Exploring Reishi's Advantages: Recent Studies and Scientific Findings
Every Friday, I'm busting out the latest science deets on fun guys like mushrooms in our weekly newsletter. Today's blast covers a hot topic: reishi and other Ganoderma mushies taking the research world by storm. From helping y'all slim down to rockin' your noggin, here are the findings:
Reishi Mushrooms: The Skinny Shroom ⚖️ Reishi supplementation helped drop body weight by about 40% and cut abdominal fat like butter melting in a hot summer sun. Word is the newsletter droppin' these science facts on 2/7/25.
Epilepsy Smash 💜 A young girl battling severe, drug-resistant epilepsy experienced a 99% reduction in seizures after starting Naturealm's Sacred 7 Mushroom Extract Powder, which has chaga, cordyceps, lion's mane, maitake, reishi, shiitake, and turkey tail. With fewer fits and channels for Kim Possible quotes, her life is lookin' brighter. And yes, we're pumped to share we published this news on 1/31/25.
Parkinson's Defender 🚧 There's a compound called ergothioneine in mushrooms like reishi and oyster that's protecting against Parkinson's disease. This little hero blocks those damn protein clumps, taking the strain off brain cells, and slowing down their buildup. Catch this dope revelation in the 1/31/25 edition of our newsletter.
Brain Power Connection 🧠 Reishi and lion's mane interact with gut bacteria to impact your mood and brain function. They boost brain proteins like BDNF that help neurons grow and repair, and are linked to better mental well-being. Score more details in our 1/31/25 newsletter.
Colon Cancer Warrior 🧫 Ay, caramba! Extracts from Ganoderma tsugae, aka the angry little pine mushroom, are showing properties against colorectal cancer. GTP-a2, a fucogalactan from this fun guy, is kickin' butt by inhibiting tumor growth and adjustin' immune responses. Jump into the details with our 1/31/25 newsletter.
Cancer Killer 🧬 Calm down, suggesting 'shrooms can induce apoptosis in cancer cells and cap tumor growth. Excuse me? Yep, reishi and turkey tail's doing its thing by reducing colorectal cancer cell growth by over 40% and boostin' immune cell activity to square up against tumors effectively. Check out this exciting stuff in our 1/24/25 newsletter.
Insulin Resistance 🍨 Reishi and shiitake are showin' off polysaccharides and terpenoids that are helping battle insulin resistance. They're lowerin' blood sugar, improvin' metabolic health, and minimizin' insulin resistance markers by up to 30%. From 1/24/25, this little science nugget here.
Dairy Upgrade 🥣 Champignon and reishi mushrooms are levelin' up the nutritional value of yogurt. Champignon contributes 'bout 6% carbs and 6.2% proteins, while reishi is packed with 30% carbs and 12.6% proteins. Here's the 411 on this dairy-wheelin' scoop, courtesy of the newsletter on 1/24/25.
Targetin' Cancer 🎯 Three Ganoderma species (G. resinaceum, G. australe, and G. mbrekobenum) are kickin' cancer's ass. G. resinaceum, in particular, has shown some tough love against liver cancer cells, significantly decreasin' their viability and inducing apoptosis without messin' with the healthy ones. Turn to page 1/24/25 in our newsletter for more details.
Antifungal Action 🛡️ Researchers brewed zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles using reishi mushrooms. These bad boys (along with the mushroom's compounds) are showin' major effects against fungi that cause skin infections like ringworm and athlete's foot, with higher concentrations performin' better at shuttin' down fungal growth. Grab this gritty tale from the 1/17/25 issue of our newsletter.
Crop Improvement 🍄 Reishi mushrooms grown on sugarcane bagasse were found to have higher levels of amino acids, phenols, flavonoids, and vitamin D3 compared to other media like sycamore tree waste. Holy cow, whatta catch, right? Learn more about this juicy scoop in the 1/17/25 newsletter.
