We are all familiar with the nutritional and economical value of mushrooms; for example, truffles, a relative of the mushroom, often sell for $400 a pound depending on current availability. There are approximately 100,000 different mushroom varieties growing throughout the world, thriving in dark places where no other plant can survive. So what is this amazing edible "plant" without roots, flowers, seeds or leaves? Those mouth-watering morsels are actually the fruits of fungi.

The main body of the fungus lives on dead trees and living tree roots, varying in size from a few inches to several miles wide. After absorbing large amounts of water, the fungi grow quickly, sprouting their fruits out of the ground literally overnight. Mushrooms have a unique ability to develop natural biological defenses to prevent bacteria and viruses from entering their structure. It is this ability that makes mushrooms important as medicinal aides in treating or preventing diseases in humans and our pets.

The practice of using fungi, especially mushrooms as a food source, and as a curative for diseases, dates back thousands of years. In recent decades, scientific and medical research, especially in Japan, Korea, China, Europe, Africa and more recently the United States, has been confirming the efficacy of these fungi and identifying the bioactive molecules.

Recently, I learned of some new mushrooms: "Candy Caps" with a sweet flavor, and "Ice Man" mushrooms (birch gall). These were found in a pouch next to a recently unearthed frozen cave man estimated to be approximately 5000 years old! The spores of these ancient mushrooms are being re-cultivated, and the discovery of both man with mushroom pouch is the earliest indication that mushrooms were utilized during the prehistoric period. Initial findings have shown these two mushrooms contain anti-parasitic, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. (A follow-up on the medicinal value of the "Candy Caps" and "Ice Man" mushrooms will be included in the next edition of my book: "The Healthy Wholistic Dog.")

A number of purified compounds extracted from various medicinal mushrooms are now being used successfully against sarcomas, allergies, immune disorders and more. Most people know of the enoki, portabella, buttons, porcini and chanterelle mushrooms, which are all delectable foods; for medicinal purposes, some of my favorite mushrooms include turkey tail, red reishi, cordyceps, agaricus, snow fungus, chagra, shitake, zhu ling and kombucha ( it is a fungus!).

It is extremely important to utilize the correct amounts of each mushroom when creating a formula to treat a specific illness. For example, in my Mushroom Medley, dosages can range from 5 to 15 grams per serving depending on the illness, and the weight and age of the animal. The animal’s characteristics also allow for variations in the amount given--a serving of up to 1-3 grams may be effective for daily maintenance. In our Positive Health Liquid Supplement we utilize- turkey tail, reishi, maitake, and agaricus, along with a full spectrum of enzymes, probiotics and other cellular enhancers.

During my ten years of working with mushrooms, I have observed animals’ lives being enriched by these marvelous natural morsels. I am not the only researcher interested in the pursuit of better health through Mycology (the study of mushrooms and fungi); the scientific community continues to pursue research into the uses of medicinal mushrooms, especially in the treatment and/or prevention of cancer. So far, in vitro studies of purified mushroom extracts have demonstrated immune modulating modes of action, while other extracts indicate cytotoxic effects on the actual cancer cells.

When purchasing mushrooms be aware that many commercial mushrooms have been sprayed with chemical contaminates, or toxic compounds. Look for organically grown mushrooms or purchase directly from a "mushroom hunter," someone who actually locates and harvests wildcrafted, natural mushrooms

A few words that will help you understand the language of mushroom scientists, include: "Mycelium Biomass," which is a volume of young, immature mushrooms with concentrated nutrients prior to full maturity stature. These are converted into a powder for easy use in capsules or directly on your pet’s food. "Fruitbodies," the fully mature mushrooms, are made into a tea to extract the medicinal properties.

I make use of both types when crafting formulas to help immune deficiency problems. "Extracts," which fracture the mushroom’s cell wall allowing the medicinal properties to be release, are created by using either hot water or alcohol, depending upon the mushroom.

To demonstrate the wonders of medicinal mushrooms, here are some of my favorites, which are used in many of my formulas:

Maitake- grigola frondosus

Reduction of serum cholesterol levels ( yagashita et al, 1977). Recently an extract called D-Fraction has shown tremendous benefits against cancer ( Nanba,1993) and Dr. Hanhr. This extract aided against tumor growth and breast cancer in mice, producing massive amounts of NK (natural killer) cells.
Additional benefits include: enhancement of immune system, protection against liver cancer, chemotherapy helper, hypertension, diabetic helper, reduction of abnormal cell growth, enhance liver functions.

This mushroom was very well known in Russian folklore. Recently, many studies are being performed utilizing Chagra. Animal research (Kier 1961) showed effects against carcinoma. Chagra is not for short term use, it shows great promise against various cancers when used over extended periods of time.
Additional benefits: stomach disease, liver-heart problems, anti –tumor, blood purification, pain relief.

