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magazine presents

MUSHROOMS
by

LISE ALSCHULER, ND, and

KAROLYN A. GAZELLA

Copyright 2009 by Lise Alschuler, ND, Karolyn A. Gazella, and Active Interest Media, Inc.
All rights reserved. No part of this booklet may be reproduced, stored in an electronic
retrieval system, or transcribed in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical,
including photocopying and recording, without the prior written permission of the
publisher, except for the inclusion of quotations in a review.
Published by:
Active Interest Media, Inc.
300 N. Continental Blvd., Suite 650
El Segundo, CA 90245
This booklet is part of the Better Nutrition Healthy Living Guide series. For more information,
visit www.betternutrition.com. Better Nutrition magazine is available at fine natural health
stores throughout the United States. Design by Aline Design: Bellingham, Wash.
The information in this booklet is for educational purposes only and is not recommended
as a means of diagnosing or treating an illness. All health matters should be supervised by
a qualified healthcare professional. The publisher and the author(s) are not responsible for
individuals who choose to self-diagnose and/or self-treat.

MUSHROOMS
CONTENTS
Introduction: The Fruitful Fungi...........................................4
Chapter One: Magic or Medicine?....................................... 6
Chapter Two: Health Applications.....................................12
Chapter Three: Scientific Validation.................................21
Chapter Four: Choosing Mushroom Supplements..... 28
Selected References....................................................................31

Introduction

The Fruitful Fungi

or centuries we have known that some foods can heal and some
can harm. Perhaps no food demonstrates both sides of that truism
as well as mushrooms. Poisonous mushrooms can cause severe illness and even death, but others can improve health and treat disease.
Of the 14,000 different types of mushrooms, a handful have incredible
healing powers. Known as medical mushrooms, these select fungi have
the therapeutic potential to ease many serious illnesses including cancer,
AIDS, Alzheimers, and diabetes. But what exactly is a mushroom?

Fungus Among us
The mushroom is actually the fruiting body of a fungus. Unlike a plant, a
fungus does not contain chlorophyll. Chlorophyll, plants green or purple
pigment, uses the energy from the sun as fuel for growth. A fungus survives
and thrives by living off nutrients absorbed from organic materials such as
trees or dead plants. Mold and yeast are also a part of the fungus family.
Fungi do not belong to the plant or animal kingdom; they claim a kingdom of their own. According to plant pathologist Barbara Ambruzs with

M U S H R O O M S

Iowa State University, growing mushrooms is more like caring for a dog
versus a plant since mushrooms need attention about two to three times
a day. A better comparison might be rabbits: Mushrooms are very proficient multipliers.
Whereas plants reproduce with seeds, mushrooms rely on their spores.
The fruit of the mushroomthe part that is visible above groundproduces hundreds of thousands of microscopic spores. Under ideal circumstances, mushrooms can grow very rapidly, transforming from the size
of a pinhead to a golf ball literally over night. Some mushrooms will
be noticeably larger in just a few hours. A few types of mushrooms can
even spread over hundreds of miles. Because they appear so suddenly,
the ancient Romans believed mushrooms were magical. In ancient Egypt,
only the pharaohs were allowed access to mushrooms because they were
believed to contain the key to immortality.
Mushrooms are one of natures oldest food sources. They can enhance
other ingredients or even serve as a main course. Beyond their flavor, mushrooms are a nutritional powerhouse packed with important protein, fiber,
minerals, and vitamins. Mushrooms are fat-free, cholesterol-free, low in
calories, and very low in sodium. They also contain polysaccharides
health-promoting complex carbohydrates.
Many ancient civilizations used mushrooms for more than just food
they believed they had significant healing powers. Today, the scientific
community is finding they were right.
These popular healing mushrooms have wonderfully descriptive names
like Turkey Tail, Lions Mane, Dancing Mushroom, Sun Mushroom, Silver
Ear and the American favorite, White Button. The next chapter provides
complete descriptions of the nine most important healing mushrooms
presently being evaluated by the research community. All of these mushrooms are also available as dietary supplements at your local natural health
store. A steep tradition of historical use combined with scientific validation is driving intense interest in this food and supplement category.
M U S H R O O M S

Chapter One

Magic or Medicine?

astern nations such as Japan and China have perfected the medicinal mushroom craft. For centuries, mushrooms have been thought
to be a valuable tool in promoting health and vitality. The traditional use of mushrooms as natural medicines is unprecedented. Modern
science continues to confirm the ancient wisdom about the mighty mushroom, converting the magical myth into medical reality.

Types of Mushrooms
Of the thousands of varieties of mushrooms presently growing throughout the world, several types possess specific medicinal properties. Here is
a brief description of the nine most widely studied types of mushrooms,
listed in alphabetical order. We will cover specific health applications in
more detail in chapter three.

Agaricus bisporus (White Button). Members of this family of

mushroom have a familiar button cap with radiating gills on the underside. In fact, the word agaricus means gilled mushroom. The white button,
portabella, and crimini are all Agaricus bisporus mushrooms. About 90
percent of United States mushroom production is with this type of mushroom, making it the most commonly grown mushroom in America. Onehalf of the Agaricus mushroom crop is produced in Pennsylvania. The Agaricus mushroom has become a great low-calorie alternative to meat and
also contains many important vitamins. Preliminary animal studies have
shown that White Button mushrooms can enhance immune activity.
Agaricus bisporus
(White Button)

M U S H R O O M S

Agaricus blazei (Sun Mushroom). This edible mushroom is native to the rain forests of Brazil. Sun mushrooms grow within very specific
climacteric conditions with certain humidity levels and air quality. Researchers have found the higher content of polysaccharides (mainly Beta1,3 Glucan carrying Beta 1,6 branched chains) in Agaricus blazei than any
other medicinal mushrooms. The medicinal properties of this mushroom
have been studied for more than 30 years, and now upwards of 90 percent
of all Brazilian Agaricus blazei is exported to Japan for use in the prevention and treatment of cancers.
Cordyceps sinensis (Cater
pillar Mushroom). Found
primarily in higher elevations
of Asia, particularly Tibet,
the Cordyceps mushroom
grows parasitically upon
the larvae of a moth.
The relationship between the mushroom
and the larvae is unclear, but we do know
that the Cordyceps fungus
mummifies the caterpillar
and sprouts the mushroom
fruit off of the back of the catCordyceps sinensis
erpillars head, poking through the soil
(Caterpillar Mushroom)
like blades of grass. The caterpillar portion
of the fungus is termed Cordyceps sinensis and the mushroom portion
is termed Hirsutella sinensis. More than 1,500 years ago, Chinese herdsmen observed that their livestock became more energetic after eating the
caterpillar mushrooms. According to traditional use, Cordyceps can cure
infertility and increase sex drive. They are reported to be much more potent than Panax Ginseng. Presently, research on Cordyceps focuses on increasing stamina, lowering cholesterol, and enhancing immune function.
The mushroom, Hirsutella sinensis, is the most medicinally active portion
of the fungus; its from this part that most commercial products are derived. Confusingly, these products are referred to as Cordyceps.
Coriolus versicolor, also known as Trametes versicolor (Turkey
Tail). This mushroom is found anywhere there are dead logs and stumps,
making it one of the most common mushrooms in woods throughout
North America. Somewhat resembling a turkeys tail, this mushroom has
a history as a natural remedy in Traditional Chinese Medicine and may
M U S H R O O M S