Toxins Be Gone 🧯 White-rot fungi like turkey tail and reishi are cleanin' up after us by degradin' up to 100% of organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) such as TBEP and 76.7% of TCPP. Keep this fun fact in mind when you're getting your green on this Earth Day. Find more info in our 1/10/25 newsletter.
Memory Magic 🧠 Compounds from reishi mushrooms are showin' promise in improvin' memory and motor skills in Alzheimer's disease. They're reducin' errors, speedin' up a person's movement, and boostin' their balance and cognitive function. Bye bye, Alzheimer's, hello reishi triterpenoids. Check out these findings from the 1/3/25 newsletter.
Liver Saver 🍷 Reishi extract has been found to cut alcohol-related liver damage in half. Mice were subjected to more drinks than a frat house in the early 2000s, but the extract prevented liver inflammation, buildup of fat, and bolstered gut health. You can get educated on this research info found in our 12/13/24 publication.
Apple Delight 🍎 Young apples fermented with Schizophyllum commune, reishi, and lion's mane produced high-quality mycoprotein with a 33.56% yield. This tasty mix produced three anti-inflammatory peptides, which scientists are stoked about. Pop on over to the 12/6/24 newsletter for the deets.
Cancer War ❤️🩹 Reishi, lion's mane, and oystermushrooms are kicking colorectal cancer's ass. They increased cancer cell death by up to 60% in lab tests and reduced tumor size in mice. When combined with the standard chemotherapy drug 5-FU, reishi enhanced the treatment's effectiveness while protectin' healthy cells. Oyster mushrooms improved survival time and reduced weight loss from cancers when added to the diet. Score more info in our 11/22/24 newsletter.
Gut Boost 🦠 A major review finally confirms that polysaccharides from medicinal mushrooms improve metabolism by transformin' gut bacteria. They slash food fats, limit weight gain, and drop harmful bacteria by 50%. But remember, overreachin' can lead to overthinking. So relax, enjoy your gut journey. 😁 And y'all found this golden nugget in our 11/22/24 newsletter.
Reishi's Fight 🍄 Reishi grown in liquid fermentation (yeah, we're goin' green) effectively fought harmful bacteria. It stopped Enterococcus faecalis at 2% concentration and Salmonella enterica at 8% concentration. Be sure to hop on over to the 11/8/24 newsletter for this tell-all tale.
Cancer Research Collab 🐁 A 10-mushroom extract known as Agarikon Plus that includes shiitake, reishi, maitake, turkey tail, brazilian, giant polypore, oyster, tinder, meshima, and matsutake offers new hope for colorectal cancer patients. Combined with conventional chemotherapy drug 5-fluoroauracil, this potent brew achieved a remarkable 87.5% survival rate in lab mice. Disclaimer: Two of the study authors work for Myko San. Put on your reading glasses and give this 11/8/24 newsletter a once-over.
Safe Strength 🎉 Reishi and cordyceps extract powders, even at ridiculously high daily doses for 3 months, showed no harm to rats in lab tests. The powders were packed with beneficial compounds, like 29% beta-glucans in reishi and 37% in cordyceps, plus the energizing compound cordycepin. The truth's out, and we've got the deets in our 11/1/24 newsletter.
The Compound Creep ⚡️ A new report finds ganoderic acids from reishi protect against cancer, inflammation, and aging through multiple pathways. The research cranks up the hype level with GA-A being particularly potent. Catch the full report in our 11/1/24 newsletter.
More Than Just Epilepsy 🧑🦰 Epilepsy's no joke: It affects 1 in 26 people and impacts far more of us than we realize. One in ten will experience a seizure in their lifetime, and just two seizures might mean a diagnosis of epilepsy. Each year, 3.4 million individuals in the U.S. (yep, that's a big crowd) and 470,000 kids are battlin' this condition without effective treatments. But there's hope!
Meet Lily, a fierce girl who's takin' the epilepsy battle by the horns. After years of sufferin' up to 50 seizures a day and tryin' more than a dozen pharmaceuticals without lasting relief, Lily's mama, Sarah-Kate Boylan, was pointed to Naturealm's Sacred 7 Mushroom Extract Powder. And you won't believe this part – she had no idea Sarah was researchin' medicinal mushrooms as an alternative treatment for Lily.
