Mycelium to Mushroom to Medicine.
The fungi kingdom has made quite the appearance in more 'mainstream' alternative health as of late, and to no surprise. There have been mushroom teas, coffees, tinctures, and even chocolate bars - but despite knowing they have benefits, it's seldom people know the incredible potential boasted by these fabulous fleshy friends.
Fungi are one of the most widely distributed organisms on this planet, they were bound to have a unique connection with the human body, and despite the recent peak of interest, mushroom medicine has been utilised by Herbalists for centuries. In fact, the earliest known use of medicinal mushrooms comes from Ötzi 'the ice man' retrieved from an alpine glacier, dating back to 3300 BCE, who had in tow two different species of mushroom - one being Birch Polypore, widely used for its many medicinal properties.
The fungi kingdom is dense, and without dedicating my entire life to it, despite wishing I could, I cannot provide the magnitude of knowledge we have on this topic within a singular write-up. However I hope to break down a little bit about the basics of mushroom medicine, and the ongoing research that is bringing to light new and incredible talents of fungus.
Immunity
The most popular and well-know benefits of mushrooms are undoubtably their affinity for the immune system. As I'm sure Ötzi 'the ice man' was aware, Birch Polypore boasts some very potent antiseptic and immune-modulating properties.
The long-chain simple sugar compounds found in mushrooms - fungal polysaccharides - mainly β-glucans, are one compound responsible for the anti-inflammatory and immunity properties. This is due to their ability to destroy reactive-oxygen species (ROS) which influence damage to DNA. These sugar-compounds also lead to the stimulation of macrophages, thermocytes, & splenocytes - cells from different areas within the body responsible for immune health. The antioxidant activity is also due to the terpenoids and phenolic compounds present in fungi, which play a role in cancer prevention by preventing growth and proliferation of the cancer cells. Other immune-related conditions that have seen positive results from mushroom-based treatment include allergies, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, and tumours; research has shown the regulatory activities fungi has on Th1 & Th2 immunological helper cells is responsible for these actions.
Neurological Health
Many of us have heard about the glorious fungus that is Lions Mane, a fruit of luscious tendrils, and a neurological tonic.
Lions Mane has been shown to induce many neurological functions that are associated with healthy cognition, including the expression of nerve-growth factors (NGF) and Brain derived Neurotropic Factor (BDNF). NGF is a neurotropic compound responsible for regulating functions such as survival and maintenance of certain target neurons. A result of NGF deficiency is neurodegenerative diseases such as Dementia and Alzheimer's. BDNF is a neurotransmitter modulatory protein, also responsible for elasticity of the hippocampus which acts on memory recall and learning abilities.
The two key active constituents in Lions Mane responsible for the neurotropic activity are the hericenones and more importantly erinacines. Erinacines are cyanthin diterpenoids that exist in this particular fruiting body, but are even more dense in the mycelium.
Further research is being conducted on the use of these compounds in many degenerative conditions, including its role in peripheral neuropathy, a common secondary condition to diabetes involving nerve damage to the extremities.
Gut Health
Gut health is influenced drastically by everything that enters our body, and is a birthplace of many forms of dis-ease. Mushroom medicine is used extensively in gut health, traditionally, and more recently as new evidence arises.
Mushrooms have been studied for their prebiotic activity within our digestive systems, as the β-glucans influence positive change within the microbiome through fermentation of indigestible carbohydrates. Prebiotics are essential for the maintenance of gut health and the modulation of a healthy and well populated microbiome. Common fungi with prebiotic activity that can be incorporated into the diet include Shiitake, Lions Mane, Turkey tail, & Oyster Mushroom.
Turkey tail, a fruiting body with an affinity for the gastrointestinal tract, has large anti-cancer properties, one reason being its polysaccharide content, which has been used extensively in Asian countries for gastrointestinal cancers.
Between the anti-inflammatory, prebiotic, and antioxidant actions of fungi, it is clear to see why they have such a positive effect on the gastrointestinal system.
There are many other ways in which mushrooms can influence our health, such as the use of Cordyceps for cardiovascular health through cholesterol modulation and arterial dilation; or the use of Maitake mushroom in the treatment of reproductive cancers by inhibiting the cell proliferation and tumour growth; or even the vast hepatoprotective effects some species of fungi have shown in both animal and human trials. But as stated earlier, I would need a lifetime to convey how beneficial they truely are to us, and the importance of the symbiotic relationship we have with the mycelium network.
'Magic' Medicine
This is a topic that I hold close, something that really excites me - simply because this is an advancement in medicine that has for too long been shunned. Its appropriate to begin this sub-topic by addressing that I will not, nor do I have the knowledge or scope to, prescribe this form of medicine. I in no way disregard its vast benefits, but I reserve this for the healers who work with this area.
Psilocybin mushrooms, also know as 'magic mushrooms' have been used traditionally in many cultures for a range of reasons, whether it be for a consciousness expanding experience, or with the intention of healing some immovable trauma. In todays research, there have been breakthroughs with the active hallucinogenic compound - psilocin, which has a strong connection to Serotonin production as an agonist to the 5-HT receptors, this has been identified as a benefit in depressive disorders for acute mood enhancement. Another benefit of this medicine in the dramatic increase in Brain derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) production, increasing neuroplasticity - allowing the brain to form new neural pathways, and process emotional blockages. This suggests that there may be a future in treating mental illness and trauma-related illness with fungi, and research is already being done on similar topics such as the use of psilocin in PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
This is an exciting breakthrough for science, the utilisation of hallucinogenic compounds within medicine, but safety measures and strict dosage amounts are important - like any medicine; and this isn't something that I promote or advise for use at home.
An enigma to the medical field no more, mushrooms are finding their rightful place in the world.
Endless research on this topic is being done everyday, and the future of mushroom medicine is vast. While medicinal mushrooms are found in a plethora of forms, be it capsules or chocolate, the most efficient way you can incorporate them into your life is through your diet. Nutritionally, mushrooms are an excellent source of protein, fibre, prebiotics, carbohydrates, Vitamin B1, B2, & Vitamin C. We must not ignore the importance of food as medicine, and the healing properties of a balanced diet fuelled with medicinal foods.
Its always preferred to source local, so I'll leave you with a few of my favourite mushroom and mushroom product suppliers:
Little Acre - Brisbane's specialty gourmet mushroom farm. Purchase mushrooms ready to eat, grow your own, or attend masterclasses to perfect your cultivation skills.
Life Cykel - Located in Northern NSW, a team of fungi fanatics have taken medicinal mushrooms to a new level. Using biotechnology, they are producing twice-extracted mushroom liquids from various species of fungi, utilised for different medicinal requirements.
Use ‘TAKETHISROOT10’ for 10% off your total order.
