Mushrooms have been valued for their medicinal properties for five millennia, and the ability of mushrooms to modulate immune functions has been scientifically researched for about 50 years. Numerous studies have shown that mushrooms possess potent immune-stimulating properties. And unlike many immune support ingredients, mushrooms are ideal for everyday immune support. The beta-glucans from mushrooms bind to receptors on immune cells such as macrophages.


Maitake Mushroom Benefits:

The maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa) grows in clusters at the base of trees (particularly oaks) and is native to the northeastern part of Japan and North America. Valued in traditional Chinese and Japanese botanical medicine as an aid to balance organ function, the mushroom is commonly known as “hen of the woods” in English; in the Asian market, its Japanese name maitake means “dancing mushroom.”

Maitake - is especially high in antioxidants such as ascorbic acid, tocopherols, phenolic compounds, carotenoids, and L-ergothioneine. It contains complex polysaccharides, which act as immunomodulators and possess antitumor activity. In 2009, a phase 1/2 clinical trial conducted by Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center showed that maitake could stimulate the immune systems of patients with breast cancer. The beta-D-glucan polysaccharides present in maitake have been studied as a potential aid for preventing and treating cancer and as an adjunctive treatment for HIV infection.6 Preliminary research suggests that maitake mushroom extracts can prevent the metastasis of experimentally induced tumors as well as prevent tumor occurrence in normal cells.7*

Additionally, preliminary clinical evidence suggests that maitake mushroom polysaccharides may lower blood glucose in people with type 2 diabetes, possibly by activating insulin receptors.8 Research in rats suggests that maitake mushroom can lower blood pressure and improve lipid profiles in experimental hyperlipidemia.9,10*

Maitake - also known as hen of the woods, is a large mushroom native to Japan, North America and Europe. Often found growing in clumps around the base of oak trees, maitake can reach a weight of 50 pounds. Scientific study shows the extract of this highly prized edible mushroom may have potential benefits for cholesterol and blood sugar levels, immune function and cancer treatment and prevention.*

Maitake - Cholesterol

Preliminary evidence shows that maitake may help lower cholesterol levels, notes CoxHealth Medical Center. A study on laboratory animals published in the October 2011 issue of the "Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry" found that four weeks of supplementation with maitake mushroom extract lowered liver cholesterol levels. Researchers concluded that maitake exerted its effects at the genetic level by increasing activity of genes in the liver that promote lipid transport. By contrast, Hypsizigus marmoreus, or beech mushroom, another mushroom tested in the study, did not show cholesterol-lowering effects.*

Maitake - Blood Sugar

Maitake may help manage blood sugar levels and prevent diabetes, according to a study published in the April 2007 issue of the "Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology." A polysaccharide molecule in maitake, called MT-alpha-glucan, decreased fasting blood sugar and insulin levels and increased levels of glycogen, a short-term storage form of glucose, in the liver. Maitake also increased the ability of insulin to bind to liver cells and improved pancreatic function. Researchers concluded that maitake may be useful for prevention and management of diabetes by decreasing insulin resistance.*

Maitake - Immune Function

Immune benefits of maitake extract include modulation of cytokines, molecules produced by white blood cells that activate the immune response, according to the University of Wisconsin Botany Department. Maitake exerts its effects by binding to the cell membranes of white blood cells known as macrophages and either activating or inhibiting release of cytokines. A study published in the summer of 2004 issue of the "Journal of Medicinal Food" found that D-fraction, a polysaccharide extract of maitake, activated several types of immune cells and molecules, including T-helper cells, macrophages and interleukins. Researchers concluded that maitake may offer immune benefits that help protect against infection.*

Maitake - Cancer

Maitake D-fraction may inhibit cancer development and spread and also make chemotherapy drugs more effective, according to Dr. Shari Lieberman, author of the book "Maitake Mushroom and D-Fraction." A study published in the June 2011 issue of the "Journal of Medicinal Food" found that maitake D-fraction promotes apoptosis -- programmed cell death -- in breast cancer cells. Maitake extract interfered with energy production in cancer cells, a discovery which, researchers note, will help scientists target potential cancer prevention and treatment approaches.*


Shiitake Benefits:

Shiitake: Immune enhancing: Shiitake mushrooms contain really high levels of polysaccharides that are excellent at enhancing your immune system. These polysaccharide compounds contain lentinans and other beta-glucans, which have been shown to boost the production of white blood cells. These compounds have also been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties.

