Two Novel Supplements with Immune-Boosting PropertiesReishi Mushroom
Extract The Reishi mushroom (ling zhi or ganoderma lucidum)
has been used for thousands of years by herbal practitioners in China and Japan.
It is listed as a super herb in China's pharmacopoeia">
Reishi Mushroom
Extract The Reishi mushroom (ling zhi or ganoderma lucidum)
has been used for thousands of years by herbal practitioners in China and Japan.
It is listed as a super herb in China's pharmacopoeia, primarily for its ability
to modulate immune function and for its anti-cancer and hepato-protective
properties. Reishi mushrooms contain unique polysaccharides, which have been
shown to exert positive effects on the immune system. Other active constituents
include the ganoderminc acids, classified as triterpenoids, which are compounds
with a structure similar to steroid hormones. When used as a prophylactic agent
to support immune function or as a therapeutic agent for patients with immune
compromised states, liver disease, scleroderma, or as a means to reduce the side
effects of chemotherapy and/or radiation treatment, practitioners should be sure
to use a standardized grade which yields at least 10 percent polysaccharide and
four percent triterpene content from reishi mushroom powdered extract. Studies demonstrate that reishi mushroom extract potentiates
the tumoricidal capacity of macrophage cells and T-cells. It increases the
phagocytotic is activity of immune cells and significantly enhances the release
of cytokines that act as signaling agents to boost immune system efficiency.
Specifically, reishi mushroom extract has been shown to increase cytokine
synthesis and release of interferon, interleukin-1, beta, tumor necrosis
factor-alpha and interleukin-6, from human monocytes-macrophages and T
lymphocytes. Moreover, the release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interferon
acted synergistically to inhibit the growth of human leukemic cells in one such
study involving reishi mushroom extract. Other investigations have revealed that
reishi mushroom extract can help to re-establish normal levels of white blood
cells following gamma-ray irradiation. These findings have led to its use as a
cancer treatment support supplement by many practitioners in Asia. Reishi mushroom extract can be taken daily on
its own or as part of a combination product (30-60mg) for immune support. The
notion of ingesting exogenous immune system modulators takes on even greater
importance when we consider that the immune system becomes weaker and less
efficient as we age. Supplementation with reishi mushrooms, astragalus and
antioxidants have been shown to reverse many of these age-related changes to the
immune system, making them a strong consideration as natural agents that may
help to reduce cancer risk and susceptibility to more virulent infections, which
are known to accompany the aging process. Astragalus
The root of Astragalus membranaceous has been used for
many hundreds of years in traditional Chinese medicine. Like reishi mushroom
extract, it can be taken over long periods to support immune system
activity. Its key active ingredients include the astragalosides (saponins),
flavonoids and polysaccharides. Research reveals that astragalus can modulate
immune function in many ways, including: In human studies, astragalus supplementation has been shown to
increase serum IgM, IgE, and cyclic AMP, and nasal secretions of antibodies IgA
and IgG, all of which enhance immune function at various levels. In this regard,
astragalus has been shown to reduce the incidence of the common cold when used
as a daily preventive measure. Astragalus has also been used to improve the
responsiveness of lymphocytes in normal subjects and cancer patients. It can
also enhance natural killer cell activity in normal subjects and patients with
SLE. It has been shown to up-regulate the immune system in patients with AIDS
and in cancer patients. Taken as a solid powdered extract, astragalus should be
standardized to 0.5-percent 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy isofla-vone content. Typically
100-150mg is taken daily for general immune support. There are a number of natural agents and commercial products
that claim to enhance immune function. Some of these have better substantiation
than others. Among these, reishi mushroom extract and astragalus are well
supported by experimental research and human trials. Both of these natural
agents are also affordable in comparison to many other immune-booster products
present in the marketplace, and this is an important consideration when advising
patients about cost-effective natural interventions aimed at the prevention and
management of various conditions. What About Echinacea? As most practitioners know, echinacea augustifolia and echinacea
purpurea contain unique polysaccharide agents that also stimulate immune
system activity, primarily by increasing cytokines that enhance the phagocytosis
activity of macrophages and increase production of T-cells. Supplementation with
echinacea has been shown to be effective at aborting or minimizing the symptoms
and/or duration of upper-respiratory-tract infections if taken in large doses in
the early stages. However, the German Commission E warns against taking
echinacea on a daily basis as a preventive measure and suggests that it not be
used by patients with autoimmune conditions; collagen disorders; HIV or AIDS;
MS; tuberculosis; leukemia; or for long durations in patients susceptible to the
recurrence of herpes-1 or herpes-2 outbreaks. This is related to the fact that
echinacea may overstimulate the immune system if taken for too long a period,
and may in fact trigger or exacerbate the above conditions. |