Nutritional Properties of Mushrooms
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
The Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) has been used by humans for thousands of years. Known to the Chinese as Ling Zhi, which translates roughly to the “Mushroom (or Herb) of Immortality,” this mushroom has been revered for a wide range of health benefits. Reishi is primarily used to support the immune system function by promoting the beneficial effects of white blood cells in the body. It is regarded as a powerful adaptogen to help bring the body back into balance and reduce stress. Polysaccharides and beta-glucans are the immune-boosting compounds in Reishi. These compounds stimulate the activity of a type of white blood cell called natural killer (NK) cells that can stop the spread of cancer cells and fight infections.
Reishi contains other compounds called triterpenes that may have anti-viral and anti-allergy effects and sterols that can lower blood-pressure. Laboratory studies suggest that Reishi has antihistamine effects that can reduce inflammation in the body.
Reishi has been found to have anticoagulant effects and can slow blood clotting. People using blood-thinning drugs should avoid using Reishi as this may increase the risk of bleeding
More studies and human trials are still needed to improve the understanding of the benefits of Reishi. Try it for yourself and see what benefits may come to you from this powerful organism that has been partnered with humans for millennia.
Blue Sky Fungi cultivates Reishi during the warm summer months for use in our tinctures and for direct sales to those interested in herbalism. We cultivate Reishi on hardwood substrates in both wildcrafted and artificial conditions.
For more information on Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), please consult these references and resources:
Cao, Q. Z. and Lin, Z. B. Antitumor and anti-angiogenic activity of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides peptide. Acta Pharmacol.Sin. 2004;25(6):833-838
Hong, K. J., Dunn, D. M., Shen, C. L., and Pence, B. C. Effects of Ganoderma lucidum on apoptotic and anti-inflammatory function in HT-29 human colonic carcinoma cells. Phytother.Res. 2004;18(9):768-770
Eo, S. K., Kim, Y. S., Lee, C. K., and Han, S. S. Possible mode of antiviral activity of acidic protein bound polysaccharide isolated from Ganoderma lucidum on herpes simplex viruses. J Ethnopharmacol. 2000;72(3):475-481
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Reishi Mushroom. (https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/reishi-mushroom)
Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus)
The Oyster mushroom is a very common mushroom found around the world; both cultivated in grow rooms and growing wild in forests. The Oyster mycelium is also one of the most hardy and vigorous growing organisms in fungal kingdom. It can grow and learn to eat anything from wood and most cellulose containing plant matter to small microorganisms like nematodes … and all the way to petroleum products. The nutritional value of Oyster mushrooms makes them an important part of the human diet. The potential value and wide-ranging application of Oyster mushrooms may be integral to the future of humanity.
Oyster mushrooms belong to the genus Pleurotus and the many species have different forms, colors, growth characteristics, and habitats. In general, Oyster mushrooms are a good source for protein, B Vitamins, polysaccharides, and lovastatin. The molecule lovastatin has been found to modulate blood-cholesterol levels which can lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health. Oysters can also lower blood-sugar levels with an anti-hyperglycemic effect from their compounds. The variety of polysaccharides in Oyster mushrooms promote anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor effects in the body.
Blue Sky Fungi cultivates a variety of Oyster mushrooms during much of the growing season and are available at the local farmers markets. This is one of the easiest mushrooms to grow and is recommended for beginners interested in mushroom cultivation. If you are interested in cultivating Oyster mushrooms, contact us for grow kits or grain spawn to inoculate your own mushroom installations.
References:
Ajith T.A., Janardhanan K.K. Indian Medicinal Mushrooms as a Source of Antioxidant and Antitumor Agents. Journal of Clinical Biochem Nutrition 2007 May; 40(3): 157-162
Gunde-Cimerman N., Cimerman A. Pleurotus Fruiting Bodies Contain the Inhibitor of 3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaryl-Coenzyme A Reductase—Lovastatin. Experimental Mycology 1995 Mar; 19(1): 1-6
Patel Y., Naraian R., Singh V.K. Medicinal Properties of Pleurotus Species (Oyster Mushroom): A Review. World Journal of Fungal and Plant Biology 2012; 3(1): 1-12
Stamets P. The Mighty Oyster Mushroom: The Workhorse of Gourmet Fungi. www.huffpost.com. January 25, 2013
Blue Sky Fungi tinctures are meant to be taken as dietary supplements only. The statements above and the nutrition properties have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consultation with a qualified health professional who specializes in natural medicine is recommended before use, especially if you have any serious medical conditions, are pregnant, breast feeding, or currently taking potentially conflicting medication.