By Stephen Case
Shiitake Mushroom
Clinical analysis of the shiitake leads researchers to believe that this mushroom activates the immune system’s cell defense mechanisms, including macrophages, natural killer cells and T cells.
Shiitake mushroom preparations are currently the most popular and well-researched medicinal mushroom. Traditionally, shiitake was used to treat chronic rheumatism, heart disease, cerebral hemorrhage, poor circulation, intestinal worms and fatigue.
Shiitake contains all eight essential amino acids and a combination of vitamins and minerals including vitamins A, B, B12, C, D, and Niacin. Shiitake also produces a fat-absorbing compound that can aid in weight reduction.
Shiitake mushroom extracts containing beta glucan and beta glucopyranosides are approved as an anti-cancer drug in Japan. The Japanese are also using these preparations to treat the following illnesses:
• AIDS
• Asthma
• Cancer
• Hepatitis B
• Herpes
• Viral Infections
• High Blood Pressure
• Ulcers
• Kidney disorders
• High Cholesterol
Clinical Analysis
Clinical analysis of the shiitake leads researchers to believe that this mushroom activates the immune system’s cell defense mechanisms, including macrophages, natural killer cells and T cells. They have found that it also helps to prevent depression of the immune system in general.
Recently, shiitake extracts have also been tested on breast cancer in the United States. Studies show that this extract produces significant inhibition of human mammary carcinogenesis.
Medical Reports
The New England Journal of Medicine reports that giving shiitake to two patients diagnosed with pre-AIDS symptoms improved the patients’ general condition and immune function. Researchers concluded that shiitake may prove to be effective in the suppression of the AIDS condition.
Recent Study
A recent study of 30 young women and 30 people over 60 years of age showed that eating enough shiitake on a daily basis can lower serum cholesterol levels significantly. This also helps to prevent atherosclerosis.
References
1. The New England Journal of Medicine
2. Nutraceutical World—October 2001, Medicinal Mushrooms
Related links
Stephen Case
Stephen Case is a business professional who writes and lectures on important products and developments in the field of natural health. He actively researches and reports on statistical and scientific health data to help bring natural health solutions to the Canadian public.
