A mushroom is the "fruiting" body of a fungus. Several species of mushrooms such as shiitake, maitake and reishi mushrooms possess immunostimulating properties. The polysaccharide content of these mushrooms may stimulate various immune system components, thus helping your body to build immunity. Mushroom consumption may also cause unwanted side effects. Therefore, the decision to use mushroom supplements should be made with a physician.
Immune System Effects
Mushroom extracts may regulate and modulate the immune system's cancer-killing cells such as T-cells, B-cells and macrophages for peak performance, according to the American Cancer Society. Mushroom extracts also stimulate natural killer cell activity. Natural killer cells release cytokines that strengthen the immune response.
Immunomodulators
Mushrooms contain natural substances such as polysaccharides, which stimulate the body's healing system and help the body to fight off infection during times of stress. Mushroom polysaccharides are one class of immunomodulators that are comprised of interferons, colony stimulating factors, monoclonal antibodies and synthetic immunomodulators.
Infection-Fighting Property
Some metabolites in mushrooms, most of which are polysaccharides, have the ability to positively modulate the biologic response of immune cells and appear to have significant infection-fighting properties. This could help fight or prevent communicable diseases such as immunodeficiency diseases, or AIDS, which involve the depression of the immune system, says John S. Finnell, M.S., a professor of natural health sciences at Bastyr University.
Side Effects
The side effect profile of mushroom preparations are minimal. However, mushrooms may interact with other herbs, supplements and medications. For these reasons, take mushroom supplements always under the supervision of your doctor. Mushrooms have blood-thinning properties and should not be used by people with bleeding disorders such as hemophilia. Mushrooms may inhibit platelet activity. This could increase the risk of bleeding if combined with blood-thinning medications such as aspirin and warfarin.
References
- Medical News Today; A Mushroom Extract May Impact The Body's Immune System; August 19, 2006
- American Cancer Society; Maitake Mushroom
- "Alternative Medicine Review: A Journal of Clinical Therapeutic"; Maitake Extracts and Their Therapeutic Potential - A Review; Mark Mayell; Feb. 2001
- Drugs.com: Reishi Mushroom; 2009
