Useful properties of medicinal mushrooms
Medicinal Mushrooms: A Powerful Natural Remedy for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
The therapeutic properties of mushrooms have been known since ancient times. In traditional medicine, they have been widely used to treat various diseases. While many of us are accustomed to consuming mushrooms as food, few consider their complex structure, fascinating chemistry, and the myriad benefits they offer to our health.
Mushrooms rich in beta-glucans are traditionally used in the medical practices of numerous cultures, including Chinese, Japanese, and Korean medicine.
The body requires essential nutrients found in mushrooms as they provide energy, enhance digestion, regulate blood sugar levels, normalize cholesterol, and exhibit immunomodulatory properties.
Regular consumption of mushrooms or their extracts can significantly improve overall health.
Let us delve deeper into their therapeutic properties and roles.
Polysaccharides: Multifunctional Natural Carbohydrates
Polysaccharides are natural high-molecular-weight carbohydrates with a wide range of therapeutic effects. Particular attention is given to beta-glucans, which are vital dietary fibers with strong immunostimulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
How Polysaccharides and Polysaccharide Peptides Work
Polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates composed of glucose molecules. They are slowly metabolized, providing a gradual energy release, enhancing digestion, and exhibiting immunomodulatory effects. Due to their complex structure, glucose from polysaccharides cannot enter cells directly and remains in the intercellular fluid until insulin facilitates its entry to replenish cellular energy reserves.
Polysaccharide peptides are embedded within the complex polysaccharide matrix. The polysaccharides assist in transporting these peptides into immune system cells. Similar to a locomotive pulling carriages, the polysaccharides carry polysaccharide peptides to their destination.
Once inside immune cells, polysaccharide peptides nourish various immune components, such as T-cells, macrophages, natural killer cells, neutrophils, monocytes, and interferons. They also stimulate lymphocytes, which regulate antibody production (β-cells), thus boosting the body's immune function and enabling immune cells to combat abnormal cells, bacteria, cell debris, and viruses.
Beta-Glucans: The Key to Therapeutic Benefits
Beta-glucans found in mushrooms play a central role in their therapeutic effects.
Immunostimulation
Activate macrophages, NK cells, and dendritic cells via Dectin-1 and TLR-2/4 receptors.
Enhance the production of interleukins (IL-6, IL-12) and other cytokines, stimulating both innate and adaptive immunity.
Strengthen defenses against viral, bacterial, and fungal infections.
Anticancer Effects
Stimulate immune cells to recognize and destroy cancer cells.
Inhibit tumor growth by blocking angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels feeding the tumor).
Anti-inflammatory Action
Regulate pro-inflammatory cytokines and suppress inflammatory pathways like NF-κB.
Beneficial in autoimmune and chronic inflammatory conditions.
Antioxidant Properties
Reduce oxidative stress, protecting cells from damage.
Neutralize free radicals, slowing premature aging.
Support for Gut Microbiota
Promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, strengthening intestinal barrier functions and improving digestion.
Cardioprotective Effects
Protect blood vessels by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
Improve blood lipid profiles, although this effect is more pronounced with cereal-derived beta-glucans.
Natural Peptide-Polysaccharide Complexes
A series of natural peptide-polysaccharide complexes under the My Real Way brand has been developed based on extracts of medicinal mushrooms containing polysaccharide peptides (PSP), polysaccharides, and beta-glucans. These complexes are designed to strengthen the immune system and offer antitumor protection.
Our products are used as adjunct therapies for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy to alleviate symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and pain. To enhance therapeutic outcomes, it is recommended to combine peptide-polysaccharide complexes with the multi-component peptide bioregulators of the My Real Way series, targeted for specific
organs.