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What are the main
components of Ganoderma?
Germanium
– Most plants have traces of germanium and in some parts
of the world, their water may contain large amounts of
germanium. The International Institute of Symbiotic
Studies, Brighton, Sussex, UK reports: Germanium is
present in all living plants and animal matter in
micro-trace quantities. Its therapeutic attributes
include:
1.
Immuno-enhancement
2.
Oxygen
enrichment
3.
Free radical
scavenging
4.
Analgesia
5.
Heavy metal
detoxification properties
Toxicological studies documented germanium’s
rapid absorption and elimination from the body, and its
safety. Clinical trials and use in private practices for
more than a decade have demonstrated germanium’s efficacy
in treating a wide range of serious afflictions, including
cancer, arthritis and senile osteoporosis. Germanium
antiviral and immunological properties, including the
induction of interferon, macrophages, T-suppressor cells
and augmentation of natural killer cell activity, suggest
its possible efficacy in treating and/or preventing AIDS.
Ganoderma
– These studies
show that it contains large amount of organic germanium (Ge)
germanium found in Northwest China, taken from the oil
prone source rock. The reason for the ganoderma Lucidum’s
content of gemanium maybe due to the presence of these
elements in the soil which are correspondingly absorbed.
Scientific studies done on Ganoderma resulted in the
following findings:
1.
Increases
Oxygen Absorption
– Germanium increases the absorption of oxygen by the
blood up to 1.5 times. When inhaled, oxygen from the
atmosphere is not all absorbed in the blood as it is
limited by many factors. It is important to note that the
lack or absence of oxygen in the body will jeopardize the
production or metabolism of any nutrients, vitamins or
minerals for energy. The last of energy will manifest in
weakness and the absence of it will cause death. In 1970,
after two decades of research, a Japanese doctor, Dr. Asai,
successfully produced water-soluble organic germanium and
obtained the international patent rights.
How does germanium help in the absorption of
oxygen? Every time food is eaten, it is processed and
converted into energy, the unprocessed and unconverted
food ending up as waste to be eliminated out. The process
of food conversion to energy very much depends on the
presence of oxygen. The end product of this process is
carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen (H). Carbon dioxide is
exhaled and thrown off in the atmosphere, whereas hydrogen
combines with oxygen to form water (H20), which then is
discharged from the body as waste either as urine, sweat
or perspiration and stool.
Oxygen is one single element needed by any
living organism and plants and its absence halts all
cellular functions. Correspondingly, the person dies. The
germanium present in Ganoderma functions by
increasing the absorption of oxygen and saving the inhaled
oxygen to unite with hydrogen to form water (H20) which is
then eliminated as waste. Germanium takes over the
responsibility of binding with hydrogen as it form
hydroxyl-germanium, which is eliminated out of the body.
This process saves oxygen which the tissues use in the
process of cell metabolism and energy production. The
germanium content of Ganoderma Lucidum is the
highest in all plants studied thus far, making this herb
superior to other herbal products.
Germanium was observed to increase the body’s
immune system. Interferon is one of the substances
produced by the normal body cells in response to the
presence of viruses in the body. Interferon is known to
arrest the damaging effect caused by viruses. Germanium
was found to increase interferon level when it is taken
in. How? As nutritional food, Ganoderma is believed
to provide cells with the right nutrition so they are able
to produce sufficient amount of interferon. The germanium
content of Ganoderma was found to be the highest
when compared with other herbal products like ginseng,
garlic, aloe vera or chlorella. This makes Ganoderma
a preferred herbal product for use in the suppression of
viral infections.
2.
Radiation
Protector –
Experimental studies were done on rats, which were exposed
to radiation until the red blood cells and the white blood
cells were reduced to 50%. They were then given and
injected with germanium solution. Two weeks later the
number of red blood cells and white blood cells returned
to normal, in spite of the fact that the bone marrow,
which produced those elements was also destroyed by
radiation (Japanese Radiation Medical Association, Vol 18,
No. 11).
