Benefits of Mesima Mushroom

Immune System

The Mesima Mushroom contains protein-polysaccharide complexes that have been shown to have immunomodulating properties. Immunomodulation is the adjustment of immune response to a desired level, as in immunopotentiation, immunosuppression, or induction of immunologic tolerance. The compounds found in Mesima Mushrooms can either up-regulate or down-regulate the immune system in response to external stimuli.

Mesima is rich in compounds known as Beta D-glucans, compounds that are known as "biological response modifiers". They bind to the surface of innate immune cells which allows the cells to have better co-ordination in their attack. This reduces the tendency toward auto-immune reactions and hyper-inflammatory activity when the body is under attack.1

Additionally, the Mesima Mushroom contains potent antioxidants that help to prevent and repair DNA damage in the body thus preventing disease. Korean researchers have recently identified hispidin, a resveratrol-like compound found in Mesima that is believed to be the key antioxidant molecule, possessing an antioxidant efficacy equivalent to vitamin C.

Women’s Health

Certain cases of infertility can be associated with elevated cytokine and NK (natural killer cells) levels. Consumption of Mesima Mushroom has been shown to lower these levels, thus increasing the chances of a successful conception.

Mesima Mushroom is also well known to help control excessive monthly bleeding during periods. Such are its blood staunching abilities that it is currently under investigation to determine if it can control haemophilia.

Finally, there are studies that have researched the contribution of this mushroom to breast health. Many of Mesima’s immunologic actions show specific promise for maintaining healthy breast cells. Its anti-inflammatory properties coupled with the rich polysaccharide content also help to protect and preserve the delicate breast tissue.

Allergies

Numerous studies have proven that the polysaccharides of Mesima are highly effective in treating immune imbalances and allergic reactions. Specifically, the active components in the mushroom are capable of suppressing Th2 cytokines and conversely inducing secretion of Th1 cytokines - immune cells that promote a more balanced immune system which is more capable of fighting off allergies.3

Furthermore, extracts of this mushroom have been reported to display the ability to suppress the release of histamine in the body, even after the introduction of known allergic stimuli. This makes Mesima a suitable treatment for patients suffering from various skin ailments such as atopic dermatitis or asthma caused by allergies.

 

Folklore and history

The Mesima Mushroom has been revered for thousands of years in China and Japan. Emperors of the great Chinese Dynasties and Japanese royalty drank tea and concoctions made from Phellinus linteus for vitality and long life. In ancient Chinese History, the first emperor of China, Emperor Qin Shi Huang, in 220 BCE sent 3000 boys and girls to Japan’s outlying islands to search for this funghi, believed to be the elixir of eternal youth.

Shen Nong's Herbal Classic (considered today as the oldest book on oriental herbal medicine), classifies Mesima as number one in the superior medicines category. Exalted since ancient times for its absence of side effects, Mesima has many applications, especially for perceived youthfulness and longevity.

With a distinct bitter taste, this mushroom is not at all pleasant to eat, however in Korea it is commonly consumed in the form of a medicinal tea.

 

 

Traditional use

The Mesima Mushroom is an orange coloured, hoof shaped mushroom that grows on mulberry trees. This potent mushroom has been used medicinally for thousands of years in Chinese, Japanese and Korean healing systems.

Traditional uses range from healing the digestive tract to staunching heavy bleeding – especially in women who experience menorrhagia, abnormally heavy bleeding during the menstrual cycle. Interestingly, its literal translation is “Women’s Island" and it is becoming increasingly known in the Western world for its remarkable women’s health benefits.

Mesima has been used for centuries as a general tonic to promote overall health, well-being and longevity in Asian cultures.

 

 

 

Typical use

Mesima Mushroom Capsules

Take 2 capsules, 1 - 3 times a day as a dietary supplement, or as recommended by your health professional.

Mesima Mushroom Powder

Add 1 - 3g daily to food or drink as a dietary supplement.

 

 

Constituents

Mesima Mushroom constituents include: Beta D-glucan, lectin, polysaccharide, protocatechuic acid, protocatechualdehyde, caffeic acid, ellagicacid, hispidin, davallialactone, hypholomine B, interfungins A (an inhibitor of protein glycation), and inoscavin.

 

 

 

Precautions

Not recommended in pregnancy.