Shiitake Mushroom (Shiitake Mushroom Extract, Shii)
Shiitake mushrooms are not only
good to eat, as the Japanese have known for centuries, but they
show significant medicinal value as well. Shiitake has demonstrated
some cholesterol lowering abilities in Japanese studies, effectively
lowering VLDL and LDL cholesterol levels, and apparently have
a lipid/fat absorbing effect in the gastrointestinal tract as
well, selectively reducing and/or preventing fat assimilation
as an added advantage. Shiitake has also demonstrated effectiveness
against tumor formation (antitumor) as well as presenting immunostimulating
activities. The primary structure or phytomedicinal in Shiitake
is a neutral polysaccharide called Beta-1,3-D-Glucan, a substance
also found within the cell walls of baker's yeast, although
in less concentration.
This substance enhances the effects of many antibiotic and cholesterol
lowering drugs without any known side effects. Shiitake Mushroom
has very special effects on the Immune System by fully activating
the macrophage, the dramatic immune cell which attacks, engulfs
and ultimately destroys intruders to the body. Beta-1,3-D-Glucan
literally acts to switch "ON" the macrophage, which in turn
activates the entire immune system response strategy, increasing
the production of T-Cells, from the Thymus, increases production
of B-cells from the bone marrow, resultant production of tumor
necrosis factor and the further production of potent immune
system messengers, including Interleukin-1, Interkeukin-2, Interleukin-6,
Interferon, G-CSF, GM-CSF, VEGF.
Shiitake Mushroom is an ingredient in the following product(s):
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