Reports that an extract from certain mushrooms may improve the
treatment of such common disorders as arthritis and other inflammatory
diseases. Details of study at the University of Texas Health Science
Center; Results; Benefits; Dr. William B. Stavinoha.
By
PT Staff, published on March 01, 1992
FOR VARIED REASONS RANGING from ecology to rejection of pathology,
there's agrowing interest in the use of ancient remedies for modem
maladies. The latest news from the scientific front suggests that an
extract from certain mushrooms may improve the treatment of such common
disorders as arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.
At the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio,
pharmacologist William B. Stavinoha and colleagues have been looking into
the anti-inflammatory activity of extracts from Ganoderma lucidum, a
mushroom (known as reishi) that is associated with wood decay. While the
team has yet to identify the active compounds, they have found that
Ganoderma extracts combat experimentally created edema in the
mouse.
In one set of studies, an extract given by mouth was effective. In
a second test, an extract applied to the surface of the ear reduced
inflammation there. What makes the studies especially interesting is that
the "strong anti-inflammatory activity" of Ganoderma was not associated
with any side effects.
According to the researchers, such an agent would be of enormous
benefit to the millions of Americans who now suffer from arthritis and
related disorders. It does not share the side effects that limit the
usefulness of the two major classes of drugs now used to control
inflammation. It avoids the hormone and fluid-balance disturbances
associated with long-term use of steroidal drugs, and the gastric side
effects of the nonsteroidal inflammatory drugs.
The ancients knew something. Two thousand years ago, Ganoderma
lucidum was classified as a remarkable remedy. Since then it has been
reportedly used for everything from stiff necks and shoulders to
rheumatism bronchitis, and conjunctivitis, to improving immune
function.
Dr. Stavinoha and associates are conducting further studies to
identify the plant's active ingredients. He's hoping that future studies
will put his 'shroom at the top of list of treatments for
arthritis.
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