0905 Scientific References of Interest on Nutritional and
Medicinal Values of Mushrooms
Adachi, K. et al., 1987. “Potentiation of host-mediated antitumor activity of in mice by B-glucan obtained
from Grifola frondosa (Maitake) Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin 35:262-270.
Adachi, K. et al., 1988. “Blood pressure lowering activity present in the fruit body of Grifola frondosa
(Maitake)”. Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin 3:1000-1006.
Berger, A. et al. 2004. “Cholesterol lowering properties of Ganoderma lucidum in vitro, ex vivo, and in
hamsters and pigs”. Lipids Health Dis. Feb 18;3:2.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=
Abstract&list_uids=14969592
Bobek,, P., et al. 1991b. “Effects of mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus and isolated fungal polysaccharide on the serum and liver lipids in Syrian hamsters with hyperlipidemia”. Nutrition 7:105-108.
Bobek P., et al., 1991a. “Cholesterol-lowering effect of the mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus hereditary
hypocholesterolemic rats”. Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism 35:191-195.
Bobek, P., O. Ozdin & M. Mikus, 1995. “Dietary oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) accelerates
cholesterol turnover in hypercholesterolaemic rats”. Physiological Research 44(5):287-291.
http://www.lf2.cuni.cz/physiolres/1995/issue5/iss5cl4.htm
Bobek, P., E. Ginter, M. Jurcovicova, & L. Kuniak, 1999. “Actual reviews for selected medicinal properties
of mushrooms. Cholesterol reducing effects of Pleurotus species (Agaricomycetidease) (Abstracts of papers
published in 1991-1999”. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, vol 1, pp.371-380.
Bobek, P. and S. Galbavy, 2001. “Effect of pleuran (beta glucan from Pleurotus ostreatus) on the
antioxidant status of the organism and on dimethylhydrazine-induced pre-cancerous lesions in rat colon”.
British Journal of Biomedical Science 58(3):164-168.
Borchers, A.T., C. Keen & M. Gershwin, 2004. “Mushrooms, tumors and immunity: an update”.
Experimental Biology and Medicine 229:393-406.
http://www.ebmonline.org/cgi/content/abstract/229/5/393
Borchers, A.T., J. Stern, T. Hackman, C. Keen, M. Gershwin, 1999. “Mushrooms, tumors and immunity”.
Proc Soc Exp Biol Med 221:281-293.
http://www.ebmonline.org/cgi/content/abstract/221/4/281?
ijkey=f5bae01a742aec546bd6ac1d646005804d231b7a&keytype2=tf_ipsecsha
Brandt, C.R., F. Piraino. 2000. “Mushroom antivirals”. Recent Research Developments for Antimicrobial
Agents and Chemotherapy. 4(2000): 11-26.
Breene, William M., 1989. “Nutritional and Medicinal Value of Specialty Mushrooms”,
Journal of Food Protection”.
53(10): 883-894.
A well-referenced article that gives a useful overview of many aspects of nutrition and medicinal activity
of many mushroom species.
http://www.icnet.uk/labs/med_mush/final_pdfs/chapt1.pdf
Chen, Y.J., 1997. “Effect of Cordyceps sinensis on the proliferation and differentiation of
human leukemic U937 cells.” Life Sciences 60 (25):2349-2359.
Cheng, J., et. al., 2005. “Characterization and functional study of Antrodia camphorata Lipopolysaccharide”
J. Agric. Food Chem. 53(2), 469-747.
Chiou, W.F., C. Chou, and C. Chen, 2000. “Protein constituent contributes to hypotensive and vasorelaxant
activities of Cordyceps sinensis”. Life Sciences Feb 25; 66(14):1369-1376.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10755473&dopt=Abstract
Collins, R.A., and T.B. Ng. 1997. “Polysaccharides from Coriolus versicolor has potential for use against human
immunodeficiency virus type I infection”. Life Sciences. 60(25):383-387.
Research from China suggest Turkey Tail mushroom may be useful in treating HIV virus
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=
9194694&query_hl=1&itool=pubmed_DocSum
Dubost N. J., R. Beelman and D. Peterson, 2005. “Identification and quantification of ergothioneine in
cultivated mushrooms by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry”.