Turkey Tail- trametes versicolor

Animal studies have shown a compound from the mycelium enhances cellular immunity; during animal studies, turkey tail has demonstrated effective activity against various cancers by attacking the tumor directly.
Additional benefits include: hypertension, diabetes, rheumatism, anti- inflammatory (Ikuzawa, 1985).

This mushroom is used to stimulate the immune system, anti-tumor, hormone precursor, reduction of plasma sugar levels, anti-allergenic, stress reduction, anti-fungal, anti-oxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, cardio energizer, and it improves adrenal function, kidney-liver and lung tonic; detoxifier, cancer fighter, increases white blood cells.

Agaricus Blazei-Murril-Sun-Royal- Himematsutake- agaricus brasiliensis

Prof. Ghoneum PHD – UCLA, presented a speech in 1995 on the values of Agaricus; findings included: NK(natural killers) are extremely active against various cancers.

In his research a 5% concentration of Agaricus effectively stopped the progress of cancer cells.
Additional benefits: anti-tumor, diabetic helper, immune stimulant.

Benefits include inhibiting tumor growth, in animal studies strong immune response was seen against tumors. Anti-viral, antibacterial, anti-parasitic, stomatitis, lower blood levels of cholesterol, allergies, candida, bronchial irritation, urine incontinence.

Additional Mushrooms:

Benefits include: Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, respiratory aid

Benefits include pain relief.

Benefits include lung helper, allergenic, helps stomach, kidneys, liver, heart, brain, tonic to system, immune aid, anti-diabetic results in animals.

Given to dogs with vaginal tumors (Utzig & Samborski,1957) the tumors disappeared in 5 days.

Honey Mushroom-armillaria mellea

Antibiotic, antibacterial, yeast inhibitor, increases brain blood flow, nutritive tomic for lungs, intestines, stomach, aids against dry skin, gastritis, digestive aid, improve vision.

Wood Ear-auricularia polytricha

Reduces pain, excessive uterine bleeding, lung helper, stimulate bowel movements.

Earthstar- geastrum triplex

Detoxifer, tonic to lungs, reduces inflammation of respiratory tract, anti-allergenic.

Hoelen- poria cocos

Anti-viral, anti-tumor, immune enhancer, liver helper, hepatitis

Mushroom: Fights cancer and balances blood sugar

Benefits of Maitake Mushroom in Cancer

Maitake Mushroom (Grifola frondosa) may best be known for its cancer-fighting properties. It contains grifolan, an important beta-glucan polysaccharide (molecule composed of many sugar molecules linked together). Grifolan has been shown to activate macrophages, a type of cell consider the " heavy artillery": of the immune system, explains Larry A. Walker, Ph.D., R.D., author of "Natural products update," published in Drug Topics, June 1997. D-fraction, one of the polysaccharides in maitake mushroom, also energized the cellular immune system.

The evidence confirming maitake's therapeutic value - both in and out of the laboratory - is impressive. Laboratory studies have shown that maitake extract can block the growth of cancer tumors and boost the immune function of mice with cancer.

Haroaki Nanba reported the findings of the following study in "Maitake D-fraction: healing and preventing potentials for cancer," published in the Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, Feb/Mar 1996; In a non-randomized clinical study, 165 individuals with advanced cancer used maitake D-fraction. Patients received either maitake D-fraction alone or with chemotherapy. Maitake mushroom was found effective against leukemia and stomach and bone cancers. Responses were further improved when maitake D-fraction and chemotherapy were used together. Individuals receiving maitake D-fraction also experienced relief from the side effects of chemotherapy, such as loss of appetite, vomiting, nausea, hair loss, and deficiency of white blood cells.

Other Benefits of Maitake Mushroom

People with Type 2 Diabetes may also benefit from maitake mushroom, according to researchers Hiroaki Nanba and Keiko Kubo, authors of "Mushroom biology and mushroom products". Researchers investigated a specific, high-molecular polysaccharide in maitake called the X-fraction. They found that mice given maitake had an increased ability to recognize glucose, and the control group had higher blood glucose levels. The researchers suggested that maitake mushroom can reduce insulin resistance, thereby increasing insulin sensitivity. The X-fraction appears to be the active compound with anti-diabetic properties.

In addition, many doctors in Japan use maitake mushroom to lower blood pressure and blood lipids, two key risk factors in cardiovascular disease.

Beinfield also recommends maitake mushroom for stomach ailments. "It aids digestion by regulating the stomach and intestines, and helps eliminate food stagnation," she explains.