Red Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma Lucidum) is a type of mushroom found in the coastal regions of China. In nature, it grows in densely wooded forests of high humidity and dim lighting. Reishi mushroom occurs in 6 different colors, but the red variety is most commonly used and commercially cultivated in East Asia and North America. Various researches have shown that red reishi mushroom modulate many components of the immune system such as the antigen-presenting cells, Natural killer cells, T and B lymphocytes.

Cancer Prevention and Treatment

Ganoderma lucidum is a proven powerful activator of  interferon, interleukins, tumor necrosis factor, natural killer cells, T lymphocytes, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and lymphokine activated killer cells. Both in vitro and in vivo studies showed that the anti-tumor activities of  Ganoderma lucidum  polysaccharide are mediated by its immunomodulatory, anti-angiogenic, and cytotoxic effects. The experts of  Chinese Academy of  Sciences confirmed that the polysaccharides and triterpenes in Ganoderma lucidum are the critical ingredients to maintaining a physiological balance within the human body.

According to a study Bellarmine University; Ganoderma lucidum contain polysaccharides, strong compounds that may aid in the recovery of cancer tumors by inducing apoptosis, or programmed cell death. A 1999 test tube study found that reishi mushroom stimulated lymphocyte production in the immune system and had anti-tumor effects. The water extract and the polysaccharides fraction of reishi exhibited important anti-tumor activity in several tumor-bearing animals mainly through its immunoenhancing effect. A study reported in 2003 in Food Reviews International found that mice given reishi mushroom demonstrated signs of suppressed cancerous tumor growth. One study demonstrated that Ganoderma lucidum strongly inhibited the growth of sarcoma 180, with an inhibition rate of 95 to 98% at an interperitonial dosage of 20 mg/kg for ten days in mice.

Ganoderma Lucidum polysaccharides have high molecular weights of up to 1,050,000, which makes absorption by the intestines difficult. Vitamin C breaks down the high molecular weight polysaccharides to a molecular weight of around 30,000, in this way that they are much more easily absorbed by the intestines. As these are chain like molecules, the shorter sections of the chain have all the same properties as longer segments, however are much more easily absorbed through the stomach and intestines.

The dried powder of  Ganoderma lucidum alters the expression of a number of genes, especially transcription factors, such as nuclear factor kappa B, and activator protein-1, according to a 2003 study reported in the Integrative Cancer Treatments. A study published in August 2003 in the Immunological Investigations, reported a important increase in NK (natural killer) cell activity in 34 cancer patients given reishi extract for 12 weeks. Evidence from an animal-based study reported in the July 2007 of  Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry found that Ganoderma Lucidum compounds might suppress cell signaling processes involved in the development of prostate cancer. The complex interaction of anti-cancerous substances in Ganoderma lucidum has been shown to suppress progression and invasiveness of metastatic breast cancers, according to a study done at the “Cancer Research Laboratory, Methodist Research Institute“. Researchers reporting in the “International Journal of  Oncology” stated that reishi is a “suitable herb for chemoprevention and chemotherapy of  breast cancer.” According to scientists at the “National Cancer Center” in Japan, there was complete tumor elimination in approximately 80% of cancer-induced animals fed extracts from reishi, maitake and shiitake mushrooms. Compounds in each of these mushrooms enhance the tumor-fighting activity of Natural Killer Cells and improve antibody responses, but maitake mushroom seems to have the strongest and most consistent effect.

New studies in New Zealand show that a combination of  Cordyceps and Ganoderma lucidum extracts had useful effects on the quality of  life for some advanced cancer patients. Scientists believe that a mixture of  the active components from different mushrooms maximizes the immune response by providing multiple stimuli to the body’s natural defenses. The active component in RSE (Reishi Spore Extract), Ganoderma lucidum is collected from just the spores of the plant; just 1g of spores can be collected from 1kg of the Ganoderma lucidum plant making RSE 75 times more potent compared with other reishi products. RSE stimulates IL-2, NK cell, interferon, may reduces radiation adverse effects and improves phagocytosis function. In one study performed in Japan and China, RSE was found to kill tumor cells by 83 %. A study at the “Fujian Hospital” was performed on 52 cancer patients with low levels of white blood cells. Results demonstrated an improvement rate of 1028/cc with an efficiency rate of 84 %. Also, Guangdong He Yuan Hospital treated 60 cancer patients with low white blood cell count.After therapy, levels improved up to 1428/cc with an efficiency rate of 81 %.

