:7 which under experimental conditions have been shown to protecl

llver celLs írom chemicaly-lnduced njury, includjng protection from the highly toxic and letha substance, carbontetrach oride 38,39

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Dosage and Standardized Grade

Therapeutic App icalions: Typ cally 250 mg, one to íour times per day is used f laken as a sing e agent (standardized

to 10-12.5% po ysaccharide conten0.a0

Genera Wellness; (immune, cardovascular, liver support, etc,) Consider 30-120 mg per day (standardized to 10-

12.5% po ysaccharide content).

Relsh lvlushroom Extract shou d be taken with food or it Ínay cause stomach upset and loose stools.4l

Adverse Side Effects, Toxicity and Contraindications

Sde effects from Relshl fi,4ushroorn Exhact supp]ementation are lnÍrequent and include dizziness, dryness of lhemouth, throat and nasal areas, slomach upsei and loose stoo s.a1 Reishi MushrooÍn contalns agenis that nray be

a lergins to some patients, although al ergic reactions are rare.42 Note that there is no cross-sensit vjty to the ReishlMushroom f a person is alLerg c to the Button ftilushroom or the common y eaten white mushroom that is found in Ínostgrocery stores.35 Ln general, Relsh l\,4ushroom has been shown lo be very non{oxic in animaL toxicity studes and in

humans, even when used at high therapeutic doses.3

Drug-Nutrient lnteractions

When used ai hlgh therapeuUc doses, Reishl l\,4ushroom Extract has the potential to potentiate (enhance) the efÍecls oÍthe folowing types of medications, and thus requlres proper patient moniloring:- Aniihypertensive med cations a3a

- Hypog yceÍnic medicauons 45

- Anticoaqulant medicatjons (e q. warfarin, coumadln)46

Pregnancy and LactationDuring pregnancy and LactaUon, the on y supplemenis thal are considered safe include standard prenatal

vitamjn and mineral supplemenis. All other supplements or dose alterations may pose a threat to the

developlng fetus and there ls genera ly insufÍicient evdence al this time to delerm ne an absoLute level ofsafety lor most dietary suppLements other than a prenatal supplement. Any supplementation pracuces

beyond a prenatal supplement should jnvolve the cooperation oÍ the atlending physician (e.g , magnesium

and the treaiment of preeclampsia.)

References: Pregnancy and Lactatlon1. Encycopedia oÍ NutritionalSupplements. Ir/lurray l\1. Prima Publlshing 1998.

2. Reavley N[\/. The New Encyclopedla oÍ Vitamlns, MineraLs, SuppleÍnents, and Herbs. Evans and

Company Lnc 1998.

3. Tre rleal ng oower o' le-bs (2 o eo rior) I\y'urray V. Drira Dubl shing 1995.

4. Boon H and Smith IV. Health Care ProÍessionaL Training Program in CompleÍnentary Nledicine.

lnstitute ofApplied Complernentary filedicine lnc. 1997.

Jong SC, et aL. Lrledic n aL benefils of the nr ushroom ganodeÍma Adv Appl X,tr croblo 1992,31:101-34Herbs to the Rescue Nulrition News 30Nov92tVXVl(11):p4

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JonesK.Resh {Gan odeÍma)i Longev ty Heíb ofihe orlenlPart2 Townsend Lettèrs íor Doctors & Pallents 20Nov92:112:100812Leung AY, Foster S Encycoped a oÍ Comnron Natura ngredients Used n Foods DÍugs, and Cosmetics, 2nd ed New york: JohnWiey & Sois 1996:255 60Hobbs C L,led cinal [4 ush rooms Santa CÍuz, CA , Botai ca press

1 995 96-1 07kekawa T, el al Antitumor action oísome basid omycetes, especially phetinls nteus JapanJ Can Res 196Bt591p1S5157

lvlor shige F Lectir re 1 988. ln: Becoming hea thy with re sh i, Kampo t-ys Toyo gaku Sha Co. Ltd. Tokyo 1 2-20 (lrans )Tsukagoshi S, el a. Krestr (PSK) Cancer Treat Rev 1984 1 1(2) 131 -135Teikoku Chemcal ndustry Co. Lld. 1982 l\4ushroonr gtycoproteins as ieopasm nhibitors. Japanese patent No 82 75926121'lay82t i Chem AbstÍ;97:p4431 1j

Lngzhi. n Chaig Hlí and But PP-H eds. Pharrnacotogy and AppLcatiojrs oí Ch nese Lrtaterta N4ed ca, Vol lsngaporeWorldSc entifc 1986 642,653Nakash ma S, et al.. Effect oí polysaccharrdes ftom ganodeÍma applanatum on mmune responses . Enhafcing effecl oi lhenductiof oÍdelayed hypersefstivty in rnice MtcTobio mmuno 1979;23(6)501-513Li S-C, Pen T-S, Kang N4. Shang \,1i u Prlnter, Shafgha 1933 (trans )