Coriolus versicolor (Turkey Tail)

be the most studied medicinal mushrooms of all. Turkey Tail has two
key health-promoting components: polysaccharide K (PSK) and polysaccharide-peptide (PSP). Polysaccharides are special sugar molecules, and
some of them
have therapeutic benefit. In the 1970

s, the Japanese government approved PSK to treat several types of cancers, and it remains a
best-selling cancer drug in that country. According to the American Cancer
Society, researchers have found that PSK has several anti-cancer properties, including slowing the spread of cancer cells in the body.

Hericium erinaceus (Lions Mane). This edible mushroom has

cascading white tendrils and is appropriately referred to as the Lions
Mane mushroom. While this mushroom has only recently gained popularity in North America, it has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for hundreds of years. The young mushrooms are
tasty and have the texture of seafood when cooked.
Some compounds in Lions Mane have been
shown to stimulate the immune system and
control blood sugar levels. Lions Mane
mushroom has been shown to combat dementia. Japanese researchers demonstrated
that fractions of Lions Mane can inhibit the
formation of toxic peptides in brain cells
(amyloban) and

also stimulate the production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) in the

Hericium erinaceus
(Lions Mane)
brain (hericenone).
Maitake (Dancing Mushroom). In Japanese, the word maitake literally means dancing mushroom. Ancient lore has it that when the Japanese
found Maitake mushrooms in the mountains, they began dancing for joy.
The way the fruit bodies of the mushroom overlap make it look like a cluster
of dancing butterflies. In Japan, Maitake is known as the King of the Mushrooms for both its taste and health-promoting benefits. Maitake can grow
very largetypically the size of a basketballand it grows naturally in Japans
northeastern mountains. It also grows in some parts of North America and
Europe. Historically, Maitake mushrooms have a variety of specific uses and
also help promote overall wellness and vitality. Scientific research has confirmed Maitakes ability to lower high blood pressure and lower blood sugar
levels in people with diabetes. Its proven immune-enhancement capabilities
8

M U S H R O O M S

have made it a focal point in treatment for cancer and HIV. A beta glucan/protein compound
found in Maitake known as D-fraction has been
widely researched, and its immune enhancing
potential has been confirmed in clinical trials.
The SX-fraction of the Maitake has been shown
in clinical studies to control blood

glucose
. According to Harry Preuss, MD, with Georgetown
University Medical Center, Because maitake mushroom is a safe, edible product, it has a lot of promise in the oncology and metabolic fields.

Maitake
(Dancing Mushroom)

Reishi. The Reishi mushroom has the longest historical use of all
the mushrooms. It has been used medicinally in China for more than
4,000 years. The Reishi mushroom grows like a parasite on logs, tress, and
plants. It is soft and flat and has a cork-like consistency. Its fruit is red in
color and kidney-shaped. Traditionally, Eastern cultures have used Reishi mushrooms for a variety of conditions including
heart disease, inflammation, ulcers, and more. Modern research has confirmed some of the traditional
health benefits of Reishi mushrooms. According
to Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital, positive
immune-stimulating results have been shown using Reishi in patients with advanced cancers.
Reishi in the wild

M U S H R O O M S

Shiitake

Shiitake. This mushroom is a major staple of Japanese and Chinese diets. It is a dark brown, umbrella-shaped mushroom. Although it is native to
east Asia, it has been commercially grown in the United States for the past
20 years. Shiitake mushrooms are packed with important essential amino
acids, vitamins, and minerals. In addition, they contain the polysaccharide
(sugar molecule) lentinan. Lentinan is another anti-cancer drug approved
by the Japanese government in 1980s. Shiitake has shown benefit in many
other areas, including reducing high cholesterol, lowering blood pressure
and healing infections.
Tremella fuciformis (Silver Ear or White Jelly Leaf). This mush
room is popular in Chinese cuisine. It is also used to make a cough syrup for
treating chronic bronchitis and a number of other cough-related conditions
such
as asthma
and
dry cough in T

raditional Chinese M

edicine. Tremella
s composition is more than 70 percent dietary fibers such as acidic polysaccharides
and is a rich source of vitamin D. Modern research indicates its usefulness
in fighting tumors, lowering blood glucose, combating high cholesterol, and
protecting against radiation. A polysaccharide called GXM in tremella has
been shown to have greater water-retaining ability than hyaluronic acid, making it a popular ingredient in cosmetic and skin care products.

Packed With Power

Its no wonder mushrooms have become a culinary favorite of health
conscious consumers throughout the world: Theyre packed with therapeutic power in the form of active constituents and important vitamins, minerals, and amino acids (for specifics, see the table on page 11). Some people,
though, just dont like the taste of these fabulous fungi. If youre one of
them, dont fret: You can glean mushrooms health benefits by using a highquality mushroom supplement.
As we learn more about power-packed mushrooms, we are uncovering a
variety of health benefits that match the myriad mushroom qualities we find
in nature. The health implications are impressive, thanks to the aggressive
scientific validation that has occurred during the past few decades.
10

M U S H R O O M S

Whats in a mushroom?
TYPE

NUTRITIONAL CONSTITUENTS ACTIVE COMPOUND(S)

Agaricus bisporus

B vitamins, vitamin D, zinc,

selenium, potassium, copper

Cordyceps

protein, fatty acids

adenosine
cordycepin (3-de-oxyadenosine)
polysaccharides

Coriolus

calcium

Polysaccharide K (PSK)
Polysaccharide peptide (PSP)