Shiitake: Cholesterol reducing: Research indicates that much of the shiitake’s cholesterol and blood pressure-reducing power comes from a compound known as eritadenine. It’s also important to note that replacing the meat portion of a meal with a vegan-friendly food like shiitake mushrooms is another great way to avoid unnecessary cholesterol intake.

Shiitake: Bone boosting: Shiitake mushrooms contain vitamin D, which is one of the vitamins most necessary for building strong bones. However, according to Healthline, not all mushrooms contain high amounts of the stuff. Only those that have been exposed to UV light during the growth process will contain high enough vitamin D to strengthen bones and improve bone density.

Shiitake: Cancer support: Though the evidence is limited at this time, there are indications that the lentinan found in shiitake mushrooms could be effective at fighting cancer. Lentinan found in shiitake mushrooms has been shown capable of extending survival rates for patients with colorectal, liver, pancreatic, and stomach cancers when administered orally. These compounds were ineffective against those with prostate cancer, unfortunately.


Lion's Mane Mushroom

LifeSource Vitamins Hericium erinaceus Capsules, also known as Lion's Mane and Monkey’s Head mushrooms, has a long history of use throughout Asia and is one of the staples of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). LifeSource now produces the pure and most potent Hericium erinaceus, using only certified organic growth medium in a state of the art 21st century proprietary solid state fermentation process.*

This results in Hericium that is pure, with no heavy metals, pesticides or herbicides or other contamination, as can be found in wild or farm grown Hericium. LifeSource Vitamins Hericium is 100% Pure Hericium erinaceus, with no fillers or additives, Made with Organic Hericium erinaceus, 100% Made in America in an FDA registered facility with only American Ingredients, and it contains NO Chinese or other imported ingredients.

Lion's Mane Mushroom Facts:

• This species has many names including the bearded tooth mushroom and the pom pom mushroom. It is sometimes called the hedgehog mushroom, although that name usually refers to a different species altogether, Hydnum repandum.
• All species of Hericium are considered saprotrophs, meaning they feed on dead material. Hericium erinaceus is also a parasite, meaning it attacks and kills living trees.
• They're found in late summer to fall on dead or dying hardwood trees, especially oak and beech. They grow in North America, China, Japan, and Europe.
• This doesn't look like your typical mushroom. It has no real cap and no stem. Instead it sports long spines (greater than 1 cm) coming out from a single clump.
• Their color is mainly white, although they become brown or yellow with age. Their spore print is white as well.
• This is not a common species of mushroom, so finding one may be a rare treat. They grow higher up on trees rather than at the base, which means that they're also often missed during a mushroom hunt.
• There are several species in the Hericium genus that are referred to as "lion's mane" in North America. This article is specifically about Hericium erinaceus, but you may also hear about these types of mushrooms:

Native to North America, China, and Japan, the reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) has a purple-brown color with a long stalk and distinctive shiny cap shaped like a fan. Prized for its purported health benefits rather than its strong flavor, it grows on plum and oak trees. The reishi mushroom has traditionally been used for enhancing the immune system and addressing hypertension, hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular disease, and asthma and bronchial diseases.*

Reishi occurs in six different colors, but the red variety is most commonly used and commercially cultivated in East Asia and North America. In vivo and in vitro studies have identified the active components of reishi mushrooms are primarily polysaccharides, including beta-glucans and triterpenes, and seem to have a variety of pharmacological effects, including antioxidant, antitumor, immune-modulating, cardiovascular, antiviral, and antibacterial.*

Here is a list of the benefits that reishi mushrooms have as a daily dietary supplement or in helping to treat certain medical conditions:

• Reishi - These mushrooms are very strong antioxidants. Antioxidants protect the body from the negative effects of free radicals that are formed inside the body by daily exposure to the sun, chemicals, and pollutants. Reishi’s are proven to boost the immune system, especially when taken with other antioxidant supplements.*
• Reishi - It is believed that reishi mushrooms can suppress the growth of tumors in people with cancer. It can reinforce the membranes in cancerous cells to keep the tumor from spreading. For this reason, they are often used in efforts to prevent cancers.*

• Reishi’s - are also beneficial for people suffering from asthma and other respiratory conditions because it seems to have a healing effect on the lungs. They are good for building respiratory strength and curbing a cough.*
• Reishi mushrooms have anti-inflammatory properties and are therefore used sometimes for patients who have Alzheimer’s and heart disease. This is based on the idea that inflammation plays a part in each of these conditions. The pain that accompanies other inflammatory conditions like neuralgia and arthritis may also be lessened by reishi mushroom supplements.*
• Reishi - As far as benefits for the heart, reishi mushrooms can improve the flow of blood to the heart and reduce the amount of oxygen the heart consumes. It can help to lower cholesterol and some of the ingredients may help combat high blood pressure.*

Cordyceps Mushrooms

What Are the Health Benefits of Cordyceps?

