Common name: Edible Passion Vine | Scientific name: Passiflora edulis
January 30, 2011 Posted in Archives | Leave a commentCommon name: Sapodilla | Scientific name: Manilkara zapota
January 30, 2011Sapodilla
When it comes to this next fruit, its important to take a look at the picture! The word sapodilla refers to different fruits in different parts of Mexico, Central America, and South America. This has to do with the fact that in the native American languages of those regions, Tzpotl, or Sapote, is a generic word for fruit. The word sapodilla, is a mixture of a Native American (Sapote) and Spanish word(illa or small). So, the term sapodilla means a small sapote, and there are a lot of small fruits from that part of the word. So, in this entry we are talking about Manilkara zapota, and it is one delicious fruit.
Its interesting to note that this tree produces more than just a good fruit. When you cut into the tree, a white latex comes spilling out. This white latex was called Chikle by the Central Americans, and, was orignally used to created a fun chewy substance…….something we now call chewing gum. The original chewing gum, and some of the better chewing gums, are still made with the sap of this tree. The word chicklet, indeed, comes from the Native American word for this tree. Im not a chewing gum person so I have no plans to make home made chewing gum, but, having a big sapodilla tree, I could!
Being a new tropical gardener, one of the really surprising things about gardening in Florida is that its a lot harder than I imagined. I thought, oh, tropical weather, things will just grow like weeds, all that sun and rain. Well, as it turns out, this is not the case. Along with all the rain comes a lot of fungus, which kills a lot of plants, and a host of vicious garden bugs that eat just about everything. To make matters more complicated, south Florida is too hot for some plants, and not hot enough for others. Its semi-tropical and finding plants that will thrive in the weather down here is a lot more challenging than I thought.
But, all that said, the house I bought in south Florida came with a huge sapodilla tree that thrives no matter what. Bugs dont eat it, fungus doesnt attack it, and it doesnt mind the variable weather. It deals with this enviroment and produces two huge crops of fruit each year. This tree gets the Dr.Schar merit award for getting the job done.
Now, the fruit is really interesting. If I had to describe it, I would say it tastes like canned pears that had been dusted with brown sugar. But, that would just be a close approximation. It really has its own wonderful and unique taste. And, like I said, twice a year, the tree is covered from top to bottom with fruit.
Delicious as the fruit is, and as indestructable as the tree appears, this is one of those fruits that has never made it to the grocery store. Im not sure why, its delicious enough to make the grade, but, it hasnt. If you want to sample it, your best bet is to visit a Latin Grocery in south Florida, and look in the fruit department. The one closest to me, in Lake Worth, carries them from time to time.
I think this needs to change. We need to grow things that do their job without the aid of fertilizer, coddling, and pesticides. And this is one of those fruit trees. No spray required. Its good for the mouth and good for the earth.
Posted in Archives, Food, Scientific Name, Scientific Name, Uncategorized | Leave a comment
Common name: Black sapote | Scientific name: Diosporys obtusifolia
January 30, 2011 Posted in Archives, Food, Scientific Name, Scientific Name | Leave a commentMaitake 107: Maitake(Grifola frondosa) as a Food
January 2, 2011Grifola frondosa As A Food
Until very recently, the mushroom produced by Grifola frondosa was in the same class as truffles. In North America, Europe, and Asia the mushrooms were coveted by gourmets as the supreme fungi. It was thought to be the most delicious of all mushrooms. They were the Romans favorite mushroom and the Japanese were reported to pay their weight in gold to have the opportunity to eat a few fronds. They have been, by definition, a commodity for a long time.
This was in part because they are so delicious and in part due to the fact they were so hard to get a hold off. As we learned earlier, though they may be a common fungus, finding them was always a bit of a challenge. People love things that are rare and there was always a greater demand for Grifola frondosa than supply of the tasty mushroom.
In Europe Grifola frondosa first appears as one of the prefered mushrooms on the Roman table. At a point in Roman history Roman lawmakers became concerned the Roman decadence was undermining the fabric of society. Laws were enacted, the Sumptuary Laws, which limited the consumption of gourmet foods. Some days were by law meat free days. The Romans with some money behind them replaced the prohibited meat with gourmet fungus. Grifola frondosa was used a a meat substitute.
Tax records from the Italian markets indicate that as recently as the turn of this century Grifola frondosa was a popular mushroom. It seems wild mushrooms were taxed and this mushroom was one of the wild food items levied upon. To this day, it is one of the most popular and coveted wild mushroom in the French and Italian open air markets.
These mushrooms make it to the open markets as wild mushroom collectors go out and collect them. In Britain, Grifola frondosa is one of the most sought after mushrooms collected by wild mushroom hunters.
Andy Overall, editor of Mycofile a magazine dealing with the collection of wild mushrooms, had a few words to say about this delicacy.
“I routinely find Grifola frondosa in the Epping wood and in Hampstead heath. It is not a particularly rare mushroom, but it is an extremely hard one to find. It comes up in piles of leaves and it is hard to distinguish from the leaves. Some people say it is rare, I think it just hard to find. I have been collecting mushrooms for the last seven years and find at least one each year. It is my favourite mushroom to eat. It is a culinary delight.”
Miranda Gavin, Andy’s side kick, was happy to chime in about eating Grifola frondosa, “Its my favourite mushroom. Its nice because it keeps it texture when you cook it, I like to cook it with oyster mushrooms. The flavour is nutty. A lot of wild mushrooms, like boletes, are slimy. I don’t like slimy mushrooms. Hen of the woods is not slimy.”
Andy Overall had a delightful Grifola frondosa story to recount. It seems he and Miranda were in Hanoi, Vietnam, on holiday. As they walked down a street they came onto an enormous Grifola frondosa in full bloom. They collected it up and took it into a local bar. They worked with the cook of the establishment prepared it into a wonderful meal for all the customers in the bar.
This might be a nice way to introduce its use as a food in Asia. In both Chinese and Japanese cuisine Grifola frondosa is the prefered mushroom. In Chinese cookery it is made into a long list of specialized dishes which include ba bao cai, gu lao rou, sheng chao pian, fu long xie, hong hui shou she, cha shao mian, xia ren tan mian, chao mian, tain jin mian, yun tun, and bai cai tang. The Chinese go out to the woods in search of Grifola frondosa in the appropriate season in the hope of finding a patch to toss into these dishes.
The Japanese, above all other Asian cultures revere the mushroom. It was the Japanese that paid its weight in gold! It was also the Japanese dramatically changed the history Grifola frondosa. As it was the most prefered and rare mushroom, mushroom grower had long attempted to grow it in the commercial setting.
As we have learned, mushrooms mystify the scientific community. This is so on many levels. Fungi are notoriously mysterious as to what makes them tick. There are very few mushrooms that can be grown commercially as researchers cannot figure out how to get them to grow outside the wild enviroment. The only person that knows how to grow a truffle is a truffle. This was true for Grifola frondosa until fairly
recently.
In North America, Europe, and Asia, if you wanted to savour the delight of Grifola frondosa, you had to go out to the woods and hunt them. There was no easy way to get your hands on them. That was until the Japanese cracked the secrets of the Grifola frondosa life cycle and were able to replicate the natural cycle in the lab. Nearly 15 years ago the Japanese made this discovery and what was once a rarely found mushroom became one that could be purchased in the grocery store. In 1990, The Japanese produced and consumbed 8 tons of Grifola frondosa.
Though the Japanese may have cracked growing the ellusive Grifola frondosa, the secret of it culture has spread. It is now grown in North America by a handful of growers and the same is true for Europe. Kevin Hughes, owner of Hughes Mushroom, is currently investigating growing Grifola frondosa on his farms in Northern Ireland. As the days pass, more and more people will have the opportunity to sample this formerly exclusive treat.
The important message to take away from this section is that Grifola frondosa has been used as a food for a long time. One looking at medicinal plants, it is important to select natural medicines that are prefectly safe to use. Some medicinal plants are non-toxic and others are quite toxic. One can rest assured Grifola frondosa is perfectly safe to use on a daily basis. The Japanese consume a huge amount of Grifola frondosa each day and none have reported any baleful results!
Posted in Archives, Medicine, Scientific Name, Scientific Name | Leave a commentMaitake 106: Maitake(Grifola frondosa) and Cancer
January 2, 2011Maitake: Anti Cancer
Many species of medicinal mushrooms have been shown to have an anticancer activity. The list includes L.edodes, F.velutipes, P.ostreatus, A.bisporus, P.nameko, T. matsutake and A.auriculata. (Ikekawa et al.,1969;Vogel et all.,1975) Indeed, the entire Polyporus family has been researched and most of the family members have been found to have an anti-tumor action.
Early in the research process scientists examined these mushrooms to see if they contained a substance that actively targeted tumor cells and destroyed them. The conclusion was that they did not contain cytotoxic substances, compounds that killed cancer cells. Rather they contained immune system stimulants, the immune system did the killing. A powerfully charged immune system is capable of doing fierce battle with cancer.
Cancer cells are crafty, clever cells. They are quite determined to survive and have a number of tricks up their sleave to make certain nothing gets in their way. Needless to say, they would rather the immune system disappear so they can go about their expansionary activities. The last thing they want is white blood soldiers attacking their cells. The like to be left alone to such an extent, they produce substances that dampen down the immune system. They produce their own Immune Soldier sleeping pills so they can get on with their activities unmolested. People with cancer have suppressed immune systems.
Medicinal mushrooms ability to fire up the immune system may in some way counteract the anti-immune system substances produced by the cancer cells. There is still much work to be done on this subject, though a lot of work has already been accomplished. Let us first have a look at a mere sampling of the research work done on a few medicinal mushrooms and their ability to assist the body deal with cancer.
Studies of the Anti-cancer effect of medician mushrooms.
In 1974, at the Japanese Cancer Research Conference, in Sendai, Japan, a protein-sugar, extracted from Coriolus versicolor, was discussed. Research indicated that it inhibited the growth of tumors and prevented their spread to the lymph nodes in animals. (Shu Ting Chang et al.)
A four year, randomized control trial of an extract of Lentinus edodes(Lentinan) used with chemotherapy, the long term survival rate of patients suffering form advanced stomach cancer improved with the use of the drug. Over two years there was a 0.1% survival rate in the control group and 9.5% rate in patients given lentinan. The long term survival rate in patients given the drug over four years two years was 3.8% (Taguchi et al.,1985.)
Lentinan, a Lentinus edodes extract, is said to have activity against cancer of the bowel, pancreas, gastro-intestinal tract, liver, lung, ovaries (Flynn, 1991).
Lentinan stimulates the production of T lymphocytes. This is of relevance as T lymphocyte production is suppressed in cancerous states. The antitumour action of Lentinan was found to be effective when given orally to mice implanted with cancer cells. (Chihara et al.,1987)
Lentinus edodes may have the ability to prevent cancer as well as assist the body deal with cancer once it is in place.
The compound thiazaolidine-4-carboxylic acid(TCA) is formed when dried shitake mushrooms are boiled in water. TCA is a nitric acid trapping agent. The presence of TCA may prevent the formation of carcinogenic N-nitroso compounds.(Jurashima et al.,1990)
Several antitumour drugs are currently on the market. Lentinan(Lentinus edodes), PSK(Coriolus versicolour), and Schizophyllan(Schizophyllos commune), being examples. (Pai et al., 1988)
Grifola frondosa(Maitake) and its Antitumour action.
It pays to talk about Grifola frondosa and its antitumour activity as it would appear that this mushroom is the start antitumour in the ranks of medicinal mushrooms. Its action is identical to all the other mushrooms with anti-cancer activity; it stimulates the immune system. Recent studies indicate, however, that it has a stronger antitumour activity than other members of its kind.
In a study with mice, tumor reduction as a result of a Grifola frondosa D fraction was 86.6% compared with PSK(Trametes versicolour(-7.1%)) and lentinan(lentinus edodes)(54.4%). The drugs were administered by injection. (Namba. 1993.)
In another study it was determined that of the following mushrooms, when feed to mice, Grifola frondosa was the most active tumor repressing agent. Lentinus edodes,Grifola frondosa, Agaricus bisporus, Pleurotus ostreatus, Flammulina velutipea, Pholiota glutinosa, Tremelia fuciformis, Auricularia minor, Volvariella volvaceae. (Mori et al., 1986.)
The evidence at this point suggests that Grifola frondosa is the most powerful anti-tumor mushroom in the rank and file of medicinal mushrooms. As we know that these mushrooms act via the immune system, one has to wonder if this means Grifola frondosa(maitake) is the most powerful immune stimulant. Research will have to be done to see if this is the case. In the meantime, if one had to select one mushroom to fight a battle with cancer, I would select Grifola frondosa.
The Oral Issue
As an ethnobotanist and phytotherapist, I spend my time looking at the traditional uses of medicinal plants and scientific studies proving their value as medicines. The problem is that most of the scientific studies done one medicinal plants is done with the aim of finding a silver bullet that will cure some disease instantly. Animals are used and the extracts are injected into them. Traditional herbal medicines are not injected. Many times I have to throw out studies because the plant is used traditionally via the oral route. One of the reasons I like Grifola frondosa(Maitake) especially is because studies have been done that establish it as being effective when taken orally.
Let me say something. I believe that these traditional medicines work with or without studies proving the fact. People would not have used various Polyporus family mushrooms to treat cancer for centuries if there was not something in there that made them work. However, I work in a day when you have to prove everything. My patients and readers alike want to know that there is some scientific basis for these medicines working. It makes life easier for me if I can say that research has born out the tradition use of a plant. It makes it even easier if the research was done by giving the animals the drug to eat. This is the way people take the drugs!
Here are some studies that show that Grifola frondosa(Maitake) works as an oral drug.
The D fraction of Grifola frondosa inhibited the growth of MM46 tumors implanted in mice when given to the animals orally.
(Namba 1994)
The D fraction of Grifola frondosa has been shown to have an antitumour effect in mice implanted MM-46 carcinoma and IMC carcinoma when given orally or injected. (Namba,1993.)
Researchers determined that extracts of Grifola frondosa were active against tumors when taken orally or when injected into mice.(Suzuki et al.,1984)
In a study it was determined that the oral administration of an extract of Grifola potentiated delayed type hypersensitivity of a mice immune systems towards injected cancer cells. (Yamada et al., 1989.)
In this study it was determined that D-fraction extracted from Grifola frondosa was active against tumours when orally administered. It was also determined that the activity of both phagocytes and T cells were enhanced. The killing ability of both types of white blood cells was improved and delayed hypersensitivity response was potentiated. (Hishida et al.,1986.)
Nearly all of the Grifola frondosa fractions are active only when injected. One fraction appears to work when taken orally and it is the D-fraction. (Ohno et al.,1986a)
We already know that swallowing Grifola frondosa(Maitake) improves the immune system function, but it is nice to have a stack of studies in hand to prove the fact! The studies indicate that, when taken orally, Grifola frondosa(Maitake) works by stimulating the immune system. This is even better news!
As I like to be thorough, I have compiled a long list of studies that establish Grifola frondosa(Maitake) as being an antitumour agent. This can be considered optional reading as many of the studies say the same thing over an over again. They also establish fine points that interest only the most dedicated and perhaps lifeless researchers amongst us. (Please note that I know all of them well enough to write a summary. A sad statement.)
General Studies on Grifola frondosa(Maitake) and Tumor Reduction.
One study indicated that a wide variety of glucans isolated from Grifola frondosa have anti-tumour activity when injected into in mice. (Ohno et al.,1983)
In a study it was determined that the antitumour action of a Grifola frondosa extract was based on its stimulation of the immune system rather by acting as a cytotoxic agent. (Ohno et al., 1986.)
In a study the antitumour polysacharides found in Grifola frondosa were separated. The polysacharide complex had antitumour activity. The chemically neutral polysacharides and the chemically negative polysacharides showed antitumour activity when injected into mice. (Ohno et al.,1984.)
The matted mycelium of Grifola frondosa was found to contain a antitumour glucan similar to that found in the fruiting body of the same fungus. The drug was injected into mice. (Ohno et al.,1984.)
In a study it was determined that the mycelium of Grifola frondosa contained both the alpha and beta glucans, but had a small amount of the acidic glucans. The beta glucans were harder to extract from this mycelium. (Ohno et al.,1985)
This study is dealing with the antitumour activity of different elements of the crude drug made from Grifola frondosa. The conclusion was that the crude drug contains three acidic glucans and neutral glucans. The antitumour activity of Grifola frondosa was due to both neutral and acidic glucans. (Ohno et al., 1986.)
In this study the researchers were looking to see if there were more antitumour substances than those that had been discovered. They found another polysacharide with antitumour activity. This polysacharide had a peptide chain attached to one end of it which makes the pharmacologically of this newly discovered chemical entirely different than those previously described. (Namba et al.,1986.)
In this study researchers studied mice to determine where the beta-glucan derived from matted mycelium of Grifola frondosa went after it was injected. The result being that large amounts of it ended up in the tumour masses found in mice and also in the spleen. Mice. MM46 carcinoma. Subcutaneous administration. Additionally: “The antitumour activity was shown to be host mediated mechanism and both macrophages and T lymphocytes played and important role.” (Takeyama et al.,1987.)
In a study the effects of administering Grifolan with different Grifola extracted glucans was examined. It was concluded that the addition of certain glucans increased the activity of Grifolan and others decreased its activity. (Ohno et al.,1985.)
Studies on Extracts of Grifola frondosa(Maitake)
GF-1
GF-1 was shown to inhibit sarcoma 180 90% of the time in mice when at the time inoculation with tumors. It did not inhibit cancer growth when given orally, and did not have an effect when given after the tumors were implanted. Suzuki et al.,1984.
MT-2 (a polysacharide subfraction isolated from the water soluble fraction of Grifola frondosa mushroom containing 6% protein.)
MT-2 was proven to have an antitumour effect against syngeneic tumors and to stimulate macrophages and production of interleukin-1, natural killer cells, and killer T cells. Adachi et al.,1987.
NMF-5N
NMF-5N, a Beta-1,3 Glucan extracted from mycelia of Grifola frondosa and was shown to have anti-tumour activities in allogenic and syngeneic murine tumour systems. In experiments on mice the extracted substance was administered subcutaneously and reduced tumour size. Sarcoma 180, Meth A fibrosarcoma, and MM46 carcinoma. After the injection of the substance tumour size reduced substantially. (Suzuki et al., 1987)
D fraction
This substance was determined to be active against syngeneic and allogenic tumor systems, to increase the production of interleukin-1 and increase the delayed type hypersensitivity response. (Hishida et al., 1988.)
It was shown to increase the delayed type hypersensitivity response of macrophages and T cells in tumor bearing mice. This lead to tumor inhibition. (Yamada et al.,1990.)
It has been reported that the D fraction from Grifola frondosa, administered to tumor bearing mice along with chemotherapeutic agent mitomycin C, had an increased tumor inhibition. (Namba,1994)
Grifolan LE (Beta 1,3 glucan)
One of the compounds in Grifola frondosa responsible for its anticancer activity is Grifolan, a three branched beta-,6 glucan. It was first isolated in 1985. The group found it both in the mushroom and in the mycelium. They went on to check its action and discovered that it was effective in mice against murine solid tumor sarcoma 180 after thirty five days. The substance caused complete regression in a third to half of the trials. (Ohno et al.,1985)
Human Studies
A Grifola D fraction extract is being studied in medical clinics in the U.S for patients with breast and colorectal cancer. (Miller,1994)
In China a Grifola frondosa extract demonstrated an anticancer effect in 63 patients with lung, stomach, hepatocellular cancers, and leukaemia. The extract was given orally, 4 capsules three times daily before meals for 1-3 months. (Zhu et al,1994)
Dr.Fukumi Morishige suggests vitamin C taken with Grifola frondosa as it reduces the polysacharides into smaller sugars, which makes them more readily absorbed by the body.
Posted in Archives, Medicine, Scientific Name, Scientific Name | Leave a commentMaitake(Grifola frondosa) and Fungal Infection
January 2, 2011Resources
Introduction to Maitake and Vaginal Thrush
Clinical Trial using Maitake in Chronic Vaginal Thrush
Introduction
Fungi: The Ultimate Weapon against Fungal Infection
Several years ago I was in possession of three hundred shitake logs, that is logs innoculated with the shitake fungus. Everytime it rained the logs produced heaps of shitake mushrooms which I ran out and collected in an old egg basket. At the time I was living in the southern part of the United States which could be described as fungi heaven. In that hot and moist enviroment, fungi spring from anything that stands still for more than five minutes. During my years of tending shitake logs I noticed something curious. Once a log had been innoculated with the shitake fungus, no other fungus would spring on the innoculated log. It may not sound like an earth shattering observation however it introduces our next use for maitake.
Fungi do not like to share. They fill themselves and their enviroments with antifungal substances as a means of keeping competition down to the minimum. The reason the shitake logs was free of other fungi was because the shitake fungus was permeating the log with fungi killing compounds. The natural world is highly competitive. Students of nature will be quick to say that most organisms has a means of keeping competitiors away and this is equally true of fungi.
Along these lines, two common antifungal drugs for sale at the chemist’s are fungal derivatives. Amphotericin B and Nystatin are extracted from Streptomyces nodosus and Streptomyces noursei respectively. Streptomyces are a common fungi that principally live in the soil. Their bodies exude substances that keep other fungi at arms length, so to speak. These fungi are ground up, jarred, and are used to treat infections like athletes foot, ringworm, and candida.
From a chemical perspective, these two fungi produce chemicals known as polyenes that kill fungi on contact. When you spread Amphotericin B and Nystatin on a toe infected with the athletes foot fungus or on a patch of the ringworm fungus, the parasitic fungus dies. More specifically, polyenes attack the building blocks of fungal cell walls and literally melt the parasite. The clever part is that the polyenes attack the building block of the fungi cell wall, ergosterol, and leave human cells alone. Polyenes can be found in most fungi. Not surprisingly, several edible mushrooms have been found to contain potential antifungal drugs.
Mushrooms contain polyenes and other substances known to keep fungi under control. A list of general antifungal compounds found in mushrooms includes the following:
1. Polyacetylenes
2. Phenolic compounds
3. Purines
4. Pyrimidines
5. Quinones
6. Terpenoid derivatives
Mushrooms have been found to contain these generally antifungal compounds and compounds that specifically inhibit or kill fungi that cause humanity aggravation and grief. Candida albicans, a fungus that commonly causes problems in man has been found to be inhibited by the following compounds found in mushrooms.
1.Styrylpyrones(ie hispidin,bisnoryangonin)
2.Terphenylquinones(ie atromentin,aurantiacin)
3.Diphenyl-substituted tetronic acids(ie atromentic, pulvinic,pulvinic lactone, vulpinic, xerocomic acid.)
In the final analysis, no one knows how to kill a fungus like another fungus. For all these reasons and many more researchers are searching the mushroom world for potential antifungal drugs. There is interest in such antifungal drugs because fungi, especially in vulnerable populations, are causing health problems around the world.
As was previously established, the immune system is failing in the modern age. The immune system is responsable for keeping fungal parasites under control. In consequence, practitioners are seeing an increasing number of patients suffering from fungal infection. When the immune system ceases does not do its job, fungal infections become an issue. Practitioners the world over are dealing with a lot patients suffering from chronic, recurrent fungal infection.
If we study one common problematic fungus, Candida albicans, it will shed some light onto the problem.
Thrush (Candida albicans)
By far Candida albicans is the most common fungus causing health problems in the western population. Most women will suffer from candida at some point in their reproductive life and all will quickly state what an unpleasant experience it is. Candida has begun to affect more than women. Even men are coming into “The Herbalists” clinic complaining of problems stemming from Candida albicans.