Hericium erinaceus

protein, zinc

Amyloban Hericenones

Maitake

vitamin D, B vitamins,
protein, ergosterols

D-fraction
SX-fraction

Reishi

selenium, iron

Shiitake

8 essential amino acids

vitamins A, B, C, D,
iron, potassium

Lentinan

Tremella

vitamin D, calcium,
dietary fiber

GXM-fraction

Cautionary Advice
Nonpoisonous mushrooms are extremely safe when consumed in
moderate amounts or taken as directed as a dietary supplement.
When eating edible mushrooms, keep these tips in mind:
Buy organic whenever possible to avoid pesticides and toxic
chemicals.
Be sure the mushrooms are firm and not slimy or old.
Eating large quantities of mushrooms can induce temporary
bloating and/or diarrhea, especially if you have not eaten
mushrooms in the past.
Individuals with gout or kidney stones should avoid eating large
quantities of mushrooms (more than 15 grams per day).
People taking anticoagulant or immunosuppressive medications
should consult their physicians before taking medicinal
mushroom supplements.

M U S H R O O M S

11

Chapter Two

Health Applications

ushrooms have numerous and diverse health applications, including treating and preventing cancer, fighting infections (including serious chronic infections such as HIV and herpes),
treating diabetes, lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, and preventing dementia and Alzheimers. Following is an overview of how specific
mushroom extracts can help with these serious illnesses.

Cancer Prevention And Treatment

Medicinal mushrooms and their extracts are well indicated in the integrative treatment of cancer. Agaricus, Maitake D-fraction, lentinan from
Shiitake, PSK from Coriolus, and Reishi extract have all been found to
exert profound immune-directed anti-cancer actions. Most of the studies on these mushroom extracts have looked at the use of mushrooms
in conjunction with conventional therapy (surgery, chemotherapy, and/
or radiation). What emerges from this research is a compelling picture
of benefit. The use of these medicinal mushroom extracts stimulates
tumor-destroying immune cells. Our immune system is our primary defense against cancer. Unfortunately, through a combination of elaborate
immune evasion strategies on the part of cancerous tumors, along with
immune suppression by tumor-killing therapies such as chemotherapy
and radiation, most people with cancer are left without their most important weapon in hand: a strong immune system.
Medicinal mushroom extracts stimulate some of the most critical points
of our immune systemmacrophages and dendritic cells. Their release
of potent communication molecules, certain interleukins and cytokines,
activate the combat soldiers of our immune systemnatural killer cells
and T-cells. The result is targeted immune destruction of tumor tissue.
In addition to this immune activation,
certain medicinal

mushroom extracts constituents,

such as
M
aitake D-fraction
, trigger apoptosis (cellular suicide) selectively in cancer cells. The combination of these actions
is significant. Most people with cancer who take medicinal mushroom
extracts have slowed progression of their cancer and, most importantly,
survive longer. The overall quality of life for these survivors is better due
to the mushroom extracts. They experience less fatigue and fewer com12

M U S H R O O M S

Apoptosis is referred to
as cellular suicide.

Some questions about using mushroom extracts in the context of cancer remain unanswered, though. Which extract is best? Do certain mushrooms work differently than others in different cancer types? Combine
these uncertainties with a general lack of understanding about how long
one should use these extracts, and we are left with significant gaps in our
knowledge about how people with cancer can gain the most benefit from
medicinal mushroom extracts.
In light of these unanswered questions, the best we can do is take mushroom extracts strategically. A strategic usage of mushroom extracts for
someone with cancer relies upon paying attention to how one feels and
responds to the treatment. There is certainly overlap in how these mushroom extracts work, and each mushroom has different active constituents.
If an individual achieves benefit from one of the mushroom extracts, he
has every reason to continue using that extract. If the benefit seems limited or is short-lived, it is entirely appropriate to switch to another mushroom extract. Alternatively, if it is hard to determine the actual benefit
on a day-to-day basis, one may want to rotate the use of the mushroom
extracts in order to obtain benefit from them all. Finally, combination
M U S H R O O M S

13

Medical Illustration Copyright @ 2008 Nucleus Medical Art. All Rights Reserved. www.nucleusinc.com

plications from chemotherapy and radiation, and they have fewer infections. The anti-cancer benefit of medicinal mushroom extracts has been
demonstrated in people with breast, lung, colon, esophageal, brain and
neck, liver, stomach, colon, cervical, prostate and bladder cancers, as well
as leukemia, and myeloma.

products of these mushroom extracts may be helpful, although it is important to make sure that the amount of each mushroom in the product
is high enough to be effective. Specific dosage information for each type
of mushroom extract can be found in chapter four.
Medicinal mushroom extracts appear to be exceptionally well-tolerated
by people with cancer, though some people do experience mild nausea
when taking them. There are rare allergic reactions to mushrooms, and allergies to other fungi may increase the likelihood of an allergic reaction to
medicinal mushrooms. Given the low toxicity of mushroom extracts, the
general enhancement of the effects of conventional treatment, significant
survival benefits, scientific validation, and the clinical experience of many
healthcare professionals, the use of medicinal mushroom extracts in the
treatment of cancer is strongly indicated.

Fighting Infections
In a world teeming with microorganisms, our survival is dependent
upon having strong immune defenses. Medicinal mushrooms are one
way to bolster our immune defenses and reduce infectious disease. Medicinal mushroomsAgaricus, Maitake, and Reishi in particularhave
been shown to reduce the risk of infection with viruses and bacteria. These
mushrooms have the ability to stop a viral infection in its tracks if taken
at the time of exposure. However, it can be a bit challenging to determine
exactly when we are exposed to a virus. It makes sense then to consider
taking medicinal mushrooms preventively. For someone who is susceptible to experiencing colds and flu during the winter months, a daily dose
of medicinal mushrooms may allow for an illness-free winter. Even adding mushrooms to our diet will help us to prevent infection. The modest
salad vegetable, the white button mushroom, has been shown to increase
the function of dendritic immune cells, the eyes of our immune system.
Thus, making sure that our salads and vegetable dishes contain white button mushrooms will increase our immune surveillance and decrease our
susceptibility to colds and flu.

The white button mushroom

can increase the function

of immune cells.
14

M U S H R O O M S

Medicinal mushrooms can increase

the number and activity of
circulating immune cells in people
receiving chemotherapy.