The evidence that Cordyceps can boost exercise performance is somewhat limited. Researchers at Brigham Young University studied the effects of Cordyceps on endurance-trained cyclists. They concluded that the fungus does not increase aerobic capacity or exercise performance.

However, there are several other health claims linked to Cordyceps. Let’s look at a few of the most common.

Cordyceps - Reduces Inflammation

Scientists at the University of Nottingham in Britain have been researching the potential of Cordyceps to reduce inflammation. While their research shows the fungus is effective at reducing inflammation at the cellular level, it has not been tested on humans or animals.*

Cordyceps - Protects the Heart

A number of research studies show that Cordyceps has potential for treating heart disease. It is approved in China to treat arrhythmia. Talk to your doctor before you consider taking a supplement for any condition.*

Cordyceps - Slows Kidney Disease

In a 2011 study, researchers at Zhejiang University found that Cordyceps cicadae “may inhibit renal fibrosis” in rats. Renal fibrosis is a condition found in the later stages of kidney disease. Further study is needed.

Cordyceps - Slows Tumor Growth

A number of studies on animals indicate that Cordyceps may slow the growth of tumors from certain types of cancer. One theory is that it can stimulate the immune system to fight the cancer. No human testing has been done.*

Cordyceps - Revs Up Libido

Several studies show that Cordyceps increases testosterone in rats, but there are no credible human trials that indicate the fungus enhances libido or sexual performance.*


Chaga: Potential health benefits

The studies thus far on the health benefits of Chaga have been very encouraging, though scientists say a lot more research is necessary.

Chaga: Inflammation and immunity: Both animal and test-tube studies in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine found reduced inflammation and increased antibacterial and antiviral properties through chaga’s ability to increase white blood cells. But human studies are needed.

The findings are intriguing: White blood cells are the body’s main defense against viruses and bacteria, according to Dana Hunnes, PhD, senior dietitian at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. They help your body fight off bacteria and viruses and keep you healthy. This same research found that chaga mushrooms reduced and prevented the production of cytokines, which are markers for inflammation.

Chaga: Cancer: Chaga’s most acclaimed attribute is its ability to have antitumor activities. It’s been harvested and used to treat cancer in several countries, according to Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma: Approaches to Treatment. But again, human studies have yet to support this finding.

“Animal and test-tube studies show that Chaga can prevent and perhaps even slow down cancer cell growth,” says Hunnes, who is also a professor at the Fielding School of Public Health in Los Angeles.

One study in mice showed a 60 percent reduction in tumor size, and a test-tube study of human cells from livers, lungs, breasts, prostates, and colons, showed that chaga prevented the growth of cancer cells, according to Hunnes.

Diabetes: Managing blood sugar is essential for people with diabetes. When blood sugar levels are consistently high, it causes damage to vital organs, the eyes, and the nerves, and it does increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.

People are intrigued by the potential of chaga for managing blood sugar, but so far, it has only been tested in mice, so human studies must be conducted.

In a study published in Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy, researchers fed chaga mushroom extract to a group of overweight mice with type 2 diabetes. Compared with mice who didn’t eat chaga, the mushroom-eating mice had reduced blood sugar levels and insulin resistance.

Cholesterol: With chaga’s high concentration of antioxidants, it might just help people who have high cholesterol. This, in turn, could help protect against clogged arteries and heart disease. In the same Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy study mentioned above, overweight mice with type 2 diabetes that ate Chaga mushroom extract had reduced LDL “bad” cholesterol and increased HDL “good” cholesterol.

Turkey Tail Mushrooms

Powerful Immune System Booster

Of course, Turkey Tail mushrooms can do wonders for anyone’s immune system, even individuals who are already in good health. Some of the many conditions Turkey Tail mushrooms can improve and eliminate are . . .