For people who suffer from problematic Candida, life is a misery. I am currently doing a clinical trial in London studying the effects of maitake in chronic vaginal thrush and have heard from hundreds of women whose lives have been devastated by Candida. An article recently detailing my work with Candida recently appeared in a womens magazine and six hundred letters poured in. In one instance, a women wrote that she had suffered from recurrent candida for over fifty years with little or no break!
There is a great deal of confusion amongst the general public when it comes to Candida and this confusion needs to be cleared up before we can move on to discuss solutions for someone suffering from chronic candida. What follows might seem surprising.
To begin with, most people feel that having candida is an abnormal. They see candida the way they see the streptococcus bacteria that causes strep throat. In fact, Candida albicans is a normal resident of the human body. Candida albicans is a normal inhabitant of the human skin, digestive tract, and bodily orifices. The presence of Candida on and in the human body is entirely normal. If you do not have Candida living on your body, there is something wrong with you.
Though the public holds a view that microbes are all bad, we have a community of good microbes living with us at all times. Our skin, as an example, harbours a seething community of microbes. This community of resident non-pathenogenic microbes is known as the flora. Candida is one of the good microbes residing on the human body. Candida and human beings have probably coexisted since the beginning of time. It is entirely likely that we need Candida for reasons the research committee has yet to reveal. The fact to hold onto is that Candida albicans is a natural resident of the body and that under normal circumstances, it does not cause a problem.
Normally, the human flora exists in a state of homeostasis or balance. This means no one microbe dominates the scene but rather the different microbes live in balanced ratios, in effect, sharing the surface of our bodies.
For the most part, the other microbes in the flora keep candida under control. As an example, the digestive tract is jam packed with the different microbes. There is only so much room for Candida to exist. It has to share the space. The Candida population is kept in check by the other floral residents competitive for space and a meal.
The immune system also keeps on eye on the floral residents and if any one of them starts to dominate the scene, it will correct the situation.
Neutrophils, a type of Non-Specific white blood cells, are known to keep Candida under control. The Acquired Division of the immune system, the T cells, are also responsible for keeping Candida in its place. The Immune System, both Non-Specific and Acquired, keep the Candida population down through regular culling.
The immune system and the competiting microbes conspire to keep Candida in its rightful place within the community of microbes. As is true with the human body in general, balance is achieved through a complicated series of mechanisms. Science is just beginning to understanding these complex balancing mechanisms, two have been illustrated here. In time we may discover there are more controlling factors for Candida. For the most part, candida is kept in check.
However, if the balance in the flora is disturbed or if the the immune system is not functioning properly, candida has the chance to proliferate. When Candida dominates the scene, it becomes problematic. Candida is not a problem, too much candida is a problem.
Here are some common situations in which Candida proliferates and problems ensue.
Immune Suppression
When the immune system fails, the Candida population soars. Like most organisms, candida is driven by the biological imperative, it constantly increases its population through procreation. If the immune system stops killing candida, the population is not kept in control. People suffering from stress have depressed immune function. It is not uncommon for stressed out individuals to develop a problem with candida.
HIV Infection
In this disease a virus attacks one type of white blood cells, the T cells. The T cells normally help keep Candida under control. As these cells are killed off by the HIV virus, the Candida population is no longer kept under control. In the HIV patient, Candida proliferation can become a life threatening condition.
Cancer Therapies
Many of the therapies designed to kill cancerous cells also kill immune cells. Immune function plummets in “Chemotherapy” and “Radiation Therapy”. In response, Candida is able to proliferate.
Steroid
Steroids are commonly used in orthodox medicine to treat Asthma, Eczema, Psoriasis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ulcerative Colitis, and Crone’s Disease. Steroids depress or suppress immune function. Candida flourishes with the immune system out of commission.
Anti-Rejection Drugs
The drugs used to prevent organ transplant rejection suppress the immune system. It is the immune system that rejects a foreign organ and it has to be kept quiet if a person is to be able to hold onto a transplant. Again, in the absence of a functioning immune system, Candida proliferates.
Antibiotic Therapy
Antibiotics are the medicine responsible for bringing Candida proliferation into most homes in the Western world. Prior to the widespread use of antibiotics, problematic candida was rarely described in the medical textbooks. In the age of antibiotics, most women have experienced a candida proliferation.
“Antibiotics” kill the bacteria indiscrimatly. They kill the bad bacteria causing an infection and the good bacteria living in the flora. Antibiotics wipe out the bacterial population throughout the body. They do not however, do a thing to Candida. They leave Candida in perfect health. With their bacterial neighbours wiped out, there is more space for Candida. Antibiotics disturb the balance in the flora and give Candida the opportunity to dominate the microbial scene. Antibiotics result in candida proliferation.
The number of people suffering from problematic candida as the result of HIV, Cancer therapies, anti-rejection drugs, and steroid use is relatively small in comparison to those that end up with problems as a result of antibiotic use. Doctors hand out antibiotics at an alarming rate and almost everyone that uses them will end up with a candida proliferation. In fact there is something practitioners call the “Candida Vicious Cycle”.
The Candida Vicious Cycle.
The stress associated with modern living depresses the immune system and leaves people vulnerable to bacterial infection. These infections require antibiotics. Taking antibiotics leads to Candidal proliferation. The Candida itself produces substances that depresses the immune system. With the immune system suppressed by Candida and stress, additional bacterial infections occur. More antibiotics result in more candida. Thus people spin around the circle for years and years.
Proliferating Candida
When a patient goes to see an orthodox physician to deal with their candida problem, they are handed a tube of anti-candida cream to apply to the operative bit. The cream works for a period of time, namely as long as it is applied, and then returns with a vengeance when the cream is discontinued.
The reason it comes back is that the problem is not really the candida. The problem is an immune system that cannot keep the candida under control; its antibiotics; its stress. Appplying candida killing cream is a symptomatic treatment and leaves the fundamental problems in place.
For the most part, the begining of the circle is being run down. It is the flagging immune system that leads to the infection that leads to the antibiotics. The solution is not a cream.
Maitake: A better Solution
Maitake, is ideally suited for those with Candida proliferations. Firstly, like all mushrooms, it contains a host of compounds that inhibit or destroy Candida. Secondly, it contains compounds that stimulate the immune system which in turn attacks Candida. The combination seems to put Candida where it belongs, merely a benign member of the microbial community. Maitake is an effective treatment in recurrent candida infections as a consequence of compounds it contains and how they work in the body.
Essential Elements Found in Maitake(Grifola frondosa)
Maitake(Grifola frondosa) is rich in the essential elements necessary for healthy immune function. The list of essential elements found in Maitake that assist immune function: Potassium, Sodium, Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, Manganese, Zinc, Molybdenum, Phosphorus, Boron, and Germanium. In particular, Zinc has been established being essential for proper immune function. In general Maitake(Grifola frondosa) provides the body with the raw materials needed to produce an effective immune response against Candida
Sugars Found in Maitake(Grifola frondosa)
Maitake contains complex polysacharides which stimulate the activity and production of Phagocytes, T cells, and Natural killer cells. All three cells play an active role in the control of Candida population within the body. Maitake’s (Grifola frondosa) ability to stimulate these essential cell lines is coupled with its ability to stimulate cellular mediators that organize the immune systems attack on Candida.
Organic Acids Found in Maitake(Grifola frondosa)
Maitake(Grifola frondosa) is rich in Pyroglutamic acid, Lactic acid, Acetic acid, Formic acid, Malic acid, Citric acid, Succinic acid, Oxalic acid, and Fumaric acid. These acids, have a role in a maitake’s anticandida activity. In example, the Acetic acid found in Maitake has been found to inhibit Candida.
Phytosterols Found in Maitake (Grifola frondosa)
Maitake contains substances known as phytosterols, specifically
ergosterol, fungisterol, and methylsterol. Many fungi contain phytosterols and botanists have long debated the reason they fill themselves with these substances. The answer may be rooted in the “kill the neighbour before it kills you” policy held by most fungi. Phytosterols attack the cell membrane of encroaching fungi. Theorists suggest that the phytosterols contained in Maitake weaken the cell wall of Candida and thus make it more vulnerable to immune cell attack.
Lectins Found in Maitake(Grifola frondosa)
Lectins have the ability to agglutinate, or cause cells to stick together. In effect they curdle cells. Maitake contains a lectin known as GFL, a N-acetylgalactosamine specific lectin. Botanists feel that fungi produce lectins as a defensive measure against competing or carnivorous fungi. Any foreign fungus attempting to penetrate a mushroom would find its tentacles summarily destroyed by the lectins found there. The presence of lectins like GFL may in part explain Maitake’s anti-Candida action.
Enzymes Found in Maitake(Grifola frondosa)
The most interesting of enzymes found in maitake is chitinase. Chitin, mentioned earlier in the section dealing with sugars, is the structural component of a fungal cell wall. It is the basic building block of the fungal cell wall which is in turn the basic building block of the fungus. The chitinase found in Maitake digests the chitin found in the Candida cell wall. When the cell wall is destroyed, there goes the Candida.
Maitake versus Candida albicans.
As you have seen, medicinal mushrooms like Maitake, offer a serious weapon against Candida proliferation. As mentioned earlier, their attack is two fold. Substances like phytosterols, organic acids, lectins, and enzymes wreck havoc with the cell wall of Candida. If the Candida is still standing after being bathed with Maitake, there is more abuse in store. The Maitake gets the immune system working double time. This means the ravaged Candida receives a full frontal attack delivered by the energized immune cells. The picture is not pretty for the proliferating Candida population.
In fact, the Anti-candidal activity of medicinal mushrooms is not so strong as to entirely decimate the Candida population. It is strong enough to reduce the population. Candida is a natural part of the human flora and the objective is to restore the balance of the microbial community, not wipe out the Candida entirely.
As the entire cycle of Candida proliferation starts with a fault in the immune system, whether due to drugs, stress, or disease, the ultimate solution is the activation of the immune system. It is in immune system activation that Maitake makes its greatest contribution to the world of herbal medicine. Most people with Candida problems developed them because they needed antibiotics. By stimulating the immune system, infections do not occur, and subsequently, antibiotics are not needed.
Maitake addresses the root of the Candida problem, poor immunity.
This discusion of maitake and candida has been largely theoretical. It is important to say that this theory has been born out on clinical experience. The fact is, patients that formerly suffered from chronic and recurrent candida have improved while using maitake. here are a few examples.
Patient One
One patient came to the clinic suffering from chronic candida. Her case history revealed that she was a single working mother of two. Working 40 hours a week, running home to make supper and attend to her childrens needs, and keeping up with housework and the occasional date resulted in her being run down. By her own admission, she had been run down for years. She was using antibiotics three times a year to clear the infections that routinely occured. Not surprisingly, she had an ongoing problem with vaginal thrush. After being prescribed maitake, the regular bacterial infections neccesitating antibiotics disappeared and the subsequent episodes with thrush as well.
Patient Two
One patient female patient had been diagnosed as being HIV positive three years prior to attending “The Herbalists” clinic in London. The only symptom of her HIV infection was recurrent vaginal and oral candida. HIV patients often suffer from problematic candida and in these cases it can become a life threatening condition. This patient was given candida, 6 grams per day. Within two months her oral candida disappeared and within 4 months the vaginal candida also disapeared.
Patient Three
One patient, a 28 year old male attended the Herbalists Clinic complaining of chronic candida infection on his penis. The problem was causing him great discomfort and made having sex difficult most of the time. He complained of problems at work and at home. He had suffered from one respiratory infection after another and was using antibiotics several times a year. After using maitake, the recurrent respiratory infectins ceased and the Candida on his penis cleared.
Patient Four
One female patient, age 23, had suffered from acne and had been prescribed antibiotics continously for 7 years. Though the antibiotics did little to clear the acne, she continued taking them. She was then diagnosed as suffering from proliferating candida of the gut through an endoscopic examination. The condition was resulting in digestive complaints including bloating, cramping, and unpleasant stools. The patient took maitake for six months and in time, the digestive complaints lessened.
Concluding Thrush
“The Herbalists” have found that maitake is a powerful addition to an anti-candida regimen. Firstly because it kills candida and secondly it stimulates the immune system which in turn kills candida. Patients respond in time and many have become free of thrush. The treatment formulated by the herbalists is two fold. Firstly, we recomend that patients use anti-thrush creams in conjunction with maitake for one month. Thereafter, the maitake is continued for six months.
Concluding Fungal Infection and Maitake
There is no doubt that fungal infections improve when the immune system is stimulated. Regardless of which fungal infection one is discussing, it will be helped through immune system stimulation.
At this point in time, I have worked with two chronic fungal conditions, athletes foot fungus and thrush. In both cases, the conditions have improved through long term use of maitake. My conclusion has been that the best course of action is the combined use of antifungal applications, either from the herbalist or the chemist, in conjunction with maitake.
I would gladly recomend its use in any fungal condition, though it must be said that I have not use it in them myself.
The Mushroom Controversy
For reasons that allude scientifically trained practitioners of medicine, many people suffering from Candida proliferations are under the impression that eating mushrooms will make their Candida worse. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, mushrooms should be the first food eaten when Candida becomes a problem.
Mushrooms offer a natural means of controlling a proliferating Candida population when the normal mechanisms of control have been lost. For reasons greater than their antifungal compounds, some medicinal mushrooms offer the Candida sufferer the medicine he or she needs to get the Candida under control.
Clinical Trial
An Evaluative Study of the Effectiveness
of Grifola frondosa var. Yukiguni (Maitake)
Against Persistent Vaginal
Candida albicans Proliferation (Thrush)
Rosamond Christian, RGN, RM, DipBSS,
Douglas Schar, BA.DipPhyt. MCPP,
and Denise Turner, Ph.D.
ABSTRACT
Pathological Candida albicans proliferation is common in the immune suppressed; AIDS patients and those on immunosupressive drug regimes being two notable examples. However, the vast majority of patients suffering from chronic vaginal Candida albicans proliferations (Thrush) do not fall into either of these categories. They are women with apparently normal immune systems, women who have fallen into what is often described as the “Candida vicious cycle.”
In a six month study, one strain of Grifola frondosa (Maitake) was examined for its ability to reduce symptoms in women with normal immune systems suffering persistent, chronic vaginal Candida infections. Twenty-two women were invited to take part in the study and were followed up at monthly intervals to monitor changes in their symptoms. Nine women withdrew from the study after the first month. Thirteen continued through the six month duration of the study. All respondents remaining in the study showed improvement in the severity of their symptoms. The range of average individual improvement was between 40% and 77%. The results suggest that a strain of Grifola frondosa (Maitake) has a role in the control of chronic vaginal Candida albicans proliferation (Thrush) in normal women.
Contact Information:
Douglas Schar, BA. DipPhyt. MCPP
140 Columbia Road
London E2 7RG
Phone: 0171 729 5545
Fax: 0171 739 9378
An Evaluative Study of the Effectiveness
of Grifola frondosa var. yukiguni (Maitake) Against Persistent Vaginal
Candida albicans Proliferation (Thrush)
Rosamond Christian, RGN, RM, DipBSS,
Douglas Schar, BA.DipPhyt.MCPP,
and Denise Turner, Ph.D.
INTRODUCTION
Candida albicans is a yeast like fungus which is part of the normal flora of the human digestive tract, skin, and vagina. In a normal, healthy immuno-competent individual, it does not cause any problems. Indeed, it is part of the balanced community of microbes which ensure proper digestion and absorption of nutrients. If the balance in this community becomes disturbed, the Candida organism can begin to dominate the floral community, to proliferate. It is this domination of the floral landscape, not the presence of the organism, that results in the commonly experienced symptoms associated with vaginal Candida (Thrush). The most commonly reported symptoms relating to vaginal Candida (Thrush) are excessive discharge, itching, and intense soreness, often described as a burning sensation. Other commonly reported symptoms are fatigue and low mood.
Candida proliferation can be caused by a compromised immune system, which in turn may be due to stress, poor nutrition, lack of exercise or adequate rest, pollution, smoking, alcohol consumption, HIV infection, cyto-toxic cancer therapy, and/or steroid therapy. The immune system is one of the guardians of a balanced floral community. It ensures that no one organism dominates the scene. When the immune system flags, aggressive organisms such as Candida albicans tend to seize control and overgrow their rightful place in the floral community.
Antibiotic use can also cause proliferation of Candida albicans. Antibiotics destroy commensal bacteria in the body (but are not effective against fungi), thereby disturbing the normal balance of mucosal flora. As its bacterial neighbours are wiped out by antibiotics, vacancies in the floral landscape are created. Candida albicans proliferates to fill the formerly occupied spaces.
Many women suffering from chronic vaginal Candidiasis are caught in the “Candida vicious cycle” which involves immune suppression and antibiotic use. Here is the cycle. The stress of modern living causes depressed immune function. Depressed immune function results in bacterial infections requiring antibiotics. The antibiotics disturb the floral balance. With bacterial neighbours absent and depleted immune function in place, Candida albicans proliferates. To worsen the situation, Candida albicans produces immune suppressive substances. The additionally depressed immune function leaves the patient more vulnerable to bacterial infection. Additional antibiotics are required. Around and around the cycle goes.
Vaginal Candida proliferation affects many women, significantly impacting their daily lives. Approximately 200 women responded to the announcement of this study and all reported that allopathic treatment previously undertaken only brought short term relief and did not end the cycle. The anti-fungal creams only had an effect when applied and did nothing to insure that the condition would not return. This cycle is widely recognised, and as of yet, there is no effective treatment available to end it. The hope of this research team is that one strain of Grifola frondosa, that produced by the Yukiguni Corporation, will prove to be a valuable tool in combating chronic Candida albicans proliferations and may play a role in ending the cycle via general well being stimulation.
Research has shown that traditionally used medicinal mushrooms have a positive effect on general health. Grifola frondosa, in particular, contains many essential vitamins and minerals as well as a host of compounds that stimulate the body to improved health. In animal studies it has been shown to act as the following:
• immune system stimulator;
• anti-tumour agent;
• anti-fungal agent;
• anti-viral agent;
• anti-bacterial agent;
• hypoglycaemic agent;
• hypolipodemic agent; and
• hypotensive agent.
Most of the research focusing on Grifola frondosa has examined its ability to stimulate the immune systems of animals. It has been found to increase immune cell counts, the activity of the those cells, and to stimulate the production of cellular mediators.
Grifola frondosa contains compounds which specifically inhibit or destroy Candida albicans. It is thought that several phytochemicals found in Grifola frondosa weaken the cell wall of the Candida albicans organism and make it more vulnerable to neutrophil attack. Researchers suspect that Grifola frondosa is effective because of this two-fold action, i.e. direct attack on the offending organism by phytochemicals contained in the mushroom and stimulation of the immune system attack.
As the “Candida vicious cycle” starts with poor immune function, an agent that stimulates impaired immune function could go a long way to break the chain. The objective of this study was to begin examining Grifola frondosa as such a potential cycle breaker.
PURPOSE
This six month clinical investigation was designed to provide a preliminary assessment of the effectiveness of Grifola frondosa var. Yukiguni (Maitake) in the treatment of persistent vaginal Candida albicans proliferations. Assessment criteria for the “effectiveness” of this treatment regime include both short and long term relief of specific symptoms such as discharge (D), itching (I), and soreness (S). The object was to determine if the documented immune stimulating powers of Grifola frondosa could break the cycle of persistent vaginal Candida albicans proliferations.
MATERIALS
The Maitake tablets for this study were obtained from HCR of London. Each tablet contains 270 milligrams (mg) of the dried mushroom Grifola frondosa var. Yukiguni (Maitake) plus 10 mg Vitamin C.
The vaginal cream used in this study, also from HCR of London, was developed by Douglas Schar and consisted of Echinacea angustifolia in a natural base cream.
METHODS
Potential candidates were identified from respondents to an article in the June 1998 issue of “Woman’s Own” magazine. All applicants were preliminarily screened by the HCR Medical Co-ordinator, Ms. Ros Christian. Ms. Christian is a trained nurse with more than 20 years experience in allopathic medicine and six years experience in complementary medicine.
Through a combination of screening of applicant letters and preliminary telephone interviews, Ms. Christian made an initial selection of women to participate in the study. The women selected:
• were pre-menopausal;
• had active symptoms of vaginal Candida proliferation of long duration;
• had no known mushroom allergy; and
• displayed a willingness to commit to the study.
The women selected were not:
• insulin dependant diabetics;
• women receiving anti-cancer or steroid therapy;
• suffering from low blood pressure; or
• pregnant.
Those initially accepted into the study were then asked to fill out a detailed medical questionnaire (designed by Ms. Christian) to assess the severity of three specific symptoms (D, I, S) and record any other symptoms volunteered by each potential study participant. Responses were based on a scale of 0 to 5, with “0” indicating no symptoms and “5” indicating an intolerable level of distress. The results of these interviews were then reviewed by the entire study team (R. Christian, D. Schar, Dr. A. D. Turner) and final selections were made. In total 22 women were accepted onto the study. There was no control group instituted for this evaluative study.
The selected respondents were initially provided a six-week supply of Grifola frondosa var.Yukiguni (Maitake) tablets (i.e., 504 tablets) plus one 30-gram jar of cream. All study participants were instructed to gradually increase their daily dosage of Grifola frondosa var.Yukiguni (Maitake), beginning with two tablets per day (0.54 grams) for two days, and then increasing their dosage by two tablets per day until reaching the recommended 12 tablets per day. The cream was used daily on an as needed basis for the first month of the study. Each patient was contacted by telephone in the first two weeks of the study to be certain that they understood the treatment regime and had no further questions or adverse reactions to any of the medications.
The first treatment data were collected by telephone in the fourth week of the study, and subsequent data was collected (by telephone) at four-week intervals (see Table 1). In addition to the symptoms shown in Table 1 (D, I, S), other individual symptoms were tracked on a monthly basis. However, this data has not been presented in this report.
RESULTS
Of the 22 candidates initially chosen for the study, 13 remained in the programme for the designated six months. This attrition rate can be attributed to the following causes:
• One due to pregnancy;
• One due to lowered blood pressure;
• One participant moved out of contact; and
• Six due to digestive changes after taking Grifola frondosa (Maitake).
Although most of the above explanations are self-explanatory, the last category requires further discussion as it is of clinical relevance.
Six women taking part in this study described flatulence and change in bowel habit following taking Grifola frondosa var. Yukiguni. Grifola frondosa contains large quantities of mannitol, a sugar noted for its laxative and flatulence producing effects. Some people, when first taking Grifola frondosa (Maitake), describe an increase in gastro-intestinal activity. For some this is more disturbing than for others. As the effects of Grifola frondosa var. Yukiguni on the gastro-intestinal tract were not the subject of this study, women experiencing these symptoms were dismissed from the study.
Of the 13 respondents remaining in the study, the overall average improvement in symptoms was 58%, based on a range of 40% to 77% improvement. The specifics were as follows.
• 76% to 100% improvement: 1 respondent;
• 51% to 75% improvement: 7 respondents;
• 26% to 50% improvement: 5 respondents;
• 1% to 25%: three patients: 0 respondents;
• No improvement: 0 respondents.
Two respondents were entirely clear of all symptoms for three months, and four more respondents were entirely clear of at least one symptom for that time. With two exceptions, all of these respondents originally reported at least one symptom to be “intolerable” (5) or “very troublesome” (4) at the beginning of the study, but only one symptom (D) of one respondent, and another symptom (I) of a second respondent remain troublesome (score 3). The remaining scores were all between 0 and 2.
