Trametes versicolor, also known as colorful leather cap, is a common polypore fungus named after its colorful cap. Trametes versicolor is not only widely distributed in nature, but also plays an important role in traditional Chinese medicine. It has been a common precious medicinal fungus in China since ancient times, mainly used to protect the liver, lungs and treat other ailments.
This article will comprehensively introduce the medicinal value and application of Yunzhi from multiple aspects, including ancient book references, ancient applications, medicinal value, efficacy, modern medical applications, dietary therapy assistance and contraindications.
Lingzhi and Yunzhi in Ancient Books
According to the "Shennong Bencao Jing", Lingzhi is the best of the "top medicines". It is said that "eating it for a long time can make you light and immortal, and prolong your life". It is believed to have many functions such as clearing away heat, detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and protecting the liver. As early as more than a thousand years ago, Lingzhi was a precious tribute presented to the emperor to prolong his life and nourish his body.
If we use color to distinguish, there are six colors of Ganoderma lucidum, namely purple, red, green, yellow, white and black. Red Ganoderma lucidum and purple Ganoderma lucidum are recorded in the "Chinese Pharmacopoeia". Chinese medicine generally uses red Ganoderma lucidum and purple Ganoderma lucidum. They are the varieties used in clinical practice.
Yunzhi is also mentioned in Shennong's Herbal Classic, but Yunzhi was first recorded in detail in Compendium of Materia Medica, where Li Shizhen described its effects in treating liver diseases and enhancing immunity.
Lingzhi and Yunzhi are not the same plant. They have obvious differences in appearance, medicinal properties, effects and classification. The following is a detailed method of differentiation:
1. Taxonomic distinction
Ganoderma : It belongs to the Ganodermaceae family of the order Polyporaceae. Its scientific name is Ganoderma lucidum. There are many different species in the Ganodermaceae family, the most common of which are red Ganoderma and purple Ganoderma.
Trametes versicolor : It belongs to the family Porites in the order Polyporaceae. Its scientific name is Trametes versicolor. There are many different species in the family Porites, and Trametes versicolor is one of them.
2. Differences in appearance
Ganoderma : Ganoderma usually has a distinct stipe and cap. The cap has a shiny surface and comes in a variety of colors, such as red, purple, white, black, etc.
Versicolor : Versicolor usually has no obvious stipe, and its cap is fan-shaped or shell-shaped, with a variety of colors on the surface, such as white, gray, brown, etc. The common Versicolor cap has concentric ring patterns.
3. Differences in medicinal properties
Lingzhi : Lingzhi is mild in nature and sweet in taste. It has the effects of nourishing qi, relieving cough and calming the nerves, anti-aging, anti-oxidation, and anti-inflammatory. The main components of Lingzhi are polysaccharides and triterpenoid compounds, which help to enhance immunity, regulate physiological functions, and promote sleep.
Ganoderma lucidum belongs to the Polyporaceae family. The most commonly used ones are red Ganoderma lucidum or purple Ganoderma lucidum, as extracts of various Ganoderma lucidum spores, or Ganoderma lucidum spore oil.
Lingzhi is sweet and mild in Chinese medicine, with no obvious cold or heat properties, and is suitable for weak patients of different constitutions. Lingzhi has the effects of nourishing Qi, relieving cough and calming the mind, and is particularly suitable for Qi deficiency, insomnia and cough after a serious illness, especially during the recovery period after surgery.
Modern research has found that Lingzhi can enhance lymphocytes and macrophages in the laboratory, so it may enhance immunity when used on patients, which is called "assisting the vital energy" in traditional Chinese medicine. However, a study by the University of Hong Kong pointed out that Lingzhi extract cannot directly kill cancer cells, but mainly inhibits cancer cell growth by enhancing immune cells. But for leukemia patients, Lingzhi may activate cancer cells and cause the disease to worsen.
Coriolus versicolor : Coriolus versicolor is cold in nature and slightly pungent in taste. It has the effects of clearing away heat, reducing inflammation, strengthening the spleen and removing moisture, and enhancing immunity. The main components of Coriolus versicolor are Coriolus versicolor polysaccharide (PSK) and Coriolus versicolor polysaccharide peptide (PSP), which help inhibit cancer cells and reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Versicolor also belongs to the Polyporaceae family, and its traditional effects are tonic, strengthening, spleen-strengthening and dehumidifying. PSP (Versicolor polysaccharide peptide) extracted from Versicolor is widely used as an immune-regulating supplement.
