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findings suggest that fermenting G. lucidum water extracts with probiotics may influence the immune system

reishi ferment

Ganoderma lucidum, a renowned traditional Chinese medicine documented in the pharmacopeia, is utilized for treating cancer, immunological disorders, hepatitis, and neuropathies. It has demonstrated efficacy in boosting immunity due to its rich content of bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides, triterpenoids, nucleotides, and steroids, recognized as physiologically active substances. 

The fruiting body of G. lucidum is the primary source of polysaccharides and triterpenes, considered the medicinal component of this fungus. These natural substances, though many are indigestible, traverse the upper gastrointestinal tract and undergo fermentation by a range of gut microbes in the cecum and colon.

These findings suggest that fermenting G. lucidum water extracts with probiotics may enhance the release of polysaccharides from the fruiting body and influence the immune system.

Novel effects achieved by fermentation of Reishi

The gut microbiota is often referred to as the hidden organ of the human body, crucial in training and maintaining the host immune system. Innate immunity specifically helps prevent gut microbiota dysbiosis, showcasing a beneficial interaction. However, disruptions in the gut microbiota due to immune-related disorders can hinder the efficient utilization of natural substances like G. lucidum extracts, highlighting the urgent need for interventions to restore a balanced micro-ecosystem. 

On the flip side, probiotic fermentation of natural substances boosts nutrient diversity and bioactive functions like antimicrobial, anticarcinogenic, and antidiabetic properties, as well as immune system stimulation and cholesterol reduction. Fermented G. lucidum extracts could enhance learning and cognitive function, but research on its effects on the immune system is limited. This study evaluates the immuno-enhancing effects of probiotic-fermented G. lucidum extracts on immunity, mucosal barrier function, and gut microbiota in immunosuppressed mice.

Probiotic fermentation of G. lucidum fruiting body alters major ganoderic acid components, like GA converting to GC2. GLFB ( G. lucidum fruiting body)  counters DEX-induced immunosuppression by enhancing immunity, gut health, and microbiota balance.
 

Probiotic fermentation altered the G. lucidum composition.

• Probiotics aided (Ganoderic Acid) GA biotransformation.

• GLFB countered DEX-induced immunosuppression.

• GLFB enhanced gut microbiota balance and intestinal barrier.

• GLFB and GAFB notably boosted CD4+ T cell growth and CD4+/CD8+ ratio.

L. acidophilus and B. breve fermentation transformed GA, a major triterpenoid in G. lucidum, into GC2, its primary reduced metabolite. This suggests probiotic fermentation aids GA metabolism, supported by RNA-seq findings showing GA activates pathways related to L. acidophilus and B. breve metabolism.

These interactions between GA and probiotic strains may significantly contribute to G. lucidum’s immunoregulatory effects.

The study showed that probiotic fermentation of G. lucidum extracts altered major ganoderic acid components, converting GA into GC2, impacting various metabolic pathways in the probiotic strains. GLFB notably enhanced immunity, gut health, and microbiota balance, with its immunostimulatory effects linked to the expansion of CD4+ T cells in Peyer’s patches. These findings suggest that probiotic fermentation enhances G. lucidum’s immunostimulatory properties through component biotransformation, supporting its development and application.

Fermentation of G. lucidum water extracts by a probiotic mixture improved immunity, mucosal barrier function, and the gut microbiota composition.

 

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following supplementation there was a restoration of serum cytokine levels

Fermenting G. lucidum water extracts with a probiotic blend enhanced immune response, mucosal barrier function, and gut microbiota composition.

Following fermentation by L. acidophilus and B. breve, the main triterpenoids in G. lucidum, GA, were transformed into GC2, the primary metabolite resulting from GA reduction. This indicated that probiotic fermentation facilitated GA metabolism. RNA-seq findings showed that GA activated pathways related to L. acidophilus and B. breve metabolism, aligning with research showing that G. lucidum sporoderm-breaking spores regulate metabolism-related signaling pathways. Considering the interplay between GA and probiotic strains, it appears plausible that GA biotransformation and bacterial strain metabolism significantly contribute to GLFB’s immunoregulatory effects.

In this study, GLFB effectively shielded mice from DEX-induced weight loss and spleen atrophy in immunosuppressed mice. Under immunosuppressant treatment, naïve CD4+ T cells could transition into IL-17 producers, which includes an increase in IL-17 levels and a decrease in TNF-α. These results echoed findings from other studies utilizing the cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed mouse mode. Following GLFB supplementation, there was a restoration of serum cytokine levels, suggesting that GLFB enhances immunity and possesses immunoregulatory properties. Past studies have also noted that polysaccharides from G. lucidum spores can preserve gut barrier integrity by upregulating TJ protein expression like Occludin, Claudin-1, and ZO-1, thereby reducing endotoxemia.

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how it works

These findings suggest that fermenting G. lucidum water extracts with probiotics may enhance the release of polysaccharides from the fruiting body, which could help maintain gut barrier integrity and influence the interaction between the gut microbiota and immune system. Recent research has emphasized G. lucidum-related products’ potential to regulate gut microbiota composition. For instance, it was shown in previous studies that an extract of G. lucidum mycelium could alleviate obesity, inflammation, and insulin resistance by modulating gut microbiota and barrier function. Similarly observed effects with polysaccharides from sporoderm-breaking spores of G. lucidum were published as well. Additionally, G. lucidum mycelium-fermented liquid demonstrated hypolipidemic effects in humans by modifying gut microbiota composition.

conclusion

Lymphocytes are vital for immune responses, with CD4+/CD8+ levels reflecting cell-mediated immunity. Studies show G. lucidum can enhance T-cell percentages and ratios. Our results confirm GLFB’s ability to normalize lymphocyte levels in DEX-treated mice, suggesting potential for cellular immunity regulation.

how to

You can buy fermented Reishi extract if you desire a fermented product or you can learn how to ferment mushrooms and make your own. 

reishi supplements

As a whole food supplement, Reishi is safe to consume daily without side effects. Because its properties can be additive to some of the pharmaceutical medications you may already be taking, always check with your health care provider before making Reishi a daily ritual especially if you have a history of cancer.  

A teaspoonful of Reishi powder or three capsules provides the recommended dosage of 2,000mg.

Add powder to your daily natural oral immune therapy drink and stir. 

According to studies improved health benefits can generally be seen in 4 to 8 weeks of daily use.

Although food based supplements are safe for daily use take occasional breaks from any other supplement use.

If you like natural health tips like the ones above you can learn more in Immune For Life

protect metabolic health

Remember, no more than 6 teaspoons (25 grams) of added sugar per day for women and 9 teaspoons (38 grams) for men. The AHA limits for children vary depending on their age and caloric needs, but range between 3-6 teaspoons (12 – 25 grams) per day. Children under two should have zero grams of sugar per day.