In reviewing the data it was evident that there was a cyclical nature to the symptom pattern, i.e., improvement, some relapse, further improvement, etc. The overall trend, however, showed steady improvement, a lessening of the severity and longer intervals of relief from symptoms. In discussions with the respondents, there were some external events which may contribute to the exacerbation of symptoms. This information was offered by the respondents as links they had previously made themselves, i.e., dietary changes, increased alcohol intake, antibiotics, stress, and variation in sexual activity.
Tables 2, 3, and 4 summarise the data by symptom (D, I, and S, respectively), and the overall average per cent improvement by symptom is summarised below:
Symptom Week 0 Week 20 % Improvement
D 3.3 0.8 50%
I 3.4 0.5 58%
S 3.6 0.25 67%
DISCUSSION
The intent of this study was to determine if Grifola frondosa var. Yukiguni impacted vaginal Candida proliferations. Of the women remaining in the study, 92% had a 55% reduction in discharge, a 62% reduction in itching, and a 67% reduction in soreness. The women’s conditions markedly improved while they were taking the tableted mushroom powder. Whereas these women’s conditions had previously been static, with the addition of the Grifola frondosa var. Yukiguni, the conditions began to shift in a positive direction.
Of the thirteen respondents, ten were contacted three months after the end of the study to review their continued symptom relief (the remaining three were out of contact). Four women reported having remained completely clear of symptoms, a further four reported one episode of Thrush since stopping Maitake, but commented that this was very much less severe than previously. Two respondents reported two episodes since stopping treatment, one commenting that the symptoms were much less severe. The other person experiencing two episodes commented that the symptoms were equally as severe as pre-study. This respondent then restarted treatment with Maitake and, after six weeks, had remained completely clear of symptoms.
Ten out of the thirteen respondents were pleased with the effects that Maitake had demonstrated on the relief of symptoms. Only two women felt that it had not helped them. The women who had benefited (85%) felt that it had made a significant difference to their daily lives and morale.
These data raise several important issues that need discussion. Firstly, the result of this study was sufficiently favourable to warrant additional research. A more comprehensive study of Grifola frondosa var.Yukiguni and vaginal Candida albicans proliferations is now being formulated. The next study will include vaginal and microscopic examinations. The research team feels this additional data will provide a better picture of how this particular herbal medicine impacts the condition.
The researchers involved in this study were looking to see if Grifola frondosa var. Yukiguni could end the Candida albicans vicious cycle. The conclusion has been that the study was not long enough to make this determination. In all cases, when the study ended, the women were gradually improving. They appeared to be on the mend and were moving towards a disease free state. They had not yet achieved it when the study came to a close. The next study will need to be of one if not two years in duration if we are to achieve an answer to this primary question. The Candida problem does not go away overnight, this much we have learned.
Another interesting point is this: the fact that Grifola frondosa var. Yukiguni had a favourable impact on the condition refutes a medical myth floating around the world of alternative medicine. Some practitioners feel that women suffering from Thrush should avoid all mushroom products as the consumption thereof will “worsen” their condition. In the thirteen women involved in this study, the opposite was observed. The use of a mushroom product improved chronic vaginal Thrush. It would pay to add that many of the anti-fungal creams used by the allopaths are derived from ground dwelling fungi. The notion that consuming fungal products will worsen chronic vaginal Thrush is highly suspect and this study makes this point. If anything, this data suggests that we should look towards the fungal world for a drug that could end the Candida problem.
This research group is conducting another study at the moment, which evaluates the effects of Grifola frondosa var. Yukiguni in HIV infection. All participants in this study who suffer from Candida albicans proliferation have experienced an improvement in symptoms while taking Grifola frondosa var. Yukiguni. This result underscores the importance of continuing research which examines Grifola frondosa as a possible addition to an anti-Candida albicans regime. There is much more to know, however, that which we have seen suggests further research is warranted.
Table 1
Summary of Improvement Experienced by 13 Women
Taking Grifola frondosa for Thrush over the Six Month Study
Patient No. Symptoms Week 0 Week 4 Week 8 Week 12 Week 16 Week 20 Week
24 Overall % Improvement
D 5 4 3 2 1 0 1 80%
1 I 1 0 4 0 0 2 0 20% 50%
S – - – - – - – -
D 2 1 1 3 0 0 0 40%
3 I 4 0 0 1 0 0 0 80% 73%
S 5 0 1 2 0 0 0 100%
D 3 2 1.5 1 2 1 1 40%
4 I 3 3 1 1 3 1 1 40% 40%
S 3 0 1.5 1 1 1 1 40%
D 4 0 1 2 1 3 0 80%
5 I 4.5 0 1 1 1 2 0 90% 77%
S 3 0 0 1 1 3 0 60%
D 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 60%
8 I 3 3 0 0 0 0 0 60% 60%
S 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 60%
D 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 20%
10 I 4 3 4 4 4 3 3 20% 40%
S 4 3 2 2 2 2 0 80%
D 3 0 0 2 0 3 1 40%
11 I 4 0 0 2 0 3 1 60% 47%
S 3 0 0 3 0 3 1 40%
D 3 4 4 3 2 5 3 0%
13 I 5 1 5 4 0 4 0 100% 53%
S 3 0 3 1 0 0 0 60%
D 3 1 3 3 2.5 2 2 20%
14 I 4 1 2 2 0 1 0 80% 60%
S 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 80%
D 4 2 2 4 3 2 0 80%
16 I 2 0 1 4.5 3.5 2 0 40% 67%
S 4 3 2 5 3 2 0 80%
D 4 4 3 3 2 1 1 60%
17 I 3.5 3 2 1 0 0 0 70% 70%
S 4 2 2 2 1 1 0 80%
D 3 1 1 1 0 1 1 40%
18 I 5 0 0 3 0 0 1 80% 67%
S 5 0 0 2 0 0 1 80%
D 5 1 2 0 * * * 100%
19 I 1 1 2 1 * * * 0% 47%
S 2 1 1 0 * * * 40%
*Awaiting contact
Symptom Scale
0% = None 20% = Mild 40% = Moderate 60% = Troublesome 80% = Very Troublesome 100% = Intolerable
Table 2
Discharge (D)
Patient No. Week 0 Week 4 Week 8 Week 12 Week 16 Week 20 Week
24 Overall % Improvement
1 5 4 3 2 1 0 1 80%
3 2 1 1 3 0 0 0 40%
4 3 2 1.5 1 2 1 1 40%
5 4 0 1 2 1 3 0 80%
8 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 60%
10 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 20%
11 3 0 0 2 0 3 1 40%
13 3 4 4 3 2 5 3 No change
14 3 1 3 3 2.5 2 2 20%
16 4 2 2 4 3 2 0 80%
17 4 4 3 3 2 1 1 60%
18 3 1 1 1 0 1 1 40%
19 5 1 2 0 * * * 100%
*Awaiting contact
Symptom Scale
0% = None 20% = Mild 40% = Moderate 60% = Troublesome 80% = Very Troublesome 100% = Intolerable
IN SUMMARY – DISCHARGE
• (92%) 12 respondent improved by an average of 55% (20% to 100%);
• ( 8%) 1 respondent saw no change.
Table 3
Itching (I)
Patient No. Week 0 Week 4 Week 8 Week 12 Week 16 Week 20 Week
24 Overall % Improvement
1 1 0 4 0 0 2 0 20%
3 4 0 0 1 0 0 0 80%
4 3 3 1 1 3 1 1 40%
5 4.5 0 1 1 1 2 0 90%
8 3 3 0 0 0 0 0 60%
10 4 3 4 4 4 3 3 20%
11 4 0 0 2 0 3 1 60%
13 5 1 5 4 0 4 0 100%
14 4 1 2 2 0 1 0 80%
16 2 0 1 4.5 3.5 2 0 40%
17 3.5 3 2 1 0 0 0 70%
18 5 0 0 3 0 0 1 80%
19 1 1 2 1 * * * No change
*Awaiting contact
Symptom Scale
0% = None 20% = Mild 40% = Moderate 60% = Troublesome 80% = Very Troublesome 100% = Intolerable
IN SUMMARY – ITCHING
• (92%) 12 respondents improved by an average of 62% (20% to 100%);
• ( 8%) 1 respondent saw no change.
Table 4
Soreness (S)
Patient No. Week 0 Week 4 Week 8 Week 12 Week 16 Week 20 Week
24 Overall % Improvement
3 5 0 1 2 0 0 0 100%
4 3 0 1.5 1 1 1 1 40%
5 3 0 0 1 1 3 0 60%
8 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 60%
10 4 3 2 2 2 2 0 80%
11 3 0 0 3 0 3 1 40%
13 3 0 3 1 0 0 0 60%
14 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 80%
16 4 3 2 5 3 2 0 80%
17 4 2 2 2 1 1 0 80%
18 5 0 0 2 0 0 1 80%
19 2 1 1 0 * * * 40%
*Awaiting contact
Symptom Scale
0% = None 20% = Mild 40% = Moderate 60% = Troublesome 80% = Very Troublesome 100% = Intolerable
IN SUMMARY- SORENESS
• (92%) 12 respondents improved by an average of 67% (40% to 100%);
• ( 8%) 1 respondent provided no data on soreness.
Maitake and Bacterial Infection
January 2, 2011Maitake: the non-Antibiotic Antibiotic.
It would be fair to say that most people are sick of going to the doctor and being handed a prescription for antibiotics. People stream in through “The Herbalists” clinic in search of a non-antibiotic solution to bacterial infection on a daily basis. Mothers are sick of giving their children liquid antibiotics and grown- ups are equally disgusted with taking antibiotics.
Antibiotics represent a medical philosophy that is on the way out. The ideology in question is the symptomatic treatment of disease. In this ideology practitioners treat symptoms rather than the fundamental problems. If you were trying to visualize this practice the following example might be of assistance. Imagine you are rowing in a small boat that has holes in the bottom. Every half an hour or so you have to use a bucket to empty the water that has collected to avoid sinking. This is a symptomatic treatment. It treats the symptom of the problem, ie water coming in through the holes, rather than the fundamental problem, which would be the holes themselves. The dominant ideology in the medical community involves using the bucket. The new ideology, that is treatmenting the fundamental problem, involves lifting the boat out of the water and patching the holes. More often than not, when antibiotics are used, they are used to bail out the boat rather than patch the hole.
Here are some common examples of symptomatic treatment of disease.
1. Women under enormous stress often come down with urinary tract infection. The supressed immune function associated with high stress levels results in urinary tract infections in these women. Allopathic medicine treats the bacteria. The real issue is not the bacteria but rather the suppressed immune system.
2. Children with poor diets, poor sleeping habits, and households filled with domestic problems come down with a lot of bacterial infections. Their immune systems are depressed and they are unable to fight off the bacteria so common in primary schools. Allopathic medicine treats these infections with antibiotics. The fundamental issue is the poor lifestyle is depressing the immune system.
3. The Herbalists Think Tank see a large number of city workers suffering from chronic respiratory infections. They get over one and are beset by another. These individuals live with a tremendous amount of stress, have notoriously bad diets, and sleep erradicatly. The allopathic medical tradition treats these individuals with antibiotics. Once again, the real problem lies with the immune system.
We at the HTT team feel that in these cases, prescribing antibiotics is a waste of time because it is only scratching the surface. The problem is not the bacteria, the problem is poor immune function. Patients treated for chronic infections with antibiotics all say the same thing. As soon as the antibiotics stop, infection recurr. This is down to the fact that the real problem is left in place and is untouched by the antibiotics. Until you deal with the immune problem, you can expect one infection to follow on from the last.
For one reason or the other, the general public is sick of symptomatic treatments and they themselves are interested attacking the fundamental problems that lie behind the infections. When we discuss tonic plants, and specifically immune system tonics, we have in our hands a tool that can undermine the fundamental problem. This is not a theoretic solution, it is one that has been born out in clinical practice. Women suffering from chronic urinary tract infections have been able to live infection for months using maitake. Children that were formerly plagued with one case of tonsilitis after the next have been sore throat free for long periods of time. Immune tonics work. As ever, they work in bacterial infection in a complex manner. In the case of maitake, on one level it works in a manner similar to antibiotics, it contains substances that kill bacteria. One a second level, they stimulate the immune system which addresses the fundamental problem. Let’s look at these actions seperatly.
Antibiotic Action
Like many fungi, mushrooms contain substances that inhibit and kill bacteria. As compared to the work done on the lower fungi, research into the antibiotic capacity of mushrooms is in its infancy. As the old school antibiotics fail to produce the results they once did, new antibiotics are much needed. It is likely that the research community will focus more attention on trying to find new antibiotics in mushrooms.
Benedict and Brady(1972) documented antibiotic substances in higher fungi. They found certain compounds in mushrooms which have proven to have an antimicrobial action. The list included polyacetylenes, phenolic compounds, purines, and pyrimidines, quinones, and terpenoids. Researchers (Vogel et al., 1974) isolated phenolic and quinoid compounds from the common mushroom which proved to have antimicrobial action.
When you examine the natural world, you will find that most organisms have built in mechanisms to aid their survival. The cactus covers itself with thorns to dissuade browsers from eating their delicate flesh. Clams have hard shells to keep fish at a safe distance. Bees have stingers filled with venom to keep invaders away from the honey pot. Every organism has its own private predator and its own strategy for keeping that predator at bay. In the case of mushrooms, the predators are largely microbial. The mushrooms survival technique seems to filling itself with antimicrobial substances.
The question is often asked, “why are mushrooms filled with so many anti-microbial substances?” The answer is simple and logical. Mushrooms live on the forest floor, covered with rotting leaves and decaying matter of all sorts. The forest floor is jam packed with microbes, and not just any microbes. These microbes concern themselves with decomposing material. A mushroom is filled with antimicrobial substances as without them, they would be killed off by the microbial neighbours in an instant. Why does the bee have a stinger? To keep you away!
Remember, Ian Fleming discovered Penicillin killed bacteria. His discovery had everything to do with the survival tactics of fungi as Penicillin is a simple fungus. Being territorial is a trait found amongst all organisms on the planet. They stake out their patch and do not like competing organisms encroaching upon their turf. Lions attack outsiders when they wander into their territory. Male rattle snakes strike out at other male rattle snakes wondering into their back yard. Ian Flemming discovered that fungi do the same thing. They attack bacteria, virus, and other fungi that stray into their territory. The penicillin fungus produces chemicals that kill microbes that have the nerve to approach them.
Fungi need to make their private territory unpleasant to microbes that happen into their domain. They do this by producing substances that either kill or retard the growth of other microbes. These anti-microbial substances are what we call anti-biotics. They are anti-life. Ian Flemming was one of the first people to notice the survival technique of fungi. Later, researchers came up with a clever idea. If Penicillin killed bacteria invading a lab dish, maybe it would kill bacteria invading the body. The answer was yes, penicillin, introduced into the human body, does kill microbes. History changed when this thought was put into action.
In a textbook published in 1994 we can see the standard definition of antibiotics in the modern world. “Antibiotics are those compound produced by microorganisms that, at thigh dilutions, are inhibitory other microorganisms. Two groups of microorganisms, the bacteria and fungi, produce antibiotics, although many are now produced semisynthetically by chemical modifications of the naturally occurring compound.”
It would pay to note that drugs such as Penicillin, Tetracycline, Streptomycin, Neomycin, and Cephalasporin, all are derived from fungi. Fungi know how to take care of their neighbours and we have learned to take advantage of this fact. (Craig and Stitzel,1994)
In the books “Icons of Medicinal Fungi from China” we can find a nice summary of the antibiotic actions of fungi, “The antibiotic effect produced by fungi covers a wide area, it tends to inhibit growth of bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and cancerous cells. The researches undertaken for the activity of fungous antibiotics, therefore, have laid emphasis on their inhibitory effect upon the activity of bacteria, fungi, protozoa, virus, and tumors.”
Though the discovery of antibiotics was an amazing event, there have been a few surprises along the way. The early researchers never dreamed that the bacteria would fight back, and they would do it by becoming immune to the effects of the antibiotics. What we now know is that eventually a bacteria will be unaffected by an antibiotic. This has lead to the widening search for new antibiotics that the bacteria may not have come across before.
Because the whole fungi tribe have been known to contain antimicrobial substances, they have been reviewed as sources of new antibiotics. Our friends, the medicinal mushrooms, have not escaped the scrutiny of the antibiotic searching teams. The Basidiomycetes clan has been well looked at for substances that can kill bacteria and the antimicrobial nature of mushrooms has been described, to an extent. In a book entitled Mushrooms and Truffles we find an interesting quote,
“A further possibility is the growing of mushrooms for medical and pharmaceutical purposes. This is at present time merely a prospect whereby certain lines of investigation are anticipated to lead to practical application as far as the known antibiotic properties of some Basidiomycetes are concerned. It is well known that modern work on bacterio-static fungi revealed the existence of numerous species of mushrooms with marked and versatile anti-biotic substances either in the fruiting bodies themselves or in the medium in which mycelium is cultured. One of the difficulties of basidiomycetes antibiotics has been their toxicity. It is now known that this very toxicity may be of practical interest in other lines of medical research.” (Singer, 1956)
When we talk about medicinal mushrooms it is impossible to ignore the fact that for centuries they have been used to treat infections of all sorts, from those starting with the bite of a dog, onto sore throats, and from there onto chicken pox and hepatitis. It would pay to have a look at the antimicrobial actions of the medicinal mushrooms that we are discussing.
A number of medicinal mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine to treat bacterial infections. In the last century diseases like leprosy, tuberculosis, gonorrhoea, and malaria were dosed with any one of a number of mushrooms. As an example, the Europeans used the white agaric(Fomes officinalis) to treat both malaria and tuberculosis. Several relatives of Grifola frondosa have been shown to contain chemicals that kill bacteria. Here are a few examples.
Fomitopsis annosa was found to contain Fomannosin, a toxic substance to certain bacteria. (Kelpler et al. 1967)
Fomes officinalis has been found to contain agaric acid, agaric acid resin, agaritine, and agaricin. Agaritine has an inhibitory effect on bacteria.(Ying et al,1992)
Piptoporus betulinus(Polyporus betulinus) has been found to contain ungalinic acid which inhibits Micrococcus pyogenes. It also contains Polyporenic acid A,B,C. Polyporenic C inhibits the growth of Bacterium racemosum. B is a mixture of Tumulosic acid and dehydrogenated substances. The mushroom inhibits poliomyelitis in white mice and monkeys.(Ying et al, 1992)
Poria corticola contains nemotinic,nemotinic acid which are antibiotic to fungi and bacteria. (Ying et al, 1992)
Trametes cinnabarina contains polyporin which is active against Gram negative and positive bacteria. Ying et al, 1992)
Lentinus edodes contains a substance known as Lentinan which has prevented relapse in tuberculosis and had a 100% cure rate in Listeria. (Ying et al.,1992)
Up to this point, the specifically antibacterial components of Maitake(Grifola frondosa) have not been well investigated. We do know this particular Polypore contains organic acids, saponins, lectins, and enzymes.(Mizuno and Zhuang, 1995). These substances have an established antibacterial activity and it is likely that these substances, along with polyacetylenes offer some degree of protection from bacterial infection. An independent laboratory is now working on determining the specific antibacterial activity of Maitake.
Activation of Immune Cells Which Attack Bacteria
As was mentioned, “The Herbalists” believe that Maitake(Grifola frondosa) offers a double protection against bacterial infection. The second mode of protection is that of stimulating the specific immune cells responsible for killing bacteria, the macrophages. Maitake(Grifola frondosa) has been shown to boost the activity of macrophages in animal studies.
1. Animal studies have shown that Maitake(Grifola frondosa) stimulates the activity and killing ability of monocytes and macrophages. (The immune cells responsible for destroying bacteria.) These non-specific immune cells move more rapidly and contain more killing substances under its influence. (Adachi et al. 1990.)
2. Animal studies revealed that Maitake(Grifola frondosa) stimulated the Alternative Complement System. (Suzuki et al.,1989.) Complements B,P,and D are stimulated under its influence. These complements attach to the bacterial cell wall and accomplish two things. They puncture holes in the bacterial cell wall and allow the contents leak out. The bacteria becomes like a tire with a puncture. These complements also create “handles” with which macrophages use to catch the bacteria.
3. In animal studies, Maitake(Grifola frondosa) stimulated the production of interleukin 1 by macrophages. (Adachi et al. 1990.) Interleukin stimulates T cells to divide. The increased number of T cells means an increased antibacterial task force on the prowl.
Animals studies have shown that Maitake(Grifola frondosa) stimulates macrophage activity and their production of killer substances, the activity of the Alternative Complement System, and the production of T cells. These facts combined with the knowledge Maitake(Grifola frondosa) contains antibacterial substances may explain why people that take Maitake(Grifola frondosa) find they come down with fewer infections.
Case Studies
Case Study One
A 28 year old male presented at the clinic suffering from recurrent tonsilitis. This patient is a proffessional singer and spend a great deal of time singing in smoke filled clubs which resulted in a chronically irritated throat. In addition, the life style, long nights and stressful schedule resulted in depressed immune function. The end consequence was regular and frequent bouts with tonsilitis. His general practitioner had recomended a tonsilectomy which was not agreeable to the patient. He came to the clinic hoping to be able to find a non-antibiotic solution to his recurrent tonsilitis. The patient was prescribed 2 grams of maitake per day and was given licorice, a long used anti-inflammatory to the throat. He has not had a case of tonsilitis since starting the treatment six months ago.
Case Study Two
A 38 year old female presented at the clinic suffering from recurrent respiratory tract infections. She had spent 10 years working in a competitive consulting field and had lead a high stress poor body maintenance life style throughout. On average she was using antibiotics to treat the recurrent respiratory tract infections 4-6 times a year. Poor health had neccessitated leaving the stressful occupation. Despite this move, her health did not improve substantially. She was prescribed 6 grams of maitake per day. In the year she has been taking maitake, she has had to use antibiotics only once.
Case Study Three
A twenty four year old woman presented at the clinic suffering from recurrent urinary tract infections. A full time student, the patient found that at exam time she was garunteed to develop a urinary tract infection that would only clear with several different courses of antibiotics. The infections were causing great discomfort and the antibiotic treatment was leading to ongoing problems with thrush. She came to the clinic looking for a non-antibiotic solution to the infections. She was given 6 grams of maitake per day in conjunction with buchu(Barosma betulina) tea as treatment for the condition. Using this treatment she was able to pass through 2 sets of exams without a urinary tract infection.
Using Maitake in Chronic Infection
Work at the clinic has shown that maitake is effective in ending chronic bacterial infections. We have found that poor immunity will result in bacterial infections in the weak link in a persons constitution. In some cases this means urinary tract infections and in other sinus infections. We have found that maitake, in conjunction with an herbal agent addressing the specific weak area, makes it possible for people to become infection free. Here are our recomendations.
Chronic upper respiratory tract infection: six grams of maitake per day in conjunction with 500 millograms of golden seal root powder. The treatment should be used for six months time.
Chronic lower respiratory tract infection: six grams of maitake per day in conjunction with three cups of licorice root tea per day.( one desert spoon licorice root in one cup of boiling water.)
Chronic urinary tract infections: Six grams of maitake per day in conjunction with three glasses of cranberry juice for six months time.
Chronic skin infections: Six grams of maitake per day in conjunction with three cups of oregon grape root tea per day. (One desert spoon oregon grape root in one cup boiling water.) The treatment should last for 6 months.
Using Maitake in Acute Infection
Maitake has a role to play in the occasional infection that occurs. Many people use maitake in cases of acute urinary tract infections and respiratory tract infections. In many cases, this has been found effective and people have been able to avoid using antibiotics. Maitake is definetly worth a try when such an infection takes hold. However, if the infection lasts more than five days, proffessional medical attention should be sought. Whenever temperatures over 100 occur, medical attention must be sought.
