The shiitake has a brown, fleshy cap and gives off a pleasant aroma. With a long history of use in Asian medicine, it offers powerful anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, as was revealed by a British study (1).
In search of alternatives to classic antibiotics, the researchers behind this study tested aqueous extracts of shiitake against a panel of 29 bacterial and 10 fungal pathogens. The results were impressive: the shiitake extracts exerted broad antimicrobial activity on more than 85% of the pathogens tested.
When fermented, shiitake produces a substance called AHCC, Active Hexose Correlated Compound. This powerful immune-stimulating compound is available in supplement form (for example AHCC).
Relatively rare in nature, the Ganoderma lucidum mushroom is usually known by the name reishi. With multiple therapeutic properties, this mushroom is widely used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine. And it fully deserves its nickname “the mushroom of immortality”: multiple studies have highlighted its various pharmaceutical effects.
Triterpenoids and polysaccharides are, in fact, the active principles in reishi. The triterpenoids are thought to be responsible for its liver-protective, anti-hypertensive and anti-histamine effects, while the polysaccharides are known to have anti-tumor properties via immune-modulation and anti-angiogenesis mechanisms. They also reduce cell damage caused by mutagenic agents. (2)
If you’d like to increase your intake of the ‘mushroom of immortality’, why not start a course of supplements (such as Reishi Extract).
Chaga, or polyporus obliquus, is widely used in the traditional Russian pharmacopoeia. Research conducted over the last twenty years has shown it to be an extremely active immunostimulant and valuable antioxidant.
Its antioxidant compounds are able to boost the immune system by protecting the thymus gland against aging. (3) According to one Korean study, its immunostimulant capacity means it potentially offers anti-cancer effects. (4) Other Korean research investigating chaga’s antioxidant effects concluded it is able to trap free radicals. It thus also helps protect cells from oxidative stress. (5)
If you’re keen to take full advantage of this fortifying, antioxidant mushroom, why not boost your intake of its active principles by taking a chaga supplement, such as Organic Chaga Extract.
The agaricus (or psalliota) genus of mushroom has lamellae, gill-like layers which turn from pink to black over time. In an article in The Journal of Nutrition, American and Chinese researchers noted that mushrooms like agarics, widespread in temperate regions, also offer anti-tumor, anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties.
According to this research, agarics act in particular by increasing the activity of NK lymphocytes and the production of TNF-alpha, an anti-tumor factor.
The researchers concluded that “increased consumption of agarics may stimulate innate immunity against tumors and viruses as a result of improvements to a key element, NK activity” (6).
Maitake is also known as Grifola frondosa or hen-of-the-wood. It grows at the base of chestnut, elm, maple and oak trees, at the end of summer. This coral-like mushroom can produce blooms weighing up to 11 kilos. Its Japanese name, which means “dancing mushroom”, is said to come from the fact that those who found this amazing superfood growing wild, danced with happiness.
Used for thousands of years in traditional Asian medicine, maitake is a major source of beta-glucan, a form of dietary fibre able to stimulate macrophage activity and thus boost the immune defenses. (7)
Another study also concluded that this mushroom could play a a role against cancer and diabetes. (8)
It’s worth noting that certain dietary supplements contain several of these immunostimulant mushrooms. One such product is Organic MycoComplex, which contains, amongst others, shiitake, reishi, chaga, agaric and maitake.
References
13 Hours
The address correction app put in the incorrect address and I missed it when I hit the accept option. I noticed it when the order was already in route and called customer service to request that they change it to the correct address as the shipper and they were right on top of it. They called me back right away and changed the address. They sent a new email with the tracking information and called me to let me know it was all taken care of. Really happy with the product and customer service.
B Ball
1 Days
Fast service good products.
PERCY
7 Days
GREAT HONEST COMPANY!! FAST SERVICE!
HENDERSON B.
9 Days
EVERYTHING!! NO ISSUES!
DOMINIC
10 Days
The service has been good. However, the telephone and email responses were better before. Most of the products are great. Returns are processed promptly, and I do believe this is an honest and caring company. I plan to continue to buy your products.
DANIEL FORD
13 Days
My order arrived when promised in the condition described
Lisa
22 Days
10/13/24 Y ou were a bit slow to respond, but still helpful.
David Rolston
27 Days
I received wehat I ordered in a tiomely fashion. Great job to the whole staff 👏
Monica P
27 Days
Pomises products that work.Fast shipping. Will recommend to family and friends.
NEW Virginia
28 Days
Excellent product. Timely delivery. Only had one issue over the last few years. Great. Thanks
LEGG Jennifer
31 Days
I trust this company and product as I tolerate the bacillus coagulans very well and feel better overall when I am taking it . Thank you for offerring this product as a company . And thank you for an easy ordering process.
Barbara J
32 Days
Always fast & quick service/delivery. Top products
Brett
34 Days
The peanut sugar free one was very rancid tasting… the nuts were old. Everything else was amazing
MOORE Jennifer
37 Days
I purchase hyaluronic acid from Super Smart because it's the highest Dalton rating I could find. Shipping could be a day or two faster.
Kathy
41 Days
Fast shipping; availability of products.
Paul