Topsy-turvy world, right? After pressin' these mushrooms to the test on herself and her pals, Sarah gave 'em to Lily. The results? Lily's seizures virtually halted, and her therapists were recordin' brand-spankin' new goals and achievements within days. Now, Lily's on a halftime of seizure-free months, reduced her prescription to a below therapeutic dose, and her life's lookin' brighter every day. And mama Sarah's spreadin' the word – she even partnered with Unlimited Sciences and Realm of Caring at the Montreal Mushroom Festival to launch Phase 1 of a Retrospective Study. And there's more good news: More than 90% of their participants reported a positive impact on their seizures from usage of reishi and/or lion's mane functional mushrooms. Simple as that, folks. Jump on over to our 11/1/24 newsletter for the full story.
Australian Research 🇦🇺 Scientists analyzed 22 Australian reishi (Ganoderma) specimens and found impressive medicinal compounds. One specimen (G8) turned heads with its anticancer properties. Not only did the mushrooms pack high levels of beta-glucans (which boost immunity), but they also showed potent antioxidant effects in lab tests. Bottom line: It ain't just the Australians who are lucky. Catch more details in our 10/25/24 newsletter.
The Sexy Serotonin Connection 📈 Recently, scientists discovered a connection between serotonin and estrogen that may explain why women are more prone to autoimmune diseases. Interestingly, certain mushrooms like reishi and lion's mane have been showin' promise in modulatin' serotonin systems and possessin' estrogen-like effects, potentially offerin' natural alternatives for hormonal health. For instance, reishi mushrooms have demonstrated a 9.3% reduction in breast cancer cell viability, while lion's mane has yielded results in reducin' menopausal symptoms by up to 50% in some studies. Don't forget to check out our 10/18/24 newsletter for all the juicy tidbits.
Makeup Magic 💄 Reishi, cordyceps, and lion's mane are makin' their way into cosmetics due to their anti-aging and skin-brightenin' properties. From ergothioneine's anti-inflammatory effects and collagen production to potential reduce-hyperpigmentation abilities, these mushroom extracts could be the next big thing in skincare. Who knew there was a fungus among us? Grab more info on this funky find in our 10/18/24 newsletter.
Cancer Symptom Relief 😌 A survey of 1,374 cancer patients who used reishi products reported improvement in over 80% of symptoms, with the most common benefits being reduced nausea (55%), less fatigue (52%), better appetite (51%), and improved mood (50%). Although generally well-tolerated, about 9% experienced mild side effects like dry mouth (5%) or constipation (4%). Feelin' the reishi love? Peep the 10/11/24 newsletter for this news.
Reishi Queen 👑 A review of 13 studies on reishi suggests it may help healthy people lower cholesterol and improve Liver function. While it didn't significantly affect blood sugar or cholesterol levels in those with existing conditions, healthy folks saw drops in total cholesterol and a liver enzyme. Most studies used reishi capsules. If you're curious about more details, check out the 10/11/24 newsletter.
Ladies, Pay Attention 📣 A 30-day supplementation with 1g of reishi significantly improved psychological and physiological parameters in sedentary female college students. You might be asking yourself, "What's the impact on my mental and physical health?" To find out, go ahead and check out our 10/4/24 newsletter.
Bandage Breakthrough 🤕 Scientists in Turkey have found a way to use reishi to create tiny zinc particles that might become kick-ass bandages for better wound treatment. Zinc's been known to aid wound healing and fight off bacteria, so these bandages would encourage active healing. Not exactly the best Halloween costume, but we're all for second chances. Check out the deets in our 10/4/24 newsletter.
Eczema Solution 🧴 Eczema's got over 30 million U.S. sufferers itchin' and irritated. The good news? Functional mushrooms like reishi, chaga, and tremella can offer natural relief by enhancin' skin hydration. Curious about more details? Jet over to the 9/6/24 newsletter.
