Myko San

29/01/2025

Hen-of-the-woods mushroom (Grifola frondosa), also known by its international name Maitake, in addition to previously known antitumor compounds contains another substance effective against cancer. Chinese scientists (Changyan Zhou et al.) have isolated a compound called GFPS which significantly enhances the creation of nitric oxide and secretion of TNF (tumor necrosis factor), interleukin-1β and interleukin 6. So it is logical to conclude that this polysaccharide also improves immune defense against the tumor.

26/01/2025

New Insights from the 12th International Medicinal Mushroom Conference – IMMC12 (14)

KING OYSTER MUSHROOM FOR BRAIN HEALTH

The aging population is experiencing an increasing incidence of neurodegenerative diseases and mood disorders, and scientific research suggests that a diet rich in medicinal mushrooms may have beneficial effects. A study by a group of French researchers, presented by I. Hininger-Favier, focused on the king oyster mushroom (Pleurotus eryngii), a mushroom known for its culinary and medicinal properties, and its potential in reducing neuro-inflammation.
The results showed that an extract of this mushroom, rich in the natural compound N-acetyl tryptamine (NAT), exhibits potent anti-inflammatory properties, comparable to those of blueberries, which are already celebrated for their positive effects on brain health. Although not all of the observed properties are linked to known signaling pathways, the findings are highly promising.
In conclusion, the king oyster mushroom could play an important role in supporting brain health and reducing inflammation associated with aging. As one of the most delicious edible mushrooms, which has been scientifically proven to benefit the brain and nervous system, we hope that someone in Croatia will finally take the initiative to cultivate it—a task that is not particularly demanding.

25/01/2025

New Insights from the 12th International Medicinal Mushroom Conference – IMMC12 (13)

“TURKEY TAIL” AGAINST PROSTATE CANCER

A recent study in Nigeria, presented by E. C. Edobor from Vigor Hospital in Lagos, showed promising results regarding the use of the mushroom Trametes versicolor in prostate cancer patients. The study involved 50 patients aged 50 to 80 years, all of whom took an extract of the mushroom over a five-month period. The results revealed a significant reduction in PSA levels (a prostate cancer marker) – by 51% in the group with the lowest PSA levels and by 47.8% in the group with the highest levels. The reduction in PSA indicates regression in tumor growth and activity, as T. versicolor strengthens immune functions and prevents excessive tumor cell division, which is common to all malignant diseases.
It is noteworthy that in late 2021, the European Commission refused to place T. versicolor on the so-called novel foods list, effectively banning its use, citing a "lack of sufficient data" on its safety for humans. This mushroom grows in Europe as well as other parts of the world and has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. In countries like Japan and China, oncology drugs derived from this mushroom are already available. In Europe, many individuals still use it privately, and there are published, high-quality scientific studies confirming its safety for human use. For this reason, rigorous food and drug safety agencies, such as the Australian and U.S. FDA, allow its use.

24/01/2025

PROMOTING THE WORK OF THE WORLD SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY FOR MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS

As part of IMMC12, a meeting of the leadership of the International Society for Medicinal Mushrooms, a global association dedicated to scientific research into medicinal mushrooms, was also held. This society brings together a large number of scientists from many countries across all continents.

During a lively discussion lasting several hours, Neven Jakopović (on the right side of the picture, near the middle of the right edge of the frame), the CEO of Dr Myko San – Health from Mushrooms, presented a comprehensive strategy aimed at further encouraging, expanding, and intensifying the work of this society.

In the picture, from left to right: Prof. Marin Berovič (Slovenia), David Sumerlin (USA), Prof. Ewa Zapora (Poland), Prof. Georgios Zervakis (Greece), Prof. Maja Karaman (Serbia), Dr. Ivan Jakopović (Croatia), Prof. Susana Badalyan (Armenia), Neven Jakopović (Croatia), Prof. Omon Isikhuemhen (Nigeria/USA), Prof. Giuseppe Venturella (Italy), and Paul Stamets (USA).
(Photo by: Boris Jakopović, PhD)

18/01/2025

New Insights from the 12th International Medicinal Mushroom Conference – IMMC12 (11)

NEW HELP FROM NATURE: "LION'S MANE" CAN ASSIST IN NERVOUS SYSTEM REPAIR

Neuroscientist Prof. Federico Brandalise from the University of Milan presented significant results from an electrophysiological study conducted by a group of Italian researchers on the protective effects of active compounds from the mushroom Hericium erinaceus on the brain and nervous system.
"Lion's Mane" (H. erinaceus) has shown great potential in protecting and regenerating the nervous system thanks to its bioactive compounds, erinacines and hericenones. These compounds stimulate the synthesis of neurotrophic factors NGF and BDNF, which are crucial for neuron growth, differentiation, and repair—key in treating conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, depression, and spinal cord injuries.
Preclinical studies have demonstrated that H. erinaceus promotes neuron formation, enhances synaptic plasticity, and provides protection against neurotoxic damage. The goal of this research is to advance treatments for neurodegenerative diseases and improve the quality of life for humans and animals facing these challenging conditions, for which standard neurology currently offers limited solutions.