People with certain chronic infections can also benefit by taking

medicinal mushroom extracts.
Serious infectious diseases such
as hepatitisB, polio, herpes, streptococcus-caused ear infections
and pneumonia, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are
indications for medicinal mushrooms. In these infections, mushroom extracts such as gandoerma
polysaccharide from Reishi, Maitake D-fraction, and lentinan from
Shiitake have all been shown to
improve immune defenses, reduce
infection, and lessen the symptoms of the diseases. This application for
medicinal mushrooms is quite important given the alarming rise of antibiotic-resistant infection and hard-to-treat viral illnesses. While larger clinical trials are still needed to determine just how effective and reliable these
mushroom extracts are for treating infectious diseases, the data so far is encouraging. With appropriate physician guidance, there is certainly little risk
in adding mushroom extracts to an integrative treatment plan for chronic
hepatitis, HIV infection, herpes, ear infections, or pneumonia.
Medicinal mushrooms are also a powerful way to support the immune
system during times of immunosuppression. For instance, chemotherapy
or radiation can suppress the immune system. Medicinal mushrooms
have been shown to increase the number and activity of circulating immune cells in people receiving those treatments. Medicinal mushrooms
help prevent infection in these immunocompromised people. Additionally, if the mushroom extracts are successful in preserving white blood
cell counts, then delays in the chemotherapy or radiation treatment can
be avoided. Avoiding treatment delays allows the patient to receive the
maximum benefit. It is important to note that medicinal mushroom extracts increase not only the number of immune cells, but also the activity
of immune cells. Thus, even if a person is unable to produce sufficient
M U S H R O O M S

15

white blood cells, a mushroom extract will help the white blood cells that
they do have in circulation to be as active as possible. Highly active white
blood cells will promote more robust defenses against infection.

Diabetes Treatment
Diabetes has become a prevalent condition throughout the world. Medications, while effective, do not cure diabetes. Diabetes is a disease that requires a comprehensive, integrative approach. Medicinal mushrooms may
be an important component of this integrated treatment approach because
some mushroom

extracts such

as Maitake SX-fraction can

lower both insulin and glucose. In order to understand why this is so significant, lets take
a quick look at diabetes and its precursor condition, insulin resistance.
Glucose is essential for the production of energy in all tissues of the body,
including the heart, muscles and immune system. If we eat a lot of sugar
and simple carbohydrates, well experience an increase in blood glucose
levels. High-carbohydrate meals and lots of simple sugars flood the blood
stream with sugar. In response, our pancreas releases insulin. Insulin facilitates cellular uptake of glucose. Over time, repeated exposure to sugar
causes blood sugar and insulin levels to stay elevated, and unfortunately,
other organs become resistant to the effects of insulin. Insulin resistance is
actually referred to as a pre-diabetes condition also known as metabolic
syndrome or syndrome X. Insulin resistance is the stage of compensation by
the pancreas for increased blood sugar before the pancreas exhausts itself. It
is associated with cardiovascular disease, liver disease, obesity, and cancer.
This is why it is so important to lower both sugar and insulin levels.

Repeated exposure
to sugar causes blood
sugar and insulin levels
to stay elevated.

16

M U S H R O O M S

Mushrooms decrease
insulin resistance and
lower blood sugar levels.
Insulin resistance can be reversed with diet and exercise. Diets that are
composed primarily of whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, and grains
and not simple sugars or refined carbohydrates (namely flour and high
fructose corn syrup) help to reverse insulin resistance. Exercise has been
scientifically demonstrated to prevent and improve insulin resistance. The
addition of supplements such as B vitamins, chromium, essential fatty
acids, and magnesium can also lower insulin resistance. Herbs such as
Gymnema sylvestre and green tea may be helpful. Another powerful addition to an insulin resistance reversal program is medicinal mushrooms.
Mushrooms decrease insulin resistance and lower blood sugar levels.
Agaricus blazei extract and Maitake SX-fraction have each been shown in
clinical trials to lower both insulin and blood sugar and to reduce insulin
resistance. Harry Preuss, MD, and his colleagues at Georgetown University
have conducted key research utilizing Maitake SX-fraction. According to
Preuss, Maitake mushroom and the SX glycoprotein extracted from it can
help individuals overcome many of the underlying causes associated with
metabolic syndrome.
An extract from Reishi mushroom has also been shown in a clinical trial
to reduce blood sugar levels in diabetics. Cordyceps mushroom extract
has been shown in multiple animal studies to lower blood sugar. Mushroom extracts are essentially nontoxic and, in addition to lowering blood
sugar, improve immune function and help prevent infectionsa concern
for diabetics.

Other Applications
High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol,
Dementia, And Quality of Life
High blood pressure and high cholesterol often occur together, and
they can be a deadly combination. Diet and lifestyle changes can address
mild elevations. Natural supplements that lower blood pressure and
M U S H R O O M S

17

cholesterol will also help delay or avoid the need for medications. If
blood pressure or cholesterol are already moderately or severely elevated, drugs can be life-saving. However, in some individuals, their benefit
can be temporary. For these individuals, it may be necessary to integrate
natural supplements to achieve better long-term control.
Mushroom extracts are one type of natural supplement that lowers both
blood pressure and cholesterol (total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol) in
some individuals. Cordyceps mushroom extract lowers total cholesterol
by an average of 20 percent in more than half of the people that take it.
In addition, Cordyceps prevents the oxidation of LDL cholesterol. LDL
cholesterol is a more damaging type of cholesterol, and it becomes most
dangerous when it is oxidized. Preventing its oxidation is one way to minimize the risk of heart disease caused by high cholesterol. Reishi mushroom extracts also lower cholesterol by inhibiting an enzyme, HMG-CoA,
required for the production of cholesterol by the body. In addition, they
lower blood pressure and inhibit platelets from sticking to each other and
forming clots. Several other types of mushroom extracts have also been
show to lower cholesterol and blood pressure in animal studies and small
human studies.
Many people with chronic high blood pressure have underlying kidney
disease. The kidney disease can both cause the high blood pressure and
result from long-standing high blood pressure. Interestingly, mushroom extracts, such as Cordyceps extract, support kidney function and can even improve function in people with chronic renal failure. Mushroom extracts are
well tolerated and can be a useful addition to a cardiovascular health plan.
Dementiaparticularly Alzheimers typeis a frightening and incapacitating ailment. Treatment for Alzheimers disease has limited success.
Given the exceptionally high costs that this disease creates for its victims
and their loved ones, new therapies are welcome. One such therapy is
Lions Mane mushroom. This mushroom has been demonstrated in small
human trials to reduce the symptoms of Alzheimers. In one study, Alzheimers patients showed significant improvement in their physical and
perceptive capabilities after taking Lions Mane mushroom in their daily
soup for six months. Lions Mane has two separate and distinct substances
with clinically demonstrated effectiveness in battling damages in the
brain caused by Alzheimers. One substance, hericenone, stimulates the
production of nerve growth factor (NGF) in the brain. Massive neuronal cell
death is the ultimate outcome of Alzheimers disease, and the production
of NGF that is able to cross the blood-brain barrier will lead to the growth
of new neurons to replace those that die. Another substance, amyloban,
18