Modern studies have found that Yunzhi can increase the activity of T cells and other immune cells, and enhance the ability of lymphocytes to infiltrate tumors and exert their effects. Laboratory studies have shown that Yunzhi has an inhibitory effect on many types of cancer cells and can reduce some side effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
靈芝 vs 雲芝
4. Difference in efficacy
Lingzhi : Lingzhi is mainly used for nourishing and strengthening, cough relief and tranquilizing, anti-aging, anti-oxidation, anti-inflammatory, etc. Lingzhi is considered to be a "magic grass" with a legendary immortality. It is often used in the recovery period after a serious illness and to support chemotherapy.
Coriolus versicolor : Coriolus versicolor is mainly used to clear away heat and detoxify, strengthen the spleen and remove moisture, enhance immunity, inhibit cancer cells, etc. Coriolus versicolor is considered a treasure against cancer and is often used as an adjuvant treatment for cancer patients to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
There are some differences in the efficacy of Lingzhi and Yunzhi. Lingzhi is mainly used to nourish Qi, relieve cough and calm the nerves, and is suitable for the recovery period after a serious illness and to support chemotherapy. Yunzhi is mainly used for immune regulation, has an inhibitory effect on many types of cancer cells, and can reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
The medicinal value of Coriolus versicolor
The medicinal value of Coriolus versicolor mainly comes from the various bioactive ingredients it contains, especially polysaccharides. These polysaccharides include PSK (Coriolus versicolor polysaccharide K) and PSP (Coriolus versicolor polysaccharide peptide), which have significant immunomodulatory and anti-cancer effects. In addition, Coriolus versicolor also contains rich antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, which work together to give it a variety of medicinal values.
In modern medical research, Yunzhi has shown significant medicinal value, especially in the enhancement of the immune system and anti-cancer treatment. Studies have shown that Yunzhi extract is rich in polysaccharides such as β-glucan, which can stimulate the activity of immune cells, improve the function of T cells and macrophages, and enhance the body's resistance to infection and tumors.
In addition, the active ingredients in Coriolus versicolor, such as polyphenols and triterpenoids, exhibit antioxidant properties that can resist oxidative damage caused by free radicals, helping to delay aging and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
In the field of anti-cancer research, Coriolus versicolor has been found to inhibit the growth of many types of cancer cells, including breast cancer, colon cancer, and lung cancer. Clinical trials have shown that Coriolus versicolor extract can be used as an adjuvant therapy to enhance the effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy and reduce the side effects of these treatments.
It is also used to improve patients’ quality of life and help relieve pain and fatigue. Further research also shows that Coriolus may help regulate blood sugar and improve liver health, making it one of the popular natural remedies in both traditional Chinese medicine and modern medicine. Overall, Coriolus’ multiple therapeutic effects make it a promising medicinal resource that deserves further exploration and utilization.
Modern medical applications
Modern medical research on Trametes versicolor mainly focuses on its polysaccharide compounds, especially the immunomodulatory and anti-cancer effects of PSK (Trametes versicolor polysaccharide K) and PSP (Trametes versicolor polysaccharide peptide). The following is a detailed introduction and literature conclusion of modern medical research on Trametes versicolor.
1. Immune regulation
The polysaccharides in Coriolus versicolor have been shown to have significant immunomodulatory effects. Studies have shown that PSK and PSP can enhance the function of the immune system and improve the body's ability to fight infection and disease. These polysaccharides activate immune cells such as macrophages, dendritic cells and natural killer cells, promoting the release of cytokines, thereby enhancing immune responses7 .
2. Anti-cancer effect
The anti-cancer effect of Coriolus versicolor is one of the focuses of modern medical research. Several studies have shown that PSK and PSP have significant anti-cancer activity, can inhibit the growth and metastasis of cancer cells, and enhance the effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. For example, a clinical trial on breast cancer patients showed that taking up to 9 grams of Coriolus versicolor extract daily was safe and tolerable, and could enhance the patient's immunity. In addition, Coriolus versicolor extract has also been shown to be effective against a variety of cancer types, including colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, and lung cancer.
3. Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory
Yunzhi contains rich antioxidants that can remove free radicals, slow down cell aging, and prevent a variety of chronic diseases. In addition, the active ingredients in Yunzhi also have anti-inflammatory effects, which can reduce inflammatory reactions and relieve pain and swelling. These properties make Yunzhi have potential application value in the treatment of a variety of inflammatory diseases and chronic diseases.
4. Clinical trials and applications
Coriolus versicolor extracts PSK and PSP have been widely used in cancer treatment, especially as adjuvant therapy to enhance the patient's immunity and reduce the side effects of chemotherapy.
