A fungus among us: the medicinal power of mushrooms.(supplements and functional foods)

The rich, earthy flavor of mushrooms was once reserved only for royalty. In fact, the pharaohs of ancient Egypt prohibited commoners from even touching them. Today, commercial cultivation enables fungi fans across the globe to enjoy the numerous edible varieties year-round. But far from being simple delicacies, certain mushroom varieties also possess powerful medicinal properties including immune system stimulation, reproductive benefits and energy enhancement.

Shiitake

Shiitake mushrooms are a common ingredient in Pacific Rim cuisine because they add a distinct flavor to noodle and tofu dishes. In terms of health benefits, Lentinus edodes supplements may offer hope in the fight against cancer.

Like maitake mushrooms (see below), shiitake mushrooms contain a powerful compound that has been studied for its health applications. Lentinan, a polysaccharide extract of shiitake, may act as a cancer preventative, according to research reported in the October 2002 issue of The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. On the other hand, a human trial published the same month in Urology indicated that stand-alone treatment with shiitake extract was ineffective against prostate cancer.

Interestingly, Japanese researchers writing in a 2002 issue of the Journal of Atherosclerosis and Thrombosis stated that shiitake has been proven to lower cholesterol and inhibit tumor growth in animals. With these results in hand, the researchers went on to demonstrate that shiitake may also prevent atherosclerosis.

Maitake

Maitake, the "dancing mushroom," is believed to bolster immune function and to have therapeutic value against cancer and type 2 diabetes. The giant mushroom's beta-glucan, or polysaccharide, constituent is frequently credited for its immuno-stimulant properties.