Reishi mushrooms, Ganoderma lucidum, have been used for their purported benefits to health and longevity in Asian countries for 2,000 years. Reishi contain approximately 400 bioactive compounds -- molecules that can influence the function of your cells. This revered mushroom has also been found to have pharmacological effects, including some that may be helpful in the prevention or treatment of diabetes.
Multiple Effects
Reishi mushrooms are recognized as an alternative therapy for treating a variety of health conditions, including hepatitis, certain forms of cancer and diabetes, according to a report published in the December 2009 issue of the journal "Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology." Among its other effects, reishi offer benefits for the immune system and reduce inflammation, both of which can help improve or prevent diabetes. Reishi also reduce cholesterol and inhibit arterial plaque formation, a common condition in diabetics, and possess antibacterial and antiviral properties. The study was conducted at the Research and Development Centre, Bisen Biotech and Biopharma Pvt. Ltd., Gwalior, India.
Blood Sugar-Lowering
Researchers at the Institute of Vascular Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, reported that reishi mushrooms lowered blood sugar in laboratory animals in a study published in the May 2009 issue of the journal "Phytomedicine." Doses of 0.03 g and 0.3 g per kg body weight of reishi lowered blood glucose levels in diabetic animals within one week. Reishi did not lower insulin levels or a key enzyme in cholesterol synthesis. Researchers concluded that reishi may be helpful at lowering blood sugar levels by inhibiting a key enzyme the liver uses to produce glucose.
Drug Delivery System
Reishi mushrooms may serve as a delivery system for a form of orally administered insulin, according to a study published in the July 2007 issue of the "International Journal of Molecular Medicine." In order for insulin to be taken orally, it has to be able to survive the acid environment of the stomach. Scientists at the National Laboratory of Protein Engineering and Plant Genetic Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China, have devised a system that uses a genetically engineered insulin gene injected into reishi mushroom spores. The insulin-modified reishi reduced blood glucose in 80 percent of diabetic study animals.
Kidney Disease
Diabetic kidney disease may respond well to treatment with reishi mushrooms, according to a study published in the December 2006 issue of the "Journal of Asian Natural Products Research." In the eight-week study on laboratory animals, reishi mushroom extract reduced markers of kidney stress and lower blood sugar and triglyceride levels. Researchers concluded that reishi mushroom may be capable of preventing or halting progression of diabetic kidney complications. The study was conducted at the Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Centre, Beijing, China.
References
- "Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology"; Ganoderma Lucidum: a Potent Pharmacological Macrofungus; B. Sanodiya, et al.; December 2009
- "Phytomedecine"; Novel Hypoglycemic Effects of Ganoderma Lucidum Water-extract in Obese/Diabetic (+db/+db) Mice; S. Seto, et al.; May 2009
- "International Journal of Molecular Medicine"; Oral Route of Mini-proinsulin-expressing Ganoderma Lucidum Decreases Blood Glucose Level in Streptozocin-induced Diabetic Rats; T. Ni, et al.; July 2007
- "Journal of Asian Natural Product Research"; Effect of Polysaccharides from Ganoderma Lucidum on Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Nephropathy in Mice; C. He, et al.; December 2006