M U S H R O O M S

People have been eating mushrooms for more than 3000 years to achieve wellness and
enhance quality of life.

may
inhibit
the toxicity of the plaques caused by the accumulations of a

myloid beta peptide. The destruction of neurons caused by the formation of

amyloid beta peptide in the brain is a major cause of Alzheimers disease.
These actions may help preserve memory and might be useful in preventing dementia. Lions Mane mushroom extracts with standardized levels of
amyloban and hericenones have shown no toxicity and may help slow the
progression of Alzheimers disease and even reverse some of its symptoms.
In an animal study at China Pharmaceutical University, this standardized
extract showed equal or even greater anti-Alzheimers effectiveness than
the leading prescription medicine, Aricept (a Pfizer product).
M U S H R O O M S

19

Quality of life and overall wellness are goals we all share. People have
been eating mushrooms for more than 3,000 years to achieve this goal.
Over these many centuries, people have determined that mushrooms reduce fatigue, increase stamina, prolong life, increase vitality, reduce illness, and improve emotional well being. Modern research has confirmed
these effects. Mushroom extracts even help people with significant challenges to their quality of life, such as people with cancer undergoing chemotherapy treatment. Cordyceps mushroom extract has been shown to
alleviate fatigue and to improve physical endurance in adults of all ages.
Patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy who take Maitake D-fraction
mushroom extract report increased quality of life. Most of us appreciate
more energy, more stamina, and enhanced mental health. Add to that increased immune function, better blood sugar control, lowered cholesterol
and blood pressure, improved memory, and better cognitive function,
and mushroom extracts become hard to resist!

Cordyceps

Reishi

Shiitake
(lentinan)

Tremella

Infection

Diabetes

High Cholesterol
& High Blood
Pressure

Hepatitis

Kidney Disease

Inflammation
Weight Loss

20

Dementia
Quality of
Life Issues

Maitake

Coriolus
(PSK)

Cancer

Hericium

Agaricus

Health Applications For Medicinal Mushroom Extracts

M U S H R O O M S

Chapter Three

Scientific Validation
The long traditional use of medicinal mushrooms has compelled significant scientific investigation into their medicinal properties. In fact,
taken as a group, medicinal mushrooms are among the most extensively
researched natural substances in the world. A much bigger book would be
required to summarize all of this research in detail, but lets take a look at
some of the highlights.

Immune Stimulation
Several mushroom extracts have been shown to increase the activity
of our immune cells. White button mushrooms have been shown to
increase the function of dendritic immune cells. Dendritic cells are the
sentries of the immune system, responsible for identifying invading microbes or spotting virally infected or cancerous cells and then presenting
them as targets for attack from other cells of our immune system. In this
way, white button mushrooms increase our immune surveillance and
immune defensive actions. Agaricus blazei (sun mushroom) has been
found to activate macrophages (roaming dendritic cells), natural killer
cells, and T lymphocytes. These cells comprise our cellular immunity,
which is our main, and best, defense against cancer and viral infection.
An extract of Cordyceps mushroom was given to rats exposed to harmful radiation. The Cordyceps extract stimulated cell division and increased
the number of normal white blood cells in the rats spleens and lymph
nodes. These cellular changes resulted in enhanced and accelerated immune recovery following low-dose radiation injury.
An extract from Maitake mushroom, D-fraction, also activates macrophages. Specifically, Maitake D-fraction stimulates macrophages to re-

Cordyceps extract stimulated

cell division and increased
the number of white blood cells.
M U S H R O O M S

21

lease a powerful messenger chemical called interleukin-12 (IL-12). IL-12

activates one of our most dominant weapons against cancerous tumors,
our natural killer cells. Studies indicate that when Maitake D-fraction is
taken alongside chemotherapy, immune activities are increased as much
as three times.

Cancer Prevention And Treatment

Some mushroom extracts have potent anti-cancer properties. Grifola
frondosa (Maitake), Agaricus blazei (Sun Mushroom), Coriolus versicolor
(Turkey Tail), Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) and Cordyceps sinsensis (Caterpillar Mushroom) increase cancer cell death, or apoptosis, specifically in
leukemia, myeloma, and cancers of the liver, bladder, and prostate. Studies
show that mushroom extracts cause apoptosis of cancer cells without damaging or destroying healthy normal cells. Mushrooms also cause cancer cell
death by causing certain immune cells to release powerful molecules called
interleukins. Interleukins are potent immune-stimulating messenger molecules that activate immune cells to destroy tumors.
Shiitake mushroom lettuce wraps.
For more information visit www.mushroomcouncil.com.
Photo provided by The Mushroom Council.

22

M U S H R O O M S

A specific mushroom extract, Maitake D-fraction exclusively distributed

by Maitake Products, Inc., has been shown to slow down the growth and
metastatic spread of lung, liver and breast cancers. This anti-cancer effect is thought to be the result of increased natural killer cell activity. The
anti-cancer effects from Maitake D-fraction appear to be enhanced when
combined with vitamin C.
Another mushroom extract, PSK from the Coriolus mushroom, is currently used in conjunction with conventional treatment to cause increased
cancer cell death and to provide immune support. PSK extract, when given along with conventional chemotherapy or after radiation therapy, has
been shown to increase survival for people with leukemia and cancers of
the esophagus, stomach, colon, liver, lung, head, and neck.
A mushroom extract from Reishi mushrooms is also effective against
cancer. Three human trials (one randomized controlled trial and two case
study reports) have been done in advanced cancer patients using Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide extract, an active compound of Reishi
mushrooms. All the patients treated with this specific extract experienced
improved quality of life and increased immune function.
The Shiitake mushroom extract lentinan, administered intravenously to
patients with stomach cancer, causes immune-directed tumor disruption.
In patients with breast cancer, lentinan injection following surgery stimulates immune-mediated reduction of residual tumor. Lentinan administration to patients with other cancers, including cancers of the prostate
and stomach, increases natural killer cell activity and improves survival.
Shiitake mushrooms have a pleasant and mild taste and have been a part
of the diet in many Asian cultures for centuries. Beyond intravenous administration, regular dietary consumption of shiitake mushrooms or shiitake supplements can help provide gentle and effective immune support.
Another way in which mushrooms fight cancer is through their effect
on blood supply to tumors. Mushrooms contain ergosterols, which are
natural anti-angiogenic substances. Angiogenesis refers to the growth of
blood vessels that support tumor growth and angiogenesis is considered
essential to tumor survival. Anti-angiogenic substances inhibit the growth
of blood vessels to tumors, making them smaller and more susceptible to
chemotherapy. The levels of ergosterol in mushrooms are as follows:
Agaricus 737 IU per 100g
Maitake 460 IU per 100g
Shiitake 110 IU per 100g
Reishi 66 IU per 100g
M U S H R O O M S

