Although medicinal mushrooms have recently gained popularity in the wellness world, their immunity-boosting properties still need to be better understood. Modern science is only now learning more about their extraordinarily long roots and delving deeper into their medicinal potential.
For example, researchers discovered that fungal polysaccharides can influence the immune system. In addition, the immune-boosting properties of medicinal mushrooms are beneficial when dealing with viral illnesses such as HPV. With 14 million new cases each year and over 100 strains of the human papillomavirus, we need a robust immune system to combat the virus and prevent infection.
There’s no mushroom cure for HPV. However, medicinal mushrooms for HPV, such as Shiitake, Reishi, Turkey tail, and Cordyceps, have shown much promise. They boost the immune system, fight oxidative stress and help tackle HPV.
So, let’s examine the benefits of mushrooms for HPV below.
Understanding HPV And Its Implications
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that can harm various parts of your body. About 100 types of HPV exist, including strains that cause warts on your hands, feet, and face. In addition, there are approximately 30 HPV strains that can affect your genitals, including your cervix, vagina, vulva, scrotum, and penis, as well as your rectum and anus.
HPV, which affects your genitals, is a sexually transmitted infection (STI)that spreads via skin-to-skin contact. Many individuals are terrified of STIs, although most genital HPV strains are harmless. This includes the HPV strain responsible for genital warts.
Some HPV strains are high-risk and can cause malignancies such as cervical cancer. However, this is mainly avoidable with early discovery and treatment.
Active Compounds In Mushrooms For HPV Support
Mushrooms contain highly potent natural immune enhancers. In addition, polysaccharides derived from mushrooms have the potential to be antiviral agents. Long-chain polysaccharides, notably alpha- and beta-glucan molecules, are chiefly responsible for the mushrooms' immune-boosting properties.
According to a study published in Frontiers in Oncology(1), daily usage of a specific mushroom extract termed AHCC was linked to measures of better immune function and HPV clearance after six months of supplementation.
AHCC is a natural and unique cultured extract obtained from the cell wall of the mycelia of Shiitake mushrooms. It is high in alpha glucans and other immune-modulating polysaccharides.
The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study targeted women with a history of persistent high-risk HPV for more than two years, and 34 women completed the intervention. High-risk HPV is characterized as an invisible infection that can only be discovered with a tissue sample and is the leading cause of six different types of cancer, with cervical and head-and-neck cancer being the two most common.
Patients in the treatment group got AHCC daily for six months, followed by a placebo for six months. Finally, patients in the placebo group were given a placebo for the entire year.
The researchers confirmed that 63.6% of those who underwent six months of daily AHCC treatment followed by six months of placebo cleared the virus with no adverse side effects. In addition, only two patients in the placebo group were HPV-negative at the end of the therapy period, confirming the significant association of AHCC.
Potential Mushrooms HPV Benefits
Let's look at some of the most popular medicinal mushrooms for HPV and their effects.
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
Modern science backs up the usage of red reishi for various health issues, including cancer and chronic inflammation. Reishi is the "mushroom of immortality" due to its liver-protective and antioxidant properties.
Study results(2) have also indicated that using Reishi can significantly improve HPV clearance. For instance, in a preliminary clinical trial, Reishi with Turkey tail controlled oral HPV infection.
Turkey tails (Trametes versicolor)
Turkey tails are prevalent in woods and have been extensively researched for their capacity to boost immunological function (7) and combat several diseases. A plethora of data supports their anti-cancer properties, particularly in GI malignancies. In addition, Turkey tail contains prebiotics, which help feed the healthy bacteria in your gut flora, increasing immunity even further.
In the same preliminary clinical trial, 88% of subjects became virus-free in about two months.
Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)
Shiitake(3) is a tasty powerhouse of nutrients typically added to stir-fries and soups. In addition, the mushroom has been shown to protect the liver and boost the immune system.
We already know AHCC derived from Shiitake is one of the best mushroom extract for HPV. In addition, Lentinula supplements stimulate B and T cells (types of immune cells), which trigger the immunological response. This immune-boosting impact is quite powerful, particularly against some forms of cancer and HPV infection.
