cancer reishi

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Reishi: Positive Cancer Treatments ( Translated from Japanese periodical, Chinese Traditional Medicine Part III, Page 12 - 23, ISBN4-88580-053-6 C-0077) A doctor once said, "Cancer is a serious disease, but it is not fatal. Patients have a good chance to recover." This statement sounds consolatory but basing on our recent research data, it can very well be true. The prestigious Japanese doctor, Dr Fukumi Morishige, M.D.,Phd., currently involved in the research of reishi's role in cancer control , is a researcher at the Linus Pauling Institute of Science & Medicine - an American institute that had been awarded the most Nobel prizes. He also occupies an important role in Europe's medical fields as well, and is the only Japanese authority employed by the international cancer group. The following is his speech and case reports on reishi. ------------------------------------------------------------ I have been a surgeon for 37 years and have performed numerous operations. I have a keen interest in surgery especially when I was young but gradually questions began to appear. I always feel that the ideal would be to induce the natural immunity power within oneself. Being a surgeon, I had countless occasions to encounter cancer cases; however, the key to cancer controls is in its early detection, which is easier said than done. About one in a hundred would be considered a good percentage. Nowadays, regular physical check-ups is the trend and this is good practice, but we have to realize that one cannot let our guards down just because cancer was not detected at the time of check-ups. People

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Page 1: Cancer Reishi

Reishi: Positive Cancer Treatments( Translated from Japanese periodical, Chinese Traditional Medicine Part

III, Page 12 - 23, ISBN4-88580-053-6 C-0077)

A doctor once said, "Cancer is a serious disease, but it is not fatal. Patients have a good chance to recover." This statement sounds consolatory but basing on our recent research data, it can very well be true.

The prestigious Japanese doctor, Dr Fukumi Morishige, M.D.,Phd., currently involved in the research of reishi's role in cancer control, is a researcher at the Linus Pauling Institute of Science & Medicine - an American institute that had been awarded the most Nobel prizes. He also occupies an important role in Europe's medical fields as well, and is the only Japanese authority employed by the international cancer group. The following is his speech and case reports on reishi.

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I have been a surgeon for 37 years and have performed numerous operations. I have a keen interest in surgery especially when I was young but gradually questions began to appear. I always feel that the ideal would be to induce the natural immunity power within oneself.

Being a surgeon, I had countless occasions to encounter cancer cases; however, the key to cancer controls is in its early detection, which is easier said than done. About one in a hundred would be considered a good percentage.

Nowadays, regular physical check-ups is the trend and this is good practice, but we have to realize that one cannot let our guards down just because cancer was not detected at the time of check-ups. People often suspect the physicians of misdiagnosing when cancer was detected at a later date. This notion is incorrect as there are many undiscovered cases even with monthly check-ups. For example, in the case of penetrance type stomach cancer, it is one of the most difficult to detect and these account for about 25% of the cases, therefore, prevention is equally important.

It is better to employ preventive measures in the case of cancer but there are no set methods. One can always rely on dietary control, but here again it is not a prescribed

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regiment. The best method at the present is reishi. I do not know of its amazing effects until after I have used it and I am truly surprised. During my practice, I have obtained outstanding results using reishi either as preventive measures or during the course of treatments. Earlier on, I have come across patients and their relatives praising the merits of reishi. But being a medical person, I have thought that it might have a slight effect on certain chronic diseases but on cancer, surely, must be greatly exaggerated.

Reishi's tremendous effect warrants further studies. In June of 1986, a 39-year-old female came to me with lung cancer and complications of the chest wall membrane. She had been told that she could not be operated on by a number of hospitals. She left in a hopeless state. Upon returning home, her husband started to feed her reishi. After my examination, I was surprised by the findings: 6 months ago, she had edema in the chest cavity, secondary to cancer and now the symptom had completely disappeared. For a person who have already made her funeral arrangement and waiting for death to rediscover there is hope for life, is incredible. X-ray had presented an even better picture when I am going through her medical history. She insisted that this was the result of her husband giving her reishi. The edema had drained while the cancer tumor remained. On a rough calculation, this patient had used about 4 grams of reishi essence daily and this was quite a high dosage. We further undertook exploratory surgery and by using special freeze technique, it was possible to perform operations on chest membrane cancer. Looking at the x-ray, no cancerous cells were found. Only scar tissues were evident, which were different from cancer cells. I did a biopsy of the lung tissues and detected malignancy, but stable. The next case involved a child with congenital liver cancer. He had one operation when he was 5 years old and later, had his small intestines removed due to metasiasis. The treating doctor felt that the patient's condition was terminal and stopped treatment eventually. The boy's parents brought the patient home and fed him reishi through an N.G. tube (Nasogastric tube). The boy came to me when he was 9 and I was unable to detect any diseases. Nothing was found in the CT scan examination as well. Congenital liver cancer is a form of juvenile carcinoma and I was much surprised that the patient recovered after just regular ingestion of several grams of reishi essence. He continues to take 2 grams of the essence daily. Even the boy knows that without the reishi he might not have lived today. Juvenile carcinoma is usually fatal, but then this patient remains alive and healthy with no physical ailments are truly amazing. This fact now calls for new consideration on my part. When a person recovers by undergoing no other treatment but reishi ingestion, it is obvious that reishi deserves further research.

