Cordyceps - New Research on Allergies
Posted on January 16, 2016
In a previous blog, we highlighted the history and some of the medicinal benefits of this amazing mushroom.
Periodically, we skim the latest research on our ingredients to see what the very latest science has to say.
Hot of the press this year published in the journal Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin is a study showing cordyceps may have a role in the treatment of allergic and inflammatory diseases. Before diving into the results, a quick review of what causes many allergies including asthma, eczema, seasonal allergies rashes, and inflammatory eye conditions…
Allergic conditions are associated with activation of a nasty immune cell called the mast cell. Mast cells are the “master” regulators of the immune system. Importantly, they contain sacs, which house biologically active substances called mediators. When these mediators get released, inflammatory havoc ensues. Some of these mediators include histamine and TNF-alpha.
Scientists found that cordyceps mushrooms suppress something called TSLP, which turns out to me a major contributor to mast cell development and activation. They concluded that active molecules within cordyceps might be applied to the treatment of allergic inflammatory diseases exacerbated by TSLP.
This is preliminary research, for sure – but another reason to get excited about the wonderful world of medicinal mushrooms!
Links
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26725432
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24751726
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