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At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- "Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition"; An Evidence-Based Review of a Lentinula edodes Mushroom Extract as Complementary Therapy in the Surgical Oncology Patient; S.K. Shah, et al.; May 2011
- "Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition"; An Evidence-Based Review of a Lentinula edodes Mushroom Extract as Complementary Therapy in the Surgical Oncology Patient; S.K. Shah, et al.; May 2011
- "Journal of Medicinal Food"; Maitake (D Fraction) Mushroom Extract Induces Apoptosis in Breast Cancer Cells by BAK-1 Gene Activation; R. Soares, et al.; June 2011
- "Journal of Medicinal Food"; Maitake (D Fraction) Mushroom Extract Induces Apoptosis in Breast Cancer Cells by BAK-1 Gene Activation; R. Soares, et al.; June 2011
- "Journal of Medicinal Food"; An Extract of the Pleurotus Ostreatus Mushroom Bolsters the Glutathion Redux System in Various Organs of Aged Rats; T. Jayakumar, et al.; August 2010
- "Journal of Medicinal Food"; An Extract of the Pleurotus Ostreatus Mushroom Bolsters the Glutathion Redux System in Various Organs of Aged Rats; T. Jayakumar, et al.; August 2010
- "The Japanese Journal of Veterinary Research"; Protective Effective Effect of Pleurotus Cornucopiae Mushroom Extract on Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatotoxicity; B.K. El, et al.; August 2009
- "The Japanese Journal of Veterinary Research"; Protective Effective Effect of Pleurotus Cornucopiae Mushroom Extract on Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatotoxicity; B.K. El, et al.; August 2009
- "Clinical and Molecular Allergy"; An Extract of the Medicinal Mushroom Agaricus Blazei Murill Can Protect Against Allergy; L.K. Ellertson, et al.; May 2009
- "Clinical and Molecular Allergy"; An Extract of the Medicinal Mushroom Agaricus Blazei Murill Can Protect Against Allergy; L.K. Ellertson, et al.; May 2009
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
What Does Mushroom Extract Do?
Mushroom extract comes in both pill and liquid form and you can find this substance derived from a variety of mushroom types, from reishi to shiitake. Each mushroom's extract provides a variety of benefits, but do not introduce this natural medicine to your diet until you get approval from your health care provider.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Cancer Treatment
Some mushroom extracts benefit you while undergoing cancer treatment. A study published in the May 2011 issue of the "Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition" explores the benefits of shiitake mushroom extract for cancer patients, while research featured in the June 2011 edition of the "Journal of Medicinal Food" indicates that maitake mushroom extract kills breast cancer cells 12. Researchers theorize that the extracts from both of these types mushrooms may be developed into effective treatments for cancer.
Anti-Aging Benefits
Mushroom extract can be used as topical treatment or internal medicine to prevent the effects of aging on skin and organs. Evidence available in the August 2010 "Journal of Medicinal Food" correlates laboratory testing of extracts from the oyster mushroom tested on aging rats with benefits to the brain, liver, kidneys and heart 3. Researchers believe oyster mushroom extracts may provide antioxidant benefits to these organs that might delay age-related deterioration.
Liver Toxicity Protection
A variety of environmental toxins can damage your liver. A study released in the August 2009 issue of "The Japanese Journal of Veterinary Research" suggests that extracts from the Tamogidake mushrooms may help protect the liver from toxicity triggered by exposure to carbon tetrachloride 4. This environmental compound is used to manufacture refrigerants and substances in aerosol cans as well as oil, varnish and resin solvents. You may also find it in dry cleaning agents, although only industrial use of carbon tetrachloride is allowed in the United States. Additional testing is needed to determine if Tamogidake mushroom extract effectively protects the human liver.
Allergy Therapy
If you suffer from some allergies, extract made from a Brazilian mushroom may offer benefits. Research featured in the May 2009 issue of "Clinical and Molecular Allergy" indicates that extracts that derive from Agaricus blazei Murill mushrooms suppressed allergies triggered by proteins in egg whites in animal studies 5. Human testing is needed to determine if this effect applies to men and women.
- "Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition"; An Evidence-Based Review of a Lentinula edodes Mushroom Extract as Complementary Therapy in the Surgical Oncology Patient; S.K. Shah, et al.; May 2011
- "Journal of Medicinal Food"; Maitake (D Fraction) Mushroom Extract Induces Apoptosis in Breast Cancer Cells by BAK-1 Gene Activation; R. Soares, et al.; June 2011
- "Journal of Medicinal Food"; An Extract of the Pleurotus Ostreatus Mushroom Bolsters the Glutathion Redux System in Various Organs of Aged Rats; T. Jayakumar, et al.; August 2010
- "The Japanese Journal of Veterinary Research"; Protective Effective Effect of Pleurotus Cornucopiae Mushroom Extract on Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatotoxicity; B.K. El, et al.; August 2009
- "Clinical and Molecular Allergy"; An Extract of the Medicinal Mushroom Agaricus Blazei Murill Can Protect Against Allergy; L.K. Ellertson, et al.; May 2009
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