Genetic Examination 🧬 Scientists have successfully mapped 98.15% of the genetic blueprint of the medicinal mushroom Ganoderma Zizhi S2. What's even more fascinating? They discovered a new immune-boosting protein, reinforcin' that Zizhi S2 is the same species as the renowned Ganoderma sinense used in traditional medicine. Didn't catch this amazing news yet? Don't worry – it's in the 8/30/24 newsletter.
Functional Mushrooms and Epilepsy on the Research Radar
A Light in the Dark 🕯️ Epilepsy affects approximately 3.4 million U.S. residents, includin' 470,000 children, and 30 to 40% of these patients arelivin' without relief from conventional medications, according to the CDC. The bottom line? Traditional treatments are often fallin' short, and that's why the Lily's Lighthouse and Realm of Caring collaborative effort is shine-peekin' hope on the horizon for those in need.
- Lily's Story 💜 Founded by Sarah-Kate Boylan, Lily's Lighthouse is a non-profit organizasion to seek out innovative, non-traditional treatments for intractable epilepsy. For over seven years, Lily's fought for her life and her family in and out of hospitals, tryin' to manage her condition. In 2021, Lily's mama Sarah uncovered studies on the benefits of functional mushrooms and dove head-first into the research. Over time, her daughter found relief through a blend of functional mushrooms and anti-seizure medication.
- Initial Observations 🧠 Preliminary research suggests reishi mushrooms hold anticonvulsant properties, while lion's mane mushrooms might foster neurological regeneration, raisin' hope for potential epilepsy treatments.
- Observational Study Goals 📋️ Unlimited Sciences and Realm of Caring, led by Dr. Matthew X. Lowe, are spearin' the lead on this study, focusin' on the anticonvulsant properties of reishi and the neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties of lion's mane. The team needs help fundraisin' to reach the step of this research campaign, so consider launchin' a donation to bring their work to life 👉️ Read more. This research droppin' on our 8/30/24 newsletter.
Diabetes Under the Microscope 🔬 Explorin' the power of reishi in managein' diabetes in rats, recent research has shown promise. Test subjects given doses of 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg experienced significant drops in blood sugar levels, improvin' lipid profiles, and supportin' kidney and liver health. Hop on over to our 8/16/24 newsletter for more info.
Arthritis Relief 👏 When rats with rheumatoid arthritis were treated with reishi extract, they experienced a reduction in key inflammation markers like TNF-α by 21% and IL-6 by 27%, while boostin' beneficial nitric oxide levels by 28%. Keep your finger on the pulse of this exciting development by peepin' our 7/26/24 newsletter.
Immortal Smiles 👄 Similiarly, reishi extract also reduced inflammation and oxidative stress by 28% and 26%, respectively, in rats with periodontitis. Researchers believe reishi may find a home in oral care routines as gum disease is a prevalent issue, afflictin' 40% of adults over 30 in the U.S. Pop over to our 7/26/24 newsletter for more details.
Therapeutic Potential 🌟 A study from the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine in Romania and the University of Glasgow found that mushrooms like shiitake and reishi improve gut health. The compounds in these fungus boosted the immune system and reduced inflammation, which has direct effects on managein' diabetes, brain disorders, and cancer. Stay on top of this news by readin' our 6/28/24 newsletter.
Summer Soother ☕️ I've been sippin' this Vegan Reishi Golden Milk for the past six months – even shared my recipe with Naturealm – and I ain't gonna let summer pass me by without takin' a few sips! Check out the full drink-down in our 6/21/24 newsletter.
Gum Health 👄 Recent research suggests reishi mushroom extract could improve oral health in lab rats and even reduce the negative impacts of gum disease. Let the info keep flowin' by readin' our 6/14/24 newsletter.
Step Aside, Tremella
Skincare that Works 🧴 A recent study reveals the antioxidant capacity of a novel mixture derived from reishi and cordyceps extracts. Research also shows these medicinal mushrooms combined might offer revolutionary benefits against oxidative stress in human skin cells. If you've been longin' for effective skincare without the harsh chemicals, this might be for you. Find out more 👉️ Read more. Stay tuned for more details on this exciting research droppin' on our 3/27/24 newsletter.
