The status of our defenses and the immune system focus our attention these days, especially after seeing the large number of cases registered with cold and flu. While it is true that there is Very concrete mycotherapy recommendations to deal with flu viruses, With this new post we want to inaugurate the year talking about how fungi intervenes in the immune system and in which processes some of its active compounds such as the active compounds such as β-glucans, the triterpenes, the cordedepine, etc. For this we recover the seminar on-line taught by Antony Haynes, organized by HDT in collaboration of the British Association for Appliad Nutrition and Nutritional Therapy (Bant). It is an exceptional seminar in which we also address another of the issues of great relevance when we talk about health: the inflammation.
Seminar on-line About the role of β-Glucanos
In the summary that we propose below the video we collect the main ideas explained by Antony Haynes on how fungal extracts help the regulation of body inflammation and the promotion and modulation of the immune system.
Knowing Antony Haynes Antony Haynes, one of the most influential nutritional therapy experts in the United Kingdom with more than 24 years of experience, is a pioneer in implementing the principles of functional medicine, in addition to a recognized Speaker worldwide.
Inflammation and diseases
Inflammation and cardiovascular diseases .- Inflammation plays a relevant role in cardiovascular diseases. According to Antony Haynes in the Seminar on-line, Dr. Mark Houston, professor and hypertension specialist in Tennessee (USA), described arteriosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases as a postprandial phenomenon. After food intake our body presents greater inflammation. It is at this time when most cardiovascular diseases occur.
Inflammation and autoimmunity.- «It is estimated that it is the third cause of morbidity and mortality». As Antony Haynes adds, there are up to 70 documented autoimmune pathologies, of which 18 would be to be confirmed as diseases, and that are induced by inflammation.
Inflammation and metabolic syndrome.- According to the official data handled, the National Health System of the United Kingdom will enter into bankruptcy if the incidence of diabetes is maintained (without increasing). Therefore, "it is a disease with great prevalence and inflammation has to do with this process."
Inflammation and cancer.- «Dr. Michael Karen was the first to trust the relationship between inflammation and cancer ». Although the first relationship between the two occurred in Roman times, in 2005 he was the first person at the University of San Diego in publishing in the magazine Nature that the information of the NF Kappa B initiated and caused cancer inside the cells. «Inflammation is a conductive factor, so any disease that is related to inflammation for a long time can have a concomitant risk of cancer development in one way or another ».
The immune system and mycotherapy
β-glucans
As Haynes points out, β-glucans are the best known active compounds of fungi. Although they are present in the cell walls of cereals, yeasts, bacteria and fungi, «β-glucans of fungi are probably the most powerful »and have been referenced as modulators of the biological response based on their effect on the immune system.
Summary of some of the Reishi bioactive compounds (Ganoderma lucidum)
- There are bibliographic references in which it is found that the Ganoderic Tritenic Acid C1 (GAC1), one of the active compounds of the Reishi, offers results in people with Chron's disease.
- Antony Haynes explains that this acid Reduces TNF-α production. As he explains, TNF-α is one of the best known and studied inflammatory cytokines of the body. Although its function is to protect us, as a general rule, when it has high levels, it can be harmful. Haynes argue that has been observed how Reishi's triterpenes reduce the production of TNF, immune cells and PBMC, which is another way to call mononuclear cells of peripheral blood, among which we highlight lymphocytes.
- In an example, Haynes states that if a person suffering from an inflammatory disease takes Reishi extract, GAC1 significantly reduces TNF-α and interferon-gamma, as well as interleucin-17A. These variations are beneficial for colon cells in patients suffering from Chron's disease.
Summary of some of the Bioactive cordyceps compounds (Cordyceps sinensis)
- As explained in the seminar, the extract of this fungus has been used as Tonic and health complement, so it has been used in patients with suboptimal health, especially in the elderly in China and other Asian countries.
- Among the multiple components that have been extracted from this fungus, Haynes stands out the cordedepine, polysaccharides, ergosterol, manitol and adenosine.
- There are different pharmacological actions of these chemical components, including the Antitumor, hepatoprotector, anti -inflammatory, antioxidant and nephroprotector effect. Also, we can talk about antiapopototic properties.
- The CORDYPIN, for example, it belongs to a category of compounds that have significant therapeutic potential and has many intracellular goals, including the nucleic acid, apoptosis and cell cycle.
- Second, we can talk about the adenosine, a nucleoside that deals with Energy transmission and of the cellular communication that acts protecting cells and prevents tissue damage, a relevant issue in chronic heart disease. It also presents anti -inflammatory properties and anticonvulsive activity.
- The nucleotides They are also part of Cordyceps sinensis. These are capable of Inhibit the inflammation of the urethra, improve blood circulation and brain function. The most important effect is the improvement of the immune system, according to Haynes.
Summary of some of the Bioactive compounds of the Sun Mushroom (Agaricus Blazei)
- He Sun mushroom It is another of the medicinal fungi cited and that it has Immunomodulatory effect. According to Haynes, it has been shown that Reduces Citoquina levels in blood.
Summary of some of the Shiitake bioactive compounds (Edodes lentinula)
- Among other outstanding aspects of Shiitake, in this seminar on-line Haynes explains that lentinan Exercise one Intestinal anti -inflammatory action Through the inhibition of certain cytokines such as the expression of the IL-8 RNA, related to the inhibition and activation of the N-Kappa-B. N-Kappa B is the nuclear option and is the main regulator that controls a large volume of body information, hence it is very interesting.
Summary of some of the Bioactive compounds of the Maitake (Frondosa tap)
- In animal models, the extract of Maitake showed its ability to Prevent the development of non -alcoholic liver steathosis (EHNA) Or prevent it from going worse, improving lipid metabolism disorder in EHNA rats, induced by high fat and carbohydrate diets.
- Also, the Maitake, according to Haynes, Relieves the oxidative stress level and the reduction of inflammatory cytokines production (TNF A & IL-6) that cause diseases such as EHNA.