Researchers at the Food Science Dept. of Penn. State University have developed a assay applicable to
plant material to quantify L-ergothioneine (LE), a naturally occurring antioxidant amino acid. LE is normally
found in high concentrations in tissues of the body exposed to high levels of oxidative stress. Humans and
other animals cannot synthesis LE, therefore we have to obtain it from our diet. Mushrooms were found to
be prime natural source of this powerful antioxidant. White button mushrooms have about 12 times more
LE than wheat bran while Maitake, King Trumpet, Oyster and Shiitake mushrooms were found to contain
up to 40 times the amount found in wheat bran. Previously wheat bran and chicken liver were believed to be
the best sources of LE. Antioxidants such as LE are believed to reduce the risk of chronic disease by limiting
damaging cell oxidation in the human body. Abstract of paper on-line at:
http://ift.confex.com/ift/2005/techprogram/paper_30013.htm
Eo, S.K., Y.S. Kim, C.K. Lee, S.S. Han, 2000. “Possible mode of antiviral activity of acidic protein bound
polysaccharide isolated from Ganoderma lucidum on herpes simplex viruses”.
Journal of Ethnopharmacology Oct. 72(3): 475-481.
Abstract of article about the Reishi mushroom:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=
9194694&query_hl=1&itool=pubmed_DocSum
Fullerton, S.A., A.A. Samadi, D.G. Tortorelis, C. Mallouh, H. Tazaki & S. Kunno, 2000. “Induction of Apoptosis in Human Prostatic Cancer Cells with Beta-Glucan (Maitake Mushroom Polysaccharide).
Molecular Urology. 41): 7-13.
Exploration of effective treatments of prostate cancer with extract of the Maitake mushrooms.
Fujimiya, Y., Y. Suzuki, K. Oshiman, H. Kobori, K. Moriguchi, H. Nakasima, Y. Matumoto, S. Takahara, T. Ebina, R. Kakkura. 1998. “Selective tumorcidal effect of soluble proteoglucan extracted from the basidiomycete, Agaricus blazei, Murrill, mediated via natural killer cell activation and apoptosis”.
Cancer Immunology Immunotherapy. 46:147-159.
http://www.springerlink.com/(ckoiy255dr5qmh55shpi1o45)/app/home/contribution.asp?referrer=
parent&backto=issue,4,6;journal,103,319;linkingpublicationresults,1:100509,1
Fukushima, M., T. Ohashi, Y. Fujiwara, K. Sonoyama, M. Nakano. 2001. Cholesterol lowering effects of maitake (Grifola frondosa) fiber, shiitake (Lentinus edodes) fiber, and Enokitake (Flammulina veluptipes) fiber in rats. Exp. Biol. Med. (Maywood) Sept. 226(8): 758-765.
http://www.ebmonline.org/cgi/content/abstract/226/8/758
Gao, Y., W. Tang, H. Gao, E. Chan, J. Lan, X. Li, & S. Zhoi, 2005. “Antimicrobial activity of the medicinal
mushroom Ganoderma”. Food Reviews International. 21(2):211-229.
As drug resistance and toxicity become ever more significant hindrances to successful treatment of
chronic diseases, herbal medicines represent useful supplements to existing chemotherapeutic agents.
Polysaccharides or triterpenoids from Ganoderma have shown activities against Herpes simple virus,
Hepatitus B virus, HIV, and Epstein-Barr virus in vitro or in animal studies. In this clinical study,
treatment of hepatitis B patients with Ganoderma polysaccharides resulted in significantly decreased
serum HBV DNA and hepatitis B e antigen levels.
http://taylorandfrancis.metapress.com/(i3drypevhjnb3h45qn0zo145)/app/home/contribution.asp?
referrer=parent&backto=issue,3,4;journal,6,25;linkingpublicationresults,1:104791,1
Gunde-Cimerman, N. 1999. “Medicinal value of the genus Pleurotus (Fr.) P.Kast.
(Agaricales s.1., Basiomyceltes)” International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, vol. 1, pp. 69-80.
Halpern, G.M., 1999. “Cordyceps: China’s Healing Mushroom”
Avery Publishing Group, Garden City Park, New York.
Hattori, M. 1997. “Inhibitory effects of components from Ganoderma lucidum on the growth of
immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the protease activity”. Proceedings of the 1st International
Symposium on Ganoderma lucidum in Japan Nov. 17-18th, Tokyo. pp. 128-135.
