Could the hedgehog fungus be the cure for neurological diseases?

  • Thread starter Thread starter TR345
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the potential medicinal properties of the hedgehog fungus, also known as the "bearded tooth fungus," particularly its claimed ability to stimulate nerve cell regeneration and its implications for neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's and spinal cord injuries. Participants explore various mushrooms, including turkey tail mushrooms, and their uses in cancer therapy, as well as the need for scientific validation of these claims.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions that turkey tail mushrooms are commonly used in certain Asian countries for cancer treatment and cites their extensive research background.
  • Another participant questions the validity of the claim regarding the number of studies on turkey tail mushrooms, asking for citations to verify the information.
  • A different participant expresses skepticism about the medicinal use of mushrooms, emphasizing the need for caution and suggesting that their known effects are primarily psychoactive or toxic.
  • One participant provides links to articles discussing the hedgehog mushroom and its compounds that may induce nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis, suggesting potential benefits for neurological health.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the medicinal properties of the hedgehog fungus or the validity of claims regarding its effects. There are competing views on the reliability of mushroom-based treatments and the necessity for scientific evidence.

Contextual Notes

Some claims lack citations, making it difficult to verify the research mentioned. Additionally, there is a reliance on anecdotal evidence and cultural practices that may not be universally accepted or scientifically validated.

TR345
Messages
112
Reaction score
0
When my uncle was diagnosed with colin cancer, my aunt began researching cancer and ways of increasing his chances of survival. She learned about various mushrooms that are apparently mainstreem cancer medicine in certain asian countries.

Turkey tail mushrooms were found to be the most common mushroom used, and are also very common where she lives.
Coriolus
Coriolus VPS, Coriolus PSP, Krestin,Turkey Tail, Trametes versicolor, Coriolus versicolor. Coriolus VPS and PSP are used to maintain, protect or restore immune health during and after serious immune challenges.

"Known as Krestin or PSK in Japan, and as PSP or Yun zhi in China, the hot water extract of this medicinal mushroom is the world's most thoroughly researched supplement for serious immune challenges. There have been more than 400 animal studies and over a dozen placebo-controlled double-blind human clinical studies published in peer reviewed medical journals.

MushroomScience is the only company in North America offering their customers research quality PSK (VPS) and PSP, and has been acting as a consultant for the recently funded $1,000,000.00 study on these extracts."

My aunt has a book which claims other mushrooms to have extrordinary healing powers as well.

One of those was the hedgehog fungus, or "bearded tooth fungus". The book claimed that this mushroom stimulated regeneragtion of nerve cells and could help people who had alteimers, spinal cord injuries, ect.

Does anyone have any knowledge of actual research done on the "bearded tooth fungus"?

What do you guys think about this.
 
Biology news on Phys.org
There have been more than 400 animal studies and over a dozen placebo-controlled double-blind human clinical studies published in peer reviewed medical journals.

Do they cite any of these studies? Without any citations, we can't verify this claim (or verify the outcome of those studies).
 
We grow some good 'shrooms in BC, but I've never heard of them being used for cancer therapy. Other than tasting good with a steak, the only impact of mushrooms that I'm aware of is either psychoactive or poisonous. Do a lot of research before you mess with them. While a lot of ancient customs of any culture have a basis in fact, they certainly can't be relied upon.
 
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/ETO/content/ETO_5_3X_Coriolous_Versicolor.asp?sitearea=ETO

turkey tails, or trametes veriscolor is a shelved polypore mushroot which grows on hard woods.

The hedgehog mushroom or the lions main mushroom is a toothed fungi.
Research done in according to the article in this link

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0ISW/is_249/ai_114820665/pg_2

suggests that the lions mane mushroom contains at least two kinds of compounds that induce NGF synthesis. And these compound can easilly penetrate the brain blood barrior.
 
Last edited by a moderator: