Mushrooms are humble wonders of nature with a multitude of health benefits that have fascinated people since time immemorial. The historical importance of mushrooms as a remedy spans all civilizations. The variety of pharmacological effects is increasingly becoming the subject of medical research. Mushroom extracts can offer multiple benefits, such as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects. This wealth of bioactive substances has the potential to optimize conventional therapies and support human health in various areas.
Clinical studies on mushroom extracts
Venturella et al. (2021) highlights the versatile medicinal applications of Ganoderma lucidum (Curtis) P. Karst, also known as Reishi, in "Medicinal Mushrooms: Bioactive Compounds, Uses and Clinical Studies"¹. This mushroom is valued for its numerous bioactive compounds, including triterpenes, polysaccharides and other metabolites. The pharmacological properties of G. lucidum cover a wide range, such as anticancer, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective effects. In particular, the role of triterpenes such as ganoderic acids and polysaccharides such as β-glucans, which are responsible for the anti-angiogenic and immune-boosting properties of reishi, is emphasized. The immunomodulatory effect extends to various immune cells and signaling pathways.
The study also deals with the bioactive metabolites erinacine and hericenone, which are contained in the Hericium erinaceus mushroom and are known as lion's mane or hedgehog spikenard. These compounds have neurotropic and neuroprotective effects, as they promote the synthesis of nerve growth factors. In addition to their effect on neurodegenerative diseases, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, immunostimulant and other health-promoting properties of the mushroom are also emphasized. Erinacin A, a major member of the erinacin group, has protective effects against Parkinson's disease and ischemic strokes as well as antitumor effects by inducing apoptosis and influencing various signaling pathways in human cancer cells. Another erinacin, erinacin C, shows antineuroinflammatory and neuroprotective properties by modulating NF-κB and the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways. Research shows promising applications of these bioactive compounds in neurological diseases, cancer and inflammation.
Although the potential of medicinal mushrooms for human health is obvious, there is still a great need for research. There are differences in study design, preparation methods and the interpretation of results in clinical trials, which makes comparability and standardization difficult.
Understanding the complex compositions of mushrooms, refining research methods and ensuring standardized production pave the way to fully exploiting their healing potential.
Spotlight: our extracts
Our selection of extracts has been carefully chosen. From cordyceps sinsensis to porcini mushroom, maitake to reishi, shiitake to chaga - our range offers a variety of extracts and powders.
They are full of important vitamins and minerals that support the body's diversity. These include vitamin D, various B vitamins, potassium, riboflavin, niacin, zinc, magnesium, copper, phosphorus and selenium. They are also rich in fiber, proteins, beta-glucans and polysaccharides.
Our Christmas offer
Mushrooms are a heritage of healing and are now being studied by science. From their long use in various civilizations to recent studies that have proven their efficacy, mushroom extracts offer a promising array of health benefits. Although their full potential is yet to be unlocked, mushroom extracts have already shown immunomodulatory capabilities.
We therefore cordially invite you to celebrate all our mushroom products! Until December 24th, you will receive a 10% discount on all orders received. Discover our wide range of mushroom extracts!