Many scientific studies performed in universities and medical facilities, particularly in the Far East. Japan, China, Taiwan, and Korea, have produced volumes of studies on the medicinal effects of Shiitake, Reishi, Cordyceps and other mushrooms on many different ailments affecting humans. For example: Reishi has been called an “immune potentiator”. It has been reported that Reishi extracts “exerted an inhibition effect on tumor growth”. An extract (Lentinan) from Shiitake has been licensed as a anti-cancer drug by the Japanese FDA. The right Cordyceps can be a powerful stimulant for macrophage activity, strengthening your immune system’s ability to fight against bacterial and viral infection. Human clinical studies indicate that Cordyceps can be effective for treatment high cholesterol, poor libido, arrhythmia, lung cancer, and chronic kidney failure. It is also reported that Cordyceps causes smooth muscle relaxation. This can make it especially helpful for treating chronic coughs, asthma, and other bronchial conditions. Treatment of ailments is important, but it may be even more important to maintain your good health.

Many of the compounds found in Shiitake, Reishi, Cordyceps, and some other mushrooms are classified as Host Defense Potentiators (HDP). These compounds include polysaccharides, polysaccharide -peptides, nucleosides, triterpeniods, complex starches, and other metabolites. It is believed that combinations of these products target the human immune system as well as aid in neuron transmission, metabolism, hormonal balance and the transport of nutrients and oxygen. Through a host-mediated (T cell) immune mechanism, they help the body regulate the development of lymphoid stem cells and other important defense responses.

By looking at the life cycle of mushrooms, the logic of HDP effects is revealed. Mushrooms sit close to the lowest rung in the ecosystem, thriving on decaying materials in a very hostile environment. During the vegetative stage, or the mycelial stage in the mushroom life cycle, digestive enzymes are excreted to digest food outside the cells. Since the mushroom needs to absorb the digested food, it must first deactivate any natural pathogens. A mushroom is also very proficient at expelling undesirable chemicals and contaminants that are absorbed during the ingestion. In order for a mushroom to thrive, it must have an aggressive, proactive immune system

Most studies on the health benefits of mushrooms for humans have focused on immune enhancement properties. Complex sugars and their derivatives are able to stimulate a higher level of cytokine production in humans. Cytokines are proteins produced by the immune system to facilitate communication between cells. Some common cytokines include interleukins, interferon, natural killer cells (NK cells) activating factors and tumor necrosis factors. Many times we get sick because of imbalances in our systems that allow opportunistic pathogens to attack our bodies.

Every time we get sick, a potential vulnerable spot opens in our bodies which may gradually weaken and deteriorate into something harmful over time. During subsequent illnesses, our immune systems become overtaxed. Some of these vulnerable loci are now at risk of insufficient care from the immune system. After multiple genetic mutations in the same location, abnormal or malignant growth may result. The process is generally quite slow and takes many years and many bouts of illness to manifest itself. The trick is to have a well-regulated body. If we can minimize the frequency and severity of all illnesses, and recover quickly, we are more likely to enjoy a healthy quality of life. Vitamin and mineral supplements should be taken on a regular basis to be most effective. The same is true of nutraceutical mushroom products. A balanced diet, sufficient rest, a positive outlook, and frequent consumption of supplements including nutraceutical mushroom products will contribute to increasing the odds of obtaining and maintaining good health.

Today, we live in artificial environments where air is filtered and food is processed. We frequently subject ourselves to antibiotics and a variety of interventions to improve our well being. Our immune systems are no longer being challenged on a regular basis the way they would be in a more natural environment. A major function of our immune system works like an electronic imaging device. Foreign materials invading our systems are being monitored constantly. Information on new pathogens and other molecules is stored in our immune data bank. When hostile pathogens attack our bodies, our immune systems are capable of mounting fast immune responses if we have a substantive data bank of foreign substances. However, with a meager data base in a patronized immune system, we are incapable of dealing with many pathogens. A slow immune response will not be able to cope with an onslaught of pathogens. Mushroom Nutraceuticals can provide a regular challenge to the immune system by presenting many different molecules to the system in a non-hostile manner. It has been remarked that with mushrooms supplements we have a "24 hour Nautilus for our immune system".

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