Reishi's Impact on Alzheimer's
A Formidable Opponent 🥊 They call it The Long Goodbye, but not on our watch! Reishi mushrooms have shown promise in groundbreakin' research against Alzheimer's Disease. Preliminary studies on this insidious condition reveal neuroprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiamyloid properties of Ganoderma lucidum. Translation: These superheroes are helpin' to prevent cell damage and inflammation associated with Alzheimer's, offerin' a beacon of hope for those sufferin' from this tragic disease. Find out more 👉️ Read more. This powerful research droppin' on our 2/14/24 newsletter.
Mushrooms in Bed
The Afternoon Delight 😏 Certain mushrooms are famous for their aphrodisiac qualities, and scientific research lends credibility to the ancient wisdom. Boost yer libido, enhance fertility, improve erectile function, balance yer hormones, and so much more! So how does it all work? Kick back and educate yourself on four fun facts about these sexual riches. Read the full article for more deets. Just don't let the brainstormin' get in the way and overthink things. 😉 This informative read landin' on our 2/14/24 newsletter.
The content above is American English.
Nature offers a myriad of health benefits, with mushrooms taking center stage in current scientific research. From reducing body weight and fat to tackling serious medical conditions like epilepsy and cancer, these fungi are proving to be more than just tasty additions to our food and drink.
Reishi, a popular variety, has shown remarkable results in various areas of health and wellness. Its supplementation has been found to help shed excess pounds and lower abdominal fat (The Skinny Shroom). In the realm of neurological health, reishi and lion's mane interact with gut bacteria to impact brain function and mood, boosting proteins linked to improved mental well-being (Brain Power Connection).
For those battling drug-resistant epilepsy, Naturealm's Sacred 7 Mushroom Extract Powder has shown promising results, with a young girl experiencing a 99% reduction in seizures (Epilepsy Smash). Another girl, Lily, faced daily seizures and tried multiple pharmaceuticals without relief. After taking Sarah-Kate Boylan's homebrew concoction containing reishi and other medicinal mushrooms, Lily's seizures virtually halted, resulting in reduced medication doses and improved quality of life (More Than Just Epilepsy).
Reishi has also demonstrated anti-cancer properties, particularly against liver, colon, and colorectal cancers. By inducing apoptosis in cancer cells, reducing tumor growth, and boosting immune cell activity, reishi shows great potential as a complementary treatment (Cancer Killer, Colon Cancer Warrior, Targetin' Cancer, Cancer War).
Mushrooms also offer benefits for those managing diabetes, with reishi and shiitake found to lower blood sugar levels and improve metabolic health (Insulin Resistance). In the dairy industry, champignon and reishi mushrooms are being incorporated into yogurts to boost its nutritional value (Dairy Upgrade).
Sleep health is another area benefiting from the research on medicinal mushrooms. Antifungal action compounds from reishi have been brewed with zinc oxide, showing potential for treating skin infections like ringworm and athlete's foot (Antifungal Action).
Mushrooms are also playing a crucial role in environmental sciences, helping to degrade organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) such as TBEP and TCPP (Toxins Be Gone). This ability to break down toxic substances can have a significant impact on our health and the environment.
In the world of beauty and skin care, reishi, cordyceps, and lion's mane are being used to create anti-aging and skin-brightening cosmetics (Makeup Magic). Additionally, these mushrooms are being studied for their potential benefits in mental health, sexual health, men's health, women's health, parenting, weight management, cardiovascular health, medicare, cbd, environmental science, finance, lifestyle, friendship, pets, travel, sports, weather, climate change, and fitness and exercise.
The research into functional mushrooms and their impact on health and wellness continues to grow, with new discoveries emerging every week. As our understanding of these fascinating organisms deepens, the possibilities for their use in therapies and treatments become increasingly exciting.