MICHOACAN MUSHROOM: WHAT IT IS FOR, EFFECTS AND PREPARATION - ECONOMÍA - 2024

Michoacan mushroom is the name given to two products in Mexico. One is a health fraud under review, according to the Federal Commission for the Protection against Health Risks (Cofepris). This product was withdrawn from the market in 2011. Under that name, Ganoderma lucidum is also marketed.

Ganoderma lucidum (GL) is also known as pipa or seta pipa mushroom in Spain, lingzhī in China, reishi in Japan, and kamuhro or michoacan mushroom in Mexico. The fungus is widely distributed in tropical and temperate regions. It is a saprotophic fungus; that is, it feeds on decomposing plant matter.

Its wild form is rare today, found in only two to three out of every 10,000 aging trees. It is grown on hardwood logs or sawdust. Not enough evidence has been found to show the benefits of the fungus in cancer treatment.

Its use as an alternative complement to conventional treatment has been suggested, taking into account its potential to improve tumor response and stimulate the immune system.

What is it for?

- The terpenes in the Michoacan mushroom correspond to about 80 types, including ganoderic acids. These are related to many of the therapeutic properties that are attributed to it; among these are the anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, antiaggregant, hepatoprotective and lipid-lowering properties.

- One of the main effects of the Michoacan mushroom is the reduction of inflammation.

- It is considered to protect against aging and reduce the symptoms of acne, as well as uterine fibroids.

- Relieves the symptoms caused by rheumatoid arthritis in the joints. The Michoacan fungus inhibits the multiplication of certain specialized cells that surround the joint. These cells, called synovial fibroblasts, release oxygen-derived free radicals and cause damage to the affected joint.

Promotes the welfare state

In Chinese medicine it is considered that it acts to replenish the Qi or chi, which is the "vital energy". This is not a concept recognized by Western science. However, in traditional Chinese medicine and Chinese martial arts, Qi is a central principle. It is allegorically translated as "flow of energy."

Following the concept of chi in Chinese medicine, the Michoacan mushroom or Ganoderma lucidum is recommended for dizziness, insomnia, chronic fatigue, palpitations and shortness of breath. To appreciate the effects of the Michoacan mushroom in relieving chronic fatigue, it should be taken for at least 4 weeks.

Balances the nervous system

It has been used in the treatment of anxiety and depression. It has sedative properties; promotes relaxation and sleep.

It does not increase the time of the sleep state characterized by rapid eye movements, better known by its acronym in English as REM sleep. On the contrary, it extends the total time of sleep and reduces the time it takes to fall asleep. This improvement in sleep can be seen after 3 days of treatment.

Control high blood pressure

Consumption of the Michoacan mushroom can have a positive effect on the normalization of high blood pressure. In people who ingest the mushroom extract 3 to 4 times a day, there may be a significant drop in blood pressure.

In the hypertensive population, there is a tendency to present higher levels of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides, as well as lower values ​​of HDL-cholesterol. Research has shown that Ganoderma lucidum causes a reduction in triglycerides and an increase in HDL.

From there derives the potential effect towards the normalization of blood pressure values ​​in hypertensive people.

Strengthens the immune system

The Michoacan mushroom is a modulator of the immune system. It reduces its activity if it is overstimulated and strengthens it when it becomes weak. It is generally considered that the number of cells of the active immune system increases; It then allows the relief of allergies and its action against the herpes virus.

Due to these effects on the immune system, its use can accompany the treatment of patients with HIV and attenuate the effects of chemotherapy.

Helps in the treatment of diabetes

Ganoderma lucidum works to control insulin resistance. When the body's cells become resistant to the effects of insulin, the pancreas will produce more and more of it.

Because insulin allows glucose to enter cells to be used for energy, the body will not use glucose properly. Insulin resistance induces metabolic syndrome, which consists of a number of risk factors for heart disease. Among those are diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.

Possible side effects

- The most common side effects associated with the consumption of Ganoderma lucidum are dizziness, dry nose and throat, headache and skin irritation, which can cause itching or a rash.

- A small proportion of those who ingest it experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort, such as an upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

- The Michoacan fungus can induce prolonged bleeding -even in the presence of minor injuries- or cause gastric hemorrhage if there are ulcers. Its consumption should be consulted with the treating physician if you suffer from a bleeding disorder or are being medicated with anticoagulants.

- An extremely rare effect of Michoacan mushroom dust is liver damage. However, it has been briefly reviewed by two patients.

How do you prepare?

There is a large and growing set of patented and available products that incorporate Ganoderma lucidum as an active ingredient.

These food supplements market the extract or certain of its isolated constituents in the form of powder, capsules, tonics and syrups.

Other preparations include the Michoacan mushroom together with another mushroom, or even another product (spirulina, pollen, etc.). There is even a coffee drink made with Ganoderma lucidum (lingzhi coffee). Its bitter taste makes many prefer to take it under another presentation.

Due to its water-soluble nature, it is not necessary to take it with meals. To start seeing results it should be taken for at least a couple of weeks.

Suggested doses vary according to the method of administration: for powder, 1 to 1.5 grams is indicated; for a liquid tincture 1 milliliter is used, either in a glass of water or under the tongue.

References

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5. Mushroom Ganoderma Lucidum (sf) Recovered on May 28, 2018 in mycologica.mex.tl
6. Michoacan mushroom powder (nd). Retrieved on May 28, 2018 at schuler.com.mx
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8. Lingzhi mushroom (2018). Retrieved on May 27, 2018, in Wikipedia
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10. Main Notes (2012). Retrieved on May 28, 2018 at cofepris.gob.mx
11. What is the use of the Michoacan mushroom (sf) Recovered on May 28, 2018 in dimebeneficios.com
12. Miracle products are recalled from Walmart stores; among them, the Michoacan fungus (2011). Retrieved on May 28, 2018 at Cambiodemichoacan.com.mx
13. Miraculous products? Blacklisted…! (2011). Retrieved on May 27, 2018, in laprensa.mx
14. Terry S. (2017). Dangers of Ganoderma. Retrieved on May 27, 2018, at livestrong.com
15. Wachtel-Galor S, Yuen J, Buswell JA, et al. Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi or Reishi): A Medicinal Mushroom. In: Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S, editors. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press / Taylor & Francis; 2011. Chapter 9. Retrieved on May 26, 2018 at ncbi.nlm.nih.gov