Hericium - Sea urchin

Hericium - The sea urchin is a very tasty mushroom reminiscent of the lion's mane. It is used mainly to support mental functions, solves hericium-illustration-neurological problems, in digestive problems of various types and, like other medicinal mushrooms, coral is characterized by immunomodulatory and anti-cancer effects. Its importance lies in the fight against tumors of the upper and middle part of the digestive tract and liver , it has also proven itself in the case of the gastric bacterium Helicobacter pylori. Hericium is currently being studied in detail, for example its ability to stimulate the production of nerve growth factor NGF. This protein promotes nerve cell growth and nerve protection. But it also corrects them if necessary. According to recent research, this function is important in patients after a heart attack because it reduces the risk of heart failure. (1)

Hericium from the point of view of traditional Chinese medicine

According to traditional Chinese medicine, Hericium has a neutral temperature, a sweet and dull taste. Regarding tropism, resources vary. Some refer to the stomach, spleen and heart, others to the kidneys, liver or all circuits. This medicinal fungus specially strengthens the stomach and regulates its Qi, also helps digestion and replenishes the spleen. At the same time, it calms the Shen spirit and strengthens the activity of the brain. Hericia is also of great help in supporting mental functions and in neurological problems such as Alzheimer's disease, dementia, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, neuropathy or neurasthenia. The development of mental functions was already dealt with by the ancient Chinese and they used Hericium for this very purpose. In addition, it promotes memory and concentration, so this medical sponge is used, for example, during trial periods. Hericium can also be considered a specialist in various digestive problems. Especially when they are accompanied by a fever, which traditional Chinese medicine describes as "stomach fever." The advantage of Hericia is the ability to harmonize the stomach and digestion as a whole. At the same time, it takes care of calming and protecting the mucosa. It is therefore used for heartburn, reflux, gastritis or stomach ulcers. Contributes to better digestion. In this context, it is also necessary to mention the state when stress manifests itself on the body. These conditions can look like pressures in the chest or around the stomach, feelings of tension, irritability, depression, discomfort in the throat, feelings of inner agitation, can cause premenstrual syndrome, an irregular cycle and often grow with emotions. Traditional Chinese medicine attributes these symptoms to liver stagnation. Even in this case, Hericium has a positive effect. (2)

Hericium tested in practice

• Cordyceps can also be used to relieve depressed moods +
• adjunctive therapy for nerve diseases + it is also possible to take Reishi, Cordyceps
• sleep disorders, restlessness + Reishi can also be used
• strengthening the immune system + other medicinal mushrooms are also used
• prevention of tumors - especially cancers of the intestine, stomach, esophagus and skin
• correction of stomach and intestinal problems, mainly concerns inflammation of the digestive system + Shiitake, Reishi, Coprinus are also used

Other uses for Hericia

• in gastritis,
• for stomach problems,
• in Helicobacter pylorii,
• in celiac disease (also Reishi),
• to soothe the mucosa,
• under stress,
• internal unrest,
• neurasthenia (chronic fatigue syndrome),
• acts on NGF factor in neurodegenerative diseases (dementia, Alzheimer's (Reishi is added)),
• Parkinson (Cordyceps is added for depression), multiple sclerosis),
• for better functioning of the nervous system,
• in neuropathy,
• in multi-resistant golden staphylococcus,
• to improve concentration,
• in cancer (stomach, esophagus, colon, liver, cervix)

Characteristics of Hericia

Hericium erinaceus (Hedgehog Coral, Lion´s Mane (English), Yamabushitake (Japanese), Hou Tou Gu (Chinese)) grows on the trunks of injured deciduous trees and also on stumps. We find it mainly in the northern hemisphere: in Europe, Asia, but also in North America. Hericium is an edible mushroom and tastes very good. In addition to its strong position in Asian gastronomy, it is also a medicinal sponge used mainly by traditional Chinese medicine. But it is also unknown in North America. The original population - the Indians - carried Hericium as a powder still with them, and the fungus proved to be effective in the treatment of open wounds, especially as a disinfectant and to stop bleeding. Two "mycologists" took care of the "scientific" documentation of the fungus in the 18th century: the Frenchman JBF Bulliard, who named it Hydnum erinaceus. The current name was given to him at the end of the 18th century by the pioneer of mycology Ch. H. Person. Awareness of the healing effects of Hericia spread rapidly, so there was a scientific study very soon. The effectiveness of Hericia has been documented by many experiments and studies. Due to the great increase in demand, this medicinal fungus is also grown commercially. Hericium, the special shape of its fruiting body, resembles a sea coral or a mane. From there, this mushroom got its name (Slovak and English). The lanceolate fruiting bodies are about 7–15 cm in size, but they are also much larger, even up to 40 cm. They are "split" at the bottom, reminiscent of thorns.

