Preventing Influenza: Part 3 – Maintaining A Strong Immune System

Two of the best tonics for maintaining long-term general immunity are Medicinal Mushrooms and the Chinese herb Astragalus, both of which are available in NutriStart’s ImmuneStart product.  General benefits provided by ImmuneStart include:

 

– broad-spectrum immune support

 

-cold and flu prevention

 

-support for chemotherapy and radiation treatments

 

However, when we take a closer look at each of the mushrooms found in this formula, it becomes obvious that the benefits range well beyond basic immune support.

 

Medicinal Mushrooms

 

ImmuneStart contains six of the best-researched medicinal mushrooms, grown organically, and concentrated for optimal effectiveness. These are: Agaricus blazei; Cordyceps Sinensis; Maitake; Shiitake; Turkey Tail; Reishi.

 

These mushrooms are in the form of pharmaceutical grade concentrated extracts of mushroom mycelium, extracellular compounds, fruiting bodies, and spores. It takes over 250 pounds of mushrooms to create 1 pound of ImmuneStart’s patented mushroom extract (trademarked as “Immune Assist”). Each recommended dose (4 caps) contains over 560 mg of soluble beta-glucans and polysaccharides. The beta-glucans and polysaccharides found in medicinal mushrooms stimulate the production of immune cells to safeguard our body against foreign invaders, while protecting us from aberrant and abnormal cell growth.

 

Many products derived from medicinal mushrooms are based on well-researched, isolated fractions of some of the immune-enhancing polysaccharides found in these fungi. While the ImmuneAssist combination that we use in ImmuneStart does not isolate these fractions, at the expense of other important components, it does still contain them. All these compounds are marketed around the world for immune enhancement and cancer treatment. They include:

 

• Arabinoxylan, the compound that is found in MGN3 (created by combining rice bran with Shiitake, and two other mushrooms).
• Grifolan (derived from Maitake mushroom and also known as Maitake D-Fraction).
• PSK (polysaccharide krestin) and PSP (polysaccharide peptide), both derived from Turkey Tail mushroom.
• Lentinan and AHCC (active hemicellulose correlated compound), both derived from Shiitake mushroom.

 

The Science on Medicinal Mushrooms

 

I took a tour through PubMed (the best free online site covering scientific studies from around the world), and while the following material will be somewhat technical, it does serve to show the considerable proof that each of these mushrooms individually has a powerful supportive effect on immune function. By combining them all we have a formula that not only is a superior immune-supportive, but also offers a wide range of additional health benefits.

 

Agaricus Blazei

 

Agaricus, a mushroom native to Brazil and widely cultivated in Japan for its medicinal uses, is considered one of the most important edible and medicinal species of mushroom.

 

Traditionally, Agaricus has been used to treat many diseases including atherosclerosis, cancer, dermatitis, diabetes, hepatitis, and high cholesterol. In both laboratory and human studies Agaricus has been shown to regulate the immune system, and to prevent damage to DNA, although the biological pathways by which it accomplishes these activities are still not clear.

 

For our purposes here, showing that this mushroom will be of benefit in preventing the flu, we have one study that tested an extract of Agaricus against the polio virus (in a cell culture) and concluded that: “These results corroborate that (agaricus extracts) can be a rich source of potential antiviral compounds.”   (Source)

 

Another study proves that Agaricus extract protects against Streptococcus Pneumoniae, the bacterial cause of pneumonia. Now, while pneumonia is a bacterial infection, as opposed to the viral infection of the flu, it is good to remember that during the Spanish Flu epidemic (1918), the majority of those who died succumbed to the pneumonia that was a byproduct of the flu, not from the flu itself.

 

This anti-pneumonia study determined that the protective effect of Agaricus extract was due to supporting and activating the immune system. And, this is the first report of anti-infection effects of Agaricus in live animal tests. The conclusion was: “Our results suggest that (Agaricus) extract may be useful as additional prophylactic and possibly therapeutic treatment against bacterial and possibly other infections in humans.” (Source)

 

Cordyceps Sinensis

 

Cordyceps originates as a fungus that parasitizes the larvae of ghost moths, and produces a fruiting body. Thus, it is known in English as “caterpillar fungus”. Cordyceps has been used for at least 2000 years for its reputed abilities to treat fatigue, cancer, erectile dysfunction, and diseases related to the kidneys and the lungs.