23

Antimicrobial
Mushroom extracts are potent antibacterial and antiviral agents. Streptococcus pneumoniae is a bacteria that can cause serious, and in some
cases lethal, diseases such as pneumonia, meningitis and septicemia, as
well as less serious illnesses like ear infections and sinusitis. Clinical studies show that oral administration of Agaricus blazei mushroom extract
given before or during introduction of Streptococcus pneumonia protected mice against developing infection. The protective effect of the Agaricus
extract was not due to antibiotic properties, but rather due to stimulating
the defensive reactions of the immune system.
Mushroom extracts have antiviral actions and are particularly effective
if taken at the initial stage of exposure to the virus. This has been demonstrated for Agaricus blazei mushrooms in inhibiting the initial stage
of viral replication of polio virus. Reishi mushroom has been shown to
inhibit HIV, herpes simplex virus type 1 & 2, and Epstein-Barr virus. In
patients with HIV, lentinan (from Shiitake mushrooms) administered intravenously improves immune function. The lentinan increases CD4 cell
count and neutrophil activity, both of which are low in patients infected
with HIV and imperative to proper immune function. A randomized,
placebo-controlled trial with 90 chronic hepatitis B patients studied the
effects of Reishi mushroom extract. Treatment with Reishi extract reduced
viral expression in 25 percent of the subjects and improved liver function
compared to the people who did not take the extract.

Lowering Blood Sugar

Mushroom extracts are effective at lowering blood sugar levels, primarily by decreasing insulin resistance. Insulin carries glucose, or sugar, into
cells. In insulin resistance, cellular sensitivity to insulin is decreased. In a
state of insulin resistance, glucose cannot enter the cell, and blood sugar
levels are elevated. Studies have shown that mushrooms decrease insulin
resistance and lower blood sugar levels. One such study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 72 adult type-2 diabetics.
In addition to their standard anti-diabetic medications, the subjects were
randomized to receive a supplement of 1,500 mg Agaricus blazei extract or
placebo daily for 12 weeks. At the end of the study, subjects who received
the mushroom supplement had less insulin resistance than the individuals
who took the placebo. Despite the promising changes in insulin resistance,
this study was too short to show any changes in blood sugar levels.
An extract from Maitake mushroom known as Maitake SX-fraction also
has blood sugarlowering effects. This extract lowers both glucose and
24

M U S H R O O M S

i nsulin levels in a manner that may be more effective than a standard blood
sugar lowering medication, glipizide. The Maitake SX-fraction appears to
exert its blood sugarlowering actions by reducing insulin resistance. This
mechanism suggests that maitake SX-fraction may help patients with type
2 diabetes achieve better control of their blood sugar.
A randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in 71 patients
with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Reishi mushroom extract decreased blood
sugar levels by 10 percent at 12 weeks compared with baseline values.
This Reishi mushroom extract appears to have long-acting blood sugar
lowering effects.

Mushroom extracts lower

both elevated blood pressure
and high cholesterol levels.
Lowering Cholesterol And Blood Pressure
Mushroom extracts lower both elevated blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. Active compounds from Reishi mushroom extract have
been shown to inhibit cholesterol synthesis by inhibiting HMG-CoA.
This is the same way many cholesterol- lowering drugs work, especially statins, the most commonly prescribed cholesterol-lowering medications. Cordyceps mushroom extract has been shown to lower total
cholesterol and triglyceride levels in normal and diabetic mice. This
has been confirmed in several human trials including a randomized,
double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter trial using Cordyceps in
273 patients with high cholesterol. In this study, subjects consumed
Cordyceps for at least four weeks and for up to eight weeks. Total cholesterol levels decreased by an average of 20 percent and triglycerides levels
dropped by 9.2 percent in 56.7 percent of the subjects. In vitro (test
tube) studies have also shown that Cordyceps mushroom extracts may
possess potent antioxidant activities, particularly against LDL (bad)
cholesterol. This is important because it is the oxidation of LDL cholesterol that causes damage to arteries, which, in turn, creates plaques in
blood vessels. Thus, prevention of LDL cholesterol oxidation through
the antioxidant activity of Cordyceps is an important part of preventing cardiovascular disease. Ganoderma mushroom extracts have been
M U S H R O O M S

25

found to lower blood pressure through a variety of mechanisms. They

also inhibit platelet aggregation (the clumping together of platelets in
the blood), thus decreasing the risk of clot formation.

Dementia Prevention
Lions Mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceum) has been studied for
its ability to improve symptoms of Alzheimers disease. As previously
mentioned, hericenones have been found to stimulate nerve growth factor,
which counteracts some of the neurodegeneration (nerve death) found
in Alzheimers disease. Additionally, Amyloban, another constituent in
Lions Mane mushroom, reduces the toxicity of the beta-amyloid plaques
found in the brains of people with Alzheimers disease. The combination
of these actions can reduce the symptoms of Alzheimers. In one study,
Alzheimers patients showed significant improvement in their physical
and cognitive capabilities after taking Lions Mane mushroom extract for
six months. A product called Amyloban 3399 contains the two bioactive
ingredients from Lions Mane mushroom used in the studies. Amyloban
3399 is patented in Japan; patent is pending in the United States.