The composition of Hericia

Hericium is mostly formed by water, dry matter contains mainly polysaccharides, proteins and fats. The content of bioactive substances is then the cause of the effects of this medicinal fungus.

Polysaccharides

The most important part of the fungus are polysaccharides, even several types are represented. One part - insoluble polysaccharides, which are not absorbed, is used as food for intestinal bacteria. In this way, the fungus takes care of the intestinal microflora and improves the mobility of the intestines. Soluble polysaccharides, on the other hand, are absorbed and enter the body. They can also affect the intestinal mucosa through which they pass. Among the most important polysaccharides in Hericia we can mention beta glucans, especially β-1,3 and β-1,6 branched glucans. It is also necessary to mention HEPF3, a heteropolysaccharide with the main components fucose and galactose. An interesting polysaccharide also includes the heteropolysaccharide HPB-3 , which consists of fucose, d-galactose and d-glucose. In addition to polysaccharides, monosaccharides such as glucose, arabitol, trehalose and mannitol also appear in Hericia. It is used in medical practice because it promotes fluid excretion. Carbohydrate and protein compounds also appear in Hericia, such as the HEG-5 proteoglycan. In this regard, it is important to write that polysaccharides and proteoglycans excel in strong immunomodulatory properties, have anticancer and antioxidant effects. (2)

Phenols, terpenes and aromatic compounds

Terpene compounds, phenols and aromatic compounds are also an essential part of Hericia. These components are responsible for promoting the production of neural growth factor. This factor is important in the regeneration of nervous tissue, including brain tissue. Terpene compounds have significant antioxidant, anti-infective and anti-cancer effects. Examples include erinacins. Phenols in turn represent hericenones. (2)

Amino acids and proteins

In Hericia we find quality amino acids and proteins. A number of species are represented from amino acids, including those that the body cannot produce on its own. It is mainly L-alanine and L-leucine, very small amounts in the form of L-tryptophan and L-phenylalanine. As far as proteins are concerned, there are very important enzymes such as β-amylase, protease, α-amylase, β-glucosidase, lactase. They can break down many compounds such as lignin, cellulose, other proteins, but also complex sugars.

Steroid compounds

Hericia also lacks steroid compounds - compounds with a cholesterol core. In this case it is ergosterol (vitamin D2), 5-α-ergostan-3-one, 5-α-stigmasten-22-en-3-one and 5-α-stigmastan-3-one, campestanol, campesterol , erinaroly A ‒ F. These compounds are sometimes referred to as phytohormones, which have both anti-cancer and antibacterial effects.

Fats

Fats in plants are not very common, unless we are talking about seeds. However, we find fats in mushrooms, as well as fatty acids. Unsaturated fatty acids, which benefit health, take up more. Mention may be made, for example, of oleic or linoleic acid. Saturated fatty acids such as stearic acid and palmitic acid are also hidden in Hericia. The compounds of sugars and fats are called glycolipids, here they are specifically represented by cerebrosides B and E - they have the task of reducing the toxicity of chemotherapeutics in the kidneys and can be used in the treatment of cancer.

Vitamins and minerals

Hericiium also contains minerals and trace elements, as well as vitamins. These are mainly phosphorus, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, zinc, selenium, copper. As far as vitamins are concerned, B vitamins and vitamin D are particularly important.

Benefit of Heric for the organism

Hericium is quite varied in interesting substances that can be beneficial to the body.

