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Certain medicinal mushrooms show promising potential against Alzheimer’s and can not only delay the progression of the disease, but also improve cognitive functions and quality of life.
In a recent review, a Chinese research team evaluated the previous studies on the effect of the medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum (also Reishi or Shiny Lackporling) against Alzheimer’s and published the results in the specialist magazine “Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy”.
More than a traditional remedy
Reishi mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and are primarily associated with a positive effect on the immune system, blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Previous studies have shown that the various bioactive components in Ganoderma lucidum have, among other things, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-aging and immunomodulatory effects, the team reports.
In addition, recent research also provides evidence of a therapeutic benefit against Alzheimer’s, the experts continued.
The researchers therefore carried out a systematic review of the available studies on the effect of Ganoderma lucidum and the bioactive components it contains on Alzheimer’s disease. The mechanism of action and possible further perspectives were also discussed.
What effect can be proven?
According to the research team, a number of triterpenes, sterols and other compounds from Ganoderma lucidum have been shown to have an effect against individual typical factors in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease.
This includes, among other things, the inhibition of tau hyperphosphorylation and beta-amyloid formation, the influence on activated microglia, the inhibition of neuronal apoptosis, the modulation of the immune system and the regulation of the NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathway.
Promising therapeutic potential
Individual compounds but also extracts from Reishi have promising therapeutic potential against Alzheimer’s due to their “anti-amyloidogenic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, acetylcholinesterase-inhibiting and immunomodulatory properties,” emphasize the researchers.
Although the studies on the effects of Reishi against Alzheimer’s are still in the early stages, the studies so far clearly indicate improvements in cognitive functions, symptoms and the quality of life of those affected, the experts summarize.
However, further clinical studies are needed to clearly confirm the effect and the risks of taking reishi must also be taken into account, for example, taking the powdered form of reishi over a long period of time can damage the liver. (fp)