Beta Glucan

β-glucan (Beta-glucan), is a polysaccharide found in mushrooms, yeast cell walls & cereal grains. β-glucan from oats & barley help lower cholesterol & blood sugar and do not have much activity beyond that. Research has shown that β-glucan from mushrooms, however, also help boost anti-cancer activities and is considered one of the most noteworthy health/medicinal components. It is no wonder β-Glucan from mushrooms have been coined the “diamonds” in mushroom,

Further, extensive studies have shown that β-Glucan helps increase a person’s NK (Natural Killer) cells. NK cells are a type of white blood cells that attack infected virus and cancer cells by sticking itself to the surface of those cells and creating a hole on the infected cell membrane & letting it “kill” itself. Researchers in Tufts University in Massachusetts have recently shown that mushrooms have antiviral and immunity boosting effects. The β-glucan in mushrooms produces cytokine that helps to greatly increase NK cell generation.

Most of β-glucan products available are made from the extraction from yeast or cereal grain or cultured from bacteria; at the most, β-glucan products are made from extractions of a few mushrooms. Our β-Glucan, however, is highly superior & extracted from 9 of the finest mushrooms as well as 2 kinds of yeast.

The 9 “heavenly” mushrooms in our β-Glucan include:

1.      Reishi
2.     Rokkaku Reishi
3.     Cordyceps
4.     Phellinus Linteus
5.     Cauliflower mushroom
6.     Pine mushroom
7.     Maitake Mushroom
8.     Chaga Mushroom
9.     Agaricus  Blazei Mushroom

Due to their immune-boosting qualities, β-glucans have also been investigated for use in cancer. Cancer development involves four stages: initiation, promotion, progression and metastasis in which the cancer spreads to other parts of the body. The initiation and promotion stages are early stages which, according to the “Nutrition and Cancer Study Guide” by Anita Laswell, can be influenced by nutrition and lifestyle. Edible mushrooms such as Reishi and Maitake were found to undermine cancer growth and development in varying ways. The mushrooms suppressed signals that promoted and encouraged uncontrolled cell growth, increased tumor toxic immune cells, inhibited angiogenesis, or the building of new blood vessels to feed cancerous cells, and abated the side effect of red and white blood cell depletion, common to conventional radiation and chemotherapy.

Furthermore, β-glucan-rich mushrooms have been identified as adjunctive to chemotherapy, especially with use of the monoclonal antibody, or mAb, drugs. These drugs can be more effective than radiation or chemotherapy because they spare normal cells from damage. Even the superior effectiveness of these treatments can be improved with the use of β-glucans. It was also found that (1-3) β-glucan from mushrooms resulted in the activation of macrophages that make molecules that kill off tumor cells or dangerous pathogenic bacteria—molecules like nitric oxide synthase, tumor necrosis factor and macrophage inhibitor proteins.

An article which reviewed several types of mushroom Beta glucan showed that different mushrooms had different effects on different tumors and it was clear that some mushrooms act more strongly against some tumors than against others.

There is a large body of research showing of the effectiveness of Beta glucan derived from mushrooms against a variety of things, like tumors of different types, radiation injury or infections.

The Power of our Mushrooms
Below are some of the “healing power” of our β-Glucan mushrooms

