Many Uses of Ganoderma Extract
"Mushroom of Immortality" may not be a literally accurate nickname since nobody has ever been known to live forever. But Ganoderma extract has for a fact been revered and utilized for its healing and life-extending properties since before the birth of Christ.
In Tibet, it goes by the name Ling Chi, and many Buddhist temples and shrines are adorned with artistic renderings of this beautiful fungus. Tibetans have a long tradition of using Ganoderma extract for infections as well as high-altitude sickness. [25]
Unlike the healers of old, contemporary health professionals may now point to modern research and attribute the life extending properties of Ganoderma to its anti-oxidants, which are at an exceptionally high level and help to protect against one of the major cause of aging, free radical damage. [34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41]
The anti-inflammatory properties of Ganoderma's triterpenoid compounds may be another contributing factor to its life-prolonging properties. [42, 43, 44, 45] Inflammation is, after all, involved in many of our most prevalent illnesses, from the common cold and bronchitis, allergies and asthma to arthritis [47, 48, 49, 50, 51] and atherosclerosis. [46] In fact, any part of the body may be susceptible to inflammation, from brain [52] to reproductive organs. [53]
But although Ganoderma extract can help slow an overactive immune response in cases of inflammation, it has simultaneously been shown to strengthen a sluggish immune system. [48, 54, 55]. Its therefore referred to as an immune system "adaptagen." One study even showed that it had an inhibitory effect on the replication of HIV. [56]
Another rejuvenating (anti-aging) effect of Ganoderma extract relates to its effect on the alveoli of the lungs and increased oxygen absorption, [57] as well as increased coronary flow and decreased blood pressure, [58] both of which contribute to an energizing and vitalizing effect. For this reason, two studies have shown promise in the use of Ganoderma with chronic fatigue. [59, 60]
Like several other medicinal mushrooms, Ganoderma also contains anti-tumor compounds. Research on Ganoderma extract has yielded positive results on cancers of the cervix, prostate, liver, lungs, bone and blood. [61, 62, 63, 64, 65] Two studies indicate that this effect is secondary, by way of stimulating the body's own immune system and cancer fighting mechanisms. [66, 67]
A couple of Chinese research articles have reported positive results from the use of Ganoderma extract on supporting the liver in cases of chronic hepatitis [68] as well as post-hepatic cirrhosis [69].
Another study indicated that it helps restore certain spleen functions. [34] And powdered Ganoderma has been used for a number of skin disorders [70], including poison ivy rash [25].
Paul Stamets lists the following additional therapeutic areas of potential use for Ganoderma extract: Candida; Diabetes / Hyperglycemia; Cholesterol; Kidney Function; Respiratory System; Nerves; and Stress. [134]
Note: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a licensed medical practitioner before using any herb (or mushroom) for medicinal purposes.
Credit: Thank you to Paul Stamets for source material. - 17273
In Tibet, it goes by the name Ling Chi, and many Buddhist temples and shrines are adorned with artistic renderings of this beautiful fungus. Tibetans have a long tradition of using Ganoderma extract for infections as well as high-altitude sickness. [25]
Unlike the healers of old, contemporary health professionals may now point to modern research and attribute the life extending properties of Ganoderma to its anti-oxidants, which are at an exceptionally high level and help to protect against one of the major cause of aging, free radical damage. [34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41]
The anti-inflammatory properties of Ganoderma's triterpenoid compounds may be another contributing factor to its life-prolonging properties. [42, 43, 44, 45] Inflammation is, after all, involved in many of our most prevalent illnesses, from the common cold and bronchitis, allergies and asthma to arthritis [47, 48, 49, 50, 51] and atherosclerosis. [46] In fact, any part of the body may be susceptible to inflammation, from brain [52] to reproductive organs. [53]
But although Ganoderma extract can help slow an overactive immune response in cases of inflammation, it has simultaneously been shown to strengthen a sluggish immune system. [48, 54, 55]. Its therefore referred to as an immune system "adaptagen." One study even showed that it had an inhibitory effect on the replication of HIV. [56]
Another rejuvenating (anti-aging) effect of Ganoderma extract relates to its effect on the alveoli of the lungs and increased oxygen absorption, [57] as well as increased coronary flow and decreased blood pressure, [58] both of which contribute to an energizing and vitalizing effect. For this reason, two studies have shown promise in the use of Ganoderma with chronic fatigue. [59, 60]
Like several other medicinal mushrooms, Ganoderma also contains anti-tumor compounds. Research on Ganoderma extract has yielded positive results on cancers of the cervix, prostate, liver, lungs, bone and blood. [61, 62, 63, 64, 65] Two studies indicate that this effect is secondary, by way of stimulating the body's own immune system and cancer fighting mechanisms. [66, 67]
A couple of Chinese research articles have reported positive results from the use of Ganoderma extract on supporting the liver in cases of chronic hepatitis [68] as well as post-hepatic cirrhosis [69].
Another study indicated that it helps restore certain spleen functions. [34] And powdered Ganoderma has been used for a number of skin disorders [70], including poison ivy rash [25].
Paul Stamets lists the following additional therapeutic areas of potential use for Ganoderma extract: Candida; Diabetes / Hyperglycemia; Cholesterol; Kidney Function; Respiratory System; Nerves; and Stress. [134]
Note: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a licensed medical practitioner before using any herb (or mushroom) for medicinal purposes.
Credit: Thank you to Paul Stamets for source material. - 17273
About the Author:
Dr. Rafael has worked with natural health since finishing Chiropractic College in the mid-90's. He currently specializes in medicinal mushrooms, including Ganoderma lucidum extract, in cooperation with the business Cordyceps Reishi Extracts, LLC. For scientific references to this article, please go to the Ganoderma extract page. Click on any number indicating a reference.
posted by X - Men at
2:16 AM
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