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We are living in a most exciting time regarding the study and awareness of fungi in our world.  

As we have repeatedly stated funga, though low profile and still a vast mystery, is vitally imperative to all life as we know it.

Medicinal mushrooms such as Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps and Maitake (to name a few), have been prized and used for thousands of years in traditional medicine worldwide. Modern scientific research has unveiled a wealth of bioactive compounds within these mushrooms, including polysaccharides, triterpenes, antioxidants and more. These compounds have demonstrated a wide range of pharmacological properties, including immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and antitumor effects.

In traditional Chinese medicine, texts from over 2,000 years ago, such as the "Shennong Ben Cao Jing," highlight mushrooms like Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) and Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) for their health-promoting properties. Similarly, in Japan, mushrooms have been used in folk remedies since ancient times, particularly for boosting the immune system. In Europe, the Ötzi Iceman, a mummy from around 3300 BCE, was found with birch polypore (Piptoporus betulinus), known for its antimicrobial properties. Indigenous peoples across North America also utilized various fungi for medicinal purposes. In the modern era, scientific research has begun to validate many traditional claims, revealing compounds in mushrooms with potential anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulating effects. This rich history underscores the enduring significance of medicinal mushrooms in health and healing practices across the globe.

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Mushrooms and extracts made from fungi are being used for their potential in supporting overall well-being, mood, and energy.  They can help boost the immune system, reduce the risk of infections and enhance the body’s ability to fight diseases. Their anti-inflammatory properties (most disease is directly associated to inflammation) may alleviate symptoms associated with chronic conditions such as arthritis, Fibromyalgia, and inflammatory bowel disease and may be used to treat other autoimmune disorders and allergies.

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Components in Lion’s Mane, hericenones and erinacines, have garnered significant interest for their potential to stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis, which is crucial for the growth and maintenance of neurons. Studies suggest that these compounds may support cognitive function and have neuroprotective effects, making them promising candidates for addressing neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's disease.

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Medicinal mushrooms are gaining scientific recognition as valuable natural supplements for promoting health and wellbeing. 

Continuing research on fungi gives us hope for the future in medicine, remediation of the planet, new skills in manufacturing and much much more, not to mention that they are delicious!!! Myriads of areas are being explored for the use of fungi and mushrooms in everyday life. Of all the exciting possibilities in the future of fungi such as: pollution remediation, clothing to shoe soles, coffins, packing materials, building materials and so much more, I believe the medicinal studies will ultimately make the most important contributions to humankind. 

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