Posted in Archives, Medicine, Scientific Name, Scientific Name | Leave a commentMaitake and HIV Infection
January 2, 2011Resources
Introduction
Professional level Article
Inital report on HIV clinical Trial
Final report on HIV clinical trial
Professional Level Article
Introduction
Problematic viral infections like Genital Herpes, Hepatitis B and C, and HIV infection have brought viral infection into the hearts and minds of the general public and research community alike. Some of these conditions threaten life and others threaten the quality of life. Regardless of the gravity of the viral infection, one thing is for certain, once you have a viral infection, you have it for life. They do not go away.
Before we can talk about maitake and viral disease it will be neccessary to first discuss the nature of viral disease. The general public does not understand the difference between viral disease and bacterial disease and in consequence they end up at the doct
Once a virus has made its way into the body there, it will stay until life ends. In no other condition is an active immune system as critical as in viral disease. Though a virus stays with you for life, the immune system can beat the virus into submission. It can keep it dormant. When the immune function dips, viruses come out of remission. The key to managing viral conditions is keeping the immune system strong and healthy. As you might have guessed, maitake, with its ability to stimulate the immune system, is an excellant choice for those that suffer from viral disease.
Traditional medicine, herbal medicine, around the world, has been treating viral infection since the beginning of time. The medicine men and women of yesteryear scoured the countryside for drugs that could be use to cure viral infections. The old herbals are filled with herbs used to treat chicken pox, shingles, herpes, influenza, and hepatitis. Many medicinal mushrooms have been used as antiviral drugs since the days of old. This body of knowledge represents a tremendous source of potential anti-viral drugs and it should be taken seriously. Local healers used tonic plants like maitake for centuries not because they had nothing better to do, but because they saw it made a difference. Medicinal mushrooms are a group of tonic plants that have always been used to treat viral disease.
Maitake’s proven ability to inhibit HIV was the thing that first attracted me to it. The fact that a research group had established this and that nothing happened after the fact made it of great interest to me. “The Herbalists” picked up maitake and started working with it in HIV infection and many other viral infections. After working with it for sometime it is my conclusion that maitake may represent the next great discovery of the medical proffession. When Alexander Fleming discovered penicilin the world changed. Much the same way, we feel that maitake may represent another great discovery and might be the one that renders viral disease a thing of the past.
As most of my work has been with Maitake and HIV we will use its use in HIV as a model for its use in other viral diseases.
GRIFOLA FRONDOSA AND
THE HUMAN IMMUNO-DEFICIENCY VIRUS
DOUGLAS SCHAR, BA, DipPhyt, MCPP
ABSTRACT
Grifola frondosa (Maitake) appears to work on several levels to fight viral infection, including direct inhibition of the virus, stimulation of the body’s own natural defence system, and added protection against opportunistic infections. This article discusses the contemporary human and animal research data which provide evidence to support these pharmacological activities and details the phytochemical components of Grifola frondosa with proven antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal activity.
INTRODUCTION
Human immuno-deficiency virus, or HIV, infection is increasingly a problem globally. Despite public education campaigns in the west and elsewhere, the number of HIV infected individuals grows on a yearly basis. HIV infection is clearly one of the greatest threats to world health as we approach the year 2000. The virus is not going away and health care practitioners must prepare themselves to deal with both HIV infection and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
Great strides have been made in the allopathic medical world in regards to the treatment of HIV and AIDS. People are now surviving the virus longer than ever before. The combination therapies, or cocktails as they are known, are increasingly successful at keeping the virus under control.
There is no doubt that herbal medicines can play a role in the treatment of HIV and AIDS. It is the feeling of many working in the field of HIV and AIDS that true combination therapy, a combination of allopathic and herbal medicine, may offer the ultimate solution to this particular virus.
In this article, we will examine one medicinal plant, Grifola frondosa, as a potential anti-HIV drug. Grifola frondosa has been used by practitioners in America to treat the human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV) since the beginning of the 1990s. Though research is in its early days, that which is known indicates that Grifola frondosa has a complex action on HIV and AIDS, and that further research is warranted.
I am currently conducting a limited clinical study of the effects of Grifola frondosa in AIDS. The practitioner testimonials coming from America combined with the research available on Grifola frondosa at the present moment which suggested that a trial, however, rudimentary, was essential. As you will see, the argument for Grifola frondosa’s use in HIV infection and AIDS is compelling.
Practitioners working specifically with HIV and AIDS think that Grifola frondosa does make a difference. The complete lack of toxicity associated with Grifola frondosa, and the apparent benefits it offers, make it an ideal candidate for further research.
GRIFOLA FRONDOSA’S ACTIVITY IN HIV AND AIDS
Grifola frondosa appears to work on several levels in this viral condition:
1. It inhibits the Human Immuno-deficiency Virus directly.
2. It stimulates the body’s own natural defence system against viruses.
3. It makes the body less vulnerable to opportunistic disease.
We will now look at these three activities separately and in greater detail.
DIRECT INHIBITION OF HIV
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is caused by HIV, which attacks the cells of the immune system. Grifola frondosa contains substances that suppress HIV. When the virus is suppressed, the immune cells are able to do their jobs. Grifola frondosa has been shown to block HIV from attacking human immune cells.
Researchers in the field of phytotherapy believe that compounds found in Grifola frondosa directly inhibit HIV. When the American National Cancer Institute screened a Grifola frondosa extract for anti-HIV activity, they concluded that the extract inhibited the virus from infecting uninfected human cells and increased the survival time of infected human cells. This fact was published on 31 December 1991 and practitioners using Grifola frondosa today believe this explains what they observe in clinical practice.
Dr Hiroaki Nanba, a professor in the Department of Microbiology of Kobe Pharmaceutical University in Japan, pioneered much of the research done with Grifola frondosa on a variety of subjects. In the following excerpt, Dr. Nanba speaks on Grifola frondosa and HIV:
“In 1991, I conducted research on Grifola frondosa (Maitake) extract against HIV, which is believed to be a cause of AIDS. It is found that sulphated Maitake extract has the ability to prevent HIV from killing helper T cells (CD4 cells). The death of CD4 cells is critical in the progression of an HIV infected person to AIDS. In this test, the HIV infected CD4 survived almost 100 percent at sample concentrations around 1pg/mg. An abstract of this test was presented at the 8th International AIDS conference in Amsterdam in July 1992.
Such anti-HIV activity of a sulphated form of Grifola frondosa mushroom has also been confirmed by the National Institute of Health in Japan as well as the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in the States. In fact, doctors from NCI have admitted that the sulphated Grifola frondosa extract is most effective among all anti-HIV polysaccharides known to date and is as powerful as the toxic drug AZT.”
In another article published in Japan, we again read of the activity of Grifola frondosa in HIV and AIDS:
“It has been reported that a diet containing Grifola frondosa is effective in vivo in attenuating human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV) from patients with AIDS. An increase of CD4 cells has been observed in patients who were given Grifola frondosa (o.p.) It is intriguing that sulphated SPGs have anti-HIV activity, and its mechanism has been partially elucidated. Furthermore, Nanba et al, have reported that a diet containing (1-6) -D-Glucan with (1-3) -D-Glucan residues extracted from Grifola frondosa was effective in suppressing HIV replication in patients with AIDS (Presented at the 113th Meeting of the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan, 1993).”15
Work in Japan and America concluded that unknown constituents found in Grifola frondosa inhibited the Human Immuno-deficiency Virus. Additional research is needed to discover exactly what constituent is responsible for this activity.
Host Defence Potentiation
Grifola frondosa is thought to potentiate our natural anti-viral mechanisms. It is not seen as a miracle cure for HIV infection, but rather as an agent that stimulates the body so that it can more effectively deal with the virus. Simply put, Grifola frondosa is thought to assist the body in keeping HIV under control. The term applied to this action is Host Defence Potentiation (HDP). Grifola frondosa is therefore a Host Defence Potentiator.
Grifola frondosa’s activity as a Host Defense Potentiator is based on two activities attributed to the medicinal mushroom:
A. Induction of interferon production; and
B. Increased Natural Killer Cell activity.
A. Induction of Interferon Production
Viruses cannot survive on their own. They have to take cells hostage to survive. Once a cell has been taken hostage, it cannot do anything to rid itself of the virus. It can, however, help other cells avoid the same predicament. Viral infected cells produce interferon as a means of helping other cells avoid viral infection. The interferon produced by the viral infected cell floats to adjacent cells and attaches to them. Once attached to the uninfected cell, interferon stimulates production of proteins within the cell. These proteins in turn interfere with the ability of the virus to infect the cell. The neighbouring cells are thus protected from becoming infected by the virus.
In addition to offering protection to neighbouring cells, interferon stimulates the body to implement its other anti-viral strategies. Natural Killer Cells and Macrophages become activated by interferon. These immune cells in turn prowl the body for viruses that need to be destroyed before they can infect other cells.
As has been demonstrated, interferon is an essential ingredient in the body’s war against viral infection. It is important to note that the protective activity of interferon is non-specific. In other words, interferon produced by a cell infected with the Herpes virus will enable its neighbouring cell to protect itself against the Herpes virus and any other virus that comes along.
Interferon produced by the pharmaceutical industry is currently used to treat Hepatitis C and Kaposi’s sarcoma. It is used against HIV infection as a means of stopping the proliferation of the virus. The pharmaceutically prepared interferon is, however, quite expensive and has severe side effects. Therefore, the ideal solution is to stimulate the body to produce its own interferon, something Grifola frondosa appears to be able to do.
At present, research is being conducted in Japan examining Grifola frondosa and interferon induction. In a short time we may better understand this activity. The means by which medicinal mushrooms are thought to stimulate the production of interferon are described below.
1. Virus Like Particles (VLP) Induce Interferon Production
Some time ago it was discovered that certain medicinal mushrooms stimulated the production of interferon in the bodies of animals. Bearing in mind the importance of interferon in viral infection, this was an important discovery.
In the 1950s, mushroom growers worldwide reported a mushroom plague. It was eventually determined that the mushroom disease was caused by three viruses that affected the button cap mushroom, Agaricus bisporus. The notion of mycoviruses, or viruses that affect mushrooms, then came to the fore.24
In 1967, polyhedral virus particles were detected in a fungus, Penicillium stoloniferum.12 These virus particles contained stranded RNA (ds-RNA). Later, these virus like particles (VLPs) were isolated and studied.5 Researchers found that these VLPs, much like viruses, induced interferon production in mice.
Separately, research revealed that interferon inhibited viruses and limited viral infection. These two discoveries combined to put medicinal mushrooms in the spotlight as a potential source of anti-viral drugs.
During the 1960s, researchers used an electron microscope to identify virus like particles in 65 species of mushrooms in Japan. Later, researchers collected Lentinus edodes (shitake) from the wild and from shitake farms. They found that wild and cultivated shitake mushrooms also contained virus like particles (VLPs). The mushrooms examined were without symptoms of viral infection.24 Though investigation with electron microscopes revealed the presence of VLPs, the mushrooms themselves appeared perfectly normal.
Mori and Mori found that wild and cultivated Lentinus edodes contained VLPs of three types: polyhedrals, filamentous particles and rod shaped particles. The most common VLP was the polyhedral type. The polyhedral type VLP was found to induce interferon production in animals. It was thus concluded that virus like particles, specifically polyhedral virus like particles found in mushrooms, caused the production of interferon in the animal body.
2. Spore Extracts Stimulate Interferon Production
In 1974, researchers found that a spore extract of Lentinus edodes, though not viricidal in vitro, was anti-viral in vivo. They found that the phenol extract of the spores was more effective at inducing interferon production than the fruiting bodies alone. It was concluded that the spore extracts stimulated the production of interferon in animals.27
3. Nucleic Acids Stimulate Interferon Production
In 1979, researchers isolated nucleic acids from two Grifola frondosa relatives, Piptoporus betulinus and Canoderma applanatum. They found that these isolated nucleic acids reduced the number of Vaccinia virus plaques in chick embryo fibroblast (CEF) tissue culture. They went on to discover that these compounds, when administered intravenously to white mice, protected them against a lethal injection of tick borne Encephalitis Virus strain K5 (TBE). In CEF tissue culture and in live animals, nucleic acids acted as interferon inducers.19
4. Germanium Stimulates Interferon Production
In recent times the element Germanium has received much attention for several reasons. Plants traditionally used to treat serious, life-threatening conditions, such as Ginseng and Reishi, are extremely high in organic Germanium. Germanium is the one common element in plants historically used to bring people back from the brink of death. Some believe Germanium is the key to the healing activity of these plants.
Research on Germanium has revealed that it stimulates the immune system in the same way that Grifola frondosa is reported to do. It was found specifically to stimulate the production of gamma-interferon in laboratory animals. As chance would have it, Grifola frondosa contains high amounts of Germanium. The presence of Germanium in Grifola frondosa and other medicinal mushrooms may in part explain their interferon induction.
5. Beta-Glucans Stimulate Interferon Production
Grifola frondosa contains complex polysaccharides known as beta-glucans. These sugars are quite odd in a number of respects. For example, water has a molecular weight of 18. The Beta-glucans found in Grifola frondosa have a molecular weight of between 200,000 to 1,000,000. This is merely the beginning of the strange character of these molecules that only nature could produce.
The research surrounding Grifola frondosa and cancer revealed that these Beta-glucans powerfully stimulated the activity of macrophages in animals. Macrophages, apart from destroying cancerous cells and foreign invaders, produce interferon. Grifola frondosa may stimulate interferon production as a consequence of stimulating macrophage activity.1
In the near future, Grifola frondosa’s ability to stimulate interferon production will be better understood. The research is being conducted presently. This is important research in understanding Grifola frondosa’s activity in the Human Immuno-deficiency Virus infection and the results are anxiously awaited.
B. Increased Natural Killer Cell Activity
Natural Killer Cells, one of several types of immune cells that make up the immune system, may have a role to play in controlling HIV infection and AIDS. Most notably, they can kill cancer and virus infected cells before the immune system as a whole is alerted to the presence of a problem. Natural Killer Cells are lymphocytes, but differ in activity from all other lymphocytes.
Most lymphocytes are coded or programmed to attack specific foreign invaders or cancer cells. The immune system trains them to hunt for a specific sort of ‘bad’ cell and they then seek out that ‘bad cell’ and destroy it. Most lymphocytes require coding by the immune system before they can be of use in the war against foreign invaders or cancer cells.
The Natural Killer Cell is not coded to kill any particular dangerous cell, but rather to kill any and all virus-infected or cancerous cells that they encounter. Scientists suspect that the Natural Killer Cell has the ability to recognise a problematic cell, whether it is cancerous or virus containing, from the surface of the cell membrane. Lymphocytes, on the other hand, need to be trained to spot abnormal cells, which the Natural Killer Cell detects on sight.
This ability is probably due to the structure of troublesome cells. Cancerous cells and cells harbouring virus have a different surface structure to a normal cell. The Natural Killer Cell may recognise this and react accordingly. The potentially dangerous cell is destroyed and thus the threat is ended.
Natural Killer Cells are therefore the body’s first defence against such dangerous cells. As a result, researchers looked to see if the anti-cancer activity of medicinal mushrooms was due to activation of the Natural Killer Cells. The overwhelming evidence in animal studies was that Grifola frondosa stimulated Natural Killer Cell activity, and that this would have an impact on inhibiting the spread of cancer. In fact, several medicinal mushrooms were found to accomplish this feat. Here are three examples from the Maitake family of mushrooms:
• Ganoderma tsugae extract enhances Natural Killer Cell activity in mice;29
• Ganoderma lucidum enhanced Natural Killer Cell activity in vitro and in mice;32
• Lentinus edodes extract enhances Natural Killer Cell activity in mice.21
More specifically research revealed that constituents in Grifola frondosa stimulated the activity of the Natural Killer Cells and their production of killer substances.28 Under its influence, Natural Killer Cells moved faster and killed more efficiently.
Beyond this, in animal studies, Grifola frondosa stimulated the transformation of Natural Killer precursor cells into active Natural Killer Cells.1 The relevance of this is that the mushroom stimulated the production of more Natural Killer Cells. Effectively, there were more Natural Killer Cells in circulation and, once there, they worked more efficiently.
Though we are discussing viral infection, the work done on Natural Killer Cells and cancer is relevant. As Natural Killer Cells attack both cancer cells and virus infected cells, what is true for cancer is likely to be true for viral infection. The Natural Killer Cell has several jobs, and when stimulated, will do them with renewed vigour, whether hunting cells containing viruses or cells that have become cancerous. There is little doubt that increased Natural Killer Cell activity, incited by Grifola frondosa, partly explains its activity in HIV and AIDS.
Reduction in Vulnerability to Opportunistic Disease
HIV does not kill a person, opportunistic infections and cancer do. These conditions result from loss of immune function caused by HIV and are therefore termed ‘symptomatic conditions’. That is, they are symptoms of the viral infection. Apart from attacking the virus directly, Grifola frondosa is thought to work on a symptomatic basis as well. It helps the body cope with bacterial and fungal infections and cancerous cells.
Grifola frondosa contains chemicals that make the body less vulnerable to opportunistic disease. The HIV patient lacks a competent immune system, and micro-organisms and cancer cells take advantage of this opportunity, hence the term opportunistic disease. When the immune function disappears, bacteria, viruses, fungi, and cancer cells have free run in the body. Chemicals in Grifola frondosa attack bacteria, viruses, fungi, and cancer cells directly. In the absence of a competent immune system, Grifola frondosa may help to keep the opportunistic infections in check.
Using anti-microbial substances to support a person lacking proper immune function is common practice in allopathic medical circles. Patients with HIV are routinely treated with broad spectrum antibiotics to keep microbial infections in check. Using medicinal mushrooms like Grifola frondosa may add an additional layer of protection for those who need it, and with fewer potential side effects.
Let’s look at the following opportunistic diseases individually and see what Grifola frondosa has to offer:
A. Anti-Viral Activity;
B. Anti-Bacterial Activity;
C. Anti-Fungal Activity;
D. Anti-Parasitic Activity; and
E. Anti-Cancer Activity.
A. Anti-Viral Activity
When searching for anti-viral substances, the natural world is a good place to start. Organisms in nature have been dealing with viruses effectively since the beginning of time. Studying these organisms may provide us with clues as to how we can do the same.
If one examines plants that live in the woodland, such as fungi, one finds that they are loaded with anti-microbial substances. Their tissues are filled with substances that kill and inhibit bacteria, virus, and fungi on contact.
Grifola frondosa is one organism that has survived for untold years on the forest floor. We do not know exactly how long Grifola frondosa has existed in that environment. We do know that fungi are some of the most ancient organisms, having been around for hundreds of thousands, if not millions of years.
It should therefore come as no great surprise that the American Cancer Institute determined that an extract of Grifola frondosa inhibited the Human Immuno-deficiency Virus and prevented it from infecting human cells in vitro. Though Grifola frondosa would not have come into contact with HIV virus on the woodland floor, it would have encountered more than one virus that needed inhibiting. If you want to learn how to handle a virus, it pays to study organisms that have risen to the challenge.
Medicinal mushrooms like Grifola frondosa were used around the world to treat viral infection before the birth of Christ. Conditions like the herpes simplex, herpes zoster, chicken pox, measles, mumps, warts and viral hepatitis have long been treated with medicinal mushrooms. This was true even before man understood that viruses caused the aforementioned conditions.
With HIV and AIDS, viral infections like oral and genital herpes and warts, shingles, cytomegalovirus, and hepatitis become a serious problem. The compromised immune system is unable to keep these viral diseases in check. These AIDS related conditions are being treated with Grifola frondosa. Practitioners administering the drug state there is a reduced incidence of viral infections among patients who take Grifola frondosa.
B. Anti-Bacterial Activity
As with its anti-viral activity, Grifola frondosa appears to address bacterial infection on at least two levels. Firstly, it contains substances that inhibit or kill bacteria. Secondly, it stimulates the immune cells responsible for killing bacteria.
When assessing the intrinsic anti-bacterial activity of Grifola frondosa we should first review the anti-bacterial activity of mushrooms in the broader sense of the subject.
In the world of ethnobotany, we find that many mushrooms have been used to treat bacterial infection. In the West, Fomitopsis officinalis, (Agaric), and in the East, Ganoderma applanatum and Trametes orientalis, were formerly official treatments for tuberculosis.31 Tuberculosis is not only an example of a bacterial infection traditionally treated by medicinal mushrooms, but it is also an example of a bacterial infection that particularly afflicts HIV positive individuals.
Penicillin is, of course, a fungus. When the scientific community realised that one fungus could inhibit bacteria, the world of fungi became the subject of a search for additional antibiotic substances.
When screened by the scientific community, mushrooms traditionally used to treat bacterial infection were found to contain antibiotics. The Polyporaceae family (the Maitake family) was examined to see if its members contained chemicals that could kill bacteria. Research on this family revealed that many members contained anti-bacterial substances. Here are a few examples.
• Polystictus sanguineus was found to contain Polyporin;7
• Grifola confluens was found to contain Grifolin;15
• Polyporus betulinus was found to contain Polyporenic acid A;11
• Polyporus schweintzii and Polyporus hispidus were found to contain Hispidin.2
Further research showed that the anti-bacterial activities of these mushrooms were largely due to polyacetylenes. In time, 50 different polyacetylenes from different mushrooms antagonistic to bacteria were isolated.6
Up to this point, the anti-bacterial components of Grifola frondosa have not been well investigated. We do know that this particular Polypore contains organic acids, saponins, lectins and enzymes.22 These substances have an established antibacterial activity, and it is likely that these substances, along with polyacetylenes, offer some degree of protection from bacterial infection. An independent laboratory is now working on determining the specific anti-bacterial activity of Grifola frondosa.
As mentioned, practitioners believe that Grifola frondosa offers a double protection against opportunistic bacterial infections. The second mode of protection is that of stimulating the specific immune cells responsible for killing bacteria. Grifola frondosa has been shown to boost the activity of macrophages in animal studies:
• Animal studies have shown that Grifola frondosa stimulates the activity and killing ability of monocytes and macrophages, the immune cells responsible for destroying bacteria. These non-specific immune cells move more rapidly and contain more killing substances under its influence.1
• Animal studies revealed that Grifola frondosa stimulated the Alternative Complement System.28 Complements B, P, and D are stimulated under its influence. These complements attach to the bacterial cell wall and accomplish two things. First, they puncture holes in the bacterial cell wall and allow the contents to leak out. Then, the bacteria becomes like a tyre with a puncture. These complements also create ‘handles’ which macrophages use to catch the bacteria.
• In animal studies, Grifola frondosa stimulated the production of Interleukin 1 by macrophages.1 Interleukin stimulates T cells to divide. The increased number of T cells means an increased anti-bacterial task force on the prowl in the body.
C. Anti-Fungal Activity
When one looks at the role that Grifola frondosa plays in opportunistic fungal infection, one finds similar facts to those found in opportunistic bacterial infection. Grifola frondosa contains substances which inhibit pathogenic fungi. Animal studies have shown that Grifola frondosa stimulate the cells of the immune system that attack fungi.
Grifola frondosa is a fungus that springs forth in a world filled with competing fungi. As a survival technique, it fills itself with anti-fungal substances. This anti-fungal feature of fungi is not unique to Grifola frondosa. All mushrooms contain anti-fungal substances to some degree. As an example, the two leading allopathic anti-fungal drugs, Nystatin and Amphotericin B, are derived from ground dwelling fungi. Fungal produced anti-fungal agents are well accepted by the allopathic medical community.
As fungi are so well endowed with anti-fungal substances, the group as a whole has been investigated to find new anti-fungal drugs. The following compounds, extracted from mushrooms, have been shown to have anti-fungal activity:6
• Polyacetylenes;
• Phenolic compounds;
• Purines;
• Pyrimidines;
• Quinones; and
• Terpenoid derivatives.
