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Reishi contains ß-D-glucan in hot water
extracts 1
which is believed to be the key to its immune stimulating
properties because of a common final pathway of immune
reaction mediated through the receptor for ß-glucans
found on neutrophils,2
monocytes or macrophages,3
NK cells,4
and T and B lymphocytes.5
Scientists aslo believe triterpenoids are other active
constituents in Reishi (fruitbodies and mycelia)6.
Some of these triterpenoids (e.g., ganoderic acid) have
shown significant immuno-modulating activity (Kim and
Kim, 1999).
Traditional
Use
Traditional Chinese medicine focuses
on an active health promotion for disease prevention.
As a royal herb of ancient China
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and "mushrooms of immortality",
Reishi has been used for the purpose of health promotion
in China and other Asian countries for 2,000 years (Shiao
et al, 1994), however, its scientific research did not
begin until 1990's.
Pharmacological and Clinical Research
Though so far there has
been no published clinical studies in humans to date
for Reishi to treat cancers, but the indications for
its supplemental use can be "indirectly" supported
by the trials with other comparable mushroom polysaccharides
for example the PSP and PSK (Chang 1994.)
As a supplement for cancer patients, Reishi can reduce
side-effects of cytotoxic cancer therapy or radiotherapy
(Shi 1993), and reduce the pain (Kupin 1994). It also
has significant efficacy on anti-fatigue (Yang 1994),
hair loss (Miyamoto et al. 1985), and bone marrow suppression
(Jia et al. 1993)
Its immune stimulating properties, especially the activation
of NK and CTL, are beneficial to the prevention of occurrence
or recurrence of cancers via enhanced immune system
defense (Lotzova 1985). When administered orally, Reishi
polysaccharides have demonstrated to enhance NK and
CTL activity (Won et al. 1989).
The use of Reishi as a supplement to cancers, the recommended
daily dose would be 5-10 grams of its fruitbody extract
or equivalent (Chang 1994.)
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