Clinical Benefits:

• Enhance and regulate the immune system: Polysaccharide molecules may modulate the immune response due to the interaction with the intestinal ecosystem and gut associated lymphoid tissue (GALT).⁶ Trametes versicolor (Coriolus) exerts prebiotic activity which modulates the gastrointestinal microbiota⁷ and Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) may protect against impaired intestinal permeability and dysbiosis.⁸ As well as medicinal mushrooms, Astragalus membranaceus (Astragalus) also contains polysaccharides that may enhance macrophage, B-cell and T-cell activity, leading to increased surveillance and defence against pathogens.⁹ Astragalus also increases the number and activity of T-regulatory cells¹⁰ and modulates inflammatory pathways.¹¹
• Antiviral activity: Reishi contains the polysaccharides β-D-glucans that modulate the activity of macrophages, T-helper, NK cells and other effector cells.¹² Ganoderma lucidum Proteoglycan (GLPG) may inhibit viral replication and exerts strong antiviral activity.¹³ Coriolus can increase immune activation in those affected by mild viral infections.¹⁴
• Beneficial during times of fatigue: Astragalus is used to support immune function, fatigue and a lack of strength in traditional Chinese medicine.^15,16