Hericium benefits the nervous system

Hericium has a unique effect on the nervous system. The main causes are hericenones and erinacins. The beneficial effect of these substances on the production of neural growth factor in the nervous system can be demonstrated from research. The factor is important for the formation of new nerve cells, further to the renewal of nerve tissue, nerve cells become more resistant to influences, have a longer lifespan. In addition, it also supports the lifespan of cholinergic neurons. Hericium is very beneficial, especially in degenerative processes in the brain, or in an injury that damages the spinal cord or nerves. Many studies have been performed in rodents that have shown significantly faster regeneration and recovery of damaged nerve function with Hericia. The mice were nerve injured in such a way that they could not move their limbs. Some mice received Hericium, some received nothing. Mice that consumed this fungus regained motility. Nerve control was also restored, mainly because neuronal division was promoted and nerve protrusion growth was promoted. An interesting substance is erinacin A. Its ability to protect nerve cells from toxic effects has been demonstrated. Mice received a substance that caused a condition similar to Parkinson's disease. The neurons that produce dopamine in the nigrostriatal region have been destroyed. When the rodents received Hericium, the cell lysis was less and there was no Parkinson's disease. The result was clear when looking at the mice, which then documented the histological examination of the brain sample. (3)

Degenerative brain disease

Degenerative brain disease is relatively common, especially in the elderly. But this is not the rule, because it can appear earlier in various forms. Examples are diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Scientific experiments were performed on patients diagnosed with mild dementia. The group consisted of 7 patients, of which 6 people had an improvement in mental function after stopping Hericia. Communication skills as well as memory and comprehension have also improved. Another study involved 30 patients divided into two groups. One received Hericium, the other a placebo (a dummy treatment). The study lasted 16 weeks and patients who consumed Hericium had improved cognitive function. (3)

Neuropathy

Hericium has a positive effect on the mental and mental state of a person. In this case, too, studies were performed with volunteers. One study involved patients with depression and sleep disorders. They took Hericium for four weeks, during which time their depressive condition improved, they were less irritated and anxious. In addition, concentration was strengthened and patients slept better, sleep was more full. Hericium has also been beneficial in menopausal depression, which has been a side effect. Thirty volunteers received Hericium through cakes. No adverse events occurred during the study, quite the contrary. Women who ate Hericio cakes felt better physically and mentally. The effects of menopause, whether anxiety or depression, have been mitigated, but women have also become better concentrated. In some studies, a standardized preparation, Amyloban3399, was used. It is a preparation rich in hericenones, amylobandins, and amycenones, which are found in Hericia. The administration of the product to healthy volunteers showed better mental functions, easier learning, better concentration. In addition to these experiments, Amyloban3399 was also given to patients with schizophrenia. Better condition and stabilization was achieved in these individuals. The positive effects also affected patients with insomnia, whose sleep was then much better. The antidepressant effect of amycenone has also been demonstrated in experiments on mice exposed to stress. They were calmer after amycenone administration. The same condition was achieved with the commonly prescribed antidepressant - paroxetine. (5, 6)

Demyelinating disease

Loss of myelin sheaths of axons, or demyelination, is an accompanying phenomenon of some diseases, resulting in a subsequent disruption of conduction. This condition is usually associated with multiple sclerosis. In this case, myelin destroys the immune system because it makes antibodies against its components. When Hericium is used, good results are obtained. Experiments show that the promotion of neural growth factor production is also associated with myelin formation and remyelination. Several cases of diseases of the nervous system and psyche, and the current consumption of Hericia, demonstrate its usefulness in treatment. At the same time, it should be noted that Hericium is also suitable for preventive use. In this regard, we have already mentioned its effect on reducing the effects of oxidative stress, and e.g. toxic substances on nerve cells. It further prevents the progression of degeneration. (7)

