Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological disorder. Individuals with this condition commonly experience memory loss, difficulty concentrating and personality changes. It occurs when nerve cells die off, leading to a decline in the production of neurotransmitters, brain chemicals that carry signals relating to thinking and feeling. There is no cure for Alzheimer's, but there are several medicines that may help to slow its progression. Herbs, including reishi mushroom, might also help to slow its progression, although scientific evidence to prove this is lacking. Do not take reishi mushroom in place of prescription medicines and get medical advice before using them.
Properties and Potential Benefits
Reishi mushroom is a tree fungus native to China, although, according to the University of Michigan Health Systems, it is also commercially cultivated in North America, Taiwan, Japan, and Korea. Reishi mushroom contains a host of active compounds including sterols, polysaccharides, and triterpenoids and is sometimes used as an alternative treatment for a host of ailments. They include diabetes, hepatitis, HIV and benign prostatic hyperplasia. It is also sometimes used to improve mental function.
Administration
Since reishi mushroom is not a proven treatment for Alzheimer's, guidance regarding a suitable dose is lacking. However, Mississippi Baptist Health Systems states that a typical dosage of reishi is 2 g to 6 g per day of raw fungus taken with meals. This is, however, only a general guideline. Check with your health care provider whether this dose is suitable for you.
Effectiveness
Reishi mushroom's effects on Alzheimer's disease has not been evaluated in clinical trials, so it is difficult to say whether it is an effective treatment. However, the results of a single laboratory study published in the January 2008 issue of "Brain Research" show that reishi might help to protect nerve cells from damage by beta amyloid, a protein found in the brain of people with Alzheimer's disease. Further studies are needed to confirm these effects in humans.
Safety Considerations
Mississippi Baptist Health Systems states that reishi is generally regarded as safe. However, side effects may include dizziness, a dry throat or mouth, and abdominal upset. These effects are rare, however, and are more likely to occur if you take reishi continuously for long periods such as three to six months. It may also inhibit blood clotting, so don't use this herb if you have a bleeding disorder or if you are taking anticoagulants.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Alzheimer's Disease
- University of Michigan Health Systems: Reishi
- Mississppi Baptist Health Systems: Reishi
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Reishi Mushroom
- "Brain Research"; Antagonizing Beta-Amyloid Peptide Neurotoxicity of the Anti-Aging Fungus Ganoderma lucidum; C.S. Lai, et al.; January 2008
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