I was provided with large quantities of reishi essence from a very reputable chemical company in Japan. I administer the same to my patients in mega dosage combined with Vitamin C. Within one year, about 500 kilograms of reishi essence (approximately 6000 kilograms of premium reishi) were used on my patients. An interesting fact have surfaced during my treatment is that where large doses of reishi essence induce melena ( i.e. several grams or more daily), combination with Vitamin C put a stop to this. Furthermore, numerous observations have confirmed the fact that cancer patients are generally more susceptible to contract other diseases due to their lowered body resistance. However, after being treated with reishi, complications due to such inflections are greatly diminished. I have assigned random cancer patients to administer reishi essence with a control group of patients with other illness, e.g. arthritic rheumatism, chronic bronchitis, hepatitis etc., that is, people with lowered body resistance to diseases.

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Immunogloburin test determines the level of immunity. We have found that after ingesting reishi, level of IgA, IgG, IgM have increased. This proves that reishi can elevate the body's resistance level.

At this time, I have 140 cancer patients. All have metastic cancer except 6 with breast cancer and 60 are being hospitalized. We have zeroed in on these cancer patients. Up to today (spring of 1988), about 300 patients have undergone testing.

WHY IS REISHI EFFECTIVE AGAINST CANCER: POLYSACCHARIDES

Before I give case examples, I would like to unveil the secret of why reishi is so effective in the treatment of cancer. The conclusion is not fully understood at the present time and when it is, then, men would have found the ultimate cure for cancer. Employing all the latest medical technology, it is found that the polysaccharides in reishi are effective in suppressing cancerous cells. Japanese scientists are the first in making this discovery. Perhaps this had something to do with the fact that the country employs herbal medicine in treatment of diseases and conducts vigorous researches into polysaccharides. This fact is recognized in North America and is further awaiting findings from such Japanese researches.

WHY ARE POLYSACCHRIDES IN REISHI EFFECTIVE IN THE TREATMENT OF CANCER

Polysaccharides are made up of a high number of molecular components - up to millions of atoms and this makes it difficult to be absorbed into the human body system. In order to make it easily assimilated, its high count has to be lowered and using Vitamin C with reishi does just that. The polysaccharides are converted into oligoglucan that has a low molecular count and can be easily absorbed. It in turns stimulates the uacrophage, which triggers the immune system in our body. Macre meaning big. This type of cell can devour any foreign organisms. They are not active when the body is functioning normally, but, in the presence of foreign organisms (e.g. bacteria), they become very active in attacking such bacterial foreign matters. The white blood cells in the blood stream comprise the initial defense against diseases but they are ineffective in chronic cases or malignant type of matters, at which time, the lymphocyte becomes the second line of defense. Failing that, the last defense will be the macrophage - it is like a sleeping lion being awakened to attack with truly exceptional result! They are capable of sweeping away any foreign organisms thus destroying the cancerous cells in the process. Under the microscope, the macrophage is observed to be one tenth the size of a cancer cell, yet, it possesses the power to destroy the latter. From this, we can understand their invaluability to the human body. However, the macrophage cannot be easily activated. We have found that aggregated atoms are responsible for this activation of the macrophage, and reishi contains the substance to manufacture these aggregated atoms.