The goji berry (Lycium barbarum), has long been recognised in Traditional Chinese Medicine for various medicinal effects  based on its antioxidant and immune-modulating activities. A polysaccharide isolated from lycium was shown to have immune enhancing, antitumor and, hepatoprotective activities in vitro.

Immune Booster and Anticancer Researches

Goji, rich in polysaccharides, strengthen the immune system. In some study groups with elderly people  the goji berry was given once a day for 3 weeks, very effective results were experienced and 67% of the  patients T cell transformation functions tripled and the activity of the patients white cell interleukin-2 doubled. In a 1988 report published by the “State Scientific and Technological Commission of  China“, scientists discovered that after eating 50 g of goji berry, participants demonstrated an  increase in white blood cell count and a 75% increase in the antibody immunoglobulin A. A Chinese study  reported in the Chinese Journal of Oncology in 1994 found that 79 people with cancer responded better to treatment when goji juice was added to their regimen. 79 patients in advanced stages of cancer were treated with the drug LAK/IL-2 combined with Lycium Barbarum polysaccharides. Regression of the several cancers was observed. The response rate of patients treated with LAK/IL-2 and LBP was 40 percent while that of patients treated only with LAK/IL-2 was 16 percent study.

Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs) are major functional constituents in red-colored fruits of L. barbarum. Lycium barbarum polysaccharide has potential anticancer activity. A lab study reported in 2001 found that these polysaccharides appear to prevent human leukemia cell growth. According to a study published in 2010 in  Medical Oncology demonstrated Lycium barbarum polysaccharide, stopped the growth cycle of colon cancer and human gastric cells in the laboratory. Scientists administered 100 to 1000 mg/L of goji polysaccharides to 2 types of human colon cancer cells for 1 to 8 days. The polysaccharides inhibited cell growth in both colon cancer cell lines.

2-O-β-D-Glucopyranosyl-L-ascorbic acid (AA-2βG) is a natural derivative of  vitamin C isolated from goji fruit. Researchers investigated the activities of AA-2BG against cervical cancer cells. They showed that AA-2BG selectively induced cell death and repressed the spread of cervical cancer cells by stabilizing a specific protein. One of the compounds found in goji juice that is highly effective in the fight against cancer and other ailments in the human body is germanium. It is an oxygen catalyst, and since all forms of cancer are anaerobic, this compound has been demonstrated in research to potentially retard and even reverse the proliferation of cancer cells. Japanese studies indicate that organic germanium is effective in treating lung cancer, liver cancer, cervical cancer, uterine cancer, and testicular cancer when combined with other drugs. Lewis Lung cancer cells were transplanted in C57 BL mice, and the anticancer activities of both goji berry polysaccharides and radiation were measured. Following the experiment it was concluded that goji berry enhanced the effects of radiation in combating Lewis Lung cancer.

Nattokinase is a unmatched and strong systemic enzyme obtained by fermenting non-GMO soya beans. Nattokinase is used for cardiovascular diseases including heart disease, stroke, angina, deep vein thrombosis, hardening of the arteries, high blood pressure, varicose veins, poor circulation, and peripheral artery disease stroke, venous stasis, thrombosis, emboli, retinal pathology, claudication and varicose veins. Natto is produced by a fermentation process by adding Bacillus natto, a benefical bacteria, to boiled soybeans. Nattokinase was discovered over 20 years ago by Japanese researcher Dr. Hiroyuki Sumi after testing 173 different types of food in search of an alternative to warfarin to help reduce the effect of  blood clots on blood circulation. This property was subsequently confirmed by animal and in vivo studies.

Natural Blood Thinners Nattokinase

This enzyme is known for anti-clotting (fibrinolytic) capacities. Successfully dissolves fibrin and increases the system’s natural ability to keep blood vessels clean. Functions of nattokinase include directly degrading a fibrin, activating pro-urokinase and increasing the amount of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) that produces a thrombolytic enzyme, plasmin. Furthermore, new researches has revealed that nattokinase has a function of degrading plasminogen activator inhibitor, PAI-1 and reducing the euglobulin lysis time, and therefore it has a effect of  improving the thrombolytic activity. Researches with nattokinase indicates that it may help prevent or lessen the likelihood of deep vein thrombosis, cardiac infarction, pulmonary emboli and stroke.