Hseu, YC, H. Yang, Y. Lai, J. Lin, G. Chen & Y. Chang, 2004. “Induction of apoptosis by Antrodia
camphorate in human premyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells”. Nutr Cancer. 48(2):189-197.
Research from Taiwan investigating the ability of A. camphorata to induce apoptosis in cultured
human leukemia cells. Results indicate that the mushroom exerts antiproliferative action and
growth inhibition on HL-60 cells and that it may have valuable anticancer properties for application
in drug products. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&
list_uids=15231454&dopt=Abstract.
Hseu, YC, W. Chang, Y. Hseu, C. Lee, Y. Yech, P. Chen, J. Chen & H. Yang, 2002. “Protection
of oxidative damage by aqueous extract from Antrodia camphorate in normal human erythrocytes”.
Life Sci. June 14; 71(4):469-82
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=
12044846&dopt=Abstract
Hsu, YL, Y. Kuo, P. Kuo, L. Ng, Y. Kuo & C. Lin, 2005. “Apoptotic effects of extracts from
Antrodia camphorate fruiting bodies in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells line”.
Cancer Lettr. Apr 18, 221(1):77-89
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=
15797630&dopt=Abstract
Ikekawa, T., N. Uehara, Y. Maeda, M. Nakanishi, F. Fukuoka, 1989.
“Twenty years of Studies on AntiTumor Activities of Mushrooms”.
Cancer Research. 29, 734-735.
Ikekawa, T. 2005. “Cancer risk reduction by intake of mushrooms and clinical studies on EEM”.
International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms. Vol. 7.
Results of a case study from 1998 to 2002 in Japan where it was shown more that once a week
ingestion of Beech mushroom (bunashimeji, Hypsizygus marmoreus) or Nameko mushroom
(Pholio nameko) significantly reduced the risk of stomach cancer. Ingestion of Enoki (Flammulina
veluptipes) more than three times per week also resulted in a significant reduction of cancer risk.
Extracts from Beech and Enoki mushrooms were also shown to have a positive effect on advanced
cancer patients in terms of performance status & quality of life. Abstract online: http://www.begellhouse.com/journals/708ae68d64b17c52,0d0f121956dd501b,32754e634f49c558.htmls
Ikekawa, T., 2001. “Beneficial effects of edible and medicinal mushrooms on health care”.
International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms 3:291-298.
http://www.edata-center.com/journals/708ae68d64b17c52,4cf0547d63409c36,1793be3351e10dfe.html
Jong, S.C., J.M. Birmingham, S.H. Pai, 1991. “Immuno-modulatory substances of fungal origin”. Journal of
Immunol. Immunopharamacol. 11(3).
Kawagishi H., et al. 1994. “Erinacines A, B, C, strong stimulators of nerve growth factor synthesis from
the mushroom Hericium erinaceum”. Tetrahedron Letters 35(10):1569-72
The Lion’s Mane or Pom Pom mushroom, known in Japan as Yamabushi-Take is reported to stimulate
nerve growth and may be useful in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
Kidd, P.M., 2000. “The use of mushroom glucans and proteoglycans in cancer treatment”.
Altern. Med. Review 54-27.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_
uids=10696116&dopt=Abstract
Koh, J.H., K. Yu, H. Suh, Y. Choi, & Y. Ahn, 2002. “ Activation of macrophages and the intestinal
immune system by an orally administered decoction from cultured medium of Corydyceps sinensis”.
Biosci Biotechno Biochem Feb; 66(2)407-411.
Konno, S. et al., 2002. "Anticancer and hypoglycemic effect of polysaccharides in edible and medicinal Maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa (Dicks.: Fr.) S.F. Grey." International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms. 4:185-195.
Konno, S., D. Tortorelis, S. Fullerton, A. Samadi, J. Hettiarcarchchi, & H. Tazaki, 2001.
“A possible hypoglycaimic effect of maitake mushroom on Type 2 diabetic patients”.
Diabetes Medicine Dec: 18(12):1010.
Kubo, K., H. Aoki, H. Nanda, 1994. “Anti-diabetic activity present in the fruit body of Grifola frondosa (Maitake)”. Biol. Pharm. Bull. 17(8): 1106-1110.