These
studies simply mean that the germanium found in
Ganoderma reverses back to normal the cells that may
have been compromised as a result of the damaging effect
of radiation which is also known to be one of the causes
of cancer. This would explain reports of cancer tumors
regressing and some completely eradicated as a result of
taking Ganoderma Lucidum. (Ganoderma Protects –
Hydroxyl Radical and UV Irradiation by Department of
Radiation Biology, Environmental Radiation Research Group,
Korea . Atomic Energy research Institute, Yousong, Taejon
305-600, Korea by Kim KC, Kim IG).
3.
Pain
Relieving Properties –
Germanium has the property
of relieving pain because of the presence of a substance
known as “endorphin”, a morphine-like chemical that acts
the way morphine does in relieving pain. Morphine is a
very potent pain reliever produced by modern science.
4.
Blood
Pressure Regulator –
Ganoderma Lucidum
has been observed to reduce blood pressure by two
mechanisms. First, in the central nervous system – it has
an inhibitory effect on the sympathetic nerves. Our body
is governed by automatic nerves that regulate the speed of
the heartbeat as well as its contracting ability. They
also act on the blood vessels by constriction of the blood
vessel wall (reducing the opening of the blood vessel
limiting the easy flow of blood). The sympathetic nerves
also call the “autonomic nerves” respond to the changes in
the oxygen need of the body’s vital organs such as the
brain, heart, lungs, etc. When there is lack of oxygen in
these vital organs, the sympathetic nerves are stimulated
to increase the heart rate to compensate for the
diminished oxygen supply and constrict the blood vessels
to limit the flow of blood to other parts of the body,
giving priority to the vital organs. This action
correspondingly increases the blood pressure. Blocking the
sympathetic stimulation is what Ganoderma does to
the body’s circulatory system. Ganoderma is reported to
inhibit the autonomic nervous system (particularly the
sympathetic nervous system) to exert its speeding up
property on the heart by slowing the heart rate thereby,
decreasing the systolic blood pressure and inhibiting its
constricting action on the peripheral blood vessels to
reduce the diastolic blood pressure. Ganoderma second
action in reducing blood pressure is via the kidneys. The
kidneys are organs in the body that help regulate the flow
of blood as well as the blood pressure which automatically
responds to changes in the volume of blood that passes
through them. Where the flow of blood is diminished, the
kidneys respond by releasing an enzyme known as rennin.
This then is acted upon by a substance coming from the
liver known as angiotensinogen. The combination of these
two substances forms a substance called angiotensin 1.
This substance is acted further by an enzyme coming from
the lungs and other tissues known as “angiotensin
converting enzyme” or ACE to produce angiotensin11, a very
powerful blood vessel constrictor which raises blood
pressure. The ganoderic triterpenes from the fruit body of
Ganoderma was reported to block the angiotensin converting
enzyme or ACE to act in the conversion from angiotensin 1
to angiotensin 11. this way, no rise in blood pressure
takes place.
5.
Diuretic
Properties –
Ganoderma has a diuretic effect when taken in, although
the exact mechanism has not been known. So, those taking
the supplement must increase their fluid intake. The
diuretic effect of Ganoderma is believed to help reduce
blood pressure. Ganoderma as reported is not only capable
of lowering blood pressure but it also raises blood to
normal level. It is believed that Ganoderma being a food
supplement, has over 200 elements and it is further
believed to have more elements yet to be discovered. This
maybe the reason for its balancing capability as body
cells receive this almost perfect food (Department of
Pharmacology, Oral Roberts University School of Medicine,
Tulsa, OK
74127).
6.
Lymphocyte
Proliferating Properties –
Alpha-D Glucan from spores
of Ganoderma Lucidum has a potent stimulating effect for
lymphocyte proliferation and antibody production (Report
from the Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Shanghali
Istitues for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of
Science by Bao X, Duan J. Fang X, Fang). The importance of
lymphocytes cannot be overemphasized. It is the one
responsible in preventing viruses from causing damage to
the body and it also plays a major role in the immune
system. Lymphocytes are cells in the body assigned to
detect the entrance of different viruses harmful to the
body. It is the body’s most trusted protector. The absence
of lymphocytes will jeopardize the body’s defense system
against viruses and man becomes vulnerable to serious
consequences, even death. Due to the fact that until today
there is no available medication to kill these viruses,
Ganoderma was observed to increase the number of
lymphocytes circulating in the blood through proper
balance of food. Ganoderma was also observed to provide
food to the cells that make up the lymph nodes, spleen and
the thymus glands which are responsible for the
production of lymphocytes. Therefore, Ganoderma when taken
as food protects the body from damaging effect of viral
infection.