 

It is currently very popular with endurance athletes, in part due to a story that broke after the 1993 Olympics, when the Chinese women’s track and field team broke multiple world records. While some suspected that the athletes were using steroids, it was revealed by the Chinese authorities that all the members of the team were made to consume a special drink made from Cordyceps. Their winning streak was attributed to this fungus cocktail, along with a vigorous training program.

 

Traditionally, Cordyceps was harvested by hand from the mountains of Tibet and the Himalayas, and as a result of its rarity, and the difficulty in harvesting it, Cordyceps was also treated as a status symbol. Currently it is cultivated in laboratories, ensuring a sterile environment and a hygienic product.

 

The immense amount of scientific research done on the various species of Cordyceps, reveals a host of health benefits, as indicated by this study: “The aim of this article is to review the chemical constituents and pharmacological actions of Cordyceps species…They include anti-tumour, anti-metastatic, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, insecticidal, antimicrobial, hypolipidaemic, hypoglycaemic, anti-ageing, neuroprotective and renoprotective effects.”  (Source)

 

With regards to flu prevention, we have a mouse study that used the H1N1 virus, and concluded that: “…Cordyceps extract had an anti-influenza effect that was associated with stable body weight and reduced mortality.”  (Source)

 

Maitake

 

Maitake (Grifola frondosa), which means “dancing mushroom”, is a polypore mushroom that grows in clusters at the base of trees, particularly oak trees. It is native to northeastern Japan, and North America, and is prized in traditional Asian medicine as an aid to balance out body systems that are not functioning normally, especially for malfunctioning immune systems. It is widely eaten in Japan, and its popularity in Western cuisine is growing.

 

Research indicates that Maitake has the ability to regulate blood pressure, glucose, insulin, and both serum and liver lipids, such as cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids. Laboratory experiments have shown that Maitake can cause cell death in various forms of cancer cells and inhibit the growth of various types of cancer cells. (Source)

 

While Maitake may have no direct antiviral properties, there is considerable evidence that it is a powerful immune modulator: “Since the discovery of the D-fraction more than three decades ago, many other polysaccharides, including β-glucans and heteroglycans, have been extracted from the G. frondosa fruiting body and fungal mycelium, which have shown significant antitumor and immunomodulatory activities.” (Source)

 

Shiitake

 

Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) is an edible mushroom native to East Asia, which has been cultivated and consumed in China, Japan and Korea since prehistoric times. Also considered a medicinal mushroom, it has been traditionally used to treat upper respiratory diseases, poor blood circulation, liver trouble, exhaustion, and to boost “chi” (life force). Shiitake is also believed to prevent premature aging.

 

Active hexose correlated compound (AHCC) is an alpha-glucan-rich compound, isolated from shiitake mushrooms. AHCC was originally developed for lowering blood pressure, but significant immune stimulating effects were found later, expanding its uses. In Japan, AHCC is the second most popular complementary and alternative medicine used to treat cancer patients.

 

In modern times Shiitake is used medicinally “for diseases involving depressed immune function (including AIDS), cancer, environmental allergies, fungal infection, frequent flu and colds, bronchial inflammation, heart disease, hyperlipidemia (including high blood cholesterol), hypertension, infectious disease, diabetes, hepatitis and regulating urinary inconsistencies”.  (Source)  Furthermore, we have “an emphasis on the possible applications of AHCC in promoting resistance to influenza virus infection”.  (Source)

 

Mushroom Glucans

 

Glucans are the most researched polysaccharide found in mushrooms, and their role in stimulation of immune reactions has been studied for decades. Natural beta-glucans, isolated from yeast, grain or mushrooms, have been proven to modify biological responses, especially to significantly stimulate defense reactions against infections and cancer. Alpha-glucan-containing substances have demonstrated an ability to enhance immune functions.