Maitake is reported to help lower & moderate glucose levels and reduce insulin resistance thus suggesting
maitake as a possible treatment for diabetic patients.
Kubo K. 1996. “The effect of maitake mushrooms on liver and serum lipids”.
Altern Ther Health Med 2(5), 62-66.
Kuo, Y.C., C. Lin, W. Tsai, C. Wu, C. Chen & M. Shiao, 1994. “Growth inhibitors against killer cells in
Cordyceps sinensis other than cordycepin and polysaccharides”. Cancer Investigation 12(6) 611-615.
Kuo, Y.C., W. Tsai, M. Shiao, C. Chen, C. Lin, 1996. “ Cordyceps sinensis as an immunomodulatory agent”.
American Journal of Chinese Medicine, vol. XXIV, No. 2, pp. 111-125.
Kuo, Y.C., C. Chen, Y. Luo, R. Huang, W. Chuang, C. Sheu & Y. Lin, 2005. “Cordyceps sinensis mycelium
protects mice from group A streptococcal infection”. J. Med. Microbiol 54:795-802.
http://jmm.sgmjournals.org/cgi/content/full/54/8/795
Li, S.P., P. Li, T. Dong, & K. Tsim, 2001. “Anti-oxidation activity of different types of natural Cordyceps
sinensis and cultured Cordyceps mycelia”. Phytomedicine May; 8(3)207-212.
http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/urban/211/2001/00000008/00000003/
art00030;jsessionid=x00te1uamzdy.alice
Lindequest, U., H. T. Niedermeyer & W. Julich, 2005. “The Pharmacological Potential of Mushrooms”.
eCam2005; 2(3)285-299.
This review describes pharmacologically active compounds from mushrooms with antimicrobial,
antiviral, antitumor, antiallergic, immunomodulating, anti-inflammatory, anitatherogenic,
hypoglycemic, and hepatoprotective activities.
http://ecam.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/reprint/2/3/285.pdf
Liu, JU., T Huang, M. Hsu, C. Chen, W. Lin, F. Lu & W. Chang, 2004. “ Antitumor effects of the
partially purified polysaccharides from Antrodia camphorate and the mechanism of its action”.
Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 2004, Dec 1; 201(2): 186-193.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=
15541758&dopt=Abstract
Lovy, A., B. Knowles, R. Labbe, L. Nolan, 1999. “Activity of edible mushrooms against the growth
of human T4 leukemia cancer cells and Plasmodium falciparum” Journal of Herbs, Spices and
Medicinal Plants. 6(4): 49-57.
Lull C., H. Wichers, & H. Savelkoul, 2005. “Antiinflammatory and immunomodulating properties
of fungal metabolites”. Mediators Inflamm. 2005(2): 63-80.
Excellent article available on–line. Discusses many therapeutic effects of mushrooms including
anticancer activity, suppression of autoimmune diseases & allergies.
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1160565
Manohar, V., N. Talpur, B. Echard, S. Liberman, & H. Preuss, 2002. “Effects of a water soluble
extract of maitake mushroom on circulating glucose/insulin concentrations in KK mice”
Diabetes Obes Metab Jan: 4 (1):43-48.
Mau JL, HC Lin, & CC Chen, 2002. “Antioxidant properties of several medicinal mushrooms”.
J Agric Food Chem. Oct 9:50(21):6072-6077.
Mizuno, M., M. Mizumoto, K. Minato, and H. Tsuchida, 1998. “Polysaccharides from Agaricus
blazei stimulate lymphocyte T-cell subsets in mice”. Bioscience Biotechnology and Biochemistry Mar;
62(3):434-437.
In the same genus as the common button mushroom, this almond-flavored tropical species is found
in Brazil and also in the southeastern United States. Compounds from this mushroom have shown
anti-tumor, immune-enhancing, interferon and interleukin enhancing, anti-viral, cholesterol reducing,
and blood sugar modulating activities.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=
PubMed&list_uids=9571772&dopt=Abstract
Mori, K. et al., 1987. “Antitumor effects of edible mushrooms by oral administration”.
From Wuesst, P.J. et al. (eds.). Cultivating Edible Fungi. Amsterdam: Elsevier:1-6.