7.
Polysaccharides
– are carbohydrates made
up of many simple sugars. One of the polysaccharides found
in Ganoderma is the Beta-D-Glucan.
a. Beta-D-Glucan
– is the
substance found in Ganoderma known to possess a high
anti-tumor activity. In one study, laboratory researchers
trying out various substances on prostate cancer cells
found that applying Ganoderma extracts resulted in
self-destruction of undesirable cancer cells. In another
study, they tried the extract on laboratory animals with
liver cancer growth and the cancer was reduced by up to 90
percent (Ann NY of Science). In China, research has
demonstrated the reduction of tumor and alleviation of the
effects of leukemia (Alter Comp Ther 12/98).
Polysaccharides from Ganoderma offer hope for cancer
patients and sufferers of many devastating diseases. The
presence of these polysaccharides had increased antibody
count which strengthens immunity. Antibodies are
substances produced by normal body cells to destroy
foreign invaders or to neutralize poison that may cause
damage to the body. The polysaccharides found in Ganoderma
Lucidum enhances the proliferation of “T” and “B”
lymphocytes thereby stimulating an immune activity. T&B
lymphocytes are specialized body protectors to any
invading organisms, particularly viruses which cause the
proliferation of abnormal cells labeled as
cancer. Using Ganoderma on cancer patients has resulted in the
regression of tumor and prevented the spread of tumor
cells to other organs (mestastasis). Ganoderma’s
capabilities make it an ideal food supplement to protect
against cancer and other malignancies.
b.
Anti-Cancer activity
–
The active ingredients
responsible for the prevention and suppression of cancer
spread are the polysaccharides and germanium content of
Ganoderma. According to a study made by Prof. Ta Cheng at
the Medical College of National Taiwan University; Prof.
Cheng Hui-hua and Prof. Tung Ui-chi of Taipei Medical
College, these two components, when taken separately, have
no effect against cancer. But when taken in combination,
there was a marked regression and even disappearance of
the cancer cells. The presence of these two compounds are
thus important to get the desired effect. Fortunately,
these two elements are present in Ganoderma Lucidum.
Studies have shown also that there are more than 50
anti-cancer properties that have been isolated from the
fruit body and the mycelium of Ganoderma which makes
it an ideal food to prevent abnormal cell proliferation
and spread. These findings brought into view after over a
decade of studies, support the fundamental principle that
oriental medicine embraces, that these fungi help to
regulate the body’s homeostasis and bring the diseased
person back to his or her normal state.
8. T-Cell Activator –
Ling Zhi-8 – A study
done in the immunology Department, Genentech, Inc. South
San Francisco, California by Haak-Frendscho M. Kino K,
Sone T, found that the protein part of Ganoderma which is
Ling Zhi 8, possessed a potent mitogenic effect on human
peripheral blood lymphocytes. They concluded that Ling Zhi
8, possessed a potent mitogenic effect on human peripheral
blood lymphocytes. They concluded that Ling Zhi-8 is a
potent T cell activator. Ling Zhi 8, the protein portion
of Ganoderma Lucidum was studied in Germany at the
Institut fur Molekularbiologie und Biochemie, Freie
Universitat, Berlin, Germany. Ganoderma Lucidum
possesses properties that stimulate B cells
production three to four times as compared with other
substances known to stimulate the immune system. B cells
are specialized cells responsible for hormonal immunity.
These are cells which produce antibodies. B cells act like
sentinels and detect invaders including their identity.