17/01/2025

‼New Insights from the 12th International Medicinal Mushroom Conference – IMMC12 (10)

MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS AND GERMAN/EU HEALTHCARE

Dr. Christian Kessler, from the Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology, and Health Economics at the renowned Charité university hospital in Berlin, delivered a very interesting and very significant presentation titled "Clinical Experience with the Use of Medicinal Mushrooms in an Outpatient Hospital Setting in Germany." His talk focused on the research and growing application of medicinal mushrooms in Germany.
He highlighted that medicinal mushrooms, widely used in East Asia for their health benefits, are increasingly gaining attention in Europe, particularly in Germany, within complementary and integrative medicine. Mushrooms like Reishi, Shiitake, and Lion's Mane are being utilized to support chronic conditions such as cancer, chronic fatigue, and autoimmune diseases, as well as for other health problems and preventive purposes.
Dr. Kessler emphasized that "due to a lack of funding and insufficient awareness within the healthcare system regarding the potential benefits of mycotherapy, very little clinical research has been conducted on this increasingly important topic in the EU so far." He also stressed the need for EU healthcare systems, including Germany, to better recognize and investigate the potential of medicinal mushrooms as a complementary element of evidence-based medicine alongside standard medical therapies, particularly in oncology and the treatment of other serious diseases.
Currently, most medicinal mushroom products are sold as food or dietary supplements, largely without serious quality control. This underscores the importance of increasing knowledge about global health research on the efficacy of mushrooms, conducting new scientific studies, and improving the quality control of medicinal mushroom products.

16/01/2025

‼New Insights from the 12th International Medicinal Mushroom Conference – IMMC12 (9)

DR. JAKOPOVIĆ'S PROPOSAL TO THE GLOBAL SCIENTIFIC COMMUNITY

During one of the discussions at this conference, Dr Ivan Jakopović proposed that the leading global experts in this field collaborate to create concise, popular monographs on the scientifically verified medicinal effects of some of the most significant medicinal mushroom species. These monographs would be made accessible to everyone on a dedicated specialized website, potentially under the sponsorship of the International Society for Medicinal Mushrooms. This initiative would provide the general public with a reliable resource for scientifically based knowledge on which edible and medicinal mushroom species have notable positive effects on human health and the opportunities they offer for the prevention and mycotherapy of some of the most serious health issues faced by modern society. Beyond influencing public opinion, such a trusted global website might even (with a lot of luck) impact policymakers in the European Union and reshape the perspectives of "health authorities" in Western countries. In these regions, the dissemination and application of these scientific findings are often unjustifiably ignored and obstructed.

15/01/2025

‼New Insights from the 12th International Medicinal Mushroom Conference – IMMC12 (8)

Dr. Ivan Jakopović was the oldest participant at this most significant global scientific conference on medicinal mushrooms. He has actively participated in the previous nine such conferences, starting with IMMC3, held in 2005 in the United States. He chaired IMMC6, which was organized in 2011 in Zagreb by Dr. Myko San company and which brought together 150 scientists from 38 countries, presenting over 100 of the latest scientific studies in this field at the time.

24/12/2024

17/12/2024

New Insights from the 12th International Medicinal Mushroom Conference – IMMC12 (7)
THE POWER OF LAETIPORUS SULPHUREUS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST BREAST CANCER

Laetiporus sulphureus, also known as "chicken of the woods," is a well-known edible and medicinal mushroom containing sulfated polysaccharides (SPS) with significant potential against breast cancer. Young scientist C.I. Jen from National Taiwan University presented research that identified three types of SPS, with the F2 component, of medium molecular weight, showing the strongest activity. F2 selectively inhibits the growth of breast cancer cells by halting their cycle at the initial (G0/G1) phase through the regulation of key proteins controlling this process. Additionally, F2 affects critical signaling pathways involved in cancer cell growth. This research paves the way for the development of new, natural therapies for breast cancer.

Source: United States Department of Agriculture

16/12/2024

‼QUESTIONS FOR OUR FOLLOWERS

What is this mushroom in the photo? It grows in late autumn and winter.
Additional questions: is this mushroom edible? Does it have any medicinal properties?

16/12/2024

New Insights from the 12th International Medicinal Mushroom Conference – IMMC12 (6)
ERGOSTEROL: A MUSHROOM METABOLITE WITH SIGNIFICANT POTENTIAL IN MEDICINE AND COSMETICS

Ergosterol is a key component of fungal cell membranes and a precursor to vitamin D2. Dr Angel Trigos from the University of Veracruz, Mexico, presented how its oxidation into ergosterol peroxide produces a compound with numerous pharmacological properties, including anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and pro-apoptotic effects. The photo-oxidation of ergosterol is used to study antioxidants, photodynamic therapy, and the development of new treatments for pathogenic fungi. This research highlights its potential in medicine, cosmetics, and combating parasites like trypanosomes and amoebae.