• Infections and inflammations of the upper respiratory tract*
• Infections of the urinary tract*
• Infections and irritations of the digestive tract*
• Pulmonary diseases*
• Chronic congestion*
• General lack of energy and malaise*

These properties have been attributed to two polysaccharides, polysaccharide-K (PSK), also known as krestin, and polysaccharide-P (PSP). The Japanese government approved the use of PSK in the 1980s for treating several types of cancers, and it is currently used along with surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. PSK was shown to significantly extend survival at five years or beyond in cancers of the stomach, colon/rectum, esophagus, nasopharynx and lung (non-small cell types) in Japanese trials since 1970.*

Polysaccharide-P (PSP) was discovered more recently and has been studied mainly in China. In double-blind trials, PSP significantly extended five-year survival in esophageal cancer patients. PSP significantly improved quality of life, provided substantial pain relief and enhanced immune status in 70-97 percent of patients with cancers of the stomach, esophagus, lung, ovaries and cervix.*

Both PSK and PSP boosted immune cell production and alleviated chemotherapy symptoms. Research indicates that PSP may slow the growth of certain tumors and help protect the immune system, particularly from the effects of cancer treatment.*

Undoubtedly the most well-known and highly valued fungi-derived medicine is the life-saving antibiotic penicillin. But other fungi are highly medicinal as well, as Paul Stamets learned firsthand.*

In June of 2009, Stamets received shocking and distressing news from his mother: her right breast was 5 times the size of her left, due to 6 walnut-sized lymph nodes. The swelling and the enlarged nodes turned out to be caused by cancer. By the time of her examination and diagnosis, Stamets’ mother already had stage IV breast cancer, and it had already metastasized to her liver.*

The oncologist at the Swedish Breast Cancer Clinic at the University of Washington said that Stamets’ mother had the second worst case of breast cancer she’d seen in 20 years of practice. After predicting that Stamets’ mother had only 3 to 6 months to live, the oncologist told both mother and son about an intriguing new study using Turkey Tail mushrooms to cure cancer.*

Stamets’ mother tried the mushrooms (along with the drug Ariceptin). Fast forward 7 months later… Paul declared, “As of February 2010, she was virtually cancer-free”.

Turkey Tail - Cancer-Killing PSK

Stamets is not the only one interested in discovering what Turkey Tail mushrooms can bring to the fight against cancer. Turkey Tail mushrooms are actually one of the most researched and highly regarded medicinal mushrooms. They have a very long history of curative and medicinal use in China and Japan, where they are known as Yun Zhi or Kawaratake.

Turkey Tail mushrooms offer a long list of medicinal properties and health benefits, but they are most prized as a natural source of the anti-cancer polysaccharide PSK.*

PSK is said to fight cancer and halt tumors by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells and “stimulating a host mediated response.” PSK also promotes the body’s own “Natural Killer Cells” to strengthen and kick start the immune system .*

PSK is frequently combined with chemotherapy to increase cancer survival rates.*


Turkey Tail - A $2.25 Million NIH Study Confirms Turkey Tail Mushrooms’ Power Against Breast Cancer

Recently, the National Institute of Health (NIH) approved a $2.25 million-dollar study conducted jointly with Bastyr University, the University of Minnesota, and the University of Washington. Researchers analyzed the impact of Turkey Tail mushrooms on the immune systems of patients with breast cancer.

Dr. Cynthia Wenner is one of the principal investigators on the NIH study. In an interview with Bastyr University’s Bastyr Magazine, she said, “As an overall goal, we’re trying to discover if this mushroom will help stimulate the human immune response to breast and prostate cancers.”

The study — which used mushrooms provided by Stamets’ company, Fungi Perfecti, LLC — confirmed that the mushrooms definitely stimulate the immune system and can even correct deficits in the immune systems of patients, all without the toxicity and side effects that are so common with more traditional treatments.*

White Button Mushrooms: Potential Health benefits:

White Button Mushrooms: are very low in calories. They offer essential protein and amino acids, sufficient levels of mineral, vitamins, and fiber.

White Button Mushrooms: carry vitamin-D in the form of ergocalciferol. Vitamin-D is an essential fat-soluble vitamin required for bone growth and calcium metabolism.

White Button Mushrooms: carries excellent levels of selenium, copper, phosphorus, zinc, and potassium.

White Button Mushrooms: 100 g contain 0.318 mg or 37% RDI of copper. It is essential for blood cell production (hemtopoiesis), neurotransmission, and as a co-factor for oxidative enzymes.