Candida albicans, a normal resident of the gut, becomes a pathogen in HIV infection. Mushrooms have been found to contain substances that are specifically anti-Candida. The anti-candidal substances found in mushrooms include styrylpyrones, terphenylquinones, and diphenyl-substituted tetronic acids.6
When we look at Grifola frondosa and its anti-fungal activity, we find that it contains substances which inhibit other fungi. The list of anti-fungal substances includes organic acids, phytosterols, lectins, and enzymes. As fungal infections cause serious problems in HIV and AIDS patients, we should look at these anti-fungal compounds rather more closely.
1. Organic Acids Found in Grifola frondosa
Fungi take previously used substances like wood and digest them to fuel their life cycles. Grifola frondosa produces organic acids to be used as solvents in this decomposition process.
Grifola frondosa is rich in Pyroglutamic acid, Lactic acid, Acetic acid, Formic acid, Malic acid, Citric acid, Succinic acid, Oxalic acid, and Fumaric acid.22 Some of these acids, apart from digesting complex materials, inhibit other fungi. For example, Acetic acid has been found to kill fungi.10
2. Phytosterols Found in Grifola frondosa
Grifola frondosa contains substances known as phytosterols, specifically ergosterol, fungisterol, and methylsterol.22 Botanists have long debated the reasons for the presence of sterols in mushrooms.
The answer may be rooted in the ‘kill your neighbour before it kills you’ policy held by most fungi. Phytosterols attack the cell membrane of encroaching fungi and thus inhibit their ability to continue their invasive pursuit. Much like the action of Complement, these phytosterols weaken the cell wall of pathogenic fungi and make them more vulnerable to immune cell attack.
3. Lectins Found in Grifola frondosa
Lectins have the ability to agglutinate, or cause cells to stick together. This agglutination is made possible by the ability of lectins to cause sugars and proteins located on the cell membrane to precipitate. When these compounds have precipitated, the cell is effectively destroyed.
Grifola frondosa contains a lectin known as GFL, a N-acetylgalactosamine specific lectin.22 Botanists suspect that fungi produce lectins as a defensive measure against competing fungi. Any foreign fungus attempting to penetrate neighbouring fungi would be summarily destroyed by the lectins such as GFL.
4. Enzymes Found in Grifola frondosa
Grifola frondosa produces enzymes to assist in the digestion of the wood it feeds upon. Grifola frondosa contains cellulase, hemicellulase, chitinase, amylase, pectinase, lignin, phenol oxidase, laccase, tyrosinase, and peroxidase.22
The most relevant enzyme in this list is chitinase. Chitin is the structural component of a fungal cell wall. The chitinase found in Grifola frondosa digests the chitin found in cell walls of encroaching fungi.
In addition to direct attack, the immune cells that keep bacterial infection under control also attack troublesome fungi. This combined approach may explain Grifola frondosa’s apparent overall anti-fungal action. Practitioners state that opportunistic infections like candida albicans proliferation are greatly reduced when AIDS patients use Grifola frondosa on a regular basis.
D. Anti-Parasitic Activity
Whether or not Grifola frondosa is of use in the treatment of parasite infection is not known. Up to this point, practitioners have not commented on whether it reduces the incidence of opportunistic parasite infection. However, many other traditionally used medicinal mushrooms have been used in parasite infection. Fomitopsis officinalis (Agaric) was widely used in Europe in the treatment of malaria during the colonial period. It was the primary ingredient in ‘Warburg’s tincture’, a specific medicine used to treat the symptoms of malaria, and to keep malaria ‘in remission.’
Phellinus densus, another relative of Grifola frondosa, is used to kill parasites throughout China. Polyporus mylittae is used to treat intestinal worms of several descriptions including tinea.31 Lentinus edodes has been found to inhibit Schistosoma mansoni, Schistosoma japanicum, and Mesoccitoides corti.3
The anti-parasitic activity of medicinal mushrooms may be explained by the immune system stimulating beta-glucans found in them. As has been established, these polysaccharides have been shown to stimulate the immune system in animals. An activated immune system would be better able to attack parasites.
Beyond this, there is evidence indicating that medicinal mushrooms contain substances that attack parasites directly. As an example, Polyporus mylittae, contains a proteinase that is destructive to the cell nucleus of worms. This proteinase literally melts the worms.
Apart from their traditional use in the treatment of parasitic infection, very little is known about the effect of medicinal mushrooms on the parasitic infection experienced by HIV and AIDS patients. Grifola frondosa may or may not play a role in limiting parasitic infection in the HIV patient. Only further research will reveal the answer.
E. Anti-Cancer Activity
The immune system is the body’s first line of defence against cancer. When this control mechanism is lost, cancer cells have the opportunity to grow unchecked. Thus the HIV and AIDS patient is more likely to develop cancer than the person with a competent immune system. Opportunistic cancers are a serious threat to these patients, and any medicine that can inhibit them needs careful evaluation.
Grifola frondosa was elevated out of relative obscurity initially as a result of cancer research. Many of the members of the Polyporaceae family, to which Grifola frondosa belongs, had been used in traditional medicine to treat cancer. As a consequence of this traditional use, the entire family was screened for anti-cancer activity several decades ago and positive results were obtained.
Research with animals established that while members of this fungal family did in fact inhibit cancer, some were more effective than others. Research revealed that mice fed on a diet of Grifola frondosa had an 80% inhibition of the spread of cancer, a better inhibition rate than any of its relatives. The work showed that Grifola frondosa was king of the mushrooms when it came to suppressing the spread of cancer.
In the last 12 years, more than 42 animal studies have been conducted to examine the activity of Grifola frondosa in cancer. These studies have examined the many facets of Grifola frondosa activity. The conclusion from these studies was that Grifola frondosa inhibits cancer through its stimulation of the immune system.
One of the first things researchers did was screen Grifola frondosa for cytotoxic principles. In other words, they looked for substances that killed cancer cells directly. They found none. In time it was concluded that the non-specific immune system, the acquired immune system, and the cellular mediators were responsible for its anti-cancer activity. The immune system itself inhibited the cancer. This is of particular interest, as we know that for cancer to grow in the first instance there must be some level of depressed immunity.
Moreover, cancer cells produce substances that suppress the immune system. The last thing that a colony of cancer cells wants is to be continually attacked by immune cells. Grifola frondosa contains substances that bring the immune system out of dormancy and into action.
On the clinical front, practitioners in America and in Japan have used Grifola frondosa in the treatment of cancer for some years. Practitioners in America working with Grifola frondosa believe that it extends the lifespan of their patients battling cancer. Many practitioners relate that by the time cancer patients have come to see them, they have already been declared terminal by their cancer specialists. They do not come in the early stages of their disease.
Despite this fact, patients using Grifola frondosa have been able to extend their life span beyond the expectations of their specialists. The impact the mushroom would have on people first diagnosed with cancer is unknown. At present, clinical trials examining the role of Grifola frondosa are starting at the Georgetown Medical Centre in Washington, D.C. and at the Cancer Treatment Centres of America. When these studies are concluded we will know more.
Grifola frondosa has been used in HIV related cancers, most notably Kaposi’s sarcoma. Several physicians in America are using it with their patients and are reporting success. Dr. H. Nanba, one of the pioneers in the use of Grifola frondosa for the treatment of cancer, has liased with these American doctors. He had this to say about one doctor’s work with a type of AIDS related cancer, Kaposi’s sarcoma:
I have received an interim report of Dr. J. Priestly’s trial in Pasadena. She has devoted her energies to the treatment of over 600 AIDS patients in Los Angeles and has started her own protocol study using the Grifola frondosa mushroom for her patients with Kaposi’s sarcoma since June, 1993. She clearly observed that this dreadful sarcoma which threatens many AIDS patients is phased out by oral administration of Grifola frondosa, while improving other symptoms of AIDS. She notes that a couple of patients in the study who had received radiation have shown even better remission of the sarcoma after treatment with Grifola frondosa.
One English patient with Kaposi’s sarcoma of long standing, after taking Grifola frondosa, has reported encouraging news. Despite using allopathic combination therapy, his Kaposi’s sarcoma required chemotherapy every three weeks. After taking Grifola frondosa for four months, his cancer had improved such that his physicians extended the chemotherapy to every four weeks, with a view to eventually move the treatments to every six weeks. For a patient requiring less chemotherapy, it is a terribly exciting development.
THE FUTURE OF GRIFOLA FRONDOSA
Up to this point, practitioners working with HIV and Grifola frondosa have insisted that Grifola frondosa makes a difference in their patients’ health. Practitioners report that in some cases T Cell counts rise. In other cases, T Cell counts are maintained when they had been in decline. Other practitioners, working with conditions such as Kaposi’s sarcoma, report that lesions improve considerably while the patient is taking Grifola frondosa. Still others report that HIV and AIDS patients are subject to fewer opportunistic infections while taking this herbal medicine. The reports of these practitioners indicate that more work needs to be done in looking at Grifola frondosa and HIV.
At present, I am conducting a limited study in London. Twenty-five patients with AIDS are being given Grifola frondosa and their conditions are being monitored. These patients will take Grifola frondosa for 12 months, and records of their T Cell counts, viral load, and symptoms will be noted. The study is not randomised, double blind, or controlled. It is a simple study to see if the claims made by practitioners are borne out in a group of patients in the U.K.
The primary object of the study is to learn more about Grifola frondosa in HIV and AIDS. Practitioners are busy people who attend to the needs of patients with little time to sit down and study case histories en masse. The meticulous review of data is the work of researchers. It is the hope of the group involved with the study in London that our work will advance the understanding of Grifola frondosa. The result of the London study is likely to be that further study is required. It is, however, a start.
The study springs from a basic tenet of science: search and research. Lab research first suggested Grifola frondosa (Maitake) might be useful in HIV infection. Practitioners in America believe that it does indeed assist patients survive the virus. This study hopes to further our knowledge of Grifola frondosa and HIV infection. Science is meant to advance knowledge and this study will advance knowledge. It may not be randomised, but by year’s end more will be known about Grifola frondosa and HIV than when the year started.
Grifola frondosa is by definition a benign substance. It has been used as food for centuries. It was the preferred mushroom at the Roman table and is currently the preferred mushroom in Japan. The Japanese consume hundreds of tons of it every week. If the London study shows that it is a food that can help the HIV and AIDS patient, we also know that it is safe without any side effects.
There are a number of non-toxic herbal medicines used in the treatment of HIV and AIDS that need further review. The intrinsic beauty of many of these substances is that they are perfectly non-toxic. Like Grifola frondosa, these substances need further study by the community of phytotherapists.
REFERENCES
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14. Hanafusa, T. et al. 1990. Intestinal Absorption and Tissue Distribution of Immuno-active and Anti-viral Water Soluble (14C) Lignins in Rats. From Chemical Abstracts, 114: 220685Q.
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21. Mizuno, T. 1995. Shitake, Lentinus Edodes. Functional Properties for Medicinal and Food Purposes. Food Reviews International, 111(1):122.
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32. Zhang, L. and M. Yu. 1993. Effects of Lhing Zhi on the Production of Interleukin-2 (TL-2). In S. Zhu and M. Mori, eds., Influence of Ling zhi on Natural Killer Cells. Immunopharmacological Study (5). From The Research on Ganoderma lucidum (part one), pp. 259-265. Shanghai Medical University Press, Shangai.
Initial Report on Clinical Trial
An Evaluative Study of the Effects of Grifola frondosa var. Yukiguni (Maitake) on the Maintenance of Health of
People Suffering with HIV Infection
_________________________________________________________________________
Douglas Schar, BA.DipPhyt.MCPP
Abstract
An interim report of a year long study to evaluate the effects of Grifola frondosa var. Yukiguni on the health status of individuals suffering from HIV infection. 24 Respondents embarked on the study and 20 are currently still in process. All respondents are followed up at monthly intervals by telephone in order to monitor the HIV states reflected by CD4 counts, viral load measures, concomitant conditions, and general wellbeing. To date, fourteen respondents reported increases in CD4 counts and six have reported decreases in CD4 counts. In regards viral load counts, five reported a decrease in viral load, nine reported an increase in viral load, and six reported a static viral load. In regards concomitant conditions, seventeen reported resolution of previously described conditions, one reported a worsening of conditions, and one reported no change in conditions. In regards perception of well being, seventeen respondents reported an increase in sense of well being, two reported a decrease in sense of well being, and one reported no change in sense of well being. The study indicated that Grifola frondosa var. Yukiguni made a positive impact on the health of individual suffering from HIV infection and warrants additional examination as a potential anti-HIV drug.
Contact Information:
Douglas Schar, BA.DipPhyt.MCPP
140 Columbia Road
London E2 7RG
Phone: 0171 729 5545
Fax: 0171 729 9161
Introduction
Acquired Immuno-deficiency Syndrome (HIV and AIDS)
AIDS is a disease characterised by infection from the human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV) which results in gradual destruction of the individual’s immune system mechanisms, thereby allowing the development of other conditions which, ultimately, become life threatening. These secondary diseases are termed opportunistic infections and include Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, tuberculosis, cytomegalovirus, central nervous system toxoplasmosis and Kaposi’s sarcoma.
Mechanisms of Infection
HIV transmission is almost entirely through blood to blood contact, but can also be passed on via semen and vaginal secretions. Infection mostly occurs through sexual contact but can also result from transfusion of infected blood or intravenous injection with infected needles. It can also be passed from mother to child before, during or after birth via the placenta or breast milk.
The virus depends for its survival on taking over a host cell and utilising its nutritive and reproductive functions in order to replicate itself. Once reproduced it spreads to other cells, destroying the host cells in the process. Meanwhile, the normal immune response is triggered to produce antibodies to the invading virus. These antibodies act against the host cells as well as the virus resulting in a two fold attack on the body.
The main target cell for the invading virus is the helper “T” cell. These cells are a vital part of the immune system responsible for stimulating both the production of antibodies and the destruction of infected cells. When these cells are damaged by HIV infection the immune system collapses and opportunistic infections gain entry to the system.
There are three stages of the disease.
1. Seroconversion.
Seroconversion which is the reaction of the body to the invading virus and production of antibodies. There may be transitory flu like symptoms and swollen glands at this stage.
2. Dormant Period.
A dormant period follows. The time span of this period is variable and can be affected by the individuals constitution, life style and psychological outlook. Statistics suggest that this stage is approximately ten years. During this time the individual is “body positive” and infective. There is a greater susceptibility to general ill health and particularly to opportunistic infection.
3. Final Stage
The final stage of HIV infection, AIDS, is characterised by almost total collapse of the immune system and infection by secondary disease which is, eventually fatal.
Methods of Assessment
The main focus for monitoring the progress of HIV disease is to measure the CD4 count (T helper cells) and the viral load. The normal CD4 count has a range from 500-1200. A level between 500-200 indicates that some damage has occurred. Below 200, the individual is highly susceptible to the previously mentioned secondary diseases. The viral load test measures the amount of HIV in the blood. The higher the viral load the greater the risk of damage to the T cells.
Grifola frondosa var. Yukiguni
Research has shown that traditionally used medicinal mushrooms have a positive effect on general health. Maitake in particular, contains many essential vitamins and minerals as well as a host of other compounds that stimulate health. In animal studies it has been shown to :
reduce “bad” blood cholesterol levels
reduce blood pressure
reduce blood sugar levels
increase the production of white blood cells including NK cells.
increase the activity of white blood cells.
increase the production of cellular mediators like interleukin and interferon.
The most significant of these activities in regards HIV infection relate to the immune system. Both interleukin I and interferon are activated as a part of the immune systems response to infection by viral disease, and serve to enhance the protective mechanisms of the body against viruses. They demonstrate both antiproliferative and immunomodulatory effects. In recent years Maitake has gained popularity in the treatment of viral diseases including hepatitis, HIV, genital warts, and Epstein Barr infection.
Purpose of the Study
This year long evaluative study was instituted to provide a preliminary assessment of the effects of Grifola frondosa on the health status and general well being of people suffering from HIV infection. Factors monitored were CD4 count, viral load, individual symptoms, energy levels, and mood. Acknowledging that psychological factors and stress may have a negative effect on the way individuals cope with their illness, the evaluation was conducted in a low key and informal manner, and as far as possible, not demanding changes to their normal programme. To this end the study attempted to reflect their every day lives and how the course of the disease impacted on this.
Methods
Twenty-four individuals responded to an invitation to join the study and at present, nineteen are still in participating. The nature of the external variables were wide ranging including general health, time of diagnosis, life style factors, and orthodox treatment. For this reason the case study format was chosen for the assessment method.
A detailed medical history was taken, recording the progress of the condition to date demonstrated by CD4 counts, viral load and symptoms of concomitant conditions. The history of orthodox treatment was also recorded. A supply of Grifola frondosa was given to each respondent at a dose level of 24 tablets per day (6 grams). Telephone contact was made at approximately monthly intervals to monitor the above factors and sense of overall wellbeing as reflected by energy levels and psychological outlook. Changes in orthodox treatment were also recorded at during phone interviews. Results
Participant One
Initial CD4 count: 90
CD4 counts during study: 200-360-400-460
Average CD4 count: 355
Viral Load: undetectable throughout study
Previous Symptoms: kaposi’s sarcoma; pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, allergic conjunctivitis.
Symptoms During Study Period: All symptoms resolved and remained controlled.
Well Being: Consistently reported feeling very well. Positive in mood. Energy levels much improved.
Combination Therapy: Yes.
Participant Two
Initial CD4 Count: 400
CD4 Counts during study: 600-620
Average CD4 Count during Study: 610
Viral Load: 20,000-27,000
Previous Symptoms: anal warts, veruccas, gum infections, lipomas on body.
Symptoms During Study Period: symptoms persisted but of less intensity. Gum infections resolved.
Well Being: generally felt well and had good energy levels.
Combination Therapy: No.
Participant Three
Initial CD4 Count: 320
CD4 counts during study: 340-210-380
Average CD4 count during study: 310
Viral Load: 5000-15,200
Previous Symptoms: Kaposi’s sarcoma, verrucas, anal warts, anal herpes, diarrhoea, chest infections, fatigue.
Symptoms During Study Period: KS became static, verrucas and anal warts resolved, other symptoms became intermittent.
Well Being: fatigue persisted but feels more positive and less despondent. Feels better since taking the Maitake.
Combination Therapy: No.
Participant Four
Initial CD4 Count: 510
CD4 counts during study: 500
Average CD4 count during study: 500
Viral Load: 60,000-3,400-10,00
Previous Symptoms: day and night sweats, bouts of colds and flu, eczema.
Symptoms During Study Period: all symptoms resolved. Noticed a direct effect on the sweats by taking Maitake.
Well Being: Improved sense of well being.
Combination Therapy: No.
Participant Five
Initial CD4 Count: 180
CD4 count during study: 220-240-300
Average CD4 count during study: 253.3
Viral Load: undetectable throughout.
Previous Symptoms: gastric candida, fatigue, peripheral neuropathy, mucous membrane irritation.
Symptoms During Study Period: peripheral neuropathy intermittent, other symptoms resolved. Developed bronchitis but this resolved.
Well Being: Generally feeling well. Energy levels much improved. Appetite and weight increasing. Feels Maitake has been extremely beneficial.
Combination Therapy: Yes.
Participant Six
Initial CD4 Count: 350
CD4 count during study: 290-260
Average CD4 count during study: 275
Viral Load: 5000-3000-10,000
Previous Symptoms: dry skin, oral and anal herpes, occasional chest infections, fatigue.
Symptoms During Study Period: skin improved and chest infections resolved.
Well Being: Feels well. Energy improved. mood variable.
Combination Therapy: No.
Participant Seven
Initial CD4 Count: 256
CD4 count during study: 163-200
Average CD4 count during study: 181.5
Viral Load: 200,000-1,000,000
Previous Symptoms: skin, oral, and gastric candida, genital warts, catarrh, irritable bowel, fatigue, aching muscles.
Symptoms During Study Period: all symptoms improved. Respiratory problems developed and required hospitalisation.
Well Being: initially felt very well in herself, more positive. Energy levels improved. Lately, developed severe respiratory problems, which reversed the progress.
Combination Therapy: No.
Participant Eight
Initial CD4 Count: 425
CD4 count during study: 360-500-680
Average CD4 count during study: 513.3
Viral Load: 20,000-100,000-93,000
Previous Symptoms: fatigue, insomnia, respiratory problems, oral herpes, occasional disorientation, depression.
Symptoms During Study Period: All symptoms improved.
Well Being: Feels Maitake helps his general wellbeing. Feels more positive. Energy much improved.
Combination Therapy: No.
Participant Nine
Initial CD4 Count: 560
CD4 count during study: 600-680
Average CD4 count during study: 640
Viral Load: 56,000-22,000-92,000
Previous Symptoms: occasional diarrhoea, night sweats, insomnia.
Symptoms During Study Period: all symptoms resolved.
Well Being: feels well, energy improved, appetite and weight increasing.
Combination Therapy: Yes.
Participant Ten
Initial CD4 Count: 280
CD4 counts during study: 560-570
Average CD4 count during study: 565
Viral Load: 1,700-40,000-undetectable
Previous Symptoms: intermittent flu like symptoms, colds, dry cough, hot sweats, irritable bowel, breathlessness, fatigue.
Symptoms During Study Period: all symptoms resolved.
Well Being: feels much more positive, energy much improved. Feels very positive about Maitake.
Combination Therapy: No.
Participant 11
Initial CD4 Count: 190
CD4 counts during study: 220-394
Average CD4 count during study: 307
Viral Load:5000-undetectable-5000
Previous Symptoms: recurrent colds and flu, occasional headaches, fatigue, panic attacks.
Symptoms During Study Period: symptoms improved. intermittent colds. energy variable.
Well Being: states he feels an enhanced sense of well being while taking Maitake despite energy levels being variable.
Combination Therapy: Yes.
Participant 12
Initial CD4 Count:510
CD4 counts during study: 562
Average CD4 count during study: 562
Viral Load: 33,000-28,000
Previous Symptoms: generalised painful lymphadenopathy, hairy leukoplakia, gum disease.
Symptoms During Study Period: all symptoms resolved.
Well Being: feels generally very well and that Maitake helps. Energy levels improved.
Combination Therapy: No.
Participant 13
Initial CD4 Count: 17
CD4 counts during study: 7
Average CD4 count during study: 7
Viral Load: 55,000-62,000
Previous Symptoms: AIDS, oral candida, bronchitis, irritable bowel, wasting disease, poor appetite, and weight loss.
Symptoms During Study Period: bronchitis resolved, appetite improved and some weight gain, other symptoms persist.
Well Being: feeling generally well in himself relatively speaking. Feels better than previously. Energy variable.
Combination Therapy: Yes.
Participant 14
Initial CD4 Count: 634
CD4 counts during study: 550
Average CD4 count during study: 550
Viral Load: 8,020-14,000-21,000
Previous Symptoms: recurrent flu like symptoms, fatigue, swollen glands, headaches, sweats.
Symptoms During Study Period: all symptoms resolved but developed kidney infection which then cleared.
Well Being: no real change. Energy levels remain low.
Combination Therapy: No.
Participant 16
Initial CD4 Count: 375
CD4 counts during study: 730
Average CD4 count during study: 730
Viral Load: undetectable
Previous Symptoms: Kaposi’s sarcoma, breathlessness.
Symptoms During Study Period: KS improving. No other symptoms.
Well Being: Feels well and positive. Energy levels improved.
Combination Therapy: Yes.
