Medicinal Properties
Ganoderma lucidum has been used for thousands of
years by Far Eastern countries for medicinal purposes.
It was thought to have anti aging qualities and was taken
for any and all ailments for these people.
Today, over 400 active ingredients have been found with
G. lucidum that have medicinal properties.
Most of the beneficial compounds are actually found
within the spores.
Scientists have now started making progress on efficiently
breaking through the hard spore shell so that maximum benefits
can be achieved by patients and consumers.
Some
of the major compon
ents include an organic form of Germanium, triterpenes and polysaccharides.
These are all said to boost the immune system.
Also found is superoxide dismutase, a substance effective
in fighting the effects of aging.
Adenosine monophosphate is another compound that is
thought to help lower blood pressure and to remove blood vessel
blockage. Other
beneficial minerals also found in G. lucidum include Potassium,
Magnesium, Calcium, Sodium, Manganese, Iron and Zinc.
The potential uses for G. lucidum are
staggering. Some of the claimed benefits
include anti-tumor and
cancer fighting effects, much like what the
black pepper extracts can do. In fact, a study published in the
journal of Experimental Oncology said that, "Ganoderma
lucidum extract inhibits proliferation of human colorectal
cancer cells and possesses antioxidant properties"(Xie, J. et al
2006).
Along those same lines another study came out stating, "The
overall findings indicated that Ganopoly had antitumor
activity..." and that it may also have "promising
immunotherapeutic agent in cancer treatment"(Gao Y, et al 2005).
Ganoderma lucidum has also been used as a anxiety reducer, improvement in sleep,
circulation, and brain functions. Much like venom from the
Southeastern Pygmy Rattlesnake,
G. lucidum is said
to help lower blood pressure. It is also said to
give a boost in the immune system,
bronchitis and asthma relief, anti-allergenic,
anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, improved adrenocortical function, improvement in acne, chronic hepatitis,
and menopause, and is said to provide a boost in energy.
Gandoderma lucidum has been shown to have anti-HIV activity
much like the Chinese herb
Ginseng.
Ganoderma lucidum has also been used effectively to help lower some
of the negative side effects of chemotherapy and radiation
therapy.There are many
ways for
G. lucidum to get
delivered into the human body.
Some are higher quality but a little pricey. On the flip
side, there are more affordable but lower quality options.
There is even organic G. lucidum products out on the
market. A few of
these include Reishi tea, spore powder capsule, spore oil soft
gel capsule, and coffee with G. lucidum extract.
There have even been a few bathroom products to hit the
market like Ganozhi soap and shampoo, as well as Ganozhi bath
gel, massage oil and toothpaste. Follow this
link
to check out a few little known facts of Ganoderma lucidum
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