Nakazato, H., A Koike, S. Saji, N. Ogawa & J. Sakamoto, 1994. “Efficacy of immunotherapy
as adjuvant treatment after curative resection of gastric cancer”. The Lancet May7,343: 1122-1126.
Nanba, H., 1992. “Immunostimulant activity in-vivo and anti-HIV activity in-vitro of 3 branched
beta 1-6 glucans extracted from Maitake mushrooms (Grifola frondosa)”. Proceedings of the VIII
International Conference on AID and the III STD World Congress.
Nanba, H., 1997. “Maitake D-fraction: Healing and Preventative Potential for Cancer”. Journal of
Orthomolecular Medicine. Vol. 12: 43-49.
Results of a clinical study of 165 advanced stage (III-IV) cancer who received Maitake D-fraction
are reported. Tumor regression or significant symptom improvements were observed in 11 of 15
breast-cancer patients, 12 of 18 lung-cancer patients and 7 of 15 liver-cancer patients. These
response rates improved 12 to 28% if Maitake was administered in addition to chemotherapy.
Nakazato, H., A Koike, S. Saji, N. Ogawa & J. Sakamoto, 1994. “Efficacy of immunotherapy as
adjuvant treatment after curataive resection of gastric cancer”. The Lancet May7,343: 1122-1126.
Ng, T.B. & HX Wang, 2005. “Pharmacological actions of Cordyceps, a prized folk medicine”.
J. Pharm Pharmacol. Dec; 57(12): 1509-1519.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=
PubMed&list_uids=16354395&dopt=Abstract
Ng, T.B. 1998. “A Review of Research on the Protein-Bound Polysaccharide (Polysaccharopeptide, PSP)
for the Mushroom Coriolus versicolor (Basidiomycetes: Polyporaceae)”. Gen. Pharmac. 30(1): 1-4
Review of research on the exciting antitumor and anticancer activities of extracts from
Turkey Tail mushroom.
Ohno, N. et al., 1986. “Characterization of the anti-tumor glucan obtained from liquid-cultured
Grifola frondosa”. Chem Pharm Bull. 34:1709-1715.
Sakagami, H., K. Sugaya, A. Utsumi, S. Fujinaga, T. Sato, & M. Takeda, 1993.
“Stimulation by PSK of interleukin-1 production by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells”.
Anticancer Research, May-June 13(3):671-675.
Sharon, N. and H. Lis. 1993. “Carbohydrates in Cell Recognition”.
Scientific American. January 1992: 82-89.
Very interesting discussion on how complex sugars enable cells to identify and interact with one
another and the mechanisms by which carbohydrates can function to fight infections and inflammation.
The immuno-regulatory activities of mushroom extracts are primarily attributed to the complex,
long-chain polysaccharide (sugar) content of mushrooms.
Shiao, MS 2003. “Natural products of the medicinal fungus Ganoderma lucidum: occurrence,
biological activities, and pharmacological functions.” Chem Rec. 3(3):172-180.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&
list_uids=12900937&query_hl=2&itool=pubmed_docsum
Song, T., S. Hsu, C. Yeh & G. Yen, 2005. “ Mycelia from Antrodia camphorate in submerged culture
induce apoptosis of human hepatoma HepG2 cells possibly through regulation of Fas pathway”.
J. Agric. Food Chem. 2005 Jul 13; 53(14): 5559-64.
http://lib.bioinfo.pl/auth:Song,TY
Song T., S. Hsu & G. Yen, 2005. “Induction of apoptosis in human hepatoma cells by mycelia
of Antrodia camphorata in submerged culture”. J. Ethnopharmacol. 2005. Aug 22; 100(1-2): 158-167.
Song, T. & G. Yen, 2003. “Protective effects of fermented filtrate from Antrodia camphorata in
submerged culture against CC14-induced hepatic toxicity in rats”. J. Agric. Food Chem.
2003 March 12: 51(6): 1571-1577.
Stajic, M. et al., 2006. “Screening of selenium absorption ability of mycelia of selected
Pleurotus species”. AgroFood Industry. May/June 17(3)
Stavinoha, W., N. Satsangi & S. Weitraub, 1995. “Study of the anti-inflammatory efficacy of
Ganoderma lucidum. In: Recent Advances in Ganoderma lucidum research (pp3-7).