For example, a clinical trial on breast cancer patients showed that Coriolus versicolor extract can significantly improve the patient's immune function without obvious side effects. In addition, Coriolus versicolor is also used to treat chronic liver disease, immune system diseases and various inflammatory diseases.
Dietary therapy
Yunzhi can not only be used for medicinal purposes, but also as a dietary supplement. Yunzhi can be made into tea, powder or capsule form for daily consumption. Yunzhi tea has the effects of clearing away heat and detoxification, and enhancing immunity, and is suitable for daily drinking. In addition, Yunzhi powder can be added to food, such as soup, porridge, bread, etc., to increase the nutritional value and health function of food.
Are cancer patients suitable for taking medicinal Yunzhi products?
According to current research results, cancer patients can consider using Trametes versicolor products as an adjunct therapy, but this should be done under the guidance of professional medical personnel.
Studies have shown that Coriolus versicolor extract contains a variety of active ingredients, such as beta-glucan, which can enhance the immune system and stimulate the activity of immune cells, which is beneficial for cancer patients, especially during chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and may help reduce the side effects of these treatments.
In addition, studies have also shown that Coriolus versicolor has anti-tumor potential and can inhibit the growth of certain types of cancer cells, including breast cancer and lung cancer. In some clinical trials, Coriolus versicolor has been used as an adjuvant therapy, showing potential to improve patients' quality of life, relieve symptoms, and reduce treatment-induced fatigue.
However, patients should consult with their doctors about the specific dosage and usage according to their health conditions, because allergic reactions or interactions with other drugs may also affect its safety and effectiveness.
In conclusion, as a fungus with medicinal value, Coriolus versicolor may be helpful to cancer patients, but it is important to use it under the advice and supervision of professionals to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Contraindications
Although Yunzhi has many medicinal values, the following contraindications should be noted when using it:
Allergic reactions : People who are allergic to mushrooms should avoid using Trametes versicolor to avoid allergic reactions20 .
Pregnant and breastfeeding women : Pregnant and breastfeeding women should use Yunzhi under the guidance of a doctor to avoid affecting the health of the fetus or infant.
Immune system disorders : People with autoimmune diseases should use Coriolus versicolor with caution, as its immune-boosting effects may worsen their condition.
Drug interactions : Coriolus versicolor may interact with certain medications, especially immunosuppressants and anticancer drugs. Consult a doctor before use.
Conclusion
As a traditional Chinese medicine, Coriolus versicolor has rich medicinal value and multiple health benefits. From ancient records to modern medical applications, the application scope of Coriolus versicolor has been further expanded. Coriolus versicolor extracts PSK and PSP have been widely used in cancer treatment, especially as an adjuvant treatment to enhance the patient's immunity and reduce the side effects of chemotherapy. In addition, Coriolus versicolor is also used to treat chronic liver disease, immune system diseases and various inflammatory diseases.
However, when using Yunzhi, you still need to pay attention to its contraindications to ensure safety and effectiveness. Through scientific research and application, Yunzhi will surely play a greater role in the future and benefit more people.
References:
Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi): 18 Benefits of Reishi Mushroom
Cultivation of Medicinal Mushroom Biomass by Solid-State Bioprocessing in Bioreactors | SpringerLink
Medicinal Mushrooms: Their Bioactive Components, Nutritional Value and Application in Functional Food Production-A Review - PMC
Medicinal Mushrooms: Their Bioactive Components, Nutritional Value and Application in Functional Food Production-A Review - PMC
The Complex Origins of the Vinaya in Korean Buddhism
jstor
Proceedings of the Symposium on Forest Resource Conservation and Utilization Development of Functional Mushroom Cultivation Technology at the Forestry Experiment Station, Ministry of Agriculture
Xia Zhiqing of the Agricultural Experiment Station of the Ministry of Agriculture on Chinese literature
A Study of “Qiantang Meng” (A Dream by...CORE
The Reformed Drama Practice of the Beijing Women's Drama Troupe Zhide Society in the Early Republic of China
PolyU Institutional Research Archive
National Taiwan University, College of Liberal Arts, Institute of Chinese Literature, Master's Thesis: Farewell Literature... National Taiwan University
A rare and exceptional huanghuali yokeback meditation ...
Sotheby's
Research on Xu Yinlufu
Chinese Culture University
Master's thesis
National Taiwan Normal University
The Influence of Chenwei on Han Dynasty Literature and ...
Brill
Taiwan History Research Literature Category 2012
Academia Sinica - Institute of Taiwan History
A Study of Wen Tong's Poetry: From the 6th Year of Qingli to Xining...
Soochow University Home Page
Master's and Doctoral Dissertation Network
A Study on the Legend of Yunzhai Guanglu