Hemlock Conk Loaded with Antioxidants
In 1999, the tree conk Hemlock Varnish Shelf was found to possess "the strongest antioxidant activity of five species of Ganoderma [Reishi] tested." It was found to have stronger antioxidative activity than Vitamin E. The abundance of antioxidants in Hemlock Varnish Shelf has been confirmed by several other research papers. [827, 828, 829, 830]
Hemlock Varnish Shelf (Ganoderma tsugae) is the local variety of Reishi (Ganoderma spp.) for eastern United States. It is common on Eastern Hemlock trees (Tsuga canadensis) throughout the Appalachian range.
And in fact it shares many medicinal attributes with the better known Common Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), which has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for 2,000 years or more.
Being a common tree mushroom also in parts of Southeast Asia, Hemlock Varnish Shelf (Ganoderma tsugae) has been the object of study in plenty of Asian research.
Grown commercially in Taiwan as a medicinal mushroom, Hemlock Varnish Shelf is exported to mainland China, where it is traditionally used to treat autoimmune diseases and asthma, as well as other conditions involving inflammation.
In modern scientific literature, we can only find one study on the use of Hemlock Varnish Shelf in the treatment of an autoimmune disease. A paper published in 2001 stated: "Improved the survival rate of lupus" [800] with the administration of Ganoderma tsugae extract.
When it comes to conditions involving inflammation of lung tissue, three studies have been conducted on Hemlock Varnish Shelf. It has been reported to "exert anti-inflammatory effects on airway responses" [801] in allergic asthma and other forms of broncheoalveolar inflammation. [802, 803]
A unique and increasingly popular use of Hemlock Varnish Shelf is as a form of skin substitute to aid in wound healing. Sold under the name of Sacchachitin, this Ganoderma tsugae-derived skin substitute has been shown in many studies to help speed up skin healing. It's been reported that "rapid wound healing" occurs when the injured area is covered by Sacchachitin as compared to gauze. [804] A "wound area covered by SACCHACHITIN completely healed by 21 days, while that covered with cotton gauze did not," states one paper. [805, 806, 807]
Hemlock Varnish Shelf extract has also been tested for its antitumor properties with promising results. [808, 809, 810, 811, 812] In particular lung cancer [813, 814, 815] and breast cancer [816] have responded favorably in scientific research. It was also shown in one study to help prevent cancer metastasis. [817]
As with the Common Reishi, Hemlock Varnish Shelf extract appears to be immunomodulatory [817, 818, 819, 820, 821, 822, 823] - meaning that it will adjust the immune system up or down depending on what is needed. It helps strengthen a weak immune system, [824] but will calm an over-active immune system in cases of inflammation [825] or autoimmune conditions.
One study conducted in 2004 found Hemlock Varnish Shelf extract to posses liver protective properties and be anti-fibrotic. [826]
Note: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Never use any herb (or mushroom) except as advised by a licensed medical practitioner. - 17268
Hemlock Varnish Shelf (Ganoderma tsugae) is the local variety of Reishi (Ganoderma spp.) for eastern United States. It is common on Eastern Hemlock trees (Tsuga canadensis) throughout the Appalachian range.
And in fact it shares many medicinal attributes with the better known Common Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), which has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for 2,000 years or more.
Being a common tree mushroom also in parts of Southeast Asia, Hemlock Varnish Shelf (Ganoderma tsugae) has been the object of study in plenty of Asian research.
Grown commercially in Taiwan as a medicinal mushroom, Hemlock Varnish Shelf is exported to mainland China, where it is traditionally used to treat autoimmune diseases and asthma, as well as other conditions involving inflammation.
In modern scientific literature, we can only find one study on the use of Hemlock Varnish Shelf in the treatment of an autoimmune disease. A paper published in 2001 stated: "Improved the survival rate of lupus" [800] with the administration of Ganoderma tsugae extract.
When it comes to conditions involving inflammation of lung tissue, three studies have been conducted on Hemlock Varnish Shelf. It has been reported to "exert anti-inflammatory effects on airway responses" [801] in allergic asthma and other forms of broncheoalveolar inflammation. [802, 803]
A unique and increasingly popular use of Hemlock Varnish Shelf is as a form of skin substitute to aid in wound healing. Sold under the name of Sacchachitin, this Ganoderma tsugae-derived skin substitute has been shown in many studies to help speed up skin healing. It's been reported that "rapid wound healing" occurs when the injured area is covered by Sacchachitin as compared to gauze. [804] A "wound area covered by SACCHACHITIN completely healed by 21 days, while that covered with cotton gauze did not," states one paper. [805, 806, 807]
Hemlock Varnish Shelf extract has also been tested for its antitumor properties with promising results. [808, 809, 810, 811, 812] In particular lung cancer [813, 814, 815] and breast cancer [816] have responded favorably in scientific research. It was also shown in one study to help prevent cancer metastasis. [817]
As with the Common Reishi, Hemlock Varnish Shelf extract appears to be immunomodulatory [817, 818, 819, 820, 821, 822, 823] - meaning that it will adjust the immune system up or down depending on what is needed. It helps strengthen a weak immune system, [824] but will calm an over-active immune system in cases of inflammation [825] or autoimmune conditions.
One study conducted in 2004 found Hemlock Varnish Shelf extract to posses liver protective properties and be anti-fibrotic. [826]
Note: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Never use any herb (or mushroom) except as advised by a licensed medical practitioner. - 17268
About the Author:
Dr. Markho Rafael has worked with natural health since finishing Chiropractic College in 1996. He currently specializes in medicinal mushrooms, working specifically with MycoMedicinals from Paul Stamets' Fungi Perfecti, including reishi synergistic blends such as G5 (Ganoderma Five) and CordyChi. For research references to this article, please go to the Ganoderma tsugae list.
posted by X - Men at
6:30 AM
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