Seoul, Korea: The Pharmaceutical Society of Korea
Steinkrauss, D. C. & J. Whitfield, 1994. “Chinese caterpillar fungus and world records”.
American Entomologist Winter 235-239.
Tochikura et al. 1987. “A biological response modifier, PSK, inhibits immunodeficiency virus in-vitro”.
Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 148: 726-733.
Torisu, M., Y. Ishimitsu, T. Fujimora, K. Katano, H. Yamamoto, Y. Kimua, M. Takesue, M. Kondo, &
K. Nomoto, 1990. “Significant prolongation of disease-free period gained by oral polysaccharide K (PSK)
administration after curative surgical operation of colorectal cancer”
Cancer Immunology Immunotherapy 31:261-268.
Tsang, K. 20003. “Coriolus versicolor polysaccharide peptide slows progression of advanced non-small
cell lung cancer”. Respir Med. 97:618-624.
Clinical study of 34 patients with NSCLC showed that treatment significantly slowed the progression
of this cancer.
Tsukagoshi, S., Y. Hashimoto, G. Fujii, H. Kobayashi, K. Nomoto, & K. Orita, 1984.
“Krestin (PSK).” Cancer Treatment Review 11:131-155.
Detailed discussion of the antitumor effects and mode of action of Krestin (PSK),
a protein-bound polysaccharide preparation extracted fro the Turkey Tail mushroom (Coroilus versicolor).
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=
PubMed&list_uids=6238674&dopt=Abstract
Viraj J.J., C.O. Perera. “Ultraviolet irradiation: The generator of Vitamin D2 in edible mushrooms”.
Recent unpublished research from the National Univ. of Singapore, Food Science and
Technology Programme.
This research investigated the mechanism by which ergosterol in mushrooms is converted to Vitamin
D2 with exposure to UV-B light irradiation. The vitamin D content of mushrooms is very interesting
because most of the foods consumed by humans are deficient in vitamin D and many people,
especially vegetarians, are at risk of vitamin D deficiency disorders which includes rickets in children
and osteoporosis in adults. Clinically, vitamin D deficiency has been proven to be associated with cancers.
http://ift.confex.com/ift/2004/techprogram/paper_22174.htm
Wang, H., J. Gao, & T. Ng, 2000. “A new lectin with highly potent antihepatoma and antisarcoma
activities from the oyster mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus”. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 275(3):810-816.
http://www.medscape.com/medline/abstract/11726212?queryText=metalloendopeptidases
Wang H. & T. Ng, 2001. “Pleureryn, a novel protease from the fresh fruiting bodies of the edible mushroom
Pleurotus eryngii. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 289(3):750-755.
Won, S.Y and Eun-Hee Park. “Anti-inflammatory and related pharmacological activities of cultured
mycelia and fruiting bodies of Cordyceps militaris”. 2005. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 96(3): 555-561.
Cordyceps militaris is a medicinal mushroom species related to C. sinensis. Both species are parasitic on
certain species of moths. C. militaris is native to the uplands of Ireland and has been used in folk medicine
and has recently attracted considerable attention from the scientific community.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=
PubMed&list_uids=15619578&dopt=Abstract
Wang, G., H. Tseng, C. Chou, T. Tsai, C.Chen & M. Lu, 2003. “The vasorelaxation of Antrodia
camphorata mycelia: involvement of endothelial Ca(2+)-No-cGMP pathway”. Life Science.
2003 Oct 10; 73(21): 2769-83.
Research from Taiwan investigating effects of mycelia extracts on cardiovascular
hypertension in rats. http://www.famouschinese.com/viewmedline?id=13679244&cdate=09/18/2003
Wang, S., M. Hsu, H. Hsu, C. Tzeng, S. Le, M. Shiao, & C. Ho, 1997. “The antitumor effect of
Ganoderma lucidum is mediated by cytokines released from activated macrophages and
T lymphocytes”. International Journal of Cancer. 70(6):669-705.
Wasser, S.P., 2002. “Medicinal mushrooms as a source of antitumor and immunomodulating
polysaccharides”. Appl. Microbiol Biotechnol. (2002) 60:258-274.
Another well referenced review article with extensive tables documenting medicinal activities
of many species and in-depth discussions of mechanisms of activity.
Won, S.Y and Eun-Hee Park. “Anti-inflammatory and related pharmacological activities of cultured
mycelia and fruiting bodies of Cordyceps militaris”. 2005. Journal of Ethnopharmacology.