Liver Health
Several clinical studies indicate that Cordyceps sinensis mushroom extract may stimulate T-cell immunity and decrease fibrosis of the liver in
hepatitis B patients. Although these trials are small, the results are encouraging. Polysaccharides isolated from Reishi mushrooms decrease
liver enzymes, which are elevated when the liver is inflamed. The mushrooms ability to lower these enzymes indicates that the underlying liver
inflammation from the hepatitis virus is decreased. The reduction in liver
enzymes is, in part, due to Reishi mushrooms ability to reduce harmful
free-radical production in the liver. By reducing free radicals, Reishi exerts
an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect in the liver.

Kidney Effects
Cordyceps mushroom extract was studied in 51 patients suffering from
chronic renal failure. The patients experienced significant improvement in
renal function and cellular immunity.

Hormonal Effects
Agaricus mushrooms have also been shown to possess anti-estrogenic
actions by inhibiting aromatase, an enzyme that converts the adrenal hormone adrenostenedione (stored in fat cells) into estrogen. After meno26

M U S H R O O M S

Taking medicinal mushrooms can improve overall quality of life.

pause, the majority of estrogen in a womans body is derived from adrenostenedione. Inhibited aromatase causes a post-menopausal woman
to produce less estrogena good thing, since estrogen is a growth factor
for many breast and ovarian cancer tumors. This makes Agaricus mushrooms especially helpful in women with estrogen receptor (ER)positive
breast or ovarian cancers. It is unknown whether Agaricus would aggravate estrogen deficiency and menopausal symptoms associated with decreased estrogen (such as hot flashes, irritability, anxiety, vaginal dryness)
in a post-menopausal woman without breast cancer. This has not been
reported in any human trial, but it warrants further research.

Enhancing Quality of Life

One of the most significant and universal benefits of medicinal mushroom extracts is their ability to improve the overall quality of life of the
people who are eating or taking them. This improvement of daily living
has even been demonstrated in people who start out with poor quality of
life due to disease or conventional cancer treatment. One example of this
is Agaricus blazei. This mushroom was studied in 100 women with cervical, ovarian, and endometrial cancer receiving chemotherapy. In those
women who also received the Agaricus extract, natural killer cell activity
was significantly higher and chemotherapy-associated side effects such as
decreased appetite, hair loss, emotional instability, and general weakness
were all improved. Cordyceps extract, has been shown to improve the energy metabolism in the liver of mice and to alleviate fatigue and improve
physical endurance in humans.
M U S H R O O M S

27

Chapter Four

Choosing Mushroom
Supplements
Not all mushroom supplements are created equally. While most medicinal mushrooms provide health benefits when eaten, this is not always
easy to do. Many of the medicinal mushrooms that are discussed here
are exceptionally hard to find as whole mushrooms. Some mushrooms
are an acquired tasteand for some people it will never be acquired. The
good news, and the bad news, is that mushroom extracts are widely available. Finding high-quality, reliable mushroom products among the many
products being sold can be challenging. There are, however, some guidelines to follow in selecting the best of the best.

Qualities of Superior Mushroom Products

Source: Where mushrooms are grown is of key importance. Mushrooms absorb much from the material on which they grown. Mushrooms
grown in soil contaminated with heavy metals, pesticides or other toxic
compounds will contain those same contaminants. Organically grown
mushrooms are the only ones that should be taken medicinally. The
majority of mushroom products now on the market are cultivated in
controlled laboratory conditions. A cultivated mushroom product must
be manufactured under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and this
should be clearly stated. These mushroom products also need to be tested
for heavy metals, pesticides, herbicides, and other contaminants.
Extraction: A number of scientific studies conducted in the past on
mushroom extracts have utilized hot water extracts of mushrooms. Hot water extraction of the mushroom biomass is used to pull out certain polysaccharides. The hot water extract is then purified and dried into a powder for
medicinal use. Hot water extraction effectively frees certain types of polysaccharides, which are the active compounds found in the cell walls of mushrooms. In most types of medicinal mushrooms, polysaccharides typically
comprise only 0.42 percent of the total mass of the mushroom by dry
weight. Brazilian Agaricus blazei contains up to 7 percent polysaccharides.
Mushroom products derived from hot water extraction have concentrated
the polysaccharide content significantly, often in a 20:1 concentration. Active
28

M U S H R O O M S

ingredients or fractions of mushrooms are not always obtained by way of

hot water extraction. SX-fraction (Maitake) and Amyloban (Lions Mane)
are obtained by alcohol extraction. Another compound from the Maitake
mushroom that is useful for weight loss is extracted by room-temperature
water. Cultivated mushrooms may contain relatively stable amounts of
active polysaccharides, such as beta-1,3 or beta-1,6 glucans, but the effectiveness of the product still depends on the cultivation method and the
environmental conditions. Therefore, it is important to take a mushroom
supplement product made based on a standardized extract, such as Maitake D-fraction, SX-fraction or Amyloban from Lions Mane that guarantees
sufficient amounts of active ingredients. It should also be noted that pure
polysaccharides may not have proper bioavailability to be readily absorbed
by the body. The immunopotentiating or antitumor activity is gained by
using both the beta glucans and protein complexes.

Our Recommendations
Many quality mushroom products are available on the market. The following products have been clinically researched or are manufactured in
the same manner as a studied product. These products are representative
of good quality mushroom products:
Grifron Maitake D-Fraction capsules, tablets and liquid extract
Maitake SX-Fraction
Reishi 14:1 to 20:1 extracts
Coriolus (Turkey Tail) 20:1 extract
Cordyceps CS4 strain
Agaricus blazei Murrill (Brazilian)
Amyloban 3399 Lions Mane
Whole Shiitake mushrooms

M U S H R O O M S

29

Dosage
Dosing mushroom products depends greatly on the product being
used, the size of the person, and the indications for which the mushroom extract is being taken. The following are general dosage guidelines
for adults.
Agaricus blazei Murrill extract can be taken in doses of 900 mg to
4,000 mg daily in divided doses.
Cordyceps CS4 strain extract is typically taken in doses ranging
from 620 mg to 9,000 mg daily
Coriolus extract is typically dosed at 3,000 mg of 20:1 extract daily
in divided doses.
Hericium is dosed at 3 g of the dried mushroom daily or taken
in the form of 650 mg capsule that contains PLM fraction
(hericenones 0.5 percent, Amyloban 6 percent) three times daily.
Maitake D-fraction is dosed at 0.5 mg to 1 mg per kg body weight
perday.
Maitake SX-fraction is taken as 350 mg tablets that contain 18
percent SX-fraction three times daily.
Reishi mushroom 14:1 extracts
with dried mushroom in doses
ranging from 150 mg to 300
mg three times daily.
Raw Reishi or equivalent
concentrated extract can be
taken in doses of 2 g to 6 g
perday.
Shiitake mushroom extract
can be taken at 6 mg to 16 mg
daily, which is equivalent to six
to eight raw mushrooms daily.
1 g to 3 g of Lentinus edodes
mycelium (LEM) can be taken
two to three times per day.
Shiitake 12:1 extracts 300
mg with 700 mg of dried
mushroom can be taken daily
in divided doses.
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M U S H R O O M S

Toxicity
Mushroom extracts are generally very safe and nontoxic. People who
are taking immunosuppressive (e.g., prevent the rejection of transplanted
organs or treat autoimmune diseases) or anticoagulant (e.g., to prevent
clot formation) drugs should not take mushroom extracts.

