Mushroom extract comes in both pill and liquid form and you can find this substance derived from a variety of mushroom types, from reishi to shiitake. Each mushroom’s extract provides a variety of benefits, but do not introduce this natural medicine to your diet until you get approval from your health care provider.
Cancer Treatment
Some mushroom extracts benefit you while undergoing cancer treatment. A study published in the May 2011 issue of the “Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition” explores the benefits of shiitake mushroom extract for cancer patients, while research featured in the June 2011 edition of the “Journal of Medicinal Food” indicates that maitake mushroom extract kills breast cancer cells. Researchers theorize that the extracts from both of these types mushrooms may be developed into effective treatments for cancer.
Anti-Aging Benefits
Mushroom extract can be used as topical treatment or internal medicine to prevent the effects of aging on skin and organs. Evidence available in the August 2010 “Journal of Medicinal Food” correlates laboratory testing of extracts from the oyster mushroom tested on aging rats with benefits to the brain, liver, kidneys and heart. Researchers believe oyster mushroom extracts may provide antioxidant benefits to these organs that might delay age-related deterioration.