Nattokinase is considered to be the most powerful fibrinolytic enzyme ever discovered. In addition to having direct fibrinolytic actions, can also increase the body’s own production of plasmin, as well as several other agents that assist in dissolving blood clots. In light of the findings supporting nattokinase,  Dr. Martin Milner from the Center for Natural Medicine has stated that nattokinase is not only highly effective in breaking down a thrombus, but seems to be even more strong than the standard “clot-busting” medications. Nattokinase enhances the body’s natural ability to fight blood clots and has an advantage over blood thinners because it has a prolonged effect without side effects.  A major difference between nattokinase and blood thinning drugs is that the drugs interfere with the production of  fibrin and due to this interference, blood thinning drugs have significant side-effects. Nattokinase acts upon the fibrin itself, which is a metabolic end-product.

Nattokinase was shown to reduce the aggregation of red blood cells in vitro in a study done at the ‘University of  Los Angeles in California‘. A study reported in the 2010 edition of  the Acta Haematologica found that nattokinase decreased blood-clot formation in animals. Researchers tested Nattokinase’s effect to dissolve a blood clot in the carotid arteries of rats. Animals treated with nattokinase enzyme regained 62% of blood flow, whereas those treated with plasmin regained only 15 % of blood flow.

A study performed with natto on 12 healthy participants sought to indicate fibrinolytic activity. The participants were given natto before breakfast, than their fibrinolytic activity was tested over time. The findings demonstrate natto generates an increased ability to dissolve blood clots.  On average, the participants’ ELT dropped by 48% within two hours of treatment, and participants retained an enhanced ability to dissolve blood clots for 2 to 8 hours. In a study following 238 high-risk individuals for stroke, the researchers showed a significant relationship between increased CCA-IMT and the occurrence of  myocardial infarction and stroke. For each increment of 0.1 mmin common carotid artery intima-media thickness (CCA-IMT), the probability of experiencing recurrent stroke increased by 18.0%.  The development of edema, and both superficial and DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is not uncommon in long-haul flights, especially in high-risk people. In a study high-risk individuals on long-haul flights were supplemented with a combination product containing nattokinase and pycnogenol. Two capsules were taken 2 hours before the flight and again 6 hours later. As result, the nattokinase combination product decreased thrombotic events and controlled edema in the individuals. Also, the difference between the nattokinase group and  the control group was statistically significant.

Propolis is a natural product derived from plant resins collected by honeybees. More than 300 constituents such as polyphenols, phenolic aldehydes, sequiterpene quinines, steroids, amino acids, coumarins and inorganic compounds have been identified in propolis samples. Propolis constituents is highly variable, depending on the plant species and on the season of collection.

Antibacterial Properties of  Propolis

Research findings shows it offers antibiotic, antibacterial, antiseptic, and antifungal. Propolis has also been proven to fight bacterial strains that have become resistant to chemical antibiotics. When chemical antibiotics are taken one condition after another, invading bacteria get “smarter” and the medications eventually becomes less effective. Prescription antibiotics destroy all bacteria in the body, both the friendly, and the bad intestinal flora. Propolis works against harmful bacteria without destroying the friendly bacteria the body needs.

Bee propolis has been shown to fight bacterial strains that have become resistant to chemical antibiotics. The concentrations of flavonoids seem to be responsible for the important antibiotic effects. Propolis was found to have antibacterial effect against a range of commonly encountered cocci and Gram-positive rods, including the human tubercle bacillus, but just limited effect against Gram-negative bacilli. A 2001 study demonstrated that propolis has antifungal effect against multiple strains of yeast, including Candida albicans, which causes yeast infections.

Bee propolis has the ability to directly destroy bacteria, viruses, fungi and penicillin-resistant staphylococcus. Australian scientists, showed that propolis increases the effectiveness of penicillin or other antibiotics from 10 to 100 folds. Used as mouthwash, it may reduce bacteria in the mouth, reduce the formation of plaque and relieve dental pain and gum inflammation.Bee Propolis could assist in treating gingivitis or periodontal disease, according to a study reported in a 2005 edition of  “Oral Health and Preventive Dentistry“.