REISHI EXTRACT FOR JOINTS AND ARTHRITIS HEALTH

Dr. Markho Rafael — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:53:33 +0000

by Dr. Markho Rafael

Reishi extract has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat arthritis and other forms of inflammation for over 2,000 years. Also commonly known by its Latin name as “Ganoderma,” or Chinese “Ling Zhi,” Reishi is by far the most searched medicinal mushroom on the Internet with over 200,000 searches per month. And although it may not be the panacea (“cure-all”) that some hold it to be, the fact that modern research confirms it as an inflammation modulator may help explain why it has long been heralded as such in the Orient.

Reishi frequently gets prescribed in Traditional Chinese Medicine for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects. Much recent research appears to validate this traditional use, as the majority of studies have yielded positive results. While looking through published articles on Reishi and arthritis, I found only two studies that showed inconclusive results, both of which were conducted by the same team of researchers. (1,2)

A U.S. based study conducted in 1993 showed that a water extract of Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) exhibited “significant anti-inflammatory activity.” (4) Ten years later, an Indian research paper was published which stated that the use of Reishi extract helped decrease inflammation in acute edema by 56% and in chronic edema by 60%. (3) Using the “Article References” link on this page, you will find references to seven additional research articles that confirm Reishi extract as a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. (5,6,7,8,9,10,11)

Other Reishi studies have been performed which more directly relate to arthritis. A 2006 report by Kenneth Blum et al. provided support that clinical evidence demonstrates the effectiveness and safety of natural substances for joint health, such as glucosamine sulfate , chondroitin sulfate, and Ganoderma lucidum [Reishi]. (12)

The same year, another study summarized findings that Reishi in combination with a Chinese herbal remedy known as San-Miao-San demonstrated a positive “immunomodulatory effect” on rheumatoid arthritis. (13)

The answer as to how, precisely, Reishi extract accomplishes this “immunomodulatory effect” may have been given by another Chinese study the following year, which states that an isolated Reishi polysaccharide peptide “significantly inhibited” RASF, which is an indicator of rheumatoid arthritis. (RASF stands for “Rheumatoid Arthritis Synovial Fibroblasts.”) (14)

Five additional studies are included in the references that report positive findings between Reishi and arthritis. (15,16,17) One goes so far as to state that Reishi shows favorable results when compared to prednisone, and is free from the side effects. (18) In extension of this, a separate study also found that not only was Reishi extract free of the side effects of prednisone, it could also help balance the existing side effects of prednisolone* such as cell toxicity and proteinuria. (*Prednisolone is the active compound of prednisone. The liver breaks down prednisone and converts it to prednisolone.) (19)

In conclusion, the body of research does seem to support the use of Reishi extract in cases of arthritis. Remember that it is important to always work with a licensed medical practitioner when using any herb for medicinal purposes.

Name clarification: The Japanese name Reishi includes many closely related species. By far the most prevalent is Ganoderma lucidum (Common Reishi or Red Reishi), a species rare in the U.S. but common in South East Asia. The English common name for Ganoderma lucidum is Varnished Conk. In China, its known as Ling Zhi.

Other species frequently referred to as Reishi include: Ganoderma tsugae (Hemlock Reishi, common on Hemlocks in Eastern U.S.), Ganoderma sinense (“Black Reishi), Ganoderma resinaceum (Red Reishi), Ganoderma japonicum (Purple Reishi) and Ganoderma neo-japonicum (no common name or simply Reishi).

About the Author:

Dr. Rafael works as a natural health researcher and author since the mid 90’s, specializing in mycomedicinals. Click Extract of Reishi for quality products and free articles on medicinal mushrooms. Reishi and Arthritis Article References

GOUTY ARTHRITIS

iov — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 21:22:53 +0000

What You Should Know About Gouty Arthritis

For those of you who do not know, gouty arthritis or gout arthritis is the condition wherein the joints and tendons become inflamed which, in turn, becomes painful and, at times, debilitating. This condition is caused by high concentrations or levels of uric acid in the body. In this instance, the white blood cells (WBCs) are engulfing the uric acid crystals which causes the pain and the inflammation. The outer appearance of the affected areas are marked with redness and inflammation.

Acute gout arthritis is one of the most painful forms of arthritis. All in all, there are about a hundred different types of rheumatism or rheumatic diseases that adversely affects the muscles, joints, tendons, and bones along with the tissues surrounding them, and about five (5) percent of them are some form of arthritis.

Based on studies, gout and arthritis affects approximately 850 people out of a hundred thousand, and those who are afflicted are usually adults. It is a rare occurrence in teens and children. Adult men who are between forty (40) and fifty (50) years of age are those that are most commonly afflicted with gout arthritis, while women develop it usually after menopause. People who have undergone organ transplant procedures are also highly susceptible to it.

The main cause of gouty arthritis excessive levels of uric acid in the body. Uric acid is a substance produced by the breakdown of purines which are naturally parts of the human body and are also found in a lot of foods, like seafood, some vegetables, red meat, and poultry. Uric acid is normally dissolved in the blood and is processed through the kidneys then goes out of the body as waste through urine, but if there is an increase of production or if the kidney is unable to eliminate it through urine, then it leads to the development of gouty arthritis.

To be able to avoid or to lessen the pain of gouty arthritis, one should adhere to a strict gout arthritis diet that can neutralize the uric acid level or, at least, are low in purine. Blueberries, strawberries, grapes, cherries, bananas, celery, kale, green leafy vegetables, and fruits that are rich in Vitamin C. Combine these foods with the habit of drinking lots of water and gouty arthritis will be managed and, eventually, be cured.

Gout arthritis treatment also include NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs), Colchicine, and Corticosteroids. To be able to determine which treatment would work best for you if you are suffering from gouty arthritis, you should consult your doctor first.

My Gout Remedies » gout and arthritis

REISHI EXTRACT FOR JOINTS AND ARTHRITIS HEALTH

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