Participant 20
Initial CD4 Count: 380
CD4 counts during study: 520-380-450
Average CD4 count during study: 450
Viral Load: 12,000-1,200-4000
Previous Symptoms: recurrent chest infections, oral herpes.
Symptoms During Study Period: symptoms resolved. Developed other infection which resolved. Also diarrhoea which never resolved.
Well Being: feels generally well in himself. No change in energy.
Combination Therapy: No.
Participant 21
Initial CD4 Count: 205
CD4 count during study: 200
Average CD4 count during study: 200
Viral Load: 606-1600
Previous Symptoms: occasional night sweats.
Symptoms During Study Period: no symptoms.
Well Being: feels well. Energy levels good.
Combination Therapy: Yes.
Participant 22
Initial CD4 Count: 502
CD4 counts during study: 669-593
Average CD4 counts during study: 631
Viral Load: 14,000-18,252-7,918
Previous Symptoms: oral herpes, fatigue.
Symptoms During Study Period: Symptoms resolved.
Well Being: Feels more positive. Energy levels improved.
Combination Therapy: No.
Participant 23
Initial CD4 Count: 150. Results have varied. Now improved.
CD4 count during study: n/a
Average CD4 count during study: n/a.
Respondent prefers not to know figures.
Viral Load: 26,000- as above.
Previous Symptoms: fatigue, weakness, spinal and anal herpes, episodic shingles.
Symptoms During Study Period: symptoms initially improved then returned.
Well Being: general improvement until recently when condition deteriorated. Improving again now.
Combination Therapy: No.
Participant 24
Initial CD4 Count:400
CD4 counts during study: 580-597
Average CD4 count during study: 588.5
Viral Load: undetectable throughout.
Previous Symptoms: involuntary movement disorder.
Symptoms During Study Period: no change in this condition.
Well Being: feels the Maitake has greatly improved his general wellbeing. Energy levels much improved.
Combination Therapy: Yes.
Discussion
It is difficult to draw standardised conclusions from a study such as this, which reflects on individual cases. There is evidence, however, to suggest that Grifola frondosa var. Yukiguni, in many cases, has made a positive contribution to the impact of HIV infection on the general health and well being of respondents.
CD4 Counts
14 respondents reported an increase and 6 reported a decrease.
Increase in CD4 count: 70%
Decrease in CD4 count: 30%
Viral Load
5 respondents reported a decrease in viral load, 9 reported an increase in viral load, and 6 reported a static viral load.
Decrease in viral load: 25%
Increase in viral load: 45%
Static viral load: 30%
Net positive reaction: 55%*
*As viral loads tend to increase with the passage of time, both the decrease in viral load and the reported static viral load are seen as positive responses to the Grifola frondosa var. Yukiguni.
Symptoms
18 of the respondents reported a resolution or lessening of symptoms they had previously been experiencing. Periodically, other symptoms flared up but mostly remained controlled and then resolved. 2 respondents developed severe infections which required hospitalisation. Both are now recovering. The most common symptoms reported were:
1. fatigue
2. recurrent chest infections
3. irritable bowel
4. day and or night sweats.
Resolution or improvement in 1,2,and 3 was noted in all but one case. Resolution of 4 was noted in all cases.
Improvement in symptoms: 90%
Worsening of symptoms: 5%
No change in symptoms: 5%
Well being: 17 respondents reported a significant improvement in their sense of well being which was reflected in increased energy levels and positive psychological outlook. 2 reported a worsening in the sense of wellbeing. 1 reported no change in the sense of well being.
Increase sense of well being: 85%
Decrease in sense of Well being: 10%
No change in sense of well being: 5%
Conclusion
In 1990, the National Cancer Institute in America determined that Grifola frondosa gave 100% protection to uninfected T cells exposed to the HIV virus in the test tube. In consequence, practitioners in America began using Grifola frondosa in HIV infection and AIDS. They reported positive results. The practitioner confidence in Grifola frondosa lead our group of researchers to examine Grifola frondosa var. Yukiguni as a potential anti-HIV drug.
This study monitored individual responses with individual variables over a course of time to Grifola frondosa var.Yukiguni. Of the 20 participants involved in the study, a majority of cases experienced an increase in CD4 count, a positive reaction in regards viral load, a reduction of symptoms, and an increase in sense of well being. The result was overwhelmingly positive.
On the clinical side, the patients using Grifola frondosa var.Yukiguni experienced a resolution of the opportunistic conditions previously experienced. It must be remembered that it is these opportunistic conditions that cause mortality in the HIV and AIDS patient, not the virus itself. In one case, Kaposi’s sarcoma, which did not yield to combination therapy or chemotherapy, did resolve when Grifola frondosa var.Yukiguni was thrown into the equation. This finding alone suggests additional research is warranted.
The positive result of this study results in many questions being raised, questions that beg answering. As an example, one such issue is dosage. The patients involved in this study were using 8 milligrams of tableted dried Grifola frondosa var.Yukiguni powder. This amount was used as the experts in the field, both in Japan and America, recommend 6 or more milligrams per day for people with serious illness, Cancer and HIV infection included. It would be useful to know the exact therapeutic threshold for the Grifola frondosa var.Yukiguni. Additional research might shed light on this matter.
Beyond this, the subjects of this preliminary study were chosen in a random manner and the population reflects this fact. 12 subjects were not using combination therapy and 8 were using combination therapy. In the future, it would be helpful to examine these different populations separately.
The reason for this is as follows. In this study we have noticed that patients using combination therapy and Grifola frondosa var.Yukiguni suffer from fewer side effects of the combination therapy regimen. Patients seem better able to cope with the drug therapies. This observation is consistent with that which cancer workers have noticed. Patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy appear better able to tolerate the regimens while using Grifola frondosa var.Yukiguni. As many patients are unable to tolerate combination therapy due to unpleasant side effects, a determination in this direction would be highly useful.
All of the above indicates that there is evidence to support a more structured investigation into the potential benefits of Grifola frondosa var. Yukiguni as a contributing agent in the treatment of HIV disease. The result also suggests that this work needs to be done as many questions remain unanswered. It is the hope of this research group that this study will inspire other workers to examine Grifola frondosa as a potential anti-HIV drug.
Final Report on Clinical Trial
An Evaluative Study of the Effects
of Grifola frondosa var. Yukiguni (Maitake)
on the Maintenance of Health
of People Suffering with HIV Infection
Rosamond Christian, RGN, RM, DipBSS,
Douglas Schar, BA DipPhyt. MCPP,
and Denise Turner, Ph.D.
ABSTRACT
This report evaluates a year long study focusing on the effects of Grifola frondosa var. Yukiguni on the health status of individuals suffering from HIV infection. Twenty-four respondents embarked on the study and 20 remained in the study for the entire twelve month duration. All respondents were followed up at monthly intervals by telephone to monitor their HIV status as reflected by CD4 counts, viral load measures, concomitant conditions, and general well being. The overall results of this preliminary study are as follows:
• CD4 counts: Thirteen respondents reported increases in CD4 counts and seven have reported decreases in CD4 counts.
• Viral load: Five reported a decrease in viral load, six reported a static viral load, and nine reported an increase in viral load.
• Concomitant Conditions: Seventeen reported resolution or improvement of previously described conditions, two reported no change of conditions, and one reported no symptoms.
• Well being: Seventeen respondents reported an increase in sense of well being, two reported no change in sense of well being, and one reported a decrease in sense of well being.
The study indicated that Grifola frondosa var. Yukiguni (Maitake) made a positive impact on the health of individuals suffering from HIV infection and warrants additional examination as a potential anti-HIV drug.
INTRODUCTION: ACQUIRED IMMUNO-DEFICIENCY SYNDROME (HIV AND AIDS)
AIDS is a disease characterised by infection from the human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV) which results in gradual destruction of the individual’s immune system mechanisms, thereby allowing the development of other conditions which, ultimately, become life threatening. These secondary diseases are termed opportunistic infections and include Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, tuberculosis, cytomegalovirus, central nervous system toxoplasmosis and Kaposi’s sarcoma.
MECHANISMS OF INFECTION
HIV transmission is almost entirely through blood to blood contact, but can also be passed on via semen and vaginal secretions. Infection mostly occurs through sexual contact but can also result from transfusion of infected blood or intravenous injection with infected needles. It can also be passed from mother to child before, during or after birth via the placenta or breast milk.
To survive, the virus must take over a host cell and utilise its nutritive and reproductive functions to replicate itself. Once reproduced it spreads to other cells, destroying the host cells in the process. Meanwhile, the normal immune response is triggered to produce antibodies to the invading virus. These antibodies act against the host cells as well as the virus resulting in a two-fold attack on the body.
The main target cell for the invading virus is the helper “T” cell. These cells are a vital part of the immune system responsible for stimulating both the production of antibodies and the destruction of infected cells. When these cells are damaged by HIV infection, the immune system collapses and opportunistic infections gain entry to the system.
There are three stages of the disease:
1. Seroconversion: seroconversion is the reaction of the body to the invading virus and production of antibodies. There may be transitory flu-like symptoms and swollen glands at this stage.
2. Dormant Period: a dormant period follows seroconversion. The time span of this period is variable and can be affected by the individual’s constitution, life style and psychological outlook. Statistics suggest that this stage lasts approximately ten years. During this time the individual is “body positive” and infective. There is a greater susceptibility to general ill health and particularly to opportunistic infection.
3. Final Stage: the final stage of HIV infection, AIDS, is characterised by almost total collapse of the immune system and infection by secondary disease which is eventually fatal.
METHODS OF ASSESSMENT
The main focus for monitoring the progress of HIV disease is to measure the CD4 count (T helper cells) and the viral load. The normal CD4 count ranges from 500-1200. A level between 200-500 indicates that some damage has occurred. Below 200, the individual is highly susceptible to the previously mentioned secondary diseases. The viral load test measures the amount of HIV in the blood. The higher the viral load, the greater the risk of damage to the T cells.
GRIFOLA FRONDOSA VAR. YUKIGUNI (MAITAKE)
Research has shown that traditionally used medicinal mushrooms have a positive effect on general health. Maitake in particular, contains many essential vitamins and minerals as well as a host of other compounds that stimulate health. In animal studies it has been shown to:
• Reduce “bad” blood cholesterol levels;
• Reduce blood pressure;
• Reduce blood sugar levels;
• Increase the production of white blood cells including NK cells;
• Increase the activity of white blood cells; and
• Increase the production of cellular mediators like interleukin and interferon.
The most significant of these activities with regard to HIV infection relates to the immune system. Both interleukin I and interferon are activated as a part of the immune system’s response to infection by viral disease, and serve to enhance the protective mechanisms of the body against viruses. They demonstrate both antiproliferative and immunomodulatory effects. In recent years Maitake has gained popularity in the treatment of viral diseases including hepatitis, HIV, genital warts, and Epstein Barr infection.
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
This twelve month evaluative study was instituted to provide a preliminary assessment of the effects of Grifola frondosa on the health status and general well being of people suffering from HIV infection. Factors monitored were CD4 count, viral load, individual symptoms, energy levels, and mood. Acknowledging that psychological factors and stress may have a negative effect on the way individuals cope with their illness, the evaluation was conducted in a low key and informal manner, and as far as possible, not demanding changes to participants’ normal programme. To this end the study attempted to reflect participants’ every day lives and how they have been impacted by the course of the disease.
METHODS
Twenty-four individuals responded to an invitation to join the study and twenty remained in the study for the entire twelve month duration. The nature of the external variables were wide ranging, including general health, time of diagnosis, life style factors, and orthodox treatment. For this reason a case study format was chosen for the assessment method.
Before treatment was started, a detailed medical history was taken of each participant, recording the progress of the condition to date demonstrated by CD4 counts, viral load and symptoms of concomitant conditions. The history of orthodox treatment was also recorded. A supply of Grifola frondosa was given to each respondent at a dosage of 24 tablets per day (6 grams). Telephone contact was made at approximately monthly intervals to monitor the above factors and sense of overall well being as reflected by energy levels and psychological outlook. Changes in orthodox treatment were also recorded during phone interviews.
RESULTS
Participant 1
Initial CD4 count: 90
CD4 counts during study: 200; 360; 400; 460; 410
Average CD4 count: 366
Viral load: undetectable throughout study.
Previous symptoms: Kaposi’s sarcoma; pneumocystis carinii pneumonia; allergic conjunctivitis.
Symptoms during study period: all symptoms resolved and remained controlled; had chemotherapy for Kaposi’s sarcoma, but since starting Maitake was able to stop chemotherapy.
Well being: consistently reported feeling very well; positive in mood; energy levels much improved.
Combination therapy: yes.
Participant 2
Initial CD4 count: 400
CD4 counts during study: 600; 620
Average CD4 count during study: 610
Viral load: 20,000; 27,000
Previous symptoms: anal warts, veruccas, gum infections, lipomas on body.
Symptoms during study period: symptoms persisted but of less intensity; gum infections resolved.
Well being: generally felt well and had good energy levels.
Combination therapy: no.
Participant 3
Initial CD4 count: 320
CD4 counts during study: 340; 210; 380
Average CD4 count during study: 310
Viral load: 5000; 15,200
Previous symptoms: Kaposi’s sarcoma, verrucas, anal warts, anal herpes, diarrhea, chest infections, fatigue.
Symptoms during study period: Kaposi’s sarcoma became static, verrucas and anal warts resolved, other symptoms became intermittent.
Well being: fatigue persisted but feels more positive and less despondent; feels better since taking Maitake.
Combination therapy: no.
Participant 4
Initial CD4 count: 510
CD4 counts during study: 500
Average CD4 count during study: 500
Viral load: 60,000; 3,400; 10,000
Previous symptoms: day and night sweats, bouts of colds and flu, eczema.
Symptoms during study period: all symptoms resolved; noticed a direct effect on the sweats by taking Maitake.
Well being: improved sense of well being.
Combination therapy: no.
Participant 5
Initial CD4 count: 180
CD4 count during study: 220; 240; 300; 260
Average CD4 count during study: 255
Viral load: undetectable throughout.
Previous symptoms: gastric candida, fatigue, peripheral neuropathy, mucous membrane irritation.
Symptoms during study period: peripheral neuropathy intermittent, other symptoms resolved. Developed bronchitis but this resolved.
Well being: generally feeling well; energy levels much improved; appetite and weight increasing; feels Maitake has been extremely beneficial.
Combination therapy: yes.
Participant 6
Initial CD4 count: 350
CD4 count during study: 290; 260
Average CD4 count during study: 275
Viral load: 5,000; 3,000; 10,000
Previous symptoms: dry skin, oral and anal herpes, occasional chest infections, fatigue.
Symptoms during study period: skin improved and chest infections resolved.
Well being: feels well; energy improved; mood variable.
Combination therapy: no.
Participant 7
Initial CD4 count: 256
CD4 count during study: 163; 200
Average CD4 count during study: 182
Viral load: 200,000; 1,000,000
Previous symptoms: skin, oral, and gastric candida, genital warts, catarrh, irritable bowel, fatigue, aching muscles.
Symptoms during study period: all symptoms improved. Respiratory problems developed and required hospitalisation.
Well being: initially felt very well, more positive. Energy levels improved. Lately, developed severe respiratory problems, which reversed the progress.
Combination therapy: no.
Participant 8
Initial CD4 count: 425
CD4 count during study: 360; 500; 680; 304
Average CD4 count during study: 461
Viral load: 20,000; 100,000; 93,000
Previous symptoms: fatigue, insomnia, respiratory problems, oral herpes, occasional disorientation, depression.
Symptoms during study period: all symptoms improved.
Well being: feels Maitake helps general well being. Feels more positive. Energy much improved.
Combination therapy: no.
Participant 9
Initial CD4 count: 560
CD4 count during study: 600; 680; 490
Average CD4 count during study: 590
Viral load: 56,000; 22,000; 92,000
Previous symptoms: occasional diarrhoea, night sweats, insomnia.
Symptoms during study period: all symptoms resolved.
Well being: feels well, energy improved, appetite and weight increasing.
Combination therapy: yes.
Participant 10
Initial CD4 count: 280
CD4 counts during study: 560; 570; 545
Average CD4 count during study: 558
Viral load: 1,700; 40,000; undetectable
Previous symptoms: intermittent flu like symptoms, colds, dry cough, hot sweats, irritable bowel, breathlessness, fatigue.
Symptoms during study period: all symptoms resolved.
Well being: feels much more positive, energy much improved. Feels very positive about Maitake.
Combination therapy: no.
Participant 11
Initial CD4 count: 190
CD4 counts during study: 220; 394
Average CD4 count during study: 307
Viral load: 5,000; undetectable; 5000
Previous symptoms: recurrent colds and flu, occasional headaches, fatigue, panic attacks.
Symptoms during study period: symptoms improved; intermittent colds; energy variable.
Well being: feels an enhanced sense of well being while taking Maitake despite energy levels being variable.
Combination therapy: yes.
Participant 12
Initial CD4 count: 510
CD4 counts during study: 562; 527
Average CD4 count during study: 544
Viral load: 33,000; 28,000; 550,000
Previous symptoms: generalised painful lymphadenopathy, hairy leukoplakia, gum disease.
Symptoms during study period: all symptoms resolved.
Well being: feels generally very well and that Maitake helps. Energy levels improved.
Combination therapy: no.
Participant 13
Initial CD4 count: 17
CD4 counts during study: 7
Average CD4 count during study: 7
Viral load: 55,000; 62,000
Previous symptoms: AIDS, oral candida, bronchitis, irritable bowel, wasting disease, poor appetite, and weight loss.
Symptoms during study period: bronchitis resolved, appetite improved and some weight gain, other symptoms persist.
Well being: feeling generally well, relatively speaking. Feels better than previously. Energy variable.
Combination therapy: yes.
Participant 14
Initial CD4 Count: 634
CD4 counts during study: 550; 510
Average CD4 count during study: 530
Viral load: 8,000; 14,000; 21,000; 24,000
Previous symptoms: recurrent flu like symptoms, fatigue, swollen glands, headaches, sweats.
Symptoms during study period: all symptoms resolved but developed kidney infection which then cleared.
Well being: no real change; energy levels remain low.
Combination therapy: no.
Participant 16
Initial CD4 count: 375
CD4 counts during study: 730
Average CD4 count during study: 730
Viral load: undetectable
Previous symptoms: Kaposi’s sarcoma, breathlessness.
Symptoms during study period: Kaposi sarcoma improving; no other symptoms.
Well being: Feels well and positive; energy levels improved.
Combination therapy: yes.
Participant 20
Initial CD4 count: 380
CD4 counts during study: 520; 380; 450
Average CD4 count during study: 450
Viral load: 12,000; 1,200; 4,000
Previous symptoms: recurrent chest infections, oral herpes.
Symptoms during study period: symptoms resolved; developed other infection which resolved; also diarrhoea which never resolved.
Well being: feels generally well; no change in energy.
Combination therapy: no.
Participant 21
Initial CD4 count: 205
CD4 count during study: 200; 250
Average CD4 count during study: 225
Viral load: 600; 1,600; undetectable
Previous symptoms: occasional night sweats.
Symptoms during study period: no symptoms.
Well being: feels well; energy levels good.
Combination therapy: yes.
Participant 22
Initial CD4 count: 502
CD4 counts during study: 669; 593
Average CD4 counts during study: 631
Viral load: 14,000; 18,250; 7,900
Previous symptoms: oral herpes, fatigue.
Symptoms during study period: symptoms resolved.
Well being: feels more positive; energy levels improved.
Combination therapy: no.
Participant 23
Initial CD4 count: 150. results have varied; now improved.
CD4 count during study: n/a
Average CD4 count during study: n/a. respondent prefers not to know figures.
Viral load: 26,000 – as above.
Previous symptoms: fatigue, weakness, spinal and anal herpes, episodic shingles.
Symptoms during study period: symptoms initially improved then returned.
Well being: general improvement until recently when condition deteriorated; improving again now.
Combination therapy: no.
Participant 24
Initial CD4 count: 400
CD4 counts during study: 580; 597; 560
Average CD4 count during study: 579
Viral load: undetectable throughout.
Previous symptoms: involuntary movement disorder.
Symptoms during study period: no change in this condition.
Well being: feels that Maitake has greatly improved general well being; energy levels much improved.
Combination therapy: yes.
DISCUSSION
It is difficult to draw standardised conclusions from a study such as this which reflects on individual cases. There is evidence, however, to suggest that Grifola frondosa var. Yukiguni (Maitake), in many cases, has made a positive contribution to the impact of HIV infection on the general health and well being of respondents.
CD4 COUNTS (SEE TABLE 1)
Based on the raw numbers alone, 13 respondents reported an increase and 7 reported a decrease:
• Raw increase in CD4 count: 65%
• Raw decrease in CD4 count: 35%
• Raw net positive CD4 reaction: 65%.*
*As CD4 counts tend to decrease with progress of the disease, both increased CD4 counts and sustained CD4 counts are seen as positive responses to the Grifola frondosa var. Yukiguni (Maitake).
Based on a reasonable assessment that +100 represents no significant change in a CD4 count, 6 respondents improved, 12 sustained their CD4 levels, and 2 trialees showed a slight decrease in CD4 levels (maximum decrease 124, See Table 1):
• Significant increase of CD4 count: 30%
• Significant maintenance of CD4 counts: 60%
• Significant decrease in CD4 count: 10%
• Significant net positive CD4 reaction: 90%.
Table1: CD4 Counts for Study Participants
Participant Initial CD4 Count Final CD4 Count Comments
1 90 410 Improved
2 400 620 improved
3 320 380 sustained
4 510 500 sustained
5 180 260 sustained
6 350 260 sustained
7 256 200 sustained
8 425 304 decreased
9 560 490 sustained
10 280 545 improved
11 190 394 improved
12 510 527 sustained
13 17 7 sustained
14 634 510 decreased
16 375 730 improved
20 380 450 sustained
21 205 250 sustained
22 502 593 sustained
23 150 150* sustained
24 400 560 improved
* Results have varied; now improved.
VIRAL LOAD (SEE TABLE 2)
Based on the raw numbers alone, 5 respondents reported a decrease in viral load, 6 reported a static viral load, and 9 reported an increase in viral load;
• Raw decrease in viral load: 25%
• Raw static viral load: 30%
• Raw increase in viral load: 45%
• Net raw positive viral load reaction: 55%.*
*As viral loads tend to increase with the passage of time, both the decrease in viral load and the reported static viral load are seen as positive responses to the Grifola frondosa var. Yukiguni (Maitake).
However, based on data from the National Aids Manual “Viral Load, Information Series for Positive People,” the margin of error for viral load tests is fairly large. In fact, to quote from this source, “Researchers have investigated viral load changes in people not on treatment and found that two separate tests on the same sample of blood can give results which differ by as much as three fold.”
Using these criteria, 1 respondent reported a decrease in viral load, 16 reported a static viral load, and 3 showed an increase in viral load:
• Significant decrease in viral load: 5%
• Significant static viral load:80%
• Significant increase in viral load: 15%
• Significant net positive reaction: 85%.
Table 2: Viral Load of Study Participants
Participant Initial Viral Load Final Viral Load Comments
1 undetectable undetectable sustained
2 20,000 27,000 sustained
3 5,000 15,200 sustained
4 60,000 10,000 improved
5 undetectable undetectable sustained
6 5,000 10,000 sustained
7 200,000 1,000,000 increased
8 20,000 93,000 increased
9 56,000 92,000 sustained
10 1,700 undetectable sustained
11 5,000 5,000 sustained
12 33,000 550,000 increased
13 55,000 62,000 sustained
14 8,000 24,000 sustained
16 undetectable undetectable sustained
20 12,000 4,000 sustained
21 600 undetectable sustained
22 14,000 7,900 sustained
23 26,000 26,000* sustained
24 undetectable undetectable sustained
*Results have varied; now improved.