1.     Reishi
Here are 9 health benefits of reishi mushrooms.

• Immune System Support
  Reishi mushrooms can be used to reinforce the immune system. In studies on patients with advanced tumors, reishi mushrooms were prescribed for thirty days, and researchers discovered a significant positive effect on the immune system with an increase in T lymphocytes and decreased CD8 counts. Furthermore, patients reported lesser side effects from chemotherapy and radiation, and smoother post operation recovery. Studies have also suggested that the regular use of reishi mushrooms increases antioxidant levels. Reishi mushrooms contain high concentrations of Organic Germanium, Polysaccharides and Triterpenes. These components have been shown to strengthen the immune system.
• Cancer Prevention
  Studies have shown that reishi mushrooms bolster immunity and fight the spread of cancer cells. Some laboratory studies have also shown they may prevent metastasis. It is not yet known how reishi does this but they appear to target many different stages of cancer development, including angiogenesis (the formation of blood vessels made to supply nutrients to the tumor) as well as metastasis and the migration of cancer cells. They are also believed to induce apoptosis (suicide) of cancer cells. In any case, extracts from reishi mushrooms are already being used in some commercial pharmaceuticals to suppress cancer cell proliferation and migration. Studies on breast cancer cells have found that combining reishi mushrooms with green tea augments the mushroom’s power to retard the growth of cancer cells.
• Lower Blood Pressure
  The blood pressure-lowering abilities of reishi mushrooms have been known for centuries. Studies in China have found that reishi mushrooms improve blood flow and lower oxygen consumption in the heart. Japanese research has made similar discoveries, which they say is due to a chain of acids belonging to triterpenes, a group of natural compounds known to reduce high blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and prevent blood clots. Russian research found that Ganoderma prevented plaque build-up on artery walls.
• Lower Cholesterol
  Reishi mushrooms may help reduce cholesterol by causing the liver to suppress its production. A study at the Nestle Research Center in Switzerland called reishi mushrooms “a renowned medicinal species”. In their study on animals, oxygenated lanosterol derived from reishi mushrooms “inhibited cholesterol synthesis.”
• Blood Sugar Regulation
  Research has shown reishi mushrooms to have a significant blood sugar regulating effect. This benefit seems to be owed to their polysaccharides, known as Ganoderans A, B, and C. Keeping blood sugar balanced helps to avoid many of the problems brought about by diabetes, such as hypertension, high blood pressure, ulcers, strokes, and impotence. In this way reishi mushrooms help to control and combat diabetes and improve the general health of the person eating them.
• Herpes and Cold Sore Treatment
  Preliminary evidence suggests that reishi mushrooms may have antiviral benefits. They are reported to exhibit direct anti-viral effects with herpes simplex virus 1 and herpes simplex virus 2. These effects have been shown to be strongest in protecting against the contraction of herpes and cold sores, and in speeding relief from symptoms. Some Japanese studies analyzed the properties of reishi mushrooms and found that most of the fungus’s benefits seem to derive from a compound they contain called GLP, which inhibits viral replication by interfering with the early events of viral absorption and entry into target cells.
• Flu Fighter
  Preliminary evidence suggests that reishi mushrooms may have antiviral benefits. They contain polysaccharides, which have been reported to exhibit direct effects on the influenza virus.
• Cardiovascular Support
  Clinical studies and experiments with animals confirm that reishi mushrooms can dilate the coronary artery, increase blood flow, and improve circulation in cardiac muscle capillaries, thus increasing the supply of oxygen and energy to cardiac muscle. Reishi mushrooms can reduce blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels and prevent the formation of arterial atheromatous patches. They can also reduce hardened cholesterol already in the arteries and soften the blood vessel wall to avoid further damage. Reishi mushrooms may help to prevent strokes by improving blood circulation and inhibiting the aggregation of platelets.
• Radiation Damage Protection
  Research indicates that reishi mushrooms augment the effects of radiation therapy while acting directly against the tumor. Investigation also reveals reishi mushrooms help to strengthen the immune system, to better manage radiation therapy and chemotherapy treatment and assist to improve the quality of life of the patient. They have also been found to ease symptoms of chemotherapy, such as nausea, vomiting, headaches, fever, infection, weight loss and hair loss.

2.     Rokkaku Reishi
The antler-shaped fruiting body of Ganoderma lucidum is called Rokkaku-Reishi. Organically cultivated in Gifu, Nagano Prefecture, it contains one of the highest levels of Beta-Glucan. A leading Japanese beverage manufacturer, Suntory, recently announced that its research division Suntory Institute for Health Care has discovered a beneficial effect of Rokkaku Reishi. The institute has confirmed that the Rokkaku Reishi mushroom helps alleviate side effects of cyclophosphamide (CY), one of the anticancer prodrugs used in chemotherapies.

3.    Cordyceps
Cordyceps sinensis is a parasitic fungus, that attacks moth caterpillars. The spores of the fungus infect a caterpillar in fall and develop over the winter. In spring, the fungus produces a long slender fruiting body. Both the fruiting body and the remains of the caterpillar are preserved and used as an herbal remedy. Cordyceps has been used in traditional Asian medicine for centuries.