Influence on the immune system

Proper functioning of the immune system is essential for good health. If someone is born with severe combined immunodeficiency and is not treated, he or she dies of serious infections as an infant. The immune system provides us with protection against the surrounding harmful influences, sometimes it also attacks inside the body. For the system to work properly, it needs good timing, coordination, a strong enough and long response. Because when she is weak and short-lived, then she is not able to get rid of danger. If the activity of the immune cells is not very strong, tissue damage can occur. It is essential that the immune system learns to recognize its own protein structures on the surface of cells and to distinguish them from foreign ones, which are sometimes harmful, such as infectious pathogens. Some foreign cells are not dangerous, such as allergens. If they are their own antigens and allergens, the immune system should not respond. When it reacts, autoimmune and allergic inflammation develops. (8) Hericium and promotion of immune responses Hericium activates the whole immune system without selecting only certain components, as evidenced by the following description. In Hericia, as with other fungi, we find a relatively large number of polysaccharides with immunostimulatory effects. Polysaccharides bind to the receptors of immune cells - thus activating them. Stimulation of the cells then divides the cells more and increases the number of immune cells and also produces more agents, ie chemokines, cytokines and growth factors - these contribute to the strengthening of the immune response. In phagocytic cells, phagocytic activity increases, i.e. foreign particles such as e.g. bacteria and viral particles. The efficiency of killing bacteria and viruses is also strengthened, and in addition, cells can also inform other immune cells about the danger. Phagocytes put antigens of killed bacteria and viruses on the surface so that they can then identify them with their receptors and also activate other immune cells, especially T lymphocytes. Herbicium-containing polysaccharides also enhance the cytotoxic activity of NK cells, which they kill immediately - e.g. virus- or bacterial-infected cells and cancer cells. (8, 9) Hericium Suppresses Immune Activity It is now clear to us that sometimes the activity of the immune system needs to be slowed down so that it does no more harm than good. This applies, for example, to chronic inflammation, allergic and autoimmune inflammation, or even massive acute inflammation. (10) The extent to which Hericium is effective has been tested in animals and patients diagnosed with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. In both cases, it is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease in which there is a very significant higher activity of the immune system. Experiments in rats have shown that the consumption of Hericia contributes greatly to the improvement of rats. This mainly meant minor difficulties, including diarrhea, bleeding, in addition to which there is not so marked weight loss and inflammation of the intestine is reduced. Hericium, in addition to suppressing the immune system, also takes care of the favorable condition of the intestinal mucosa and relieves oxidative stress. In addition, randomized, double-blind, placebo-based studies were performed. In the study of 50 patients with Crohn's disease, Andosan was given part and placebo. After 21 days, the condition was assessed according to a standardized scoring system. The symptoms of the disease, fatigue and the overall quality of life of the patients were evaluated. Patients in the Andosan group felt better than before taking the medicine. They mainly had minor intestinal problems and felt fresher. Among other things, the results were shown in tests where the concentration of pre-inflammatory cytokines decreased in patients with Andosan. Hericium has also been involved in reducing the inflammation that sometimes occurs after the activation of immune cells by lipopolysaccharide - part of the bacterial walls. When amycenone from Hericia was consumed, the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF alpha decreased, but the concentration of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 increased.

Hericium has an anti-infective effect

Hericium can also be used to treat many infections. Because most viral infections are not cured, and it is not easy to cure bacterial infections (in this case, bacterial resistance to antibiotics is growing), scientists are trying to find new solutions in the form of other antibiotics or substances that kill bacteria and viruses. Hericium was also used as one of the possible variants in the experiments. These experiments usually take place on bacterial colonies or on virus-infected cells. Some of the studies were performed on sick laboratory animals. During experiments on bacterial colonies, Hericia also affected multidrug-resistant staphylococci - also known as "MRSA". In this case, hericenones help to eliminate staphylococci. When added to a staphylococcal colony, the bacteria no longer multiply and the infection does not spread. Bacteria are no longer very viable. Similar results have been obtained with other bacteria, such as E. coli (the most common cause of salmonella or urinary tract infections). (11, 12) In addition to staphylococcus, Hericium can also eliminate the treacherous bacterium Helicobacter pylori, the cause of gastric ulcers. This medicinal fungus has also been shown to have antiviral activity that also works against HIV, as it blocks a virus enzyme that helps with replication (multiplication). It is a reverse transcriptase. (13, 14) In addition to the destruction of bacteria and viruses, the herbicide also manages fungal and yeast infections, in particular it can eliminate the fungus Aspergillus niger and the yeast Candida albicans. Other studies describe the effect of Hericia on single-celled parasites. These are, for example, funnels that cause infectious conditions in fish and sometimes create significant problems in commercial nurseries. (15, 16)