CONCOMITANT CONDITIONS
Seventeen of the respondents reported a resolution or lessening of symptoms they had previously been experiencing, and one reported no change. Periodically, other symptoms flared up but mostly remained controlled and then resolved. Two respondents developed severe infections which required hospitalisation. Both are now recovering. The most common symptoms reported were:
1. Fatigue;
2. Recurrent chest infections;
3. Irritable bowel;
4. Day and or night sweats.
Resolution or improvement in symptoms 1, 2, and 3 was noted in all but one case. Resolution of symptom 4 was noted in all cases.
• Improvement in symptoms: 90%
• Worsening of symptoms: 5%
• No change in symptoms: 5%
• Net overall positive reaction: 95%.
WELL BEING
Seventeen respondents reported a significant improvement in their sense of well being which was reflected in increased energy levels and positive psychological outlook. Two reported a worsening in the sense of well being. One reported no change in the sense of well being.
• Increased sense of well being: 85%
• Decreased in sense of well being: 10%
• No change in sense of well being: 5%
• Net overall positive reaction: 90%.
CONCLUSION
In 1990, the National Cancer Institute in America determined that Grifola frondosa gave 100% protection to uninfected T cells exposed to the HIV virus in the test tube. In consequence, practitioners in America began using Grifola frondosa in HIV infection and AIDS. They reported positive results. This practitioner confidence in Grifola frondosa lead our group of researchers to examine Grifola frondosa var. Yukiguni (Maitake) as a potential anti-HIV drug.
This study monitored individual responses with individual variables over a course of time to Grifola frondosa var.Yukiguni (Maitake). Of the 20 participants involved in the study, a majority of cases experienced an increase in CD4 count, a positive reaction with regard to viral load, a reduction of symptoms, and an increase in sense of well being. The result was overwhelmingly positive.
On the clinical side, the participants using Grifola frondosa var. Yukiguni (Maitake) experienced a resolution of the opportunistic conditions previously experienced. It must be remembered that it is these opportunistic conditions that cause mortality in the HIV and AIDS patient, not the virus itself. In one case, Kaposi’s sarcoma, which did not yield to combination therapy or chemotherapy, did resolve when Grifola frondosa var. Yukiguni (Maitake) was added to the equation. This finding alone suggests additional research is warranted.
The positive result of this study generates many questions that beg to be answered. As an example, one such issue is dosage. The patients involved in this study were using 8 milligrams per day of tableted dried Grifola frondosa var. Yukiguni (Maitake) powder, based on Japanese and American recommendations of 6 or more milligrams per day for people with serious illness such as cancer and HIV infection. It would be useful to know the exact therapeutic threshold for the Grifola frondosa var. Yukiguni (Maitake). Additional research might shed light on this matter.
Beyond this, the subjects of this preliminary study were chosen in a random manner and the population reflects this fact. Twelve subjects were not using combination therapy and eight were using combination therapy. In the future, it would be helpful to examine these different populations separately, since this limited study seemed to indicate that patients using combination therapy and Grifola frondosa var. Yukiguni (Maitake) suffer fewer side effects from the combination therapy regimen. These patients seem better able to cope with the drug therapies. This observation is consistent with reports that cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy appear better able to tolerate these regimens while using Grifola frondosa var. Yukiguni (Maitake). As many patients are unable to tolerate combination therapy due to unpleasant side effects, a complete assessment of the “protective” effects of Grifola frondosa would be highly useful.
All of the above indicates that there is evidence to support a more structured investigation into the potential benefits of Grifola frondosa var. Yukiguni (Maitake) as a contributing agent in the treatment of HIV disease. The result also suggests that this work needs to be done, as many questions remain unanswered. It is the hope of this research group that this study will inspire other workers to examine Grifola frondosa as a potential anti-HIV drug.
Posted in Archives, Scientific Name, Scientific Name | Leave a commentMaitake (Grifola frondosa) as an Immune Stimulant
January 2, 2011Resources
Introduction
Professional level journal article
Introduction
Maitake is a medicinal mushroom native to North America, Europe, and Asia. Its common name in English, “Chicken of the Woods,” hints of something the European villager has known for centuries. It tastes like chicken when cooked. It was the preferred mushroom of the Roman dining table and is still considered to be one of the finest wild mushrooms. Its incidence in the woodland is rare and always has been. Because of its scarcity, until recently, it was only available to those who would scour the woods in search of it.
Not long ago, Japanese research revealed the secret of the Maitake life cycle. From this revelation, they devised a system to grow Maitake commercially. Shortly thereafter, Maitake went from a hard to obtain delicacy to a reasonably available product. As this mushroom is known as “Chicken of the Woods” in English speaking countries, you may be wondering why it is better known by its Japanese name. In short, the Japanese were the first to produce it commercially and export it, so the Japanese name has won out over the English name. Japan continues to be the primary source of Maitake and indeed the Maitake you have received is imported from Japan.
Maitake is a member of the Polyporacea family of mushrooms. This family is of great interest to those working in herbal medicine, as many of its family members have been used for centuries to treat viral disease. Old herbals from Europe, America, and Asia are filled with references to Polyporacea mushrooms being used to treat a variety of viral diseases, including chicken pox, influenza, hepatitis, herpes, measles, mumps, and the common cold. If the old herbals are trying to tell us something, it would be that this group of mushrooms contains something that inhibits viruses and limits viral disease.
The old herbals indicate that these mushrooms have been used for thousands of years to treat viral disease. We at “The Herbalists” feel that where there is smoke, there is fire. People would not have used these mushrooms for all those years if they did not have a beneficial effect in viral disease.
Fortunately, our story does not stop with the old herbals. Scientists picked up on these clues and conducted extensive animal research to see if there was any truth to these traditional uses. This contemporary research showed that this group of mushrooms stimulated the natural defence system of animals against viral disease. Specifically, these mushrooms were shown to stimulate the production of NK cells, the white blood cells responsible for attacking viral invaders. Beyond this, experiments showed that these mushroom also stimulate the body to produce more interferon, which helps keep viral disease under control. Of all the Polyporacea family members, Maitake was shown to be the most powerful immune stimulant.
It was this combination of historical use and compelling contemporary research that lead us at “The Herbalists” to look at Maitake as a potential immune stimulant. We began using it in a wide variety of cases in which immune suppression was at the root of the problem. We found that when using Maitake, many people suffering from conditions like chronic sinusitis, chronic tonsillitis, chronic bronchitis, chronic cystitis, herpes, constant colds, and post-viral syndrome improved. In time, it has become our herbal medicine of choice when dealing with patients complaining of conditions relating to poor immune function. Although we do use other herbal supplements, Maitake continues to be our first choice for this complaint.
One of the questions frequently asked by our patients is as follows: “What can I expect from Maitake?” This is a difficult question to answer, as no two people are exactly alike. Our experience has been that most people respond to Maitake, some quickly, some slowly. As is true with most herbal medicines, Maitake does not work overnight. Those who persist with it for several months seem to fare better than those who try it for a week and give up. It is not a short term solution for what can be a long term problem. We suggest that our patients use Maitake for three months before they decide if it is making sufficient difference to continue.
We recommend that people suffering from poor immune function start using Maitake in low doses and gradually work up to the recommended dose of six tablets per day. We think the best plan of action is to start taking one tablet a day for the first two days; then increase the dose each day by one tablet until you reach six tablets per day.
We suggest this slow approach because Maitake contains a natural sugar, mannitol, which is known to act as a laxative and diuretic. Many people notice that they go to the toilet more often when they first start taking Maitake, and in some cases this is a welcome change. Starting slowly allows the body to adjust to an entirely new substance. Maitake is perfectly non-toxic and safe, in fact it is the preferred supermarket mushroom in Japan. Where we have the button cap, they have Maitake. However, a bit like prunes, Maitake does seem to get the body moving. As health depends upon the excretion of waste, this is always a good thing! However, this is just a pleasant side effect.
Poor immune function is the problem in the modern age. Practitioners see manifestations of this problem every day. Colds lasting for three months, herpes outbreaks that do not end, one urinary tract infection followed by another urinary tract infection, are all too common for the modern practitioner. The problem is poor immune function and the solution is the natural immune stimulants. Maitake is one of many agents that have been established to stimulate immune function and indeed it is seen as one of the best herbal medicines for the job!
QUICK REVIEW
History: Used as a food and tonic in Asia
Science: Contains complex sugars that stimulate immune function
Practitioners opinion: Excellent in viral disease of all descriptions
Directions: 2-300mg tablets 3 times daily
Professional Level Article
Grifola frondosa: A Possible Addition to the Materia Medica
DR.Douglas Schar, BA, DipPhyt, MCPP
Abstract
Today, the European phytotherapist is entirely dependent upon one America plant, Echinacea purpurea, to stimulate the immune system. Since overdependence on a single drug, such as penicillin, has proven disastrous for the allopathic medical community, this article puts forth numerous reasons why Grifola frondosa (maitake) should be considered as a possible addition to the European immune system materia medica. These reasons include Grifola frondosa’s traditional use for centuries as an immune stimulant, its long term use as a benign food, contemporary research data showing its ability to stimulate immune cells, and its powerful anti-cancer activity. Beyond the dubious practice of Echinacea dependence, the phytotherapist has an increased need for immune stimulating drugs, since an increasing number of patients are presenting with depressed immune systems. It is time to explore the plants in our midst in the aim of finding Echinacea alternatives. The patient, our primary concern, will be the beneficiary of such an endeavour.
Introduction
At present, the European community of phytotherapists need to expand their list of immune system stimulating drugs. Today, the European Phytotherapist is entirely dependent upon one American plant, Echinacea purpurea, to stimulate the immune system.
It is a well recognized fact that no drug works with all patients. Whether a chemotherapeutic or phytotherapeutic drug, patient individuality results in a variety of responses to the same drug. A drug can work well with one patient, moderately with another, and not all with the third. By increasing our materia medica, we offer the second and the third patient an alternative to Echinacea purpurea.
Over dependence upon one drug has proven to be a disaster for the allopathic medical community. There is no reason to suspect that such a practice will work any better for the phytotherapist. The years of over dependence and over use of Penicillin and a handful of other antibiotics have achieved undesirable results to which all are familiar. And yet we are embarked upon a similar course. No one knows what the outcome of overusing Echinacea purpurea will be and there is no need for our community to tempt fate. Common sense says that putting all of ones eggs in one basket is a disaster waiting to happen.
Beyond the dubious practice of Echinacea dependence, the phytotherapist has an increased need for immune system stimulating drugs. An increasing number of patients are presenting with depressed immune system. Factors such as environmental pollution and stress, known to suppress the immune system, are unlikely to improve in the foreseeable future. As such, practitioners will continue to encounter immuno-incompetent patients and the situation may worsen before it improves.
Patients suffering from Hepatitis B and C, Herpes, HIV, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (Post-Viral Syndrome) are frequent attendants at surgeries of phytotherapists. Allopathic physicians and phytotherapists alike have noted the advantage of immuno-stimulants in these conditions, interferon and echinacea being two examples of commonly used drugs. Sadly, these pathologies are not disappearing and some suspect their incidence is on the raise.
Clearly, the immune system materia medica needs to be expanded so that more patients needs can be addressed. We have become reliant upon one American immuno-stimulating drug and are ignoring the wide range of European plants with similar activity. A more reasonable number of immune system stimulating drugs in the materia medica would be five or more. It is time to explore the plants in our midst in the aim of finding echinacea alternatives. The patient, our primary concern, will be the beneficiary of such an endeavour.
In this paper we will discuss one likely candidate for the expanded immune stimulant materia medica, Grifola frondosa. The drug is the fruiting body (mushroom) produced by the fungus. It is native to both the British Isles and Europe. For the purpose of this work, two were collected from Epping Wood in London. Records indicate that it was sold in the Roman markets as a delicacy and it is still one of the most popular wild mushrooms in Britain and Europe. Though it is currently relegated to the gourmet shop, studies over the last twenty years suggest that it might be better used as an immune stimulant.
In order to appreciate Grifola frondosa and its potential application in clinical medicine, it would pay to first examine the use of immuno-stimulant fungi in Europe. The historical developments which have lead to awareness of Grifola frondosa as an immune system stimulant will offer a useful introduction to one unknown drug that is a logical candidate for the materia medica.
Immunity Stimulating Fungi – Past, Present, Future
In Europe, several mushrooms have been used as panaceas with particular application in the treatment of poisoning, venomous bites, infectious disease, and loss of immune function. They were used to treat conditions that required on an active immune system, whether that was an infectious disease or a bite in which venom was injected into the body. They were called tonics and were used when a person faced what was formerly described as debility or loss of vitality. Today, we know “debility” often results from a failed or failing immune system.
The allopathic medical community often ridicules the lists of traditional uses of medicinal plants. Admittedly, claims that a mushroom was used to treat snake bite, tuberculosis, hepatitis, poisoning, influenza, debility, and rheumatoid arthritis seem a bit incredible. However, there is a common thread to all of these conditions. They are all caused by either a failing immune system or are improved by an active immune system. Many panaceas have in the laboratory proven to be immune system stimulants. This is the case with several European medicinal mushrooms.
For the ethnobotanist, it is interesting to note the use of medicinal mushrooms in Europe parallels the Native American use of Echinacea purpurea. Echinacea purpurea was used to treat rattlesnake bite, insect bite, wounds, burns, and coughs and colds. A list that, again, suggests its proven action on the immune system.
It would appear medicinal mushrooms have been used since the earliest day as medicine in Europe. In 1991, hikers discovered the remains of a man that died 3500 years ago in the Italian Alps. The discovery was well covered by the media though certain key facts were omitted. The frozen man had a medicine bag attached to his person which contained a pair of medicinal mushrooms. One has not been identified, the other was identified as Piptoporus betulinus (Bull. Fr.) Karst. (Polyporaceae).28
Interestingly enough, Piptoporus betulinus, the Birch polypore, has been shown to contain polyporenic acid A, B, C. In tests conducted on animals polyporenic acid A has been shown to have an antimicrobial action.5 The fruiting body demonstrated antitumour activity38 and induced interferon production in mice which had an antiviral effect.14 The Ice Age man was smart to carry a supply of this immunity stimulating mushroom in his medicine bag.
The four great ancient medical writers, Hippocrates, Pliny, Dioscorides, and Galen all spoke of the “tonic” properties of mushrooms. Hippocrates, father of western medicine (455 B.C.), discusses the use of mushrooms for the treatment of chronic disease. The main mushroom used by the ancients was Fomitopsis officinalis (Vill. Fr.) Bond. et Sing. (Polyporaceae) or the white agaric. The name agaric is as ancient as the use of this Polypore (Polypore – a member of Polyporaceae).
The mushroom was first called agaricum by Dioscorides (60 A.D.). At the time, the best samples of the drug came from Agraria in the Sarmatian region, hence the name agaricum. Dioscorides recommended its use in traumatic injuries including fractures and wounds, liver disease and jaundice, phthisis, poisoning and the bites of venomous animals.
Pliny (23-79 A.D.) wrote about this mushroom in his Natural History, reiterating the uses mentioned by Dioscorides. Pliny recommended it for the bites of spiders and scorpions, as an antidote in poisonings, to relieve fever, as a cure for tuberculosis, and as a treatment of jaundice.
The infamous Mithridate, allegedly first compounded by the King of Mithridate, contained Fomitopsis officinalis, amongst many other ingredients.25 In the first Pharmacopoeia Londonensis, compiled in 1618, a recipe for mithridate including Fomitopsis officinalis can be found.34 It was in this light that these medicinal mushrooms were seen in the ancient world, cure all’s and panaceas.
Though John Gerard is not accused of being an original thinker, his work does offer a window into the thinking of the medical community in the 17th century. He said this of Fomitopsis officinalis in his book written in 1633, “The same being inwardly taken and outwardly applied, is good for those that are bitten of venomous beasts which hurt with their cold poison, …It is good against shortness of breath, called asthma, the inveterate cough of the lungs, the ptysicke, consumption, and those that spet bloud.”
From the earliest day the white agaric was used to treat obstinate and hard shifted infectious disease like tuberculosis and hepatitis. What we now know is that this plant contains substances that stimulate the immune system into heightened action and thus these conditions are improved.38 As we approach the modern age, we see another use of this drug.
Dr. Finley Ellingwood, MD., wrote this of Fomitopsis officinalis in 1905, “The remedy is applicable to all conditions of malarial origin. It is especially useful in those localities where malaria and the results of malaria prevail. The symptoms are languor, dullness, and general malaise, long continued with the usual results such as disordered digestion, lack of appetite, heavily coated tongue, pale mucous membranes. Usually there is a bitter taste in the mouth, often persistent, with constipation, and a dull, persistent headache. The temperature will be quite erratic. In some cases there is a little fever always present. In others, there is a marked intermission, or remission, may be irregular, not only in time but in amount.”
One of the common names for this mushroom, Quinine agaric, reiterates the above mentioned physicians thoughts about the drug. It was one of the ingredients in Warburg’s tincture (Antiperiodica tinctura) which was used extensively as a tonic into the 20th century. Warburg’s tonic can be found in the British Pharmaceutical Codex 1934 and white agaric is listed as one of the ingredients.9 The formula for this tincture is remarkable similar to that of Mithridate formulated by the ancients as an insurance policy against ill health.
It is interesting to note that as man has passed from generation to generation, medicinal mushrooms, like many of the plants we now call immuno-stimulants, have been used to treat the condition causing problems at the time. The ancient physicians patients were normally the nobility for whom poisoning was a constant threat. In Gerard’s day, overcrowding in cities lead to the spread of tuberculosis or consumption. The white agaric was used to suppress the symptoms of Tuberculosis. In the Victorian age, as world travel escalated and the tropical fevers became known to Europeans, once again, a medicinal mushroom was widely used in medical practice.
After the discovery of Penicillin’s activity against a wide range of bacteria, the medicinal mushrooms previously used in “folk medicine” became the objects of laboratory study. The work was centred on finding antibiotic substances in this group of mushrooms. Members of Polyporaceae, the most commonly used medicinal mushroom in Europe, demonstrated a number of members with antibacterial action.
Boletus Queletii: proved to be active against Staph. aureus.36
Coriolus biformis: Contains polyacetylenic antibiotics such as biformine,biformic acid is active gram positive bacteria, gram negative bacteria, and fungi.38
Coriolus consors: Contains coriolin and diketocoriolin B which inhibits the growth of gram positive bacteria.38
Fomitopsis annosa: contains Fomannosin which shows toxicity to bacteria.38
Piptoporus betulinus (Polyporus betulinus): The mushroom contains inhibitory chemicals to Micrococcus pyogenes, Bacterium racemosum, and Poliomyelitis.38
Polyporus rutilans: Proved to be active against Staph. aureus.36
Poria xantha: Proved to be active against Staph.aureus.36
Polyacetylenes, phenolic compounds, purines, pyrimidines, quinones, and terpenoids found in mushrooms were determined to have an antibiotic effect.3 The fact that Polypores contain antibiotic substances partly explains their previous use in infectious disease.
The ancients use of these drugs in viral disease like hepatitis and influenza, would not be explained by the presence of antibacterial compounds. The poor immunity of the aged, another old indication for these drugs, would equally be unaffected by antibacterial substances.
However, as medicinal mushrooms were being examined for antibiotic substances a different line of research was taking place which ultimately would lead to a discovery that would explain these uses. In 1930, German researchers reported that extracts of several species of mushrooms had an anticancerous effect. Early on mushrooms in the Agaricus, Merulius and Phallius families proved to contain anti-cancer substances.38
In 1950, German researchers found a water extract of Boletus edulis (Polyporaceae) to have a growth retarding effect on Sarcoma 180 tumours in mice. In 1959, other researchers refined Calvacin from Calvatia gigantea and determined that the substance inhibited the growth of Sarcoma 180 in mice.38
The race was then on to find what chemicals in these mushrooms had this potentially magical action. The United States, Japan, and China, all took a great interest in these mushrooms. Some mushrooms families appeared to have an high percentage of members with this action. The Polyporaceae, the family to which Fomitopsis officinalis and Piptoporus betulinus belong, was a family noted to contain many members with an anticancer action. The list of members screening positive for anticancer activity included:38
Bjerkandera fumosa: Used to treat uterine cancer in traditional medicine.
Coriolopsis occidentalis: Inhibited the growth of sarcoma 180 and adenoma 755 in white mice.
Coriolus consors: Anticarcinogenic to Ehrlich ascites carcinoma and leukaemia 1210 in white mice.
Coriolus hirsutis: A water extract has an inhibition rate 65% in sarcoma 180 in white mice.
Coriolus unicolor: Contains anticarcinogenic substances which inhibit Erhlich carcinoma in white mice.
Coriolus versicolour: An extracted polysacharide from the mycelium shows anticancer effect and is used as a anticancer drug in Japan. It has also been used in curing hepatitis B, chronic hepatitis, and curative medicine in cancer liver.
Daedalea biennis: An extract inhibits the growth of sarcoma 180 in white mice.
Daedaleopsis tricolor: A hot water extract had an inhibition rate of 36.5 – 90.0% the growth of sarcoma 180 in white mice.
Fistulina hepatica: Inhibited the growth 95% sarcoma 180 and Ehrlich carcinoma (90%) in white mice.
Fomitopsis cytisina: A cold water extract had a 70.2% inhibition sarcoma 180 and cold water extract had an inhibition rate of 44.2% in white mice.
Fomitopsis officinalis: It inhibits the growth of sarcoma 180 by 80%.
Fomitopsis pinicola: A water extract had an 51.2% inhibition rate of sarcoma 180 in white mice.
Fomitopsis rosea: Inhibition rate in sarcoma 180 in white mice of 70%.
Fomitopsis ulmaria: Water extract had a 44.8% inhibition rate in sarcoma 180 in white mice.
Ganoderma applanatum: Used in folk medicine for oesophageal cancer and had an inhibition rate of 64.9% in sarcoma 180.
Ganoderma boniense: Inhibition rate of 70% in sarcoma 180.
Ganoderma tsugae: Water extract inhibited the growth of sarcoma 180 and adenoma 755 in white mice. The sodium hydroxide extract had inhibition rate of 77.8% in Sarcoma 180 in white mice.
Lenzites betulinus: Used in leg and waist pain and problematic tendons. A methanol extract inhibited sarcoma 180 in white mice 23.3%-38%
Lenzites saepiaria: A liquid culture of fungus inhibited the growth of sarcoma 180 in white mice.
Lenzites trabea: A liquid culture of this fungus inhibited the growth of sarcoma 180 in white mice.
Phellinus gilvus: Inhibited sarcoma 180 up to 90% and Ehrlich carcinoma up to 60%.
Phellinus hartigii: The water and methanol extract inhibited sarcoma 180 67.9%-100% and Ehrlich carcinoma 90% in white mice.
Phellinus igniarius: The hot water extract inhibited sarcoma 180 in white mice was 87% and the water extract inhibited the growth of Ehrlich carcinoma 80% in white mice.
Phellinus linteus: A hot water extract inhibited sarcoma 180 by 96.7% in white mice.
Phellinus setulosus: Inhibited sarcoma 180 70% and Ehrlich carcinoma 60% in white mice.
Polyporus albicans: An ethanol extract inhibited Ehrlich carcinoma in mice and Yoshida sarcoma in rats.
Polyporus betulinus: A hot water extract to which ethanol was added resulted in crystals which had a inhibition rate of 49% in sarcoma 180 in white mice.
Polyporus frondosus (Grifola frondosa): A water extract inhibited Ehrlich sarcoma 98.1% in white mice.
