Ancient Chinese mushroom stops spread of invasive cancers.
Research published in the scientific journals Integrative Cancer Therapies and Oncology Reports showed that Reishi inhibited highly invasive breast and prostate cancer cells. Another study in Immunological Investigations (2005) revealed that it promoted anti tumour activity. Biological response modifiers (BRM’s) are evolving as the fourth method of cancer treatment in addition to surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Reishi is a BRM with an extraordinary effect on the maturation, differentiation and proliferation of many kinds of immune cells and is a proven potent activator of interferon, interleukins, tumour necrosis factor (TNF), natural killer cells (NK), T lymphocytes, tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL’s) and lymphokine activated killer cells (LAK). Hundreds of studies over the last 20 years have confirmed that medicinal mushroom polysaccharides elevate levels of cytokines (chemical messengers) that alert the immune system and boost its activity. Cancer Research UK produced the world’s most comprehensive review of their benefits. There is increasing evidence that medicinal mushrooms contain a remarkable array of medicinally important compounds that could have a highly beneficial influence on the way cancer is treated.
A fully functional immune system is critical to the recognition and elimination of tumour cells. The increased incidence of spontaneous tumours in immunosuppressed individuals indicates that the immune system provides a substantial defence mechanism for resistance against cancer. Research noted, ‘It was evident from clinical trials that Reishi significantly enhanced the immune systems of the elderly people taking it’.
Extracts from medicinal mushrooms have been found to improve quality of life for cancer patients when taken prior to and during radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy invariably damage or weaken the patient’s immunological defences. Although responding favourably, cancer patients are in danger of opportunistic infections that can invade their systems because unfortunately the therapy designed to kill the pathogenic cells also kills their protective immune cells. A combination of Reishi and Cordyceps has been clinically tested for cancer treatment support. Researchers believe that a mixture of mushroom polysaccharides maximises the immune response by providing multiple stimuli.
Medicinal mushrooms are thought to have latent cancer preventative properties. Epidemiological studies in Japan and Brazil suggest that regular consumption significantly reduces the levels of cancer incidence. A 14-year study in Japan revealed cancer rates of workers at medicinal mushroom farms were 1 in 1000 compared to 1 in 600 for the general population. The distinguished Japanese surgeon, Dr Morishige incorporates Reishi into cancer treatments and after years of studying it believes it can help to prevent cancer.
Reishi is a powerful antioxidant free radical scavenger. Free radicals causing oxidative damage to cells are thought to be a contributing factors in ageing and have been implicated in many diseases, including cancer. Recent research in Science Express and reported by Reuters and BBC News proved that reducing free radical damage enabled a 20% longer life span with less heart and other age-related diseases. A compound in Reishi, GLB7, actually slows the production of free radicals.
Reishi has been rated China’s top medicinal herb for over 2000 years with Ginseng in second place and so highly treasured it was traded for its own weight in gold and once only available to Emperors. Now it is the most important and most thoroughly researched herb in the Orient. Reishi contains over 200 active and unique compounds, including the most biologically active compounds obtainable from plant sources. Its dynamic antioxidant action and immune stimulating effects have earned it many names including, ‘The Long Life Herb’, ‘The Great Protector’ and even ‘God’s Herb’.
As well as its potent immune boosting effects Reishi has the extraordinary capacity to regulate and balance the immune system when it is overactive and has over compensated in autoimmune conditions like allergies. It also inhibits histamine release from mast cells making it effective against all four types of allergic reactions.
Personally sourced in China, Lifeforce Herbs imports top quality Reishi concentrated extract containing the highest levels of active ingredients in the world. They also stock Cordyceps, the ‘Herb of Life’ as featured on Newsnight on July 19 2005.
For press enquiries, quotes and samples contact: Howell at Lifeforce Herbs on 0845 060 0052 or email: info@lifeforce-herbs.co.uk