Hericium in the fight against cancer

Unfortunately, cancer is a very common problem and its number is still growing. Because the technique in the form of various diagnostic methods and screenings is well advanced, it is possible to detect cancer in the embryo. Success in treatment is still better, but it is not always possible to fight a treacherous disease. To this must be added the treatment itself, which is very demanding for the body and is often associated with side effects. Possibilities are still being sought to facilitate treatment for patients in the event of illness and also to facilitate the impact of therapy. Hericium is also beneficial in these areas. (17, 18, 19, 20) Hericia manages to fight cancer on two fronts. One is the immune system, which takes care of the support of the immune system - it can then defend itself, and also kills cancer cells. In addition, it contains components that are toxic to tumor cells and does not endanger healthy cells at all. Testing is performed on cell cultures of cancer cells, to which Hericium is subsequently added. The researchers were able to find that many types of cancer cells do not divide in the presence of Hericia, reducing their ability to live. The cells then undergo apoptotic death. This means that no new cancer cells are formed, but rather decrease. Due to its ability to reduce blood vessel formation (abiogenesis), Hericium reduces cancer growth. Because tumor cells multiply relatively quickly, they need far more nutrients and oxygen than healthy cells. This means a sufficient blood supply and support for the formation of new blood vessels - so much more blood with oxygen and nutrients can reach them. Unless new blood vessels form, the tumor starves and grows more slowly, or the cancer cells even die. Another positive feature of Hericia is the prevention of metastasis. The medicinal fungus reduces cell motility and the production of enzymes that break down the intercellular mass. This is because with a loose intercellular mass, the tumor cell can travel more easily. In addition to in vitro experiments, animal tests were performed. They had tumor growth or were implanted in the tumor. To ensure that the cancer was not destroyed by the activity of the immune system, this activity was suppressed. For example, mice with colon, liver, and stomach cancers have been tested. Mice received Hericia solutions at doses of 500 and 100 mg / kg / day, respectively. Efficacy of treatment compared to treatment with chemotherapeutics - 5-fluorouracil. When the mice received Hericium, the tumor mass shrunk and the animals lived longer. Interestingly, the results with the medicinal sponge were better than when the mice consumed 5-fluorouracil. In addition, Hericia did not experience any adverse side effects, whereas chemotherapeutics did. A mouse model was developed to investigate the monitoring of anti-metastatic effects. Mice were implanted with colon cancer metastasizing to the lungs. In in vitro experiments, Hericium was able to kill cancer cells and metastasis to the lung was reduced by approximately 70%. Further experiments in mice showed that mestastization was reduced to 55%. In addition, the anti-cancer effects of Hericia have also been documented in leukemia and sarcomas.

Hericium causes fat loss

Because medicinal mushrooms are known for their ability to lower blood lipid levels, they are beneficial in reducing the risk of developing or exacerbating atherosclerosis. Hericium is also advised here with its hypolipidemic effects. Elevated lipid levels are a relatively common problem today. Elevated lipid levels are not painful, they are all the more insidious, because over time the blood vessels are damaged. This then results in the development of atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. When fats settle in the vessel walls, chronic inflammation occurs, as well as narrowing of the lumen of the vessels and the vessels thus lose elasticity. The result is high blood pressure, ischemic heart disease and ischemic lower limb disease. However, acute conditions such as heart attack can also occur. A change in lifestyle, especially diet, is often enough to remedy this. If this is not successful, hypolipidemics are prescribed. Another solution is medicinal mushrooms. Hericium was tested in laboratory animals, mainly mice and rats. The animals were fed a high fat diet to induce hyperlipidemia. As a result, the concentration of lipids in the blood increased. After the rodents consumed Hericium, the lipid levels decreased and were thus lower than in untreated rodents. This means that the concentration of cholesterol, triglycerides, LLD, phospholipids decreased and, conversely, the values of "good" HDL cholesterol increased. It also often prevents weight gain. In this way, the development or worsening of atherosclerosis can be significantly reduced. The results in laboratory animals suggest what effect could be achieved with the consumption of Hericia in humans. It also seems appropriate to use Hericium not only for therapeutic purposes but also for prevention. (21, 22, 23)

Hericium reduces blood clotting

If there is a higher blood clotting, so-called blood plugs, ie thrombi, form in the bloodstream. Their formation then narrows, sometimes even closing the lumen of the vessel, thus reducing the flow of blood and tissue. As a result, the authorities are deficient in oxygen and nutrients. A worse option is when the thrombi rupture and embolize. If they enter the cerebral or pulmonary stream, death can occur. Sometimes it is necessary to take medicines to "thin the blood". One way to prevent blood from clotting is to reduce the activity of the platelets. Hericium does not allow them to aggregate (aggregate), so no thrombi are formed, but platelet activity does not stop. This, too, would be a great danger to humans, as he could bleed from an injury. Thus, hericenones reduce, but not completely reduce, platelet aggregation. (24)

