Hobbies And Interests
Anti-Tumor
The branching in the polymers that wild mushrooms create from wood cellulose may be the key to their medicinal properties. The beta-glucans, or the branches in these polymers, of wild mushrooms, such as shiitake, reishi, maitake and hoelen, have been shown to slow or reverse tumors in humans and animals in clinical studies. In 1987, a study published in the Chemical and Pharmacological Bulletin in Japan determined that the more branching in a beta-glucan, the greater the anti-tumor activity.
Anti-Inflammatory
Certain wild mushrooms, such as Ganoderma applanatum, have anti-inflammatory properties, according to Americanmushrooms.com. Inflammation can be a bugaboo to the human body if this natural defensive response goes out of control and starts destroying healthy tissue. Wild mushrooms may provide relief by reducing inflammation. Commonly found on dead or dying hardwood trees, Ganoderma, aka Artist's Conk, form shelf-like growths on the bark and may be steeped in hot water for tea. The Clinker Polypore is also an anti-inflammatory agent, in addition to being antibacterial, antiviral, blood sugar-regulating and a liver tonic. The Umbrella Polypore also has similar properties.
Immune Boosting
Wild mushrooms do not "kill" cancer cells so much as propping up the immune system so that it functions better. In 1992, a University of Hawaii study found that mice with lung cancer had higher survival rates with reishi extract and chemotherapy rather than with chemotherapy alone. This may be because when linked with proteins, beta glucans in wild mushrooms "fool" the body into thinking it has been invaded by bacteria, and therefore stimulates an immune response.
Miscellaneous Compounds
Particular wild mushrooms have been shown to contain specific phytochemicals: a 2009 study on the effect of wild medicinal mushrooms on the health of chickens conducted by the National Veterinary Research Institute in Nigeria found that wild Ganoderma Sp. had saponins, cardiac glycosides, steroids and resins. Saponins bind with bile salt to prevent reabsorption of cholesterol, while resins are hydrocarbons secreted by plants that kill insects and fungi and help in wound healing. Cardiac glucosides increase myocardial circulation. In 2008, a study of Portuguese wild mushrooms published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, found that wild mushrooms like Cantharellus cibarius, Hypholoma fasciculare, Lepista nuda and Lycoperdon perlatum contained phytochemicals such as phenolics, tocopherols, ascorbic acid and carotenoids. In an antioxidant capacity, phytochemicals prevent cell damage by free radicals that can lead to cancer and heart disease.