Mycotherapy Flashcards
(44 cards)
What does the mycelial network do
it’s a root-like network that releases enzymes and acids to externally digest dead organisms and move nutrients back into the lifecycle.
What are the compounds produced by medicinal mushrooms that can be harnessed therapeutically
Beta-Glucans
Triterpenes
Sterols
Lectins
LEARN
What are the most common forms of beta-glucans
1,3 and 1,6 beta-glucans
What is the most important action of beta-glucans and what are they
Beta-glucans are soluble fibres that come from fungi/mushrooms. They stimulate immune cells (macrophages, neutrophils, NKC, etc) and support
- optimal immune function
- promote immunomodulation
- anti tumour activity
What are the roles of triterpenes and provide example of which mushroom are they in
Reishi
hepato-protective
anti-tumour
What is the role of sterols
sub group of steroids and precursor to Vit D.
Anti cancer
What is the role of Lectins
Agglutinate tumour cells preventing proliferation
Immune modulatory
Why are mushrooms useful in cancer prevention
Compounds in medicinal mushrooms such as beta-glucans and triterpenes are anti-tumour,
sterols are anti cancer,
and lectins prevent tumour proliferation.
Beta glucans also support optimal immune funtion.
Are mushrooms safe to use with drugs
Mushrooms demonstrate no appreciable inhibition of CYP450 enzymes which breakdown/metabolise drugs - therefore possibility of interaction is unlikely.
Reishi is an adpatogen - what are its most important constituents
polysaccharides (beta-glucans), triterpenes (ganoderic acids), lectins, sterols, Bs
8 therapeutic uses of Reishi
Immune modulating: increases number and activity of immune cells
Anti viral: Triterpenes inhibit replication of EB Virus and Hep B, inhibit and reverse transcriptase in HIV
Anti cancer: induces apoptosis and inhibits antgiogenesis of cancer cells; beta glucans strengthen immune sys; inhibit tumour metastases
Anti inflammatory:Triterpenes are anti inflammatory and anti histamine. Healthy ageing
Anti coagulant: Ganoderic acids inhibit platelet aggregation, thinning blood.CV disease support
Benign prostatic hyperplasia: 5a Reductase inhibitor therefore blocks conversion of testosterone to DHT/prostate growth
Stress and sleep: Triterpenes have sedative action, calm NS, support sleep and relaxation
Blood sugar regulating: Ganoderic acids increase insulin secretion and decrease resistance. - T2DM and PCOS
What makes Reishi unique amongst medicinal mushrooms therapeutically
Action on stress and sleep - sedative and calms the nervous system.
What is the dosage range of reishi
3-9g / day (up to 15g).
What are the predominant drug interactions with medicinal mushrooms
Warfarin/anticoagulant drugs. may increase risk of bleeding.
Shiitake - what are its most important constituents
the beta-glucan LENITNAN, choline, zinc, provitamin D, iron, Bs and unsaturated fatty acids
What is the most important function of LENTINAN, the beta glucan found in shiitake
anti cancer - it’s the third most widely prescribed anti cancer ‘drug’ in the world. Used byTCM to nourish the blood.
List 5 therapeutic uses of shiitake
Immune modulating: increases phagocytes, T-lymphocytes and NK cells and interferon synthesis (anti viral) - used in immune support, esp for cancer patients and HIV.
Anti Candida, gingivitis and periodntitis.
CVD: Lowers LDL by increasing excretion, increases HDL
Inhibits platelet aggregation
Cancer: anti-proliferative and anti-angiogenic. Studies show life-prolonging effects in liver, pancreatic, gastric and colorectal cancer receiving chemo.
Gout: alkalising effect and lowers uric acid levels.
Benign prostate hyperplasia:high Zn blocks conversion of DHT
What is the recommended dose of shiitake and what are the side effects of long term high dose
1.5-10g (up to 16g)
Rare side effects of abdominal discomfort, photosensitivity, asthma
Lion’s Mane: what are its constituents
beta-glucans, erinacines, high protein, Se, Zn
What are two therapeutic uses of lions mane
GI disorders: promotes regeneration of the gastric and intestinal mucosa - intestinal permeability, IBD, Peptic ulcers, gastritis, GORD.
Prebiotic therefore disbiosis use
Nervous system disorders:
What does erinacine in Lion’s mane have a stimulatory effect on
stimulates production of NGF - nerve growth factor - a protein required to regenerate and repair nerve tissue.
Powerful anti oxidant
Alzheimers, concussion, MS, Parknsons, peripheral neuropathies, cognitive decline.
What is the recommended dose of lions mane
1-6g/day
Turkey Tail - what are its key components and what are they used for
2 polysaccharide extracts - polysaccharide K (PSK) and polysaccharide-peptide (PSP) used as drugs in cancer patients. PSK widely used in Japan.
What are the 2 therapeutic uses of turkey tail
Cancer: anti: proliferative, metastatic, angiogenic. Can induce apoptosis of cancer cells.
PSK and PSP improves survival when combined with conventional therapies and protects against mutations caused by radiotherapy.
Especially indicated in hormonally driven cancers.
Immune modulatory: increases macrophage, T-lymphocyte, NKC.
Anti-viral against viruses eg EBV, HIV, Hep B.
Normalises overactive immune syst (good for autoimmunity) - no effect on healthy but upregulates immune system in immunocompromised.