• Performance Enhancer
  There is evidence to suggest that Cordyceps may be useful as a performance enhancer, improving endurance, stamina and overall fitness. In 1993, two Chinese athletes broke world records in track competitions. Their coach attributed the win to the athletes using Cordyceps as a supplement.
• Respiratory Ailments
  Cordyceps is given, traditionally, for a variety of respiratory problems. These include upper respiratory infections, bronchitis and asthma. The herbal remedy may increase the overall oxygen absorption abilities of the body, thereby improving oxygenation.
• Hepatitis B
  Cordyceps may assist with the treatment of hepatitis B by increasing serum gamma globulin levels and bolstering the immune system. Further investigation is necessary, and medical studies are currently under way.
• Infection Protection
  Cordyceps may also have antibiotic properties. A recent study performed by I-Shou University in Taiwan and published in the “Journal of Medical Microbiology” indicated that mice that were force-fed Cordyceps were highly resistant to consequent infection with a streptococcus, a bacteria that can cause serious illness in humans.
• Liver and Kidney Function
  In traditional Chinese medicine, Cordyceps is commonly used to improve liver and kidney function. Those with kidney and liver problems may benefit from using Cordyceps as a part of a treatment plan.
• Anti-Tumor Treatment
  Several studies conducted by Dr. Georges Halpern and published in the “Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine” indicated that Cordyceps may have tumor-reducing properties. The supplement may stimulate an auto-immune response that reduces tumor size.

 

4.        Cauliflower mushroom
Sparassis mushroom (Sparassis crispa), also known as the “Coral Mushroom” in Eastern Asia and the
“Cauliflower Mushroom” in North America, are a medicinal mushroom that has been increasingly cultivated due to its potential value in traditional medicine. Believed to contain a significant amount of soluble beta D-glucan, the Sparassis mushroom extracts supports a healthy blood sugar
level, restores normal cellular immunity, and promotes quality of life.

While many clinical investigations are in progress to find out about the agent responsible for Sparassis mushroom’s health benefits, it is documented that soluble Beta D-Glucan and complex polysaccharides based on heteroglycans are the ones help to promote a normal immune response.

 

5.       Pine mushroom (Matsutake mushrooms)
Matsutake mushrooms are also known as pine mushrooms or Tricholoma matsutake. They originated in Japan, but can be found in northern parts of Europe, Asia and North America. Japanese respect these mushrooms so much that they are prepared to pay several thousands of dollars for a kilo of Japanese mushrooms.

 

6.        Matsutake Health Benefits
Modern medicine found these mushrooms to be excellent sources of proteins, vitamins and minerals. They are full of vitamins A, B6, C and also thiamine, niacin and riboflavin and also contain plenty of minerals such as: potassium, sodium, iron, copper, calcium and phosphorus. Copper is important for many different biochemical reactions in the body and also for the production of red blood cells, which makes these mushrooms valuable. Potassium found in high amounts in matsutake mushrooms is responsible for the healthy heart and muscles and provide the fluid balance in the body.

These mushrooms are completely without cholesterol and contain just traces of fat, and because of that they are considered to be very healthy.

Matsutake mushrooms are proven to be effective fighting different cancers. Many medications are used to treat cancerous changes in the body but all of them affect the healthy tissue to some extent, causing serious side effects. If these anti-cancer medications kill cancer cells they will most certainly kill some of the healthy cells in the body, because the drugs can’t differentiate between healthy and cancer cells. Matsutake mushrooms are believed to be a natural anti-cancer remedy, that doesn’t have unwanted side effects.

Most cancers are considered to be the result of the pollution damage of our cells. Carcinogens from the industry, such as benzene are blamed for almost 80% of all cancer cases. Matsutake mushrooms have anti-cancerous properties, due to the substances present in them. These substances are: different glycans, polysaccharides AB-P and AB-FP, at least different steroids, uronyde, and some nucleic acid elements are responsible for carcinostatic properties of these mushrooms.

Matsutake mushrooms were proven helpful in over 85% in the some animal testing for carcinomas. They showed positive results on animals tested also for: solid cancers and cancers induced by chemicals. These mushrooms can prevent the metastasis of carcinoma cells, because they can affect and reinforce the immune system. They are also found to prevent the risk of cancers by regular consummation.

 

7.      Maitake Mushroom
The maitake mushroom has been prized in Asia for thousands of years for its health benefits. The Japanese word “maitake” means “dancing mushroom,” a name derived from the reaction of people having found these mushrooms, which were actually worth their weight in silver.

Modern research on the maitake mushroom only began in Japan in the 1980s and has just recently begun to be conducted to the United States. Most research has been done on the extract rather than the fresh mushroom and tests on humans are limited.

Here are six health benefits of maitake mushrooms.