Cordyceps (Cordyceps Sinensis)
Cordyceps is a popular mushroom species in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The mushroom has been shown to have significant anti-cancer properties. Cordyceps is well known for its anti-cancer effects and ability to lower cholesterol, dilate blood vessels, and improve cardiovascular health.
One study(4) found it to be effective in uterine cervical carcinoma in mice. Selenium-enriched C. sinensis was employed in this study since selenium has been shown to protect against tumor growth in laboratory animals. In addition, the study found that animals given selenium-enriched C. sinensis lived substantially longer than those given only selenium or C. sinensis.
Incorporating Mushrooms Into A Holistic Approach
There are many ways to add superfood mushrooms into your holistic health regimen. For example, you may cook and eat mushrooms or use their powdered forms in cooking. Alternatively, add the powders to teas, smoothies, and shakes. You may even try taking supplements like capsules and tinctures.
Other complementary lifestyle factors may also help in your battle against HPV. Many vital nutrients are deficient in most women, including those critical for optimum immunity and cervical health. Several of them are deficient in women with cervical cancer, including selenium, vitamin A, folate, vitamin D, and B12. As a result, making sure you receive enough of these in your diet and through suitable supplementation may help prevent cervical changes and HPV from advancing.
Oxidative stress and inflammation can make cervical cells more vulnerable to HPV infection. Indeed, studies have shown that increased inflammation and oxidative stress can lead to higher concentrations of HPV in cervical and vaginal secretions, making cervical cells more prone to cellular damage.
Avoid refined sugar, ultra-processed foods, and carbohydrates, as they can induce severe inflammation. An elimination diet is an excellent place to start because it can help you identify personal dietary triggers.
Consultation And Collaboration With Healthcare Professionals
Although HPV is not curable, it is critical to seek personalized advice and help on HPV management from healthcare specialists. In addition, when incorporating mushrooms or any other supplementary treatments into your HPV care strategy, get professional advice.
Treatments for HPV may include destroying abnormal cells with liquid nitrogen (cryosurgery), burning it off with electrical current (electrocautery), laser therapy prescription creams, and trichloroacetic acid.
Mushrooms For Hpv
FAQs About Mushroom For HPV
Can Topical Application Of Mushroom Extracts Treat HPV-Related Skin Lesions?
There are no studies on the effectiveness of topical mushroom extracts on HPV-related skin lesions. However, preliminary research indicates that Shiitake mushroom extract has the potential to cure HPV.
Are There Any Side Effects Or Risks Associated With Consuming Mushrooms For HPV?
Mushrooms are safe and well-tolerated by most people. However, some people may experience digestive upset, skin rashes, and nausea.
Can Mushrooms Prevent The Transmission Of HPV?
According to research, mushrooms such as Turkey tail and Reishi promote HPV clearance in patients with oral disease due to the virus. In addition, medicinal mushrooms can also improve immunization effectiveness.
Key Takeaway
Medicinal mushroom for HPV, such as Shiitake (AHCC), Reishi, Cordyceps, and Turkey tail, not only activate the body's defense cells, such as macrophages, but also reduce inflammation. When selecting a medicinal mushroom for HPV, remember that each species has distinct qualities and applications. Many formulations blend multiple species to achieve a specific effect.
References
- AHCC® Supplementation to Support Immune Function to Clear Persistent Human Papillomavirus Infections, (1)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9256908
- Control of oral human papillomavirus (HPV) by medicinal mushrooms, Trametes versicolor and Ganoderma lucidum: a preliminary clinical trial, (2)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25271984/
- Consuming Lentinula edodes (Shiitake) Mushrooms Daily Improves Human Immunity: A Randomized Dietary Intervention in Healthy Young Adults, (3)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25866155/
- Effects of Fermented Mushroom of Cordyceps sinensis, Rich in Selenium, on Uterine Cervix Cancer, (4)https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2014/173180/
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