REISHI - A HIGH MOLECULAR POLYSACCHARIDES

Earlier a patient with high blood pressure had inquired into the effects of reishi. I had told him that there was certainly no harm in trying as I had conducted research at that time. One fact is: even a diluted dose of reishi essence lowers blood pressure. However this patient had maintained his blood pressure level after reishi ingestion. Following my suggestion to ingest Vitamin C together with reishi, his blood pressure dropped to an acceptable level. The reason for this is, as mentioned

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previously, reishi contains up to a million atoms and cannot be easily absorbed into the body; therefore, one should combine it with Vitamin C.

Seventeen years ago, I have conducted research into the Vitamin C's ability to break down polysaccharides. At that time, the method of viscosity gauge has been employed. Placing Vitamin C into a measure of polysaccharide substance, a decrease of the polysaccharides molecular count is indicated by a drop in the viscosity. Thus, confirming Vitamin C's ability of dissolving polysaccharides.

Animal experiments have shown that all forms of sugar can be absorbed but are just the opposite in human, why? This has some correlation with Vitamin C - human body is unable to manufacture Vitamin C, while animals can. This is the reason why we need to combine the intake of Vitamin C with reishi.

New medical findings indicate that there is no harm in taking high dosage of Vitamin C daily. Dr. Linus Pauling, who is now in his 80's, ingests 18 grams of Vitamin C daily, and I ingest 12 grams a day. I believe a healthy person needs a supplement of 1 gram to 2 grams a day, that is 1,000 - 2,000 mg. This can contribute greatly to one's well being.

Now let us look at some reishi usage case studies.

1. Brain tumor patient recovering consciousness in just 2 months.

We have made many discoveries. Using brain disease patients as examples, one 70 years old plus patient in the hospital had a 5 cm brain tumor. He had already lost consciousness despite surgery. He began the reishi treatment around June of 1986 and by September, he had recovered his senses, but the size of the tumor had remained the same. However by December, the tumor had decreased in size, even the neurologist was amazed. The patient now feels very well. Initially he was administered 6 grams of reishi essence through a stomach tube. After the recovery of his senses, oral intake was administered. The patient did not like the bitter taste of reishi essence, so the amount was reduced to 3 grams. Although the dosage had been reduced, his brain tumor eventually shrunk to about 1 cm. With the return of his memory, he left the hospital and stayed home with the family instead.

2. Recession of lung cancer within 6 months.

I once treated a fifty plus female patient who had breast cancer. After her breast surgery, she had developed metastasic lung cancer. Later she deteriorated to hemoptysis. She began to use about 6 gm. of reishi daily for 6 months and the cancerous lung tumor disappeared. Before, she is often short of breath, but now she can walk up the stairs effortlessly. Therefore, she has complete confidence in the continuation of the reishi treatment.

3. Breast cancer cured in 2 months with mega dosage.

This patient had breast cancer and the cancer cells had matastased to the bones. She had not been able to move from the head down. The pain was excruciating. Luckily, her digestive system was not affected and she was able to take 9 grams of reishi essence daily, which was later increased, to 20 grams. In just 2 months, she

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felt no pain. She had been discharged from the hospital after she made progress in her walking ability.

4. Cancer of rectum spreading to the liver with remarkable recovery in 6 months.

Some time ago, this patient came to the hospital for treatment of metastasis of rectal cancer to the liver. He was given 6 grams of reishi essence. In 6 months, CT scanning reported that the cancerous tumor had decreased to about 1 cm in size, but the CT specialists did not believe in the merits of reishi and insisted that there was a mistake in the scanning. I was angered by this and argued that not only had the patient's CEA swelling came down but his general health had also improved. Was it not enough proof? Ordinarily, it is difficult to treat rectal cancers. Some cases are even terminal. This patient had such a smooth recovery which could only be credited to reishi. Generally speaking, it is easier to treat rectal tumor under 3 cm in size.

5. Pancreas cancer patient can walk again.

A 60 year old male pancreas cancer patient had surgery and was in a better state for a while, but later deteriorated. He had edema and lost weight. Examination results revealed that he had extremely high count of CA19-9CEA. I informed him that with his present treatment he would die within a short period of time. I advised him to be hospitalized. Due to financial reasons, he was given another kind of medication but he reacted unfavorably to it. Therefore, we had to change his treatment to 9 grams of reishi essence orally and 30 grams of Vitamin C through intravenous injection daily. This began from August of 1986 which was over 1 year ago. The patient had since completely recovered and various examinations could not detect symptoms of any kind. He has gone back to work but continues to take 5 grams of reishi daily. He comes for a follow-up examination every 2 weeks and repeat CEA examinations show that his CA19-19 counts continues to drop.