• Cancer Prevention
  Maitake mushrooms are highly sought after for their anti cancer properties. They are abundant in polysaccharides and polysaccharide-protein complexes that the body uses to fortify the immune system. The mushroom’s beta-glucan content works to promote important immune system functions, effectively activating white blood cells that fight off microorganisms that cause disease, including cancer. Maitake mushrooms enhance the activity of cells, inducing the production of interleukins and other lymphokines that have chemo protective effects, slow tumor growth, and help to inhibit the spread of cancer.
• Immune System Support
  Maitake mushrooms grow primarily in Northeastern Japan and are esteemed by traditional Chinese medicine for fighting disease and improving immunity. Regular consumption of maitake enhances the immune system as well as lowers blood pressure. The most effective ingredient in the mushroom is its beta-glucan, a polysaccharide compound that boosts the immune system through the activation of macrophage cells, natural killer cells and T-cells. These cells play an important role in building general immunity and preventing free radicals from harming the body’s systems.
• Blood Sugar Control
  The consumption of maitake mushrooms may regulate blood sugar levels and blood lipid levels. The polysaccharide compounds that promote the strength of the immune system are also effective in helping to regulate blood pressure, glucose, insulin and lipids. This effect is especially beneficial for people with diabetes or hypoglycemia. People with Type 2 Diabetes may also benefit from maitake mushrooms. Scientists have studied a specific, high-molecular polysaccharide in maitake called the X-fraction. Research results suggest that maitake mushrooms can reduce insulin resistance and increase insulin sensitivity.
• Lower Blood Pressure
  Research on animals suggests that maitake may help lower blood pressure in people. One study gave hypertensive rats a 5% maitake mushroom powder and observed a reduction in blood pressure. Similar results were seen from another study on rats, in which maitake lowered blood pressure from 200 to 115 mm Hg in just 4 hours. In an unpublished trial on humans, eleven patients with hypertension took 500 mg of maitake mushroom pills twice a day. A mean decrease in diastolic blood pressure of approximately 8 mm Hg and a mean decrease in systolic blood pressure of about 14 mm Hg were reported.
• Lower Cholesterol
  In one study on hyperlipidemic rats, maitake changed lipid metabolism through inhibiting the aggregation of liver lipids and the raising of serum lipids. Similar results were seen in rats fed a high-cholesterol diet. In another study, rats given powdered mushroom preparations saw a drop in both total cholesterol and very low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol.
• Weight Loss
  Maitake mushrooms can promote weight loss and decrease obesity when combined with light exercise. Studies on overweight rats fed maitake powder found that after 18 weeks, they had lost weight compared with controls. They contain no cholesterol, no fats and are very low carbohydrates. Additionally, the high lean protein content of mushrooms helps burn cholesterol in digestion.

 

8.      Chaga Mushroom

The Chaga mushroom was completely unknown in the western world, until Russian author and later Nobel laureate, Alexandr Solzhenitsyn introduced it to the world in his novel Cancer Ward, whose protagonist is cured of cancer with the help of medicinal Chaga mushrooms.

The nutrient makeup of Chaga is rather impressive. Its line-up exceeds many of those in a similar class for the reason that it feeds on the actual living tree, as opposed to the ground. Trees, both individual specimens and colonies, have impressive “roots” in longevity. Some colonies of trees have manifested their beginnings over 200,000 years ago, while there are even individual trees that date back to almost 3.000 years ago. Needless to say, the trees have links to both longevity and the nutrients required to achieve it. The unfortunate fact in this circumstance is that we can’t eat a tree, nor can we root ourselves in the ground and mimic them, so while the birch is indigestible, Chaga mushroom comes to the rescue.

Chaga successfully, shall we say, “milked” the divine birch, and we can be the lucky recipients of the divine nutrition we’d otherwise be deprived of. Also, chaga grows on a living tree, as opposed to a dead tree like most mushrooms. In that light, chaga is a slow-growth fungus, meaning it take 15-20 years or more to reach maturity. In those 15-20 years, chaga has artfully grown into all of its beneficial nutrients, as you want to make sure your chaga product is the sclerotium of the mushroom as opposed to the mycelium. Though mycelium still does contain some of the nutrients, it has been scientifically proven that the sclerotium, or body, of chaga is more dense and fruitful.

A chaga mushroom also contains SOD or superoxide dismutase, an enzyme that is naturally contained in our bodies. SOD helps in protecting the body from free radicals and the damaging effects of oxygen specifically the singlet oxygen which causes diseases and rapid aging.Naturally found in our skin, SOD is responsible for rejuvenating the skin through skin-cell rebuilding, in effect slows down the aging process. Specific to Chaga are the phenolic compounds that protect tissues. Skin tissues in particular, phenolic are present that contains pigments like melanin, helps regain skin color and achieve more radiant look.