96(3): 555-561.
Cordyceps militaris is a medicinal mushroom species related to C. sinensis. Both species are
parasitic on certain species of moths. C. militaris is native to the uplands of Ireland and has
been used in folk medicine and has recently attracted considerable attention from the scientific
community.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&
list_uids=15619578&dopt=Abstract
Yang, Q.Y., et al., 1993. “A new biological response modifier – PSP”.
From Mushroom Biology and Mushroom Products S. Chang et al. (eds.) Hong Kong.
The Chinese University Press, 247-259.
Yang, Q.Y. & S. C. Jong, 1989. “Medicinal Mushrooms in China”.
Mushroom Science XII (Part 1) 631-643. Proceedings of the Twelve International Congress on the
Science and Cultivation of Edible Fungi. From K. Grabbe & O. Hilber (eds.). Braunschweig, Germany.
Ying, J. et al., 1987. Icons of Medicinal Fungi from China. Translated by C. Yuehan. Beijing: Science Press.
Yoshioka, Y. et al. 1972. “Studies on antitumor activity of some fractions from basidiomycetes. I.
An antitumor acidic polysaccharide fraction of P. ostreatus” (Fr.) Quel. Chem Pharm Bull. 20:1175-1180.
Zaidman, Ben-Zion; M. Yassin & J. Mahajna. 2005. "Medicinal mushroom modulators of molecular targets as cancer therapeutics." Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 67:453-468. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query/fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=15726350&dopt=Abstract
Zhang, H., Y. Feng & C. Zhang, 1999. “Flammulin purified from the fruit bodies of Flammulina veluptipes
(Curt:Fr.) Karst. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, vol. 1: 89-92.
Enoki has been implicated as a possible treatment for lymphoma, Sarcoma 180, B-16 melanoma and
prostate cancer. Enoki mushrooms have also been found to contain blood pressure lowering and
cholesterol reducing compounds.
Zhou, J.L. & Y. Gao, 2002. “The immunomodulating effects of Ganoderma lucidum (Curt.:Fr)
P. Karst. (Ling Zhi, Reishi Mushroom)) Aphyllophoromycetideae).
International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms 4 (1): 1-12.
More than 100 distinct polysaccharides (complex, long-chain sugars) and 119 triterpenoids
(steroid-like compounds that inhibit cholesesterol synthesis, allergenic response and histamines)
have been isolated from the fabled Ling Zhi mushroom from both fruit bodies and cultured mycelia.
Of those that have been studied thus far, many show immunomodulating properties.
Many of these compounds have not yet been studied.
Zhu, J.S., G.M. Halpern, & K. Jones. 1998. “The scientific rediscovery of an ancient Chinese herbal medicine: Cordyceps sinensis Part I”. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 4(3): 289-303.
Zhu, J.S., G.M. Halpern, & K. Jones. 1998. “The scientific rediscovery of an ancient Chinese herbal regimen:
Cordyceps sinensis Part II”. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 4(4): 429-457.
Parts I and II provide a wealth of information on the Chinese caterpillar fungus known as
“Dong Chong Xia Cao”. This amazing fungus is parasitic on a species of moth native to high
elevations in Himalayan mountain regions of Tibet and Nepal. The article explores the use of this
mushroom in traditional Chinese medicine and also reviews studies on the chemical, pharmacological
and toxicological activites of both the fruit bodies and cultured mycelial products of C. sinensis.
Zhuang, C. and Takashi Mizuno. 1999. “Biological responses from Grifola frondosa (Dick.:Fr.)
S.F. Gray – Maitake (Aphyllphoromomycetideae). International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms. 1:317-324.
Research on the antitumor activity, immunological enhancement, cytotoxicity, anti-HIV activity,
antihypertensive activity, antidiabetic activity, antihyperlipemic activity, and antiobesity activity
of the delicious Maitake mushrooms.
Zusman, I., et al., 1997. “Role of apoptosis, proliferating cell nuclear antigen and p53 protein in
chemically induced colon cancer in rats fed corncob treated with the fungus Pleurotus ostreatus”.
Anticancer Research May/June 17(3C):2105-2113.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=
PubMed&list_uids=9216672&dopt=Abstract
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