Hericium takes care of the stomach

Studies have shown a very good effect on the digestive system, including the stomach. It has a positive effect on the quality of the mucosa, protects it and strengthens the regeneration of damaged mucosa. This was confirmed in mouse experiments. Mice received substances that were toxic to the gastric mucosa. This caused an acute gastritis - gastritis. Some of the sick mice thus received Hericium. Inflammation was greatly reduced, so much faster healing was observed. Thus, there were no ulcers as in mice that did not receive a medicinal sponge. Similarly favorable results have also been obtained in chronic gastritis. The danger of long-term inflammation is that a tumor change in the mucosa can also occur. Hericium helps to regenerate the mucosa - even in the case of already altered cells, which could undergo malignant changes. It prevents the development of cancer. Because Hericium can not only eliminate Helicobacter pylori, but also acts to reduce the development of gastric ulcers. (25, 26, 27, 28, 29)

Hericium lowers blood glucose

Diabetes is a disease of civilization that is afflicting more and more people. This is especially true of diabetes II. type. It is associated mainly with unhealthy lifestyle, obesity, but also with older age. Sometimes in these cases, insulin resistance occurs, which means that insulin is present but the body's cells do not respond to it. A little different is type I, where it is an autoimmune inflammation. This inflammation kills the pancreatic cells that make insulin. In this case, it is always missing insulin. Depending on the type of disease, treatment is then started. In patients II. sometimes it is enough to change your lifestyle, or antidiabetics, some require insulin. Diabetics with type I diabetes cannot do without insulin. Higher blood glucose has a toxic effect on blood vessels, tissue and nerves. Diabetics have kidney problems, retinal damage and often have worse wounds. Hericium can lower blood glucose levels, which has been shown in mice and rats. Rodents were induced (e.g., by administration of alloxan) to a condition resembling human diabetes II. type. For example, the concentration of forged hemoglobin increases with increasing glycemia. However, when rodents receive Hericium, the values of these parameters decrease. In addition, the pancreas is protected from damage to prevent a decrease in insulin production. Hericia restores cells' sensitivity to insulin. (30, 31)

Hericium prevents oxidative stress

Free radicals are formed by the body during the usual processes such as digestion, the breakdown of nutrients, but also during immune reactions. Larger amounts of free radicals are formed during inflammation, pathological processes, cancer, after exposure to toxins, from the polluted environment. From the above, it is clear that free radicals pose a greater threat to humans today than in the past. The body can neutralize free radicals - but this is an amount that is natural for the body. It is necessary to pump substances from the outside for the remaining radicals. In this case, antioxidants help. Free radicals are not only toxic to cells, they disrupt cell membranes and even DNA, but they are also carcinogenic and mutagenic. Many ingredients in Hericia show antioxidant properties, especially polysaccharides, flavonoids, phenols. Studies and many experiments have shown that Hericium can scavenge and neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. As a result, degenerative processes in the body are also slowed down. The authors of one study provided interesting information when they found that dried mushrooms can serve better as an antioxidant than frozen mushrooms. The experiments are performed in free radical solution, to which the fungal extract is also added. Some experiments use laboratory animals, because during oxidative stress some values in the blood increase, an example is e.g. malondialdehyde. In one of the animal studies, blood flow was stopped, ie ischemia (local anemia, anemia). In such tissue, the formation of free radicals increases - these then destroy the tissue by a lack of oxygen and nutrients, which represents greater damage. If the animals receive Hericium in advance, the damage is much less, because the formation of oxygen radicals is significantly reduced. In addition, the function of enzymes is promoted, as they also neutralize free radicals. (32, 33, 34)

The contribution of Hericia to the organism

Hericium, ie the Slovak sea urchin, is a strange fungus in appearance, which makes up for it with its effects. As can be seen from the described benefits for the organism, this medicinal fungus is important mainly for its effect on the brain and nervous system. In addition, Hericium benefits the digestive system and in many other areas, as do other medicinal fungi.

Resources

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