The Anti-allergic Effects of Maitake

A study based on a recent collaborative investigation with Professor Hirasawa of the, Tohoku University Graduate School for a pharmacy graduate course on lifestyle-related disease treatment, has shown that Maitake mushrooms may have the potential to reduce allergy symptoms.

 

Effect of the action of the mast cells and Maitake

When Antigens, such as pollen, invade the human body, via a mucous membrane, mast cells secrete histamines and cause an allergic reaction.

At the same time, mast cells secrete inflammatory cytokines such as IL-4 and IL-13, and activate immune cells surrounding it to promote inflammation.

In this study, it was revealed that Maitake mushrooms, in combination with the secretion of histamines from mast cells, control gene expression levels of IL-4 and IL-13. In other words, they have the potential to act as an anti-inflammatory agent.

 

Experimental method

In this experiment, we used a fat soluble ingredient which extracted the ethanoic extract of each mushroom in ethyl acetate.

We then added the extract of each mushroom to a rat-originated mast cell line (RBL-2H3) and performed antigen stimulation in a culture for 20 minutes.

For the experiment, we used DNP-HSA (dinitrophenyl – human serum albumin) as an antigen.

After 40 minutes of antigen stimulation, the Histamine density in the culture fluid was measured; 4 hours later, IL-4, which is an inflammatory cytokine, and IL-13 were measured to ascertain their expression level.

 

Experimental result

Mast cells given Maitake extract in advance significantly restrained the histamine secretion amount after antigen stimulation.

In addition, the gene expression level of IL-4 and IL-13 of inflammatory cytokine was significantly controlled.

Histamine secretion amount after antigen stimulationn=3, *There is a significant difference between the contrast.P<0.01

 

The above results show that Maitake mushroom extract can be expected to improve the symptoms of allergic reactions, such as hay fever.

 

The above results of the study were presented at the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan 133th Annual Meeting (2013)

The Beneficial Effects of Eryngii on Constipation

We investigated the effects of bowel movements of women who have chronic constipation by  having them ingest cooked King Trumpet mushrooms (Eryngii). The ingestion of King Trumpet mushrooms might cause an increase of the frequency of defecation and improvements of bowel movement and character of stool. Women who have chronic constipation to the number of 15 (45.3 years of mean age) had a meal added 50g of cooked King Trumpet mushrooms for 30 consecutive days on breakfast and lunch time, respectively. Then, they filled out a questionnaire seeking information about changes of the frequency of defecation, bowel movement and character of stool.

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The Role of Eryngii in Body Fat Reduction

An overview of obesity and metabolic syndrome

According to The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), “Metabolic syndrome is the name for a group of risk factors that raises your risk for heart disease and other health problems, such as diabetes and stroke. The term “metabolic” refers to the biochemical processes involved in the body’s normal functioning. Risk factors are traits, conditions, or habits that increase your chance of developing a disease. Metabolic syndrome is becoming more common due to a rise in obesity rates among adults.”  – NHLBI / Metabolic Syndrome

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Food Trends of 2010 & Hokto Mushroom’s Flavorful Nutrition – Part 3


Emphasis on Flavorful Foods with Nutritional Benefits

The standard American diet (also known as SAD) is typically high in processed foods, which tend to be high in saturated and hydrogenated fats, high in sugar and salt and low in complex carbohydrates and fiber.

Two emerging food trends in the US have been identified as a demand for more nutritious food and food with flavor. The latest food trends include get back to basics with meals that are quick, but with an emphasis on flavor and also offering superior nutritional value.

Food with Health Benefits – Functional Foods

While there’s no formal definition for “functional food,” the meaning typically includes foods that provide a health-promoting or disease-preventing property beyond the basic function of supplying vitamins and minerals. For example, tomatoes contain a “phyto-nutrient” (plant compound) known as lycopene and is associated with a lower risk for prostate cancer. For example, tomatoes could be referred to as a functional food for men with increased risk for prostate cancer. Functional foods have also been extended to include processed foods or foods and beverages fortified with health-promoting additives, such as calcium enriched orange juice (to lower risk for osteoporosis). Fermented foods with live cultures are also included in the functional food category with probiotic benefits.

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Food Trends in 2010 & How Hokto Mushrooms Fit In –
Part 2

Last week’s blog targeted the growing trend of simplifying meals with an emphasis on flavor and health. Today’s blog continues with more food trends identified by The Food Channel and CNN for 2010, and how Hokto mushrooms fit right in.

Food Trends in 2010
• Back to basics economy and a return to natural ingredients
• Flavor delivery using international foods
• Food Safety
• Sustainability
• Foods with nutritional benefits
• Food with flavor (Umami)

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Part 2″

A Look at Food Trends in 2010 – Plus a Recipe Makeover Using Hokto Mushrooms

Despite the abundance of convenience foods and drive-thrus, in today’s economy, families are beginning to cook more at home. According to research published by the Food Channel, CNN and others, quick, simple meals expressing individuality, flavor delivery, and sprinkled with a dash of ethnicity are a few of the latest trends in 2010. Home cooked meals in minutes. Hokto mushrooms can certainly contribute to that!

Also, more and more people are moving away from a “meat and potatoes” diet to include more vegetables and less meat in their home-cooked meals. According to USDA statistics, consumption for meat has been decreasing over the last three years. In fact, this trend has created a new word, “flexitarian”. While not true vegetarians and not quite fulltime carnivores (meat-eaters), flexitarians tend to eat a mostly plant-based diet composed of grains, vegetables, and fruits, but they occasionally obtain protein from lean meat, fish, poultry, or dairy. A quarter of Americans fit the description, consuming meatless meals at least four days a week, according to the American Dietetic Association.

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How To Get Started With Hokto’s Mushrooms

Now that the introductions are out of the way, are you’re ready to try a rather exotic looking mushroom but not sure how to begin? Wash? Rinse? Peel? The good news is that Hokto’s mushrooms are ready to be cooked right out of the bag. They do not need to be washed, rinsed, or peeled because they are not grown in dirt and are completely bug-free!

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