Medicinal mushrooms

Medicinal mushrooms are mushrooms or extracts from mushrooms that are used or studied as possible treatments for diseases. Research has shown some medicinal mushroom isolates that have promising cardiovascular, anticancer, antiviral, antibacterial, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic properties.

Historically, mushrooms have long had medicinal uses, especially in Asia. Only a few mushroom extracts have been extensively tested for efficacy.

Medicinal mushrooms with a long recorded history of use include the edibles Grifola frondosa (maitake) and Lentinula edodes (shiitake), as well as Ganoderma lucidum (reishi) for use by tea. In ancient Japan, Grifola frondosa was considered medicinal, and was worth it's weight in silver. (Complementary and Alternative Medicine : Diet and Nutrition. American Cancer Society. 2008. Retrieved 2011-03-08.)

In this issue we would like to introduce you the most commonly used medicinal mushrooms.

Ganoderma (Ling Zhi)

Also named as "Reishi", famous for its popular application with Cancer patients.

Coriolus versicolor (Kawaratake)

Also named as "Turkey Tail mushroom" or "Cloud Mushroom (Yun Zhi)". Another popular commercial title related to this mushroom is "PSP" (polysaccharopeptide).

Phellinus Linteus (Sang Huang)

Also named as "Sang-Hwang". Very popular in Japan's cancer patient group.

Cordyceps sinensis (Dong Chong Xia Cao)

Cordyceps has been no doubt become one of the most precious and expensive mushrooms that has been applied in health purpose.

Grifola frondosa (Maitake)

Maitake is a giant mushroom found in the mountains of northeastern Japan.

Agaricus Brazae

Brazil Mushroom

Antrodia