Anti ageing benefits of mushrooms on HWN INSIGHTS

There are nearly 150,000 different known species of mushrooms in the world. Some of the most popular are shiitake, reishi, maitaki, enoki, oyster, lion’s mane, hericium erinaceous, coriolus versicolor, cordyceps, cloud, chager, cremini, astragalus, agarikon and agaricus.

Cordycepin, commonly used in Chinese medicine, was originally extracted from a rare kind of parasitic mushroom that grows on caterpillars. The study appeared in the Journal of Biological Chemistry.

Nigerian researchers have determined the protein content of three wild mushroom species growing in Owo Local Government areas of Ondo State: Termitomyces robustus (known as Ewe in Yoruba), Lentinus squarrosulus Mont (known as Tifa in Yoruba) and Lentimula edodes (known as Sheshe-Ope in Yoruba).

All mushrooms contain antioxidants as well as compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties.

All of them contain polysaccharides, those long-chain molecules composed of sugar units, which seem to be responsible for their action as immunopotentiators. Many ancient civilizations used mushrooms for more than just food. They believed mushrooms had significant healing powers.

Mushrooms are fungi, and they do not belong to the plant or animal kingdom. Whereas plants reproduce with seeds, mushrooms rely on spores. These fungi break down dead organic material and continue the cycle of nutrients through the ecosystem.

Anti-ageing properties
Topical applications of a variety of mushrooms, such as shiitake, maitake and tremella are used widely for their skin beautifying qualities. They contain antioxidants as well as compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, which help treat many skin problems caused by inflammation and excessive free radical activity. Several mushroom varieties contain kojic acid, which is renowned as a skin lightener. Kojic acid is useful as a natural alternative to dangerous, and often toxic, chemical skin lighteners, such as hydroquinone, which has recently been linked to skin cancer.

Shiitake mushrooms contain the antioxidant L-ergothioneine, which helps prevent cell breakdown and helps exfoliate the skin. Shiitake mushrooms, as a rich source of kojic acid, are used to brighten the skin, and fade sunspots and acne scars. Shiitake’s anti-inflammatory properties help improve vitality and also encourage faster skin renewal and increase skin elasticity. Hence, this variety is often found in skin care products particularly those with anti-aging benefits. Reishi mushrooms have superior antioxidant characteristics, making them applicable in a broad range of products to treat pathological ageing.

Erovit-IHP. “Age Redefinition”
The miracle power of the mushroom ‘Cordyceps’ was discovered 1500 years ago in the Tibetan mountain pastures. Chinese herdsmen observed that their cattle and livestock became very energetic after eating a grass-like mushroom – even the older animals became vigorous and more youthful in their actions. About 1000 years later, the Emperor’s physician in the Ming Dynasty learned about this Tibetan wonder and combined this knowledge with their own wisdom to develop powerful and potent uses of this wonder substance known as “Cordyceps”.

A great mystique and aura still surrounds Cordyceps sinensis (syn.: Cephalosporium sinensis ), because it occurs naturally as an endoparasitic fungus which grows from the head of one type of subterranean caterpillar at high attitudes in the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau. It is reputed to have anti-ageing and cancer preventing properties.

In this unique formulation, Erovit combines the anti-ageing properties of Cordyceps, the high-potency antioxidant effects of Punica granatum fruits, and the life enhancing Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng).

Erovit nutritional dietary supplement is the most powerful anti – aging, vitality enhancer available today.

Erovit-IHP acts as an age-block tonic to prevent organ senescence associated with ageing; helps the body to produce new cells and stimulates the production of hormones that decreases with ageing, making you younger than your age.

Long term use of Erovit-IHP strengthens the body against environmental toxins and stress, improves organ functions and immune system making you become very energetic, stay healthy and live longer.

Erovit-IHP stimulates, improves hormonal imbalances, correcting menstrual irregularities and menopausal symptoms in women.

EROVIT-IHP increases sexual libido and sexual performance in men.
Other health benefits
Promotes efficient use of oxygen and increases blood flow to the organs and brain.
Promotes regeneration of the kidney cells.
Improves sexual libido and sex drive.
Stimulates the immune system and make you resistance to illnesses and diseases.
Stimulates energy for metabolism and relieves the stress on the liver.
Control allergy, cough, relieves insomnia and tension.
Anti-tumor, boost the immune system of patients on radio/chemotherapy.
Effectively refines and moisturizes the skin and increase skin radiance.

Many health food stores carry capsules, liquid extracts and dried varieties of mushrooms, which are promoted for their overall immune-boosting benefits. They enhance the immune system, are anti-inflammatory, and have antioxidant, antiviral and antibacterial properties. Maitake variety contains beta-glucans, which has a wide range of immune-stimulating and protective effects within the body. Mushrooms have numerous and diverse health benefits including: treating cancer, fighting infections, treating diabetes, lowering cholesterol and blood pressure and helping prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Dermatological Use

Dietary substances known to be good for the complexion are sometimes better applied topically rather than ingesting them because, “you can get higher concentrations in the skin this way,” observed Dr. David McDaniel, director for the Institute of Anti-aging Research and an assistant professor of clinical dermatology and plastic surgery at Eastern Virginia Medical School.
Other experts specifically acknowledge the benefits of these fungi.

“Mushrooms are packed with compounds such as proteins, lipids and phenol and are rich in vitamins and amino acids,” noted Dr. Leslie Baumann, director of the University of Miami Cosmetic Medicine and Research Institute. “There is even greater evidence that some species have strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and tumor-inhibiting activity when applied topically, but their effectiveness is not based on the ingredient alone. Extracts must be specially formulated so that they get into skin.”
Commercial Use
Cosmetic chemists are taking note of the mushroom’s anti-ageing benefits. Popular mushrooms are found in everything from anti-ageing serums to daily moisturizers. The extracts are often cited as potent antioxidants.

The researchers at Aveeno, a Johnson & Johnson brand that is known for harnessing the powers of innovative, active natural technologies, created a natural shiitake complex that is featured in the Aveeno Positively Ageless range of products. According to J&J researchers, these formulations have been shown to enhance the youthful appearance of skin.

Weil has developed a mushroom-based skin care regimen for Origins that claims to reduce skin’s inflammatory response and calm redness. According to Origins’ studies, there is a dramatic improvement to dull, ashy skin and facial redness including rosacea. More than 80 per cent of those using mushroom-infused products felt soothed and calmed.

Long valued in the nutritional medicines of China, Korea and Japan, mushrooms are now attracting more interest from researchers and clinicians in the West. Mushroom-based products support the natural defenses of the skin and improve its appearance by keeping it healthier. Many scientists believe the beta-glucan content of mushrooms offers anti-aging skin care-related benefits. There is a lot of enthusiasm for developing mushroom-based skin products, but more basic research is still needed.

Source: Guardian, HWN Africa.