Polyporus giganteus: A water extract inhibited Ehrlich sarcoma in white mice and had an inhibition rate in sarcoma 180 of 90% in white mice.
Polyporus umbellatus: An extract of the mushroom inhibited Sarcoma 180 in white mice 70%. It is used in clinical trials successfully for lung, cervix, oesophagus, gastric, liver, intestine, breast, cancer, leukaemia and lymphosarcoma.
Poria cocos: It had an inhibition rate of 96.88 in sarcoma 180 in white mice.
Poriah corticola: A fermented fluid inhibited sarcoma 180 and malignant adenoma 755 in white mice.
Poria subacida: Inhibited leukaemia L-1210 in white mice.
Pyropolyporus fomentaria (Fomes fomentarius): Used in dyspepsia and cancer of oesophagus, stomach, uterus. It inhibited sarcoma 180 80% in white mice.
Pyropolyporus rimosus: A water extract inhibited growth of sarcoma in white mice.
Trametes albida: Inhibited sarcoma 180 by 70%.
Trametes cinnabarina: Inhibited sarcoma 180 by 90%
Trametes dickinsii: A hot water extract inhibited sarcoma 180 in white mice by 41%.
Trametes gibbosa: A hot water extract inhibited sarcoma 180 white mice by 49%
Trametes orientalis: Its inhibition of sarcoma 180 was 80%.
Tyromyces pubescans: A hot water plus ethanol extract inhibited growth of sarcoma 180 in white mice 59.5%
Tyromyces sulphureus: Inhibited Ehrlich carcinoma in white mice.
Xanthochrous hispidus: It inhibited sarcoma 180 by 80% and Ehrlich carcinoma 70 %.
With such overwhelming evidence that members of Polyporaceae contained some compound or a series of compounds with an anticancer action, research continued. Initially, it was thought that these mushrooms contained cytoxic compounds that targeted cancer cells. As the work progressed, it became clear this was not the case.
A group of researchers in China investigated another Polypore, Polyporus umbellatus. It was established that the anticancer effect of this mushroom was due to stimulation of the immune system. Once researchers found that these mushrooms acted in cancer via the immune system, the whole range of mushrooms was once again subject to scrutiny. Trametes versicolour was shown to stimulate macrophage activity22 and Ganoderma lucidum was shown to strengthen the bone marrow.7
As mankind approaches the 21st Century, we are confronted with failing immune system. Once again, the medicinal mushroom and its immuno-stimulant action, can factor into the practice of medicine. Even allopathy has changed its focus in response to the crisis of the immune system and are investigating drugs that can assist the body fight its own battles. There is no doubt that medicinal mushrooms, panaceas from the past, will become household items in the next century.
It the midst of the flurry of research around Polyporaceae, Grifola frondosa came to the fore as a powerful immune stimulant. Early research showed that it inhibited sarcoma 180 by 98.1% as compared to the its others relations with significantly lower inhibition rates. These early findings resulted in a substantial amount of research into this European woodland resident.
The Botany of Grifola frondosa
Grifola frondosa’s Placement in the Fungal world
- Basidiomycotina
- Hymenomycetes
- Aphyllophorales
- Polyporaceae
- Grifola (Polyporus)
- Polyporaceae
- Aphyllophorales
- Hymenomycetes
Scientific name: The current name for this plant is Grifola frondosa (Dicks; Fr., S. F. Grey). Until recently, it was known as Polyporus frondosa. Authors continue to use the two names interchangeably. Grifola is derived from the Italian word for a mythical beast (griffin). Frondosa refers to the frond like nature of the fruiting bodies produced by the fungus.
Common names: Grifola frondosa is called Hen of the Woods in Britain. In North America it is known as Hen of the Woods and or Chicken of the Woods. In France it is called Poule de Bois. In Japan it is called maitake. The western names refers to its similarity in taste to chicken.
Distribution: Grifola frondosa is a common mushroom that can be found growing in temperate deciduous forests in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Habitat: Generally, Grifola frondosa lives oaks, hornbeams, chestnuts, and maples. It can grow on any hardwood tree and occasionally coniferous trees. The mushroom feeds on lignin causing white heart rot. Incidence: There is great dissension as to whether Grifola frondosa is a rare or common fungus. Texts hold differing opinions. One British mushroom collector, Andrew Overalls, feels that it is common, but hard to find.
Life Span: Grifola frondosa is a perennial fungus mushroom and can live on the same tree for decades.
Fruiting Season: Grifola produces fruiting bodies in late summer and early fall. The fungus produces fruiting bodies irregularly.
Shape of Fruiting Bodies: Grifola frondosa is known as a bracket fungus and differs in physical form from the button cap mushroom. These mushrooms lack the traditional stem found on common mushrooms, instead hundreds of caps converge on a central base. Colour of the Fruiting Bodies: Grey, though the colour ranges from grey to dark yellowish brown to dark grey, occasionally creamy white.
Size of the Fruiting Bodies: One of the hallmarks of Grifola frondosa is its enormous size. The mycelium can spread over the entire trunk of a large tree and its roots. It can weigh 100 pounds and measure two feet across.
Texture of Fruiting Bodies: Most of the Polypores become wood like as they mature. Grifola, unlike its relations, is soft in texture, similar to a button cap mushroom.
Spores: Grifola frondosa produces spores copiously. They are 6.0 by 4.3 microns in size and white in colour.
Aroma: The fruiting body is noted for having a mouse like odour.
Chemical constituents of Grifola frondosa
Amino acids: Glutamine, alanine, threonine, asparagine, valine, lysine, arginine, serine. Research has shown that as the Grifola frondosa mushroom grows, the total protein content and free amino acid reduces by half.20
Enzymes: Polysacharide hydrolases (Cellulase, hemicellulose, chitinase, amylase, pectinase); Lignin hydrolases (phenol oxidase, lactase, tyrosinase, peroxidase) and Proteases (aminoendopeptidase).20
Lectins (Hemagglutinin): A glycoprotein known as maitake lectin. (Isoelectric point pH 5.9 and a saccharide content of 3.3%.).20
Triglycerides: Grifola frondosa (maitake) contains 3.4% fat which puts it in the middle range of mushrooms in general. Octodecenoic and octadecadienoic acids being the major unsaturated fatty acids found in it.6 More specifically, Grifola frondosa (maitake) contains a wide range of fatty substances. Here is a short list of what has been found in this specific medicinal mushroom.
- Neutral Triglycerides.
- Sterol lipids: acylsterol, ergosterol, fungisterol, methylsterol.
- Sphingo lipids: Ceremide (N-2′-hydroxy lignoseroyl-4-hydroxy-sphingonine), Cerebroside (1-O-glucosyl-N’-hydroxypalmitoyl-9-methyl-4-trans-8-sphingonine.20
- Phospholipids: phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidyl-ethanolamine (mycelium), and phosphatidyl-inositol, phosphotidylserine and phosphatidic acid.15
Vitamins and Minerals: Vitamin B1, B2, provitamin D, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, sodium, and zinc.20
*Grifola frondosa (maitake) contains metal bound proteins known to assist in the absorption of minerals across the intestinal wall and into the circulation. One of the problems with many of the metal minerals is the body has a hard time absorbing them.27
Nucleotides: 5′-nucleotides (106-366 mg/100gm) including GMP.26
Acids: Pyroglutamic acid, lactic acid, acetic acid, formic acid, malic acid, citric acid, succinic acid, oxalic acid, and fumaric acid.20
Sugars: Trehalose, mannitol, chitin, Alpha and Beta-D-glucans.
Grifola frondosa
Until the mid 1970′s Grifola frondosa was collected from the wild and was only available in small and inconsistent quantities. As the result of investigation, mycologists discovered the secrets of this elusive mushrooms life cycles. They were able to simulate the conditions found in nature which stimulated the Grifola frondosa fungus to grow and produce fruiting bodies (mushrooms). The mushroom went from being rarely available to being available year round. It can now be purchased in grocery stores in the United States and Japan.
Commercial production of any of the immune stimulating Polypores is essential for any of them to be considered for use in phytotherapy. Mushrooms, by nature, are unpredictable and unreliable in producing fruiting bodies. Mushrooms collectors in Britain are quick to comment that Grifola frondosa is a common mushroom with the proviso that they have been known not to fruit for several years running. Availability must be a defining feature of the candidates for the European list of immuno-stimulant drugs. Many drugs are promising but lack of supply makes them of academic interest only.
The availability and early findings around Grifola frondosa, in Asia and North America, has made it a prime subject for research. Earlier work had established that mushrooms, like Grifola frondosa, acted in cancer via immune stimulation. In preliminary work, researchers established that Grifola frondosa was not a cytotoxic drug. They then established that when a Grifola frondosa extract was injected into mice tumours, the tumours shrank in size.29,30 The suspicion being that, like other Polypores, Grifola frondosa acted as an anticancer agent via activation of the immune system.
In the aim of proving this, a number of experiments were conducted. As an example, in one experiment, the immune system of tumour bearing mice was blocked by the administration of an immune suppressive drugs (carrageenin, colloidal carbon, trypan blue). When these mice were injected with an extract of Grifola frondosa, the extract was not effective in inhibiting tumour growth. Tumour bearing mice were then given immune system stimulating drugs (thioglycollate medium or casein) after which an extract of Grifola frondosa was slightly more effective in reducing tumour size.23, 24
It was concluded that Grifola frondosa activity in tumour suppression was linked to its effect on the immune system. Compounds found in Grifola frondosa were suspected to stimulate the immune system and in turn the immune system was then better able to contain cancer’s growth. Research then focused on the activity of Grifola frondosa on the immune system
An extract of Grifola frondosa was injected intraperitoneally into mice after they had been implanted with tumour cells (MM46, IMC carcinoma, and Meth-A sarcoma). The researchers concluded that the extract directly activated various immune cells. (macrophages, natural killer cells, and killer T cells). The extract also potentiated the activities of immune system mediators (lymphokines and interleukin-1). They found that under the influence of the extract, the immune cells were activated. This occurred even when an expected decrease in activity was anticipated.1
Again in 1987, Takeyama et al. established that the anti-tumour effect of a Grifola frondosa extract was due to host mediated mechanisms involving both macrophages and T-cells. An extract of Grifola frondosa was injected intraperitoneally into mice implanted with tumor cells. (MM-46, Meth A fibrosarcoma, P815 mastocytoma). The extract was screened for cytotoxic activity and was found not to be cytotoxic. It was concluded that the antitumour effect of this extract involved both macrophages and T-cells.
In another study, powdered Grifola frondosa, fed to mice, enhanced the activities of macrophages (by 1.4 times), N-killer-cells (by 1.86 times), and cytotoxic T-cells (by 1.6 times). This lead to a 86% tumour growth in mice implanted with tumour cells as compared to a control group.17
Again in 1989, Suzuki et al., demonstrated that an extract of Grifola frondosa demonstrated significant antitumour effects in Meth A and IMC solid tumour systems in mice . The antitumour effect was shown to be as a result of enhanced activity of macrophages and Natural Killer cells. The extract was administered sub-cutaneously to the mice.
In yet another study, Adachi et al. (1989) demonstrated that macrophages, having been treated with an Grifola frondosa extract, consumed 50% more glucose. More over, under the extracts influence, macrophages had an enhanced synthesis and release of lysosomal enzymes. The extract increased macrophage cellular respiration and production of killer substances.
In 1990, Yamada et al., demonstrated that the oral administration of a Grifola frondosa extract potentiated the delayed hypersensitivity reaction to tumour antigens in mice implanted with tumours. The conclusion being the extracts action against tumours was in part due to a potentiated delayed type hypersensitivity reaction against the tumour antigens. The potentiated delayed type hypersensitivity reaction involved both macrophages and T-cells.
Studies indicate that in mice, Grifola frondosa stimulates the immune system. The stimulation is manifest in an increased activity of macrophages, T-cells, and Natural Killer cells. An element in the immune cell communication system, interleukin 1 and the lymphokines, are also stimulated under its influence. Bearing this in mind, it is not hard to imagine how such a drug could positively effect a wide range of conditions. Surprisingly, Grifola frondosa has not made its way into the European botanical materia medica. Indeed, most phytotherapists would not recognize it if they passed it in the woods. Despite all the encouraging evidence, there are several questions remaining in regards Grifola frondosa as a possible addition to the materia medica.
Are The AVAILABLE Studies Relevant?
Ethnobotanists and phytotherapists need to be discerning when it comes to studies confirming or condemning the use of traditional botanical drugs. Many of the studies are done using animals and involve the subcutaneous administration of the drugs in question. The relevance of a study where a drug is administered by syringe when the drug has been used as an oral medication in traditional medicine is questionable. Unless the study involves the administration of the drug in a manner similar to the traditional use of the drug, it can hardly be used to substantiate or refute the folk use of a drug. Phytotherapists do not always make the distinction or differentiation.
Most of the research done on medicinal plants is done by pharmaceutical concerns in search of a silver bullet, a magic cure for the pathology in question. The route of administration, more often than not, is subcutaneous. This appears to be the case with Grifola frondosa. Bearing in mind much of the research done on Grifola frondosa has involved subcutaneous administration of extracts of the drug, the relevance of this data to practising phytotherapists becomes suspect. The question, does it work when taken orally, needs to be asked.
As is not often the case, studies have been done that establish the immune system activation of Grifola frondosa takes place when the drug is administered orally. Here is a sampling of such studies.
- Researchers determined that extracts of Grifola frondosa were active against tumours when taken orally or when injected into mice.29, 30
- The addition of powdered, dried, Grifola frondosa in the mouse food (20%) activated the immune response as well as stimulated a strong antitumour response.16
- It was determined that an extract of Grifola frondosa (D-fraction) was active against tumours when orally administered. With oral administration, activity of phagocytes and T cells was enhanced. The killing ability of both cells was improved, and the delayed hypersensitivity response was potentiated.8
- It was determined that the oral administration of an extract of Grifola frondosa potentiated delayed type hypersensitivity reactions of mice immune systems towards implanted cancer cells.37
- An extract of Grifola frondosa (D-fraction) has been shown to have an antitumour effect in mice implanted MM-46 carcinoma and IMC carcinoma when given orally or injected.21
Grifola frondosa has been shown to have a stimulating effect on the immune system when orally administered. Though the history of the use of the Polypores suggests this must be the case, laboratory confirmation is encouraging.
The work done up to this point has been done on animals, largely mice, and the relevance of animal studies is widely debated. The acceptable standard is rising as the minutes pass. Certainly echinacea purpurea came into mainstream use with far fewer studies, also conducted on animals, which, at the time was sufficient. Oddly enough, those who use Echinacea purpurea with great regularity, and base their use on fewer studies, might not accept the admission of this plant into the materia medica. Phytotherapists must be cautious not let the standards raise to the extent reasonable admissions are overlooked.
The fact that Grifola frondosa is benign enough to be sold in supermarkets next to button cap mushrooms, combined with the animal studies available, indicate that it needs some review by the community of phytotherapists.
Is Grifola frondosa the best mushroom for the Phytotherapist to use as an immune stimulant ?
There are a number of European medicinal mushrooms available to the phytotherapists today. As a result of the increased interest in gourmet fungus, many mushrooms formerly gathered from the woods, can now be found at the grocery store. A number of immunity boosting mushrooms, Lentinus edodes (shitake), Pleurotus ssp. (oyster mushroom), and Tremella fuciformis (tree ear mushroom) are now available for the practice of medicine, all of which have been shown to have immune system stimulating activity. In fact, any of these mushrooms would be a welcome addition to the very limited immune system materia medica.
However, it would appear that Grifola frondosa is the most powerful stimulant of the immune system amongst the medicinal mushrooms now widely available. If one surveys the list of anticancer Polypores found earlier in this article, one will notice that where as most of the mushrooms rate of tumour inhibition hovered around the 60-70 percentile mark, Grifola frondosa achieved a inhibition rate of 98.1%. This high rate of tumour inhibition must correlate to its ability to stimulate the immune system. Several studies have established, In fact, Grifola is the superior anticancer drug.
In one study, when Lentinus edodes, Grifola frondosa, Agaricus bisporus, Pleurotus ostreatus, Flammulina velutipea, Pholiota glutinosa, Tremelia fuciformis, Auricularia minor, Volvariella volvaceae were fed to tumor bearing mice, Grifola frondosa most effectively retarded cancer growth.16
In another study, an extract of Grifola frondosa (D-fraction) was compared. Dr. Namba compared the action of Grifola frondosa with several extracts commonly used in the treatment of cancer in Asia. In mice, tumour reduction as a result of a Grifola frondosa D fraction was 86.6% compared with PSK (Trametes versicolour [-7.1%]) and lentinan (Lentinus edodes [54.4%]). The drugs were administered subcutaneously.21
Though comparative studies of the activation of the immune system by various medicinal mushrooms have yet to be done, work on the anticancer activity of Grifola frondosa suggests it may be the most powerful immune stimulant in Polyporaceae.
Active Constituents
It has been determined that the immune system stimulating action of Grifola frondosa depends on polysaccharides contained in the fruiting bodies of the fungus. Polysaccharide, protein bound polysaccharide fractions, and other sub-fractions in Grifola frondosa have been isolated and checked for immune system activation and tumour inhibiting action in animals. Though there may be other constituents contained in the fruiting bodies with immune system stimulating action, the polysaccharides are the only substances that have demonstrated this action up to this point.1, 10, 20, 30, 31
Immune system stimulating sugars found in Grifola frondosa include:
- Beta-D-glucan (Beta-(1-6)-branched Beta-(1-3)-D-glucan).
- Beta-(1-6)-D-Glucan having beta-(1-3)-branched chain.
- Alpha-D-Glucan.11, 13, 20, 35
Grifola frondosa contains Beta-D-glucans and Alpha-D-glucans in two forms, laminaran type (native) and the curdlan type (helix).23, 24
A potentially rewarding line of research would be the comparison of the polysaccharides found in Grifola frondosa as compared to those found in Echinacea purpurea. In that these two drugs have similar ethnobotanical profiles and have been determined to have similar activity in animal studies, there might be similarities in their chemical structure of their active constituents. Such a comparison could shed new light on both and the class of drugs in general.
Theories of how Grifola frondosa works
There is great debate as to how Grifola frondosa stimulates the immune system. As with the Echinacea purpurea, the are only theories at this point as to how Grifola works. Very little is known in real terms and the area is in need of further research. The theories around Grifola frondosa’s action may be of interest to some.
To recap that which we know; it has been demonstrated that extracts of Grifola frondosa suppress tumour growth via immune system stimulation when administered subcutaneously and orally in mice; the polysaccharides found in the fungus have been established to stimulate the immune cells in test animals. Whether or not the polysaccharides are absorbed, or even if they need to be absorbed, remains undetermined. The theories deal with basic issues such as absorption and continue through the compounds interaction with the immune system.
The Grifola frondosa immunity boosting polysaccharides are enormous molecules, molecular weights of 1,000,000 are reported for many of them. Molecules this size are not absorbed by the gut as from a physiological stand point, they cannot be. One theory holds that the bacteria in the gut cleave these sugars into molecules that are of an molecular weight that can be carried across the cell membrane. Theorists in Japan suggest that molecular weights of 35,000 are achieved through bacterial cleavage and these subunits are then taken into the circulation. Once these polysaccharide subunits are absorbed into the circulation, they are thought to activate the immune cells.
Some theorists suggest that the polysaccharides pass through the gut relatively unchanged and act without being absorbed. Upon encountering the immune cells found in the gut, they stimulate an immune reaction merely by coming into contact with the immune cells. The gut is noted for being populated by large populations of immune cells. The immune response starts in the gut with an interaction between these polysaccharides and immune cells and ultimately results in a systemic immune reaction.
One theory dealing with how the compounds found in Grifola frondosa wake up the immune cells deals with the chemistry of the sugars. This theory holds that the sugars are bound to proteins and once cleaved to size that can make it across the cell membrane, the sugar, attached to a protein, make their way into general circulation. The theory continues that the sugar/protein complex, once in the blood stream, is picked up by the immune system as being foreign or non-self, and an immune response is mounted.
Another theory around immune cell activation hinges on the notion that the molecular structure of Grifola frondosa’s sugar protein complex is similar to those found on the cell membrane of bacteria. When the immune system encounters these sugars they are duped into believing they have come across a virulent microbial invader. An alarm is sounded and the immune system mounts a response, though it is indeed a false alarm. As previously stated, these are only theories. There is much research that needs to be done.
Conclusion
Let us return to the original objective of this article; to review a possible addition to the European immune system materia medica. A number of factors have been brought forward that indicate Grifola frondosa is a likely candidate for admission to this materia medica.
- Polypores have been used for centuries as immune system stimulants in traditional medicine in Europe.
- Grifola frondosa is an article of diet and is benign enough to be distributed in supermarkets in Asia and North America.
- It has been established, in animal studies, that Grifola frondosa activates macrophages, T-cells, and Natural Killer Cells.
- It has been established that Grifola frondosa activates the immune system when administered orally.
- In comparative studies with other medicinal mushrooms, Grifola frondosa has been established to be one of the more powerful anticancer agents amongst its relations and is possibly one of the strongest immuno-stimulant amongst the mushrooms.
- Practitioners in America are using it in Viral conditions like HIV infection, ARC (Kaposi carcinoma), Viral Hepatitis, and in Chronic fatigue syndrome. They are using it in combination with other drugs in cancer and in cases of generally depressed immune systems. In preliminary clinical work, practitioners using the drug speak highly of it.
For all these reasons, Grifola frondosa seems a logical prospective candidate for the materia medica. Though all the facts are not known, certainly enough is known to suggest, at a minimum, its contemplation for admission. It could be argued that enough evidence is at hand for it to be used in clinical medicine.
This article hopes to raise several important issues beyond a possible addition to the materia medica. Firstly, we are badly in need of additional immune system stimulating drugs. Our dependence upon Echinacea purpurea is unacceptable and unnecessary.
Secondly, the process of discovery must not be stunted by the current trend towards absolute verification prior to the use of safe botanical drugs. This mentality would have denied plants like Echinacea purpurea admission to the materia medica. Echinacea purpurea was used by the plains Indians to treat snake bite, it was not used to treat recurrent tonsillitis. There are no studies indicating Echinacea works in infected tonsils, yet many person has been spared a tonsillectomy with its use. Countless patients have been helped by this plant, patients that might still be unwell if it were not for its use.
Certainly it is not being suggested that potentially dangerous drugs be used before substantial research is done into their possible side effects. However, Grifola frondosa is eaten as a food, it is clearly a benign drug. To deny it a place in the European materia medica would be a loss. The scientific process has its relevance, but trial and error also has a place. We must strike a balance between traditionally usage of botanical drugs and scientific research if we are to increase our materia medica. A combination of ethnobotany and scientific research could be a powerful combination in the effort to increase our materia medical.
Perhaps the first issue to be addressed is the creation of a reasonable criteria for the admission of “new” drugs into the materia medica. Whatever the process needs to be, the materia medica needs to be enlarged, and drugs like Grifola frondosa need to be reviewed.
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Posted in Archives, Medicine, Scientific Name, Scientific Name | Leave a commentCommonName: Pink Lemon | ScientificName:Citrus limon
January 1, 2011One of my coolest discoveries was that there was a pink lemon and that pink lemonaide, way back when, was actually made out of a pink lemon! The tree is pretty amazing, its varigated, which means its green and white striped, and the lemon itself is green and white! The flesh is red like a red grapefruit, and, when squeezed and mixed with water, makes a delicious pink lemonaide. Today pink lemonaide is just lemon juice and pink coloring, but, the pink lemon does exist.
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- Here you can see the striped lemon hanging on the green and white striped tree!