Medicinal Mushrooms
As a group, medicinal mushrooms are among the most extensively researched natural substances in the world. There is impressive scientific validation for a variety of serious illnesses. Taken as a dietary supplement or
eaten as a food, they are valuable additions to your health-promoting plan.

Selected References
Ahn W., Kim D, Chae G, Lee J, Baes S., Sin J, Kim Y, Namkoong S, Lee I. Natural killer cell
activity and quality of life were improved by consumption of a mushroom extract, Agaricus
blazei Murill Kyowa, in gynecological cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Int J
Gynecol Cancer 14: 589594, 2004.
Gao Y, et al. Effects of Ganopoly (Ganoderma lucidum Polysaccharide Extract) on the Immune Functions in Advanced-Stage Cancer Patients. Immunol Invest 32(3): 201-15, 2003.
Chung-Hua H, Yang-Li L, Su-Ching L, Kung-Chang H, Pesus C. The Mushroom Agaricus
blazei Murill in Combination with Metformin and Gliclazide Improves Insulin Resistance
in Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, and Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.
J Alt Comp Med 13(1): 97102, 2007.
Kawagishi H, Zhuang C. Compounds for dementia from Hericium erinaceum. Drugs of The
Future 33(2):149-155, 2008.
Kawagishi H. The anti-dimentia effect of Lions Mane mushroom and its clinical
application. Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, April 2004.
Klotter J. Maitake SX-fraction. Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, May 2007.
Kodama N, et al. Maitake D-Fraction enhances antitumor effects and reduces
immunosupression by mitomycin-C in tumor-bearing mice. Nutrition 21(5):624-9, May
2005.
Kodama N, Komuta K, Nanba H. Effect of Maitake (Grifola frondosa) D-Fraction on the
activation of NK cells in cancer patients. J Med Food 6(4):371-7, 2003.
Konno S. Effect of Various Natural Products on Growth of Bladder Cancer Cells: Two
promising mushroom extracts. Alternative Medicine Review 12(1):63-68, March 2007.
Konno S, et al. Anticancer and hypoglycemic effects of polysaccharides in edible and
medicinal maitake mushroom. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms 4:185-195, 2002.

M U S H R O O M S

31

Konno S. Maitake SX-Fraction: Possible hypoglycemic effect on diabetes mellitus.

Alternative & Complementary Therapies, Dec 2001.
Lin H, et al. Maitake beta-glucan MD-fraction enhances bone marrow colony formation
and reduces doxorubicin toxicity in vitro. International Immunopharmacology 4:91-99, 2004.
Murray, Michael, and Joseph Pizzorno with Lara Pizzorno. Healing Foods. Atria Books 2005.
Nagai K, et al. Dilinoleoyl-phosphatidylethanolamine from Hericium erinaceum protects
against ER stress-dependent Neuro2a cell death via protein kinase C pathway. Journal of
Nutritional Biochemistry 17:525-530, 2006.
Preuss HG, et al. Enhanced insulin-hypoglycemic activity in rats consuming a specific
glycoprotein extracted from maitake mushroom. Mol Cell Biochem 306:105-113, 2007.
Preuss, Harry. E-mail correspondence, August 25, 2008.
Ren Z, Guo Z, Meydani S, Wu D. White button mushroom enhances maturation of bone
marrow-derived dendritic cells and their antigen presenting function in mice. J Nutr
138(3):544-50, 2008.
Xun C, Shen N, Li B, Zhang Y, Wang F, Yang Y, Shi X, Schafermyer K, Brown S, Thompson
J. Radiation mitigation effect of cultured mushroom fungus Hirsutella Sinensis
(CorImmune) isolated from a Chinese/Tibetan herbal preparation -Cordyceps
Sinensis. International Journal of Radiation Biology 84(2):139 149, 2008.
http://www.mushroomcouncil.com/
http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/69353.cfm
http://botit.botany.wisc.edu/toms_fungi/apr2001.html
http://www.maitake.com/
For more information about the authors, visit:
www.drlise.net
www.karolyngazella.com

32

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LOOK FOR

all our BETTER NUTRITION

HEALTHY LIVING GUIDES at your local
independent health food store or at
www.betternutrition.com

betternutrition.com

magazine presents

MUSHROOMS
O

SCIENTIFICALLY VALIDATED
NATURAL MEDICINES

f the thousands of varieties of mushrooms available, several

possess specific medicinal properties and have been studied by some of the most prestigious research organizations
throughout the world. Mushrooms eaten as a food or taken as a
dietary supplement can be used to prevent and treat a variety of
serious conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimers. In this
booklet, naturopathic oncologist Lise Alschuler and health writer
Karolyn A. Gazella provide comprehensive information about the
most widely studied medicinal mushrooms.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS OF THIS BOOKLET

Lise Alschuler, ND, is a naturopathic physician with board
certification in naturopathic oncology. She practices naturopathic
oncology at Naturopathic Specialists, LLC, in Scottsdale, Ariz. Dr.
Alschuler has authored many articles in professional and popular
press publications and is the coauthor of the Definitive Guide
to Cancer: An Integrative Approach to Prevention, Treatment
and Healing. She currently serves as president of the American
Association of Naturopathic Physicians.
Karolyn A. Gazella is the coauthor of the Definitive Guide to
Cancer and Return to Beautiful Skin. Karolyn has been involved
in the natural health industry for more than 17 years. She is the
founding publisher of the journal Integrative Medicine and has
written hundreds of articles on the topic of natural health. Karolyn
is a regular contributor to Better Nutrition magazine and the
managing editor of the Healthy Living Guide series.

NUMBER 13
betternutrition.com