written about 200 BC. This treatise describes the medicinal properties that Reishi and many other fungi had.
The pharmaceutical industry in China uses 270 species of medicinal mushrooms and most of them have already been defined and compared in
terms of therapeutic uses and properties in the "Treaty of Medical Matters"
(Pen Tsao Kang Mu) in 1575.
Already in the eleventh century, the Chinese perfectly mastered the techniques of log cultivation by hypha inoculation and also the growth of many medicinal mushrooms.
Ötzi, The Man Of The Alps
As strange and incredible as it may seem knowledge of the therapeutic virtues of fungi in the West is probably as old as in China. This is evidenced by the remains of the Man of the Alps called Ötzi, who died frozen over 5000
years ago in the Alps and carried small pieces of Piptoporus betulinus and Fomitopsis officinalis.
Ötzi, the man of the Alps
It is very possible that in those times the flammable characteristics of both fungi were already known and that the “Iceman” used them as tinder to light the fire. On the other hand, it is also possible that by that time the antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory (polypeptide acids), antibiotic (piptamine), antiviral, and antitumor properties of the former were already known (in fact, the Ötzi autopsy revealed that he suffered from intestinal parasites).
Effects Of Medicinal Mushrooms
In different studies worldwide the effects of fungi have been examined in detail in the immune response pathways and direct antitumor mechanisms.
The help of immune effects is produced by a fungal stimulation of innate immune cells, such as monocytes, natural cytolytic lymphocytes, and dendritic cells. In general, it is considered that the cause of this activity is due to the presence of polysaccharides that contain a high molecular weight in fungi. Although it is also possible that different constituent elements are present. Modern science has discovered in the medicinal fungi several activities, such as hypolipidemic, antitumor, antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, antiparasitic, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, etc.
What Are They Used For?
Vital medicinal mushrooms are mainly used for the following purposes: They strengthen the body's immune system and serve as a natural support for the body's defenses.
Chelation therapy in the body: ligation and subsequent total or partial elimination of all toxic substances, such as heavy metals.
It serves as a support for detoxification of the organs.
As supportive therapy or aid for radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatments in cancer patients.
As they are not legally approved as official medicines in the European continent, vital medicinal mushrooms are marketed under the name of food supplements.
However, when these mushrooms are required to be used for treatments in the form of capsules, care should be taken that only better quality products are used. Since if the fungi come from areas with high exposure to pesticides, toxins, and other substances, circumstantially decreases its quality and ability to act against diseases, analysis of the raw material is an excellent way to carry out a verification. Also, it is advised that products containing fungal extracts instead of powder be used since the ingredients are much more combined and concentrated in the extracts.
Shiitake Mushroom
Fungi are rich in carbohydrates and prevent, above other things, constipation.
They are low-fat vegetables and apart from containing a high protein value, they contain between 10% and 50% of carbohydrates that are not digestible above human beings, but can be partially fermented by bacteria that have the colon, which is attributed to them that produce a similar effect on the digestive system to which the fibers produce.
They also have an effect that regulates intestinal transit. Besides, they have antioxidant and hypocholesterolemic properties, so it is essential to have these fungi in our diet, being cheaper those that are obtained directly from nature and moderately affordable those that are cultivated.
The mineral content they possess is a very important component of the balance of body fluids in the human body. It is important to highlight the importance of fungi as bioactive producers, which are implemented in medicine to delay and overcome complicated diseases, such as Alzheimer's or cancer.
In addition, mycological components are used to treat patients with diabetes, hypertension, or to strengthen the immune system of our body.
Defense Against Bacteria
Fungi in defense against bacteria have developed an antibiotic shield, so when consumed by anyone, it produces a significant improvement in immune function due to the composition of long-chain polysaccharides (B-glucans).
Many of these fungi are bitter, so our liver will have greater protection.
Recommendations For Use And Dose For Fungus Supplements When we talk about mushroom supplements, we refer to two main types: Concentrate or Fungus Extract: Most of them are called hot water extracts; the mycelium of the fungus (body of the fruit) is boiled for a long period to extract the polysaccharide chains. The final product is a concentrated form of complex sugars called glyconutrients, which is said to be the main compound that generates the health benefits of fungi.
Whole Mushrooms (Raw): Eating raw mushrooms or using products from whole fungus (powdered pills) is usually the best alternative you have if you are a person without any disease, that is, you are a healthy person and what you want is to maintain your health optimally since they help to maintain the vital functioning of several systems, instead of just focusing on imparting a direct effect. Most of the knowledge about fungi comes from ancient medicine in China, where fungi are considered as tonics. They consider that tonics generate non-specific benefits throughout the human organism without diminishing over time.
As mentioned above, if raw mushrooms are consumed, it must be ensured that they have been organically grown since they easily absorb air and soil pollutants.
Similarly, it is strictly necessary to ensure that commercial products are certified as organic for the same reason. In addition to the valuable nutrients
that fungi possess, they also provide the necessary dietary fiber to act as a prebiotic platform in the growth of organisms in the intestine, which is extremely important for digestive health.
CHAPTER TWO: TYPES OF MEDICINAL
MUSHROOMS
In general, fungi are fascinating species and even more medicinal mushrooms. They are not vegetables or animals, and although this is known by most people, what they do not know is that they share more DNA with animals than they do with plants.
