Conference on the Therapeutic Role of Medicinal Mushrooms

Introduction

• Introduction of Claro Terra, founder of a clinic with a presence in China and on 5 continents.
• Appreciates Chinese culture and cites a Chinese saying: "If you go alone, you will go faster; if you go well accompanied, you will go further".
• Introduction of Dr. Maria Soción: physician, pharmacologist, pediatrician, writer, and lawyer specializing in pharmaceutical patent rights.
• Philosophy of the clinic: treat the patient with maximum reverence, seeing them as a "sacred client".
• Expectation of having nearly 200 clinics throughout Spain in two years.

Medicinal Mushrooms

• Historical Use of Mushrooms

  • In ancient China, they were used as therapeutic agents.
  • Penicillin, a fungus, is used to combat infections.
  • Cyclosporine, an immunosuppressant, comes from the Cordyceps sinensis fungus.

• Mushrooms in Western and Eastern Medicine

  • Mycological tradition was lost in Europe in favor of plant alkaloids.
  • In China and Russia, the oral tradition of mushroom use is maintained.
  • Mushrooms get sick in ways similar to humans, with similar defense mechanisms.

• Ancient Mushrooms and Adaptogenesis

  • Example of a fungus in Oregon with 2,400 years of age.
  • Mushrooms survive thanks to the ability to synthesize adaptogenic molecules.
  • Adaptogenesis is utilized in medicine for therapies.

Fundamental Questions

1. Why use mushrooms in the 21st century?

   • Advances in biotechnology and immunomodulatory drugs.

2. What role do they play as immunomodulators in cancer?

3. Mushrooms in the Clinic

   • There are more than one and a half million species; properties of just a few dozen are known.

4. Requirements for Therapeutic Agents

   • They must be safe and effective.
   • Important galenic formulation.

Properties of Mushrooms

• Immunomodulatory and Antitumor

  • Contain beta-glucans and triterpenoids.
  • Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Minerals (selenium, iodine, potassium, etc.) and vitamins (group B, vitamin D).

• Importance of Bioavailability

  • Improve absorption with vitamin C.
  • Do not mix mushrooms with vitamin C in the same capsule.

Synthesis of Therapeutic Benefits

• Immune System Balance
  • Mushrooms help balance the immune system, benefiting both autoimmune diseases and immunodeficiencies.
• Synergistic Effects with Chemotherapy
  • Enhance positive effects and mitigate secondary ones.
• Neuroprotection and Neuronal Regeneration
  • Stimulate collagen synthesis and liver regeneration.

Examples of Mushrooms and Their Uses

• Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi)

  • Immunomodulator, antioxidant, antitumor.
  • Used for fatigue, stress, anxiety, rheumatoid arthritis, menopause, etc.

• Lentinula edodes (Shiitake)

  • Used in hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis.
  • Bactericidal and bacteriostatic properties.

• Grifola frondosa (Maitake)

  • Immunoregulator, antitumor.
  • Used in metabolic syndrome, obesity, type 2 diabetes.

• Hericium erinaceus (Lion's Mane)

  • Stimulates the synthesis of the neuronal growth factor.
  • Used in Alzheimer's, sclerosis, memory issues, digestive problems.

Considerations and Recommendations

• Importance of Ecological Origin

  • Mushrooms bioaccumulate radiation and heavy metals.
  • Preference for purified and certified extracts.

• Administration and Dosage

  • Take on an empty stomach with vitamin C, preferably with hydrogenated water.
  • Dosage according to weight and patient condition (25-50 mg/kg).

Cases and Testimonials

• Results in Disorders and Diseases
  • Patients with rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, depression, neuropathies have shown notable improvements.

Conclusion

• Need for Medical Adaptation
  • Diseases are changing, and medicine must adapt.
  • Mushrooms as part of the therapeutic arsenal of the 21st century.

Thank you for your attention.