 

Glucans from both Maitake and Shiitake are among the most studied glucans, and Maitake is especially high in beta-glucans, while Shiitake is high in alpha-glucans. In one study, glucans from Maitake and Shiitake were orally administered to mice, and immune reactions were observed: “We found significant stimulation of defense reactions. In all cases, the most active was the Maitake-Shiitake combination, with Maitake alone being the second strongest, followed by Shiitake on its own and AHCC. Short-term oral application of natural immunomodulating glucans from Maitake and Shiitake mushrooms strongly stimulated both the cellular and humoral branch of immune reactions.” (Source)

 

As research into the medicinal mushrooms continues, researchers are ranging further afield, exploring compounds other than the glucans for their benefits. As this summary demonstrates: “Changed forms of β-Glucan seem to have a good impact on viral replication suppression and might be used in future studies. However, the results seems terpenoids, lectins, glycoproteins, lentinan, galactomannan, and polysaccharides from mushrooms are promising prophylactic or therapeutic agents against COVID-19.”  (Source)

 

Turkey Tail

 

Turkey Tail (Coriolus versicolor) is a medicinal mushroom widely prescribed in China for the prevention and treatment of cancer and infection.  Coriolus mushroom, and the isolated fractions PSP and PSK, are used for “stimulating the immune system; treating herpes, chronic fatigue syndrome, hepatitis, and pulmonary disorders; reducing phlegm; increasing energy; curing ringworm and impetigo; treating upper respiratory, urinary, and digestive tract infections; treating liver disorders including hepatitis; reducing the toxic effects and pain of chemotherapy and radiation therapy; increasing the effectiveness of chemotherapy; prolonging life and raising the quality of life of cancer patients; and increasing appetite.” (Source)

 

As far as protecting us from the flu, and other viruses, we have this: “There is some evidence that turkey tail mushroom extracts like PSP and PSK are useful in treating viral infections. One study found that, when applied to cells, turkey tail mushroom extracts were able to lessen the effects of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) by inhibiting molecules that the virus needs to function. Although studies have not been done in humans, turkey tail mushroom extracts could someday be useful as an antiviral against HIV.” (Source)

 

And this study confirmed its ability to enhance immunity: “A protein-bound polysaccharides (PSP) isolated from Coriolus versicolor…promoted lymphocyte proliferation. The results suggest that the anti-tumor effects of PSP may be related to its potentiation of host immunological responses.”  (Source)

 

Reishi

 

Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum), has been used medicinally in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years. Since it is a tonic to the whole body, supporting all of the organ systems, it was seen as the single most important herb for longevity in Traditional Chinese Medicine. As well, because of the mystical powers that it supposedly granted to those who consumed it, Reishi was also known as the “Mushroom of Immortality”, “Elixir of Life”, or “Mushroom of Spiritual Potency”.

 

Such names give us a clue to just how valuable Reishi was perceived to be, as does this quote from an ancient Chinese medicinal text: “It positively affects the life-energy, or Qi of the heart, repairing the chest area and benefiting those with a knotted and tight chest. Taken over a long period of time, agility of the body will not cease, and the years are lengthened to those of the Immortal Fairies.” (Source) (If you are as intrigued by “Immortal Fairies” as I was, this link will tell you more about what they represent.)

 

Immortal Fairies aside, modern research has found a host of more practical benefits that can be attributed to Reishi mushroom: “The bioactive components found in the G. lucidum mushroom have numerous health properties to treat diseased conditions such as hepatopathy, chronic hepatitis, nephritis, hypertension, hyperlipemia, arthritis, neurasthenia, insomnia, bronchitis, asthma, gastric ulcers, atherosclerosis, leukopenia, diabetes, anorexia, and cancer.”  (Source)

 

Reishi’s benefit for general immunity has been well established by scientific research: “There is considerable evidence to support the immune stimulating activities of Reishi via induction of cytokines and enhancement of immunological effects.” Which comes from a study that concludes with: “…there are data that support its positive health benefits, including anticancer effects; blood glucose regulation; antioxidant, antibacterial, and antiviral effects; and protection against liver and gastric injury.”  (Source)

 

CAVEAT

 

While mushrooms absorb nutrients phenomenally well, they also can absorb and store fungicides, heavy metals, pesticides and radiation. Therefore it is important that when using any mushrooms, whether culinary or medicinal, that you buy organically grown ones if possible.

 

In part 4 of this series I will cover the Astragalus component of Immunestart and look at the anti-flu benefits of green tea.

 

(Author: All newsletters and blogs are written by Ken Peters who has worked as a nutritional consultant for the last 30 years, and as product designer for NutriStart for the last 25 years.  He has also authored two books – Health Secrets Vol. 1&2.  He may be reached at: kenpetersconsulting@gmail.com)