There is many more such cancer cases in my hospital. Although cancer cases involving the brain, lungs and liver are more serious, I feel that it is easier to treat than the cases involving the digestive organs. It is harder for the patients of the latter to ingest reishi orally.

Besides cancer, reishi is also very effective in the treatment of hepatitis. With the use of 1 gram to 3 grams of reishi essence daily, hepatitis patients will have tremendous recovery results.

6. Hepatitis cured with reishi.

One patient who had hepatitis for a few years and his SGOT & SGPT count was 200 - 300. Normal range is under 30. I administered 3 grams of reishi daily and in about 2 -3 months his SGOT & SGPT dropped to around 50. Even this is still higher than normal, continuous use will bring it in range. During this time, I asked him to stop using reishi and immediately the count shot up to between 150 - 200. The count dropped when treatment resumed. Thus proving the effect of reishi on hepatitis. A combination with the use of Vitamin C is essential. Under these conditions, 6 grams of Vitamin C is needed, i.e. 3 grams of reishi essence with 6 grams of Vitamin C. We must understand that hepatitis is a chronic disease and relapse is ever present. It is necessary to continue the intake of reishi (using smaller dosage) even after one's recovery from hepatitis. Prevention is always the best measure.

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Reishi is just as effective against other chronic diseases and optimum results are obtained when combined with the intake of Vitamin C. Especially true for long term prevention use.

In conclusion, reishi has been proven to exert significant effect on diminishing pain, fortifying the body's immune system and prolonging life. Even though its role in cancer control has not been determined 100 percent yet. Medications presently employed to combat cancer have their effect but unfortunately these also produce serious side effects. Reishi have a history of 3,000 years, during which time it is widely used by many people with no reported unfavorable side effects. I therefore recommend reishi for treatment and prevention as a safety measure. I hope that people from all walks of life will take a concerned interest and share in this project. Hopefully, in the very near future, reishi can bring a brighter outlook to the human race in the conquest of longevity.

NOTE: The reishi essence used by Dr. Morishige has been derived from premium reishi using the hot water extraction method. The polysaccharides content in the essence used is far higher than most other average reishi essence or products.  

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Reishi and virus infectionReishi has compounds that may have antiviral activity, including activity against the Epstein-Barr virus.

Reishi and immune functionOral administration of reishi results in Th1-associated immune enhancement in vivo.

Reishi and CancerReishi has been shown to be a potential agent in the treatment or prevention of certain cancers. In one study, reishi suppressed cell adhesion and cell migration of highly invasive breast and prostate cancer cells, suggesting its potency to reduce tumor invasiveness. Reishi clearly demonstrates anticancer activity in experiments with cancer cells and has possible therapeutic potential as a dietary supplement for an alternative therapy for breast and prostate cancer. Additional studies show water soluble extracts from reishi inhibit colon tumors in mice. And, reishi may enhance the immune response in those with end stage cancer. As of December 2007, extensive human studies are not available to make any firm conclusions regarding the dosage and safety of reishi in terms of human cancer treatment.

Regression of gastric large B-Cell lymphoma accompanied by a florid lymphoma-like T-cell reaction: immunomodulatory effect of Ganoderma lucidum Reishi? Int J Surg Pathol. 2007 Apr;15(2):180-6. Department of Pathology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Wylie Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong.Complete regression of high-grade lymphoma is extremely rare. We report 1 such case that might have been conceivably mediated by reishi. A 47-year-old man presented with epigastric pain. Endoscopy revealed a large gastric ulcer, which on biopsy was diagnostic of large B-cell lymphoma. At gastrectomy 11 days later, no evidence was found of large B-cell lymphoma despite thorough sampling. Instead, there was a dense and permeative infiltrate of CD3(+) CD8(+) cytotoxic small T lymphocytes spanning the whole thickness of the gastric wall. In situ reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for T-cell receptor beta-chain family did not detect a monoclonal T-cell population. We postulate that the cytotoxic T cells may represent an active host-immune response against the large B-cell lymphoma that resulted in a complete regression. On questioning, the patient had taken megadoses of reishi, which might have triggered the successful immune reaction.