Also rich in minerals, enzymes and various B vitamins, Chaga is a nutritional powerhouse. A Chaga mushroom is also considered one of the world’s abundant sources of pantothenic acid and is very rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, zinc and potassium.

 

9.      Agaricus Blazei Mushroom
Agaricus blazei Murrill is a medicinal mushroom, a popular food that has low calorie content and is mineral rich. It contains important fibers, vitamins and amino acids.

Miraculous Healing Food
In Brazil, they call it Cogumelo do sol or medicinel and in Japan they call is Himematustake, Agarikusutake or Kawarihiratakes. The mushroom originates in Piedade, a small village in the Atlantic forest near Sao Paulo, Brazil. In 1960, a Japanese researcher named Takatoshi Furumoto discovered it and sent it to Japan in 1965 for study. Coincidentally, two American scientists had also visited Piedade at about this time and reached similar conclusions. They published their results, from the analysis of the nutritional content of these unique Brazilian mushrooms, in a range of scientific journals in 1965. But it was only when Ronald Reagan, ex-President of the USA, was publicized to be taking these mushrooms in his successful fight against skin cancer, that the special mushroom called the Agaricus Blazei Murill finally captures the imagination of the world.

Efforts to study the health properties of this tasty mushroom were also stepped up in Japan. Not only was the Agaricus Brazil Mushroom found to be effective cancer inhibitor through animal experiments, but also that it is the best cancer fighter among known medicinal mushrooms with a cancer cure rate of 90% and inhibition rate of 99.4%.

At the Medical Department of Tokyo University, the National Cancer Center Laboratory and Tokyo College of Pharmacy; mice with cancerous tumors were fed with Agaricus mushroom. The cancerous tumors were eliminated in 90% of the mice. Even more astounding, for those mice fed with the mushroom as a preventative agent, injected with the powerful cancer-causing Sarcoma 180, 99.4 % of them showed no tumor growth.

How does Agaricus Brazil Mushroom Helps you to Fight Cancer?
Agaricus Brazil Mushroom effectively fight cancer cells by enhancing the body’s own immune system Researchers discovered that the Agaricus Brazil Mushroom is rich in two polysaccharide compounds, the Beta-1,3 D-glucan and Beta-1,6 D-glucan. Studies showed that the number of cancer cells generated in the body decreased considerably due to the polysaccharides found in the mushroom .

The mushroom was cited as a powerful antiviral agent that helped prevent viruses and harmful agents from entering delicate tissue. The polysaccharides found in the mushroom were found to be effective against Ehrlich’s ascites carcinoma (EAC), sigmoid colonic cancer, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, and liver cancer as well as most solid tumors.

Immune System Modulation of Agaricus blazei Murrill
Immune System Modulation is distinct from Immune System Activation. When a biological agent stimulates your immune system, it produces more of what it is already inclined to produce. But a biological agent modulates your immune system through a special part of its biochemical structure known as a Beta-Glucan. A Beta-Glucan presence in your body can produce immune system responses in parts of the body, tissues and parts of bone marrow specifically, that do not generally produce immune system responses.

What’s impressive about this is that it increases the power of your body’s defense forces not only by increasing output at already active defense-body producing sites, but it brings more producing sites online to aid in your body’s all-natural, organic fight against disease.

• Anti-Viral Activity of Agaricus blazei Murrill
  Interferon is a body’s virus fighting substance. We know specifically that a number of viral activities can be significantly slowed by the use of Agaricus Brazil, scientists have seen Agaricus Brazil reduce the presence of various viruses in rats. They have high expectations that due to the biological similarities between humans and mice and rats that the effects translate into positive effects for humans.
• Helps with Chemical & Heavy Metal Cleansing
  Agaricus Brazil has the ability to boost your immune system. Due to the beta-glucans naturally found in this mushroom, it plays an essential role in promoting the natural growth of protective cells, which assists the detoxification process.
• Helps Reduce Blood Pressure
  Agaricus Brazil sometimes contains a wonder amino acid that contains the neurotransmitter GABA. So it not only helps your protein structure but aids in stimulating your brain to be more effective. When these agents are administered to patients, they reduce blood pressure in a statistically significant way. This can help to reduce your blood pressure levels, improving your cardiovascular health.
• Helps Reduce Cholesterol Levels
  Agaricus Brazil has the ability to reduce cholesterol levels. A significant portion of ninety female volunteers who ingested proteins drawn out of Agaricus Brazil for eight weeks experienced a significant drop in their cholesterol levels and increased their cholesterol metabolism level.