Then they are tagged and presented to the macrophage for
destruction (macrophages are cells responsible to kill the
invaders). The protein component of GL (Ling Zhi 8) has
110 amino acid residues as studied at the Biochemical
Genetics Division, Meiji Institute of Health Science,
Kanagawa, Japan. These amino acid findings show the many
different contributions they have to normalize body
functions.
9.
As
Antioxidant –
Super oxide dismutase or SOD is an antioxidant produced by
the body to neutralize the effect of free radicals
(poisonous substances released by the body from waste
product as a result of chemicals ingested, various
infections, drugs and stress). Free radicals when present
in the body, need to be neutralized. Otherwise, the normal
cells will undergo pathological changes causing the cells
to malfunction or to be transformed into abnormal cells
known as cancer. Ganoderma was found to increase the level
of superoxide dismutase produced by the body’s normal
cells thereby, providing enough superoxide dismutase or
SOD to neutralize the free radicals and prevent the
development of abnormal cells. There are other products
available that are known antioxidants such as Vitamins A,
C,E, selenium, lycopene and beta-carotene. However, the
most powerful antioxidant is the enzyme SOD produced by
our own body cells. Taking Ganoderma regularly acts as
neutralizer of “free radicals.” It can well be said that
when taken regularly, Ganoderma may prevent the formation
of cancer. Ganoderma Lucidum triterpene possesses the
highest antioxidant properties from the study done in
Department of Pharmacy, The Chinese University of Hongkong,
Shatin, N.T. Hongkong, China by Ahu M. Chang Q, Wong L.K.
Chong FS, Li RC).
10.
Antifibrotic –
Research in Korea from College of Pharmacy, Medicinal
Resources Research Center, Wonkwang University, Iksan,
Geopnbuk, Korea by Park EJ, Ko G, Kim J, Sohn DH. They
found that the polysaccharides from Ganoderma Lucidum
reduced the serum aspartate transaminase (AST). The
polysaccharides found in Ganoderma show its antifibrotic
properties as it lowers the collagen formation and their
deposition in the liver. Once the liver cells are damaged
or injured, the body’s response is to repair the
damaged part by replacing it with fibrosis. The formation
of fibrosis is brought about by the presence of collagen,
making the liver hard and non-functional. The reduction in
the collagen formation would therefore prevent the
formation of fibrosis and prevent liver cirrhosis.
Delaying the formation of fibrosis in the liver certainly
makes Ganoderma a liver protector. Beta-glucoronidase is
an enzyme known to cause damage to the liver. Inhibiting
it will prevent liver damage and Ganoderma Lucidum was
found to prevent the beta-glucoronidase from damaging the
liver. Superoxide is also known to induce liver and kidney
damages. It was studied that Ganoderma Lucidum extract is
responsible for scavenging or removing the superoxide and
also removing the free radical, protecting the liver from
injury, and thereby preventing irreversible liver cell
damage.
11. Germanium – known to prevent
osteoporosis –
From the Department of Pharmacology, Nihon University
School of Dentistry, Chiba, Japan by Fujii A. Kuboyama N,
Yamane J, Nakao S, Furukawa Y. They studied the effect of
germanium on rats fed with low calcium and decreased the
level of calcitonin to cause osteoporosis. They found
out that those rats with germanium prevented the
decrease in bone strength and affected the femur cortical
bone index and bone mineral mass caused by osteoporosis.
12. Antileukemia –
Leukemic patients were
given with a high dose of Ganoderma Lucidem (6 caps 3x a
day) for three months prior to chemotherapy and continued
for a period of three month. Patients were given
cytarabine and daunorubicin. All patients had visible
response when Ganoderma Lucidum was added to their regimen
changes in their white blood cells (WBC); hemoglobin and
platelet counts were either significant or very
significant after three months of treatment. According to
researches, the long term prognosis seems encouraging.
Ganoderma brings hope even to leukemic patients.