Anti cancer effects of Ganoderma lucidum: a review of scientific evidence.Nutr Cancer. 2005;53(1):11-7. Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, SAR, China. Reishi a popular medicinal mushroom, has been used in China for longevity and health promotion since ancient

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times. Investigations into the anti cancer activity of reishi have been performed in both in vitro and in vivo studies, supporting its application for cancer treatment and prevention. The proposed anti cancer activity of reishi has prompted its usage by cancer patients. It remains debatable as to whether reishi is a food supplement for health maintenance or actually a therapeutic "drug" for medical proposes. Thus far there has been no report of human trials using reishi as a direct anti cancer agent, despite some evidence showing the usage of reishi as a potential supplement to cancer patients. Cellular immune responses and mitogenic reactivity of cancer patients have been enhanced by reshi, as reported in two randomized and one nonrandomized trials, and the quality of life of 65% of lung cancer patients improved in one study. The direct cytotoxic and anti-angiogenesis mechanisms of reishi have been established by in vitro studies; however, clinical studies should not be neglected to define the applicable dosage in vivo. At present, reishi is a health food supplement to support cancer patients, yet the evidence supporting the potential of direct in vivo anti cancer effects should not be underestimated.

Reishi and NeurastheniaNeurasthenia does not have a good definition, but mostly involves lack of vitality, fatigue, and lack of sense of wellbeing.

A randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled study of a Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide extract in neurasthenia. J Med Food. 2005 Spring;8(1):53-8. New Zealand Institute of Natural Medicine Research, Auckland, New Zealand.Reishi has been widely used to treat various diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and neurasthenia in many Asian countries. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of a polysaccharide extract of Reishi (Ganopoly) in Chinese patients with neurasthenia. One hundred thirty-two patients with neurasthenia according to the diagnosis criteria of the 10th International Classification of Diseases were included in this study. Ganopoly was well tolerated in the study patients. These findings indicated that Ganopoly was significantly superior to placebo with respect to the clinical improvement of symptoms in neurasthenia.

Additional benefits of reishi mushroomAnimal studies indicate reishi has the ability to lower cholesterol levels.

Reishi toxicityGiving reishi to human volunteers for a period of 4 weeks did not lead to any toxicity.

Availability of ReishiReishi is sold in various forms, including tablets, reishi coffee or tea, and reishi extract.

Reishi Research UpdateAnti-androgenic activities of Ganoderma lucidum - Reishi. J Ethnopharmacol. 2005 Oct 31;102(1):107-12. Department of Forest and Forest Products Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka. The inhibitory effects of methanol extracts of 19 edible and medicinal mushrooms on 5alpha-reductase activity were examined. The extract of Ganoderma lucidum Fr. Krast (Ganodermataceae-  Reishi) showed the strongest 5alpha-reductase inhibitory activity. The treatment of the fruit body of reishi or the extract prepared from it significantly inhibited the testosterone-induced growth of the ventral prostate in castrated rats. These results showed that reishi might be a useful ingredient for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

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A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the platelet and global hemostatic effects of Ganoderma lucidum (Ling-Zhi - reishi ) in healthy volunteers. Anesth Analg. 2005 Aug;101(2):423-6

Reishi is a Chinese herbal medicine popular with cancer patients. Previous in vitro studies suggested that reishi might impair hemostasis. In this prospective, randomized double-blind study, healthy volunteers received orally reishi capsules 1.5 g (n = 20) or placebo (n = 20) daily for 4 wk. We monitored subjects before drug administration and at 4 and 8 wk thereafter by routine coagulation screen, fibrinogen concentration, von Willebrand ristocetin cofactor activity, platelet function analyzer PFA-100, and thrombelastography. There were no significant between-group differences and all measurements remained within the normal range. Reishi ingestion over 4 wk was not associated with impairment of hemostasis.

Anti-tumor and immunoregulatory activities of Ganoderma lucidum and its possible mechanisms. Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2004 Nov;25(11):1387-95. Ganoderma lucidum ( reishi ) is a medicinal fungus with a variety of biological activities. Reishi has long been used as a folk remedy for promotion of health and longevity in China and other oriental countries. The most attractive character of this kind of medicinal fungus is its effect on the immune system and anti-tumor activities. Large numbers of studies have shown that reishi modulates many components of the immune system such as the antigen-presenting cells, NK cells, T and B lymphocytes. The water extract and the polysaccharides fraction of reishi exhibited significant anti-tumor effect in several tumor-bearing animals mainly through its immune system enhancing activity. Recent studies also showed that the alcohol extract or the triterpene fraction of reishi possessed anti-tumor effect, which seemed to be related to the cytotoxic activity against tumor cells directly. Preliminary study indicated that antiangiogenic effect may be involved antitumor activity of reishi.

