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-tumour 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 ageing. (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-tumour, anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties.
According to this research, agarics act in particular by increasing the activity of NK (Natural Killer) lymphocytes and the production of interferon gamma and TNF-alpha, an anti-tumour factor.
The researchers concluded that “increased consumption of agarics may stimulate innate immunity against tumours 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 defences. (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
12 Days
Great product. Fast and efficient service.
Sheba Kelleher
17 Days
Easy to order, good and fast delivery to Finland, the box was intact and the content exactly what I ordered. I am satisfied. Product prices are on moderate level. Thank you Supersmart!
VIITANEN Esa
22 Days
Thanks to team who met what I need such as trust, good packages and fast delivery. Regarding products it is too early to give a comment. After using for a while, I gonna update my review. I had bought supplements mostly for autism.
Fatma Coltu
22 Days
efficient eqsy to use
Mr G Birtles
28 Days
You are so quick in processing orders and prompt in shipping too. Very easy to do business with you. Thanks a lot for your great service.
JOAQUIN Epifanio
34 Days
I am merely judging the delivery system, which was flawless. It wouldn't make any sense to comment on the efficacy of the supplements, since that is only possible on a statistical basis. Even if something doesn't improve, that doesn't have to mean that the supplement doesn't work, since one doesn't know how it might have worsened without the supplement and the opposite might also apply, since many symptoms are psychosomatic and the supplement might provide a placebo effect.
Roger De Backer
42 Days
Perfect!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Patrick
44 Days
Magnesium and Zinc Orotate are top supplements. Highly recommend!
Kristjan
55 Days
Nothing to complain. Delivers everything fast, attentive to their regular customers. Best experience.
FABIO I.
58 Days
Possibility to enjoy a variety of high quality suppléments. Fast delivery Good packaging Clear information and website
Vov Oo
60 Days
Efficient ordering and delivery. Happy with products. I order fairly regularly. Reliable
Gill Lee
60 Days
Supersmart sell the best products and are effecient when it come to handling and dispatching orders. Also, their return and refund policies is very simple and easy for the customer. The creme on top is the return customer discounts. Keep up the good work.
ABDULQADER Jehad
64 Days
Prompt and reliable.
MIFSUD Joseph
71 Days
I don't use the word great; everything was OK; it is maybe too early to expect an effect of the supplements
STAEHLI C
77 Days
Well,It was yesterday I started using it but I can tell the supplement is working perfect,will definitely still give best comments once I'm done using it ...
ANTHONY Oluwaseun Ugwu