Some forms of fungi and mushrooms are known to benefit mankind as a nutraceutical. Recent studies have indicated that fungi could be also used in the development of new medicines, medicinal foods, and food supplements.

Mushrooms are valuable health food - low in calories, high in vegetable proteins, chitin, iron, zinc, fibre, vitamins and minerals, Vitamin-B, phosphorus, and potassium. A handful of regular button mushrooms (Agaricus) can supply the entire vitamin B-12 you need for the day. Modern researchers are focusing on the medicinal and healing capabilities of mushrooms.

According to some estimates, there are over 20,000 species of mushrooms, out of which about 2,000 have nutritious and edible importance. Of these edible mushrooms, 300 are also known to be medically active. Their legendary effects on promoting good health and vitality and increasing our body''s adaptive abilities have been supported by numerous recent studies. These studies suggest that mushrooms are probiotic. In basic terms, they assist our body to strengthen itself and it''s immunity by maintaining physiological Mycoinfoostasis, which is simply balance, with a natural resistance to diseases that we encounter daily.

The compounds that mushrooms contain have been classified as "Host Defence Potentiators" (HDP), which boosts our immune system. The compounds found among Shiitake, and Reishi mushrooms come under this category. These disease-inhibiting compounds include hemicellulose (AHCC), polysaccharides, polysaccharide-peptides, nucleosides, triterpeniods, complex starches, and other metabolites. In combination they strengthen the immune system, aid in neuron transmissions, metabolism, hormonal balance, and the transport of nutrients and oxygen. Much work needs to be done to adequately characterise these molecules.

Shiitake mushrooms are said to lower blood pressure in those with hypertension, lower serum cholesterol levels, increase libido, and stimulate the production of interferon, which has vital anti-viral effects.

The Reishi mushroom can increase the production of interleukin 1 & 2, resulting in inhibition of tumour growth. Studies show that Reishi can have a number of other positive effects on the body such as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral (through it''s interferon production), lowers blood pressure, acts as a cardiotonic (by lowering serum cholesterol), expectorant, anti-tussive, liver protecting and detoxifying, protection against ionising radiation, antibacterial, and anti- HIV activity.

Ganoderma mushroom works in the treatment of cancer because it helps cleanse the body from toxins and it helps strengthen the immune system. It enhances liver detoxification, thus improving liver function and stimulating the regeneration of liver cells - making it a very important supplement for those who have liver cancer. Ganoderma can be used as a supplement during chemotherapy or radiotherapy to reduce side-effects such as fatigue, loss of appetite, hair loss, bone marrow suppression and risk of infection. It can also reduce the toxic and side effects and mitigate the pains during chemotherapy and radiotherapy, in particular to cancer patients at terminal stages for prolonging their lives and improving their living quality.

These are few examples of mushrooms with medicinal value. It is important to emphasise that they support our systems best when we maintain a well-regulated body. Vitamin and mineral supplements should be taken on a regular basis with a well-balanced variety of fresh foods, good sleep, and positive daily attitudes and practices. Sometimes because of deficiencies or imbalances in these areas, it allows pathogens to attack our bodies, and we get sick. We already live in artificial environments where air is filtered and food is processed.

The good news is: if we can keep our immune system functioning efficiently, and strengthen our daily programmes with natural immunity building supplements such as mushrooms, we can minimize the frequency and severity of illnesses, and recover more quickly.

-- The authors are students of Dr. D.Y. Patil College of Pharmacy, Pimpri, Pune