Antitumor and anti-angiogenic activity of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides peptide.Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2004 Jun;25(6):833-8.AIM: To investigate the antitumor and anti-angiogenic activity of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides peptide (Reishi). CONCLUSION: GLPP has antitumor and anti-angiogenic activity. The anti-angiogenesis of reishi may be a new mechanism underlying its anti-tumor effects.

Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in human prostate cancer cells PC-3.Int J Oncol. 2004 May;24(5):1093-9.Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi), an oriental medical mushroom, has been widely used in Asian countries for centuries to prevent or treat different diseases, including cancer. However, the mechanism(s) responsible for the effects of reishi on cancer cells remain to be elucidated. Our data demonstrate that reishi  inhibits cell proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner by the down-regulation of expression of cyclin B and Cdc2 and by the up-regulation of p21 expression. Furthermore, reishi induced apoptosis of PC-3 cells with a slight decrease in the expression of NF-kappaB-regulated Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl. Reishi  exerts its effect on cancer cells by multiple mechanisms and may have potential therapeutic use for the prevention and treatment of cancer.

Hypoglycemic effect of Ganoderma lucidum (reishi) polysaccharides.Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2004 Feb;25(2):191-5.

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AIM: To investigate the hypoglycemic effect of reishi polysaccharides in the normal fasted mice and its possible mechanism. Normal fasted mice were given a single dose of reishi 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg by i.p. and the serum glucose was measured at 0, 3, and 6 h after administration. Reishi 100 mg/kg were also given by i.p. and the serum glucose and insulin levels were measured at 0 min, 30 min, 1 h, 3 h, 6 h, and 12 h. Pancreatic islets were isolated and incubated with glucose and different concentration of reishi, the insulin content of islets and insulin release were examined. Verapamil and egtazic acid were used to testify whether the insulin-releasing effect of reishi was mediated by its ability to raise the Ca2+ influx. Reishi dose-dependently lowered the serum glucose levels at 3 h and 6 h after administration. Reishi 100 mg/kg raised the circulating insulin levels at 1 h after administration. In vitro, reishi had no effect on islets insulin content, but it stimulated the insulin release after incubation with glucose 5.6 mmol/L. Confocal microscope showed that reishi 100 mg/L had the capacity to raise the [Ca2+]i. The insulin-releasing effect of reishi was inhibited by verapamil/egtazic acid. Reishi possesses the hypoglycemic effect on normal mice; one mechanism is through its insulin-releasing activity due to a facilitation of Ca2+ inflow to the pancreatic beta cells.

Ganoderma lucidum (reishi), a Chinese medicinal mushroom: biomarker responses in a controlled human supplementation study.Br J Nutr. 2004 Feb;91(2):263-9.Lingzhi (Ganoderma lucidum, reishi) is a woody mushroom highly regarded in traditional medicine and is widely consumed in the belief that it promotes health and longevity, lowers the risk of cancer and heart disease and boosts the immune system. However, objective scientific validation of the putative health benefits of reishi in human subjects is lacking, and issues of possible toxicity must be addressed. The present double-blinded, placebo-controlled, cross-over intervention study investigated the effects of 4 weeks reishi supplementation on a range of biomarkers for antioxidant status, CHD risk, DNA damage, immune status, and inflammation, as well as markers of liver and renal toxicity. It was performed as a follow-up to a study that showed that antioxidant power in plasma increased after reishi ingestion, and that 10 d supplementation was associated with a trend towards an improved CHD biomarker profile. In the present study, fasting blood and urine from healthy, consenting adults (n 18; aged 22-52 years) was collected before and after 4 weeks supplementation with a commercially available encapsulated reishi preparation (1.44 g reishi/d; equivalent to 13.2 g fresh mushroom/d) or placebo. No significant change in any of the variables was found, although a slight trend toward lower lipids was again seen, and antioxidant capacity in urine increased. The results showed no evidence of liver, renal or DNA toxicity with reishi intake, and this is reassuring. The present study of the effects in healthy, well-nourished subjects provides useful, new scientific data that will support controlled intervention trials using at-risk subjects in order to assess the therapeutic effect of reishi in the promotion of healthy ageing.

Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) in cancer treatment.Integr Cancer Ther. 2003 Dec;2(4):358-64.The popular edible mushroom Reishi has been widely used for the general promotion of health and longevity in Asian countries. The dried powder of reishi was popular as a cancer chemotherapy agent in ancient China. The authors recently demonstrated that reishi inhibits constitutively active transcription factors nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) and AP-1, which resulted in the inhibition of expression of urokinase-type plasminogen activator and its receptor uPAR. Reishi also suppressed cell adhesion and cell migration of highly invasive breast and prostate cancer cells, suggesting its potency to reduce tumor invasiveness. Thus, reishi clearly demonstrates anticancer activity in experiments with cancer cells and has possible therapeutic potential as a dietary supplement for an alternative therapy for breast

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and prostate cancer. However, because of the availability of reishi from different sources, it is advisable to test its biologic activity.

Effects of ganopoly (a Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide extract) on the immune functions in advanced-stage cancer patients.Immunol Invest. 2003 Aug;32(3):201-15.Preclinical studies have established that the Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide (reishi) fractions have potent anti-tumor activity, which has been associated with the immuno-stimulating effects of reishi. However, it is unclear whether reishi has immuno-modulating effects in humans in vivo. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Ganopoly, the polysaccharides fractions extracted from reishi, on the immune function of advanced-stage cancer patients. Thirty-four advance-stage cancer patients were entered onto this study, and treated with 1800 mg Ganopoly (reishi), three times daily orally before meals for 12 weeks. Immune parameters (cytokines, T cell subsets, and natural killer activity) were compared between baseline and after 12-week treatment. Thirty patients are assessable for their immune functions. Treatment of reishi for 12 weeks resulted in a significant increase in the mean plasma concentrations of interleukin (IL-2), IL-6, and interferon (IFN)-gamma, whereas the levels of IL-1 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) were significantly decreased. A marked variability among patients with advanced-stage cancer was observed in the numbers of each lymphocyte subset at baseline. The mean absolute number of CD56+ cells was significantly increased after 12-week treatment of reishi, whereas the numbers of CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ were just marginally increased compared to baseline levels, with the CD4:CD8 T cell ratios unchanged. In addition, reishi treatment resulted in a significant increase in the mean NK activity compared to baselines. The present study indicates that Ganopoly enhanced the immune responses in patients with advanced-stage cancer. Clinical evaluations of response and toxicity are ongoing.

Mechanism of the antiulcerogenic effect of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides (reishi) on indomethacin-induced lesions in the rat.Life Sci. 2002 Dec 27;72(6):731-45.Many cytokines, in particular tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha have been known to play an important role in the pathogenesis of gastric mucosal lesions caused by various factors such as drugs and Helicobacter pylori infection. Our previous studies have shown that the polysaccharide fractions isolated from the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma lucidum (reishi) prevented indomethacin- and acetic acid-induced gastric mucosal lesions in the rat. However, the mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether reishi had a direct mucosal healing effect in the indomethacin-treated rat, and to explore the possible mechanisms by determining the gastric mucosal mRNA and protein levels of TNF-alpha and ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity. These findings indicated that reishi produced a mucosal healing effect in the rat model, perhaps due partly to the suppression of TNF-alpha.

Reishi QuestionsQ. Does taking reishi capsules interfere with the warfarin (coumadin)? I take warfarin 5mg a day.   A. We checked Medline for the keywords reishi in association with warfarin, bleeding, platelet, clotting, coumadin, and could not find any research. Therefore, we don't have any information at this time to say if there is any interaction between coumadin and reishi.

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Q. Can children take reishi mushroom?   A. We have not seen much research with reishi mushroom and children, therefore it is difficult to make any suggestions.

Q. I want to thank you for web pages on supplements. Your site is so informative. Thanks for being there. I was on reishi mushroom caplets for a few years and decided to take COQ10 this past couple months, so not knowing if I could take both I went off the reishi. I love the energy COQ10 provides me but I miss the mental clarity benefits of the reishi. I am always mentally tired it seems. Can I take these two together? Is there any "drug interactions" between these two?   A. We are not aware of any studies that have combined reishi mushroom supplements and CoQ10. As a general rule, most supplements can be combined if their dosages are kept low. However, each person reacts differently, so no general statements can be made that would apply to everyone.

Q. My father has a brain tumor astrocytoma grade 2 in basal. He is 60 years old. His doctor recommended 6 weeks radiation, and he just finished. Surgery is not possible. One of my Chinese friends recommended reishi, but I have no idea about this product. Is it helpful for his brain tumor? How much does he have to take ( reishi dosage )?    A.  Reishi has show some benefit in cancer treatment in laboratory and animal studies. However, as of December 2007, extensive human studies are not available to make any firm conclusions regarding the dosage and safety of reishi mushroom or reishi extract in terms of human cancer treatment.

Reishi Mushroom Extract 6% Polysaccharides / Triterpenoids

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Lingzhi A Miracle Herb For Peak Health

The secret of success is knowing how to deal with your body to maintain peak health condition. The dictum Health is Wealth hold more truth in the modern context than ever before.

While medical science has progressed what one could ever imagine, in treating disorders and disease, the real challenge lies in prevention. Modern medicine has succeeded in treating major disease it has not found a perfect system for prevention of dreaded diseases like cancer and HIV.

The answer lies in looking to a system which is natural sustainable and adaptable for all conditions and all body systems.

This has now led to extensive research in Herbs as the primary preventive source and healthy herbal and organic food products now take the lead in preventive systems.

The king of Herbs as it is known in China and Celestial Herb in Japan is Ganoderma. It is also known as Lingzhi in China and Reishi in Japan.

Lingzhi is now widely researched across the globe by many universities and research institutions and sterling work has been done by China and Japan.

Revered for thousands of years and shrouded in mystery, Lingzhi however was difficult to grow. After much research in 1970 a breakthrough was achieved in commercial cultivation. Still it remains rare and cultivated in few countries like China, Japan, Malaysia and Korea to name a few.

DXN a company from Malaysia remains in the forefront of bringing the benefits of the Lingzhi to the common man. More details at http://globalhealthnetwork.tripod.com

The Magic Effects of Ganoderma

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Research is still going on and scientists have discovered 252 active components beneficial and essential to the human body. It is an adaptogen which brings immense benefits to human body without any side effect.

Analysis and experiments done by various universities and pharmaceutical manufacturers have attested to its being a hemocatharsis, detoxificant,diuretic, liver protector, intestine regulator, cardiotonic, blood pressure adjuster, a cold tonic, expectorant, a tranquilizer and inhibits tumour and cancerous growth.

What is the Healing Principle of Ganoderma

Many clinical trials and experiments by doctors, especially Dr. Shigeru Yuji’s experiments has established the reasons Ganoderma is effective because of its basic functions

Lowers cholesterol in the blood and the amount of free fat Reduces blood sugar levels and helps pancreatic functions Lowers blood lipids and stabilizes red cell membrane Improves the function of the cortex of the adrenal glands to maintain

endocrine balance Elevates the natural healing ability of the body, allows the body to establish

strong immune system Prevents tissue cell degeneration Prevents senility, maintaining a youthful constitution Lowers the side effects of antihypertensive drugs Prevents organ degenetation Prevents allergy caused by antigens, because it inhibits the histamine release

by mastcells Relieves pain caused by cancer

While plenty of medical terminology is used to describe various effects on the body, we have avoided such references as the article is not meant as a medical prescription but mainly for use by the common man as an effective health giving food supplement.

Main Health Giving Components

While the Linghzhi mushrooms are said to contain 252 active medicinal compounds, the two main components are:

1. Germanium: Germanium can promote blood circulation, can increase oxygen absorbing capability of the body and keep sufficient oxygen in the body, improve metabolism and prevent functional degeneration. Based on research germanium is the major component of Lingzhi. The germanium contained in Lingzhi is 4-6 times more than ginseng.

2. Poly-saccharides: The poly saccharides can increase antibody count which strengthens immunity. Poly saccharides are the most active health enhancing ingredient for the body.

No wonder the Lingzhi mushrooms are called the ‘Celestial Herb’ by the Japanese for its health giving properties. Modern science and cultivation methods have made this difficult to grow herb available for the past decade or two for everyone to derive the benefits.

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While there are thousands of research papers available on the medicinal aspects of the Lingzhi this article primarily is to highlight the health giving aspects of this wonderful herbal remedy for ills of the modern living like stress, pollution and imbalances in food habits.

About The Author

R.G. Srinivasan is professional Soft Skills Trainer, Author and a network marketing leader. He is passionate about alternate healing therapies and writes on these subjects regularly. He is a practitioner of Bach flower therapy and Ganotherapy. You can find out more about the availability of Reishi ganoderma and articles on health and wellness at http://globalhealthnetwork.tripod.com

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