Liu B Bau Y-S. Fungi PhaÍmacopoeia (S nica). The Ktnoko Compaiy OakLand, CA 1980 168-169LinJlM,etal Radcalscavangerandanthepatoloxicactvityofganoderrnafornosanum ganoderma lucidum and galrodeÍma neo-.ooo1i -Í J Fllr op la'rà.0 ,-r '995:47 '/ 3J-11Wang SY, Hsu [\41 Hsu HC, Tzeng CH, Lee SS Shiao ÀIS, et at The antr-tumor effect of ganoderma lucdum is mediated bycytokines released Íom activated macrophages and T lymphocy,ies. lnt J Cancer 17Mar97;70(6) 699 705Lee JX/, Kwon H, Jeong H, Lee JW, Lee SY, Baek SJ el a. lnhibjton oÍ ipld pero*daton afd oxldatve DNA darnage byGanodeÍma uc duÍn I n Process Cltationl Phytoiher Res t4ay 2001 ;1 5(3) 245-9Wang SY. The ailitumoÍ effect of gaiodeÍrna ucdum s mediated by cytokines reeased fÍori activaied macrophages and TLymphocytes. ntJ Cancer. May 1997t70(6):699-705Sone Y et al Structures and anttumor acllvties of the polysaccharides lsoated from Ír!ting body and the growing culture ofrnyce urn ofganoderma jucidLrm AgÍ Biol Chem 1985t4912641-53Tzard lR mmunoogyAn lntroducton. Saunders, PhiLade ph a 1984:p941p323Hayward AR. mmune Defciency Dsease. ln A ergic Diseases froÍn nfancy to Aduthood BeÍrnan C. Warren and David S.Pearlman eds. W B Salnders 2nd ed 1988:34Tasaka T et al Ani _a erg c cofslituents in the cullure firediu m of Ganoderma luc du m (l). ln hlb tory effect of oLe c ac d on hlstamine

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nh bilory effect oÍ cyclooctasulpher on

Lee SY Eo, SK, et a Anliherpetic actvites of varous protén bound poLysaccard€s isoaled Íronr ganoderma ucdum. JEth,ropharrnaco. Dec 1999;68(1-3):175-81Hii kata Y, èl ai Eífect of Ganoderma lcid urn on Posthepet c NeuÍatgta. Am J Chin Í\rjed 1 9gB;26(3-4):375,81eltrlekkawy S, et al An1-H V-1 and Ant-HtV-1-protease substancès fÍom ganode.ma ucjdum phytochenr stry. Nov1998;4916)1651-57Wllard T., Jones K Rdshi X,llshroorn Sylvan Press, tssaquah WA 1990Coheir M 1988. Paths to whoLeness in HV infectonA compÍehensve approach ln ADS, mrnunily and Chiese N4edcne.Proceedings oí the ninth ai nu al sympos ! m of the 0r enta Hea ing Arts tistituie, 230ct88, Long Beach, CA B C Enger and E R.Long, eds. 0 H.A.l , Long Beach, CA 1989 92-102Pers. Comm Dharrnananda Ph.D, nsttuteofTraditona Medlc ne, Porlland, OR lÍarch 1992Chèn WC, Hau, D N4, Lee, SS Effecls oÍ ganoderma luc du m an d kÍesl u on cellu ar lmrn unoceom peln ece in gamma,ray- Írad aledmce. Am J Chin [r]ed 1995;23(1)71-80Kammatsusè K, KallwaÍe N Hayash K. Studies on canaderma ucdurn:l Efficacy aga nst hypertenson and sidè eÍfect yakugakuZasshi19B5105 531,3Jin H Zhang G Cao X ei a. TreatÍnent oíhyperlenson by ling zh coJÍrbined with hypiensor and ils effects on arteria aÍteÍiolar andcapi ary pÍessure and mcrocrculation. nNlmm H Xu RJ, Sawada T, Zheng C (eds). X,l crocircu atory Approach to AslanTrad tionall,,led cne New YorkrEsevieÍ Science 1996:131,8Lee SY. CardiovascuLar effects of Ínyce um extract oí ganodernra ucldurn inhibtion oÍ sympathetic outflow as a Ínechansm oÍ tshypotensive action. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) l\rlay 1990t38(95 1359-64SUC Potenliation of ganoderrnic acd Son prostaglandin E (1)-nduced cycic Al,lp elevation n hurnan p atelets. Thromb Res Ju2000t99(2):135-45Jong SC, etal.lMèdicnalbenefrts oÍthe mushÍoom ganoderrna AdvApptf,{crobo 1992,37:101-34

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SahLey BJ ReishiX,4ushÍoom, Hea lng Herb oÍ the Fuiure. Ml,lRC Health EducatoÍ Repods 31Jang7i1-2TamuÍa T, ètal FeÍmentation pÍod uct as lood for patienis w th liveÍ fai ! re. In Chem AbstÍ;108(13):110853mHirotan M, et al. Ganoderlc Ac ds T, S and R. N ew tr lerpenoids from the cLr tu red Ínyce a of ganodeÍrna ucid Lrm CheÍn pharm B u

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39 Lin J-trI, Lin C-C et a Radical scavenger and antihepalotoxlc actjviiy of Ganoderma foTrnosanum, canodeÍma lucidum and

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Hobbs C. l\4edic i a l\4ushrcoms. Santa Cruz CA:Botan ca PÍess 1 995 96-1 07lrlccufin 1,1, ed et a. Boian calSaiety Handbook Boca Ra1on, CRC PÍess1997:p55HornerWE, el a Basid;omycele Al ergens Comparlson oÍ thÍee ganoderma spec es Al ergy. Feb 1993t48 (2):11016Lee SY. CaldiovasculaÍ effecls of mycelLrm extract of Ganoderma lucidum:lnhibiton oÍ sympalhetic outÍlow as a Ínechan sm oí itshypotensive acton Chenr Pham Bul. (Tokyo) L4ay 1990;38(50) '1359-64

44. Kanmatslse K, et al Studies on Ganoderma lcidum . Efficacy aganst hypeÍtension and side effects. Yakugaku Zasshi Oct1985;105(10):94247

45. Hjklno H, et a.l/echanisms of hypoglycemc acUv ty of Ganoderan B:A g ycan of Ganoderma lucdurn fruit bodies. Panta l\4ed OclI990 55(5):a2l-8

46. Tao J, et a . Exper mentaL and c nical studies on in hibltory effecl oÍ Ganoderma luc dum on platelet aggregation. J Tongll [4 ed L]niv1990t10(4):240-3

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