13. Effect
of Ganoderma on Cancer of the nasopharynx
– Five patients with stage
III cancer of the nasopharynx (cancer in the nose area and
to the throat) were given six capsules of Ganoderma
Lucidum three times a day for one week before chemotherapy
and radiation and continued for three months. Patients
were given a complete course of radiation for six weeks
and chemotherapy regimen consisting of cyclophosphamide,
lomustine, daunorubicin and vincristine once a month for
four months. Observable response was noted in all the
patients and a significant reduction and shrinkage of the
tumor size was seen after 40 days of treatment with
Ganoderma Lucidum
in concurrence with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. A
complete regression of the tumors was achieved after 90
days of treatment. The regression was not the direct
effect of Ganoderma Lucidum but was due to its
immunopotentiating effect on the different immunologic
cells responsible to accelerate the production of
interlukins-2 from helper T cells that potentiate the
induction of anti-tumor cells, such as NK or Natural
Killer cells, cytotoxic macrophages, in addition to the
induction of interferon production. Patient was energized
with good appetite and sleep and pain was alleviated. No
side effect was observed.
14.
Triterpenes – are simple
lipids present in Ganoderma and is responsible for its
bitter taste. There are around 200 fatty acids found in
Ganoderma and carry with them therapeutic properties. High
level of bad cholesterol LDL is one of the major risk
factors to heart disease. Accumulation of these substances
in the walls of the blood vessels form a “plague” making
the blood vessels nonpliable, hard and narrow. As blood
passes through the narrowed blood vessels lumen, two
things can happen. First, the diastolic blood pressure
will rise. Second, there will be diminished blood flow to
the organs that are to be supplied. This event will result
in the starvation of the cells of nutrients and oxygen and
if left uncorrected will cause cell destruction and death.
Taking Ganoderma reduces the blood cholesterol level
thereby, preventing the development of atherosclerosis and
reducing the risk of heart attacks. There were 20
types of mushrooms studied and Ganoderma Lucidum was found
to possess pronounced anti-cholesterol properties (Studies
made by Russian scientist Li Khva Ren, Vasil’ev AV,
Orekhov AN, Tertopv VV, Tutl’ian VA. Against Autoimmune
Disease).
15. Adenosine
– is a nucleotide
important in the production of energy. It is responsible
for giving power to the cells so they can produce the
needed substances necessary to sustain life. Many of the
food we eat must be converted first into adenosine before
they can be utilized for energy production. Ganoderma has
adenosine ready for cell utilization. The adenosine
present in Ganoderma apparently explains why people taking
Ganoderma feel energized with claims of raised energy
level. Studies had shown that taking Ganoderma: Decreases
cholesterol level including free fats. Lowers the blood
lipid level and stabilizes cell membrane. Prevents
platelet agglutination and enhances thrombolysis thereby
preventing the thrombosis. Improves the functions of the
cortex of the adrenal glands to help maintain endocrine
balance. Regulates the metabolism for a youthful feeling.
Balances blood pH and possesses the property of a
vasolilator so there is an increased blood flow to areas
where blood is needed.
16.
Plant
Sterols – The
mycelium from Ganoderma is rich in sterols. Sterols are
components of the membrane that cover the cells and serve
as raw materials in the production of steroids, a hormone
needed by the body. The type of sterols found in Ganoderma
are: a) Lanosterol – converted into vitamin D2 when
exposed to sunlight. b) Balasistosterol – shown to
inhibit tumor growth. This prevents the accumulation of
cholesterol by competing with cholesterol in its
absorption in the small intestine. c) Ergosterol
17.
Anti-Platelet Aggregation
– Ganoderma Lucidum was
given to 15 healthy volunteers and 33 patients with
artherosclerosis. Platelet aggregation was inhibited by
Ganoderma Lucidum. Platelets by nature repair any rough
edges along the blood vessel walls. Unfortunately, the
aggregation makes the area more rough which in the long
run will clog the passage of blood and cause stroke if it
occurs in the brain or heart attack if it occurs in the
heart. Ganoderma prevents the aggregation and accumulation
of platelets. Its action is similar to aspirin. Its
advantage however, is in its being natural with no known
side effects.
Ganoderma
By: Levi H. Pagunsan,
M.D., F.P.C.P.
Chapter 5, pp 27-42
Copyright © 2004 Levi H.
Pagunsan
All rights reserved
Printed in USA
Email:
doctorpagunsan@yahoo.com
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