Ganoderma Extract's Many Uses
Revered in the Orient for two millennia as the "Mushroom of Immortality," Ganoderma has been demonstrated to have a therapeutic effect on 16 out of 17 areas of health in Paul Stamets' chart on medicinal mushrooms. That's more than any other mushroom species.
Known in Tibet as Ling Chi, Ganoderma has a long history of use against high-altitude sickness and infections. [25] As a tribute to its gift of healing, or maybe just because it is beautiful in its own right, many Buddhist shrines and temples contain engravings of the Ganoderma mushroom.
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]
Or might the magic of Ganoderma extract instead be attributed to the powerful anti-inflammatory properties of its triterpenoid compounds? [42, 43, 44, 45] Anything from allergies, asthma and atherosclerosis [46] to arthritis, [47, 48, 49, 50, 51] bronchitis and the common cold involve an inflammatory response. Studies with promising results have also been performed that involved inflammation of the brain [52] and prostate. [53]
Allergies and inflammations are the results of an exaggerated immune response. So it has surprised researchers to discover that while Ganoderma extract calms the out-of-control immune response in cases of inflammation, it actually improves a healthy immune response. [48, 54, 55] It's even demonstrated some inhibitory effect on the replication of HIV in mother and daughter lymphocytes. [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].
In the book Mycelium Running, Paul Stamets lists the following additional areas where Ganoderma extract has demonstrated a beneficial therapeutic effect: Blood Sugar; Candida; Cholesterol; Kidneys; Lungs; Nerves. [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. Never use any herb (or mushroom) except as advised by a licensed medical practitioner.
Credit to Paul Stamets for research and source material. - 17274
Known in Tibet as Ling Chi, Ganoderma has a long history of use against high-altitude sickness and infections. [25] As a tribute to its gift of healing, or maybe just because it is beautiful in its own right, many Buddhist shrines and temples contain engravings of the Ganoderma mushroom.
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]
Or might the magic of Ganoderma extract instead be attributed to the powerful anti-inflammatory properties of its triterpenoid compounds? [42, 43, 44, 45] Anything from allergies, asthma and atherosclerosis [46] to arthritis, [47, 48, 49, 50, 51] bronchitis and the common cold involve an inflammatory response. Studies with promising results have also been performed that involved inflammation of the brain [52] and prostate. [53]
Allergies and inflammations are the results of an exaggerated immune response. So it has surprised researchers to discover that while Ganoderma extract calms the out-of-control immune response in cases of inflammation, it actually improves a healthy immune response. [48, 54, 55] It's even demonstrated some inhibitory effect on the replication of HIV in mother and daughter lymphocytes. [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].
In the book Mycelium Running, Paul Stamets lists the following additional areas where Ganoderma extract has demonstrated a beneficial therapeutic effect: Blood Sugar; Candida; Cholesterol; Kidneys; Lungs; Nerves. [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. Never use any herb (or mushroom) except as advised by a licensed medical practitioner.
Credit to Paul Stamets for research and source material. - 17274
About the Author:
Dr. Markho Rafael has worked with natural health since finishing Chiropractic College in the mid-90's. He currently specializes in medicinal mushrooms, including Extract of Ganoderma lucidum, in cooperation with the business Cordyceps Reishi Extracts, LLC. For scientific references to this article, please go to the Ganoderma extract page and click on any number indicating a reference.
posted by X - Men at
2:09 AM
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