White Button Mushrooms: 100 g of buttom mushrooms carry 9.3 μg or 17% RDI of selenium. Selenium is co-factor nutrient for the antoxidant enzyme, glutathione peroxidase. It plays a critical role in the integrity of liver and heart tissues.

White Button Mushrooms : Rich in the B-complex group of vitamins like thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine), and pantothenic acid.

White Button Mushrooms: 100 grams carries 0.402 mg or 37% RDI of riboflavin (vitamin B-2). Riboflavin deficiency could lead to ulcers in the mouth, cracked lip and mouth angles (angular stomatitis), scaly skin rashes, etc.

What are the health benefits of Black Fungus Mushroom?

Black Fungus Mushroom (Wood Ear) Nutritional Value

Fiber: Black Fungus or Wood Ear is a rich source of fiber.

Prebiotics: It has high content of polysaccharides, which act as prebiotics and support gut health.

Vitamins: Wood ear is a good source of Vitamin K, Folate, and Vitamin B2.

Minerals: It is rich in Minerals such as Iron, Magnesium, Potassium, Calcium, and Phosphorus.

Black Fungus Mushroom (Wood Ear): Promotes Heart Health and Weight Loss

Black Fungus increases blood circulation and prevents formation of blood clots.

It reduces bad cholesterol LDL levels and prevents oxidation damage to heart from free radicals.

Regular consumption of wood ear can help in heart conditions such as atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease.

It supports gut health, boosts digestive system functioning, and supports Weight loss.

Black Fungus Mushroom (Wood Ear): Anti-Microbial, Prevents Inflammation, Boosts Immunity

Wood Ear is a rich source of antioxidants in the form of polyphenols. It prevents inflammation, boosts immunity, and prevents oxidative damage.

It is anti-microbial in nature. Therefore, it prevents stomach disorders such as dysentery and diarrhea.

Black Fungus Mushroom (Wood Ear): Supports Healthy Liver and Brain Function

Wood Ear mushrooms contain enzymes and bioactive compounds that prevent brain cell degeneration and increase blood circulation to the brain.

Wood Ear mushroom prevents fat accumulation in the liver. Also, it supports the detoxifying function of the liver.

It has been shown to purify the blood and boost blood cell generation.


Health Benefits of the Royal Sun Agaricus Mushroom

Royal Sun Agaricus Mushrooms: Here are some potential benefits of Royal Sun Mushrooms and have only recently started to be tested on humans. Although there isn’t much research done here are some benefits that show the most promise.

Royal Sun Agaricus Mushrooms: Diabetes Recent studies, such as the one done in 2017, have shown that the royal sun mushroom might be helpful in treating type 2 diabetes. The researchers reported that this mushroom includes certain compounds like beta-glucan (dietary fiber) and oligosaccharides (a type of carb). Both compounds can help regulate blood sugar levels by decreasing inflammatory stress that can occur on the pancreas (the main source of insulin in the body). This mushroom might even work better when combined with 1500 milligrams of metformin (anti-diabetes drug). This way, the insulin resistance may improve even more, and the blood sugar levels can decrease two times more than when patients take the drug alone.

Even though these findings show promise, there is still a lot of research that needs to be done. It is still unclear whether or not the royal sun mushroom can control diabetes by itself or prevent diabetes from occurring in people with pre-diabetes.

Royal Sun Agaricus Mushrooms: Inflammatory Bowel Disease: The royal sun mushroom was most widely used for its anti-inflammatory potentials. It has proven to have a role in treating people with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

A study done in 2011 examined adults who were diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. The results showed that those who were prescribed oral Agaricus extracts (AndoSan) for two weeks have shown a huge reduction in intestinal inflammation.

The reduction rate was huge, varying from 20% to 80% depending on the inflammatory protein (cytokine) that was taken from the blood and stool tests. These results have proven that the royal sun mushroom might have a future in treating inflammatory bowel diseases. Although, much more studies are needed to determine just how effective this fungus can be.

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Disclaimer: All the information contained throughout this website is based upon the opinions of the founder of LifeSource Vitamins, Bruce Brightman, and the entire team at LifeSource Vitamins whose relentless research and studies have been ongoing since 1992. Other articles and information are based on the opinions of the authors, who retain the copyright as marked in the article. The information on this site is not intended to replace your health care professional, but to enhance your relationship with them. Doing your own studying and research and taking your health care into your own hands is always best, especially in partnership with your health care professional.

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