Interested in Agarikon mushroom benefits? You have come to the right place! Agarikon mushrooms are a type of fungi also known as quinine conk or eburiko and are the longest mushroom on the earth. Biologically known as Laricifomes officinalis, Agarikon mushrooms originated in North America, Asia, and Europe and grow similar to Lion’s mane mushroom. These mushrooms have been used for culinary and therapeutic purposes to treat a broad spectrum of health conditions.
Besides culinary and medicinal uses, agarikon mushrooms are also associated with spiritual benefits. They were used by Native Americans to treat various diseases caused by supernatural forces.
This article details agarikon mushroom benefits and their safety and side effects.
What are Agarikon Mushrooms?
Agarikon mushrooms are the largest fungus that grows like fruit hanging from tall trees. These quinine conks are known to possess quinine, a compound that gives these mushrooms a bitter taste. It has traditionally been used to treat a variety of diseases like cancer, tuberculosis, and viral infections. A Greek philosopher, Dioscorides reported this mushroom as “Elixirium ad longam vitam” meaning “The Elixir of long life”. He has used these mushrooms to treat different diseases due to their healing properties. Ancient Greece used agarikon mushrooms to relieve respiratory problems, prevent night sweats and treat smallpox and tuberculosis.
Which Phytochemicals are in Agarikon Mushrooms?
Agarikon mushrooms are packed with a wide array of medicinal compounds like coumarin, quinine, polysaccharides, proteins, flavonoids, alkaloids, tocopherols, and glycosides. Some other Agarikon mushroom benefits are that they possess antioxidant compounds which protect from the harmful effects of free radicals and prevent diseases.
Agarikon mushrooms are low in calories and fats and possess no cholesterol. They are a good source of fibers, vitamins (like vitamin B), and minerals (magnesium, potassium, copper, zinc, and folate).
Agarikon Mushroom Benefits
Agarikon mushroom befits include being a good source of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and other phytochemicals with powerful antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects.
Possesses Antimicrobial activities and Combat Infections
Agarikon mushrooms contain powerful antimicrobial activities which are effective against various strains of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. They possess chemical compounds which fight against bacteria and treat a number of diseases caused by bacterial species. Studies showed that these mushrooms are effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
Agaricus mushroom also possesses antiviral properties which combat viral infections and treat various illnesses including bird flu, smallpox, herpes, influenza, and swine flu.
Antimicrobial activities are not limited to bacteria and viruses, but also fight against fungi and infections caused by candida species. There are a lot of Agarikon mushroom benefits.
Relieve Pain and Inflammation
Agaricin, one of the potent chemical compounds of agarikon mushrooms possesses anti-inflammatory potentials. These mushrooms when applied topically or administered orally reduce pain and inflammation, and relieve various conditions like arthritis, joint pain, sciatica and other inflammatory diseases.
Agarikon mushrooms may Prevent Cancer
Agarikon mushrooms have long been used to treat various types of cancer due to their anticancer properties. Research showed that these mushrooms are packed with medicinal compounds like lentinan, kestin, lectin, and clcaelin with potent anticancer abilities. They help increase interferons, interleukins, TNF, and T cells which fight against cancer cells.
Support a Healthy Digestion with Agarikon Mushrooms
Agarikon mushroom tea when consumed 2-3 times a day helps relieve digestive problems like upset stomach, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort. Research revealed that the addition of these mushrooms to daily diet helps relieve gastrointestinal problems.
Relieve Respiratory Problems
One of the impressive Agarikon mushroom benefits is to support pulmonary functions and prevent infection. Agarikon mushrooms possess potent antibacterial and antiviral properties which help relieve respiratory problems like tuberculosis, asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia. Antibacterial and antiviral activities of agarikon mushrooms combat infections and protect the lungs from various diseases.
How Much Agarikon Mushroom Should Be used?
Agarikon mushrooms are available in various dosage forms like powder, extract, capsules and teas. The dosage depends on the height, weight, and sex, and ranges from 500 mg to 3000 mg.
To get the most agarikon mushroom benefits, it is suggested not to use these mushrooms regularly for more than 7 or 10 days.
Are There any Side Effects of Agarikon Mushroom?
Besides the perk of benefits, agarikon mushrooms when used in large quantities may cause some adverse effects like diarrhea, itching, and gastrointestinal problems. They may cause liver damage in people suffering from liver diseases and people undergoing cancer treatment. It is suggested to consult a health care professional before using in diabetes patients, they may cause hypoglycemia.
Pregnant and lactating women are recommended not to take these mushrooms to avoid any side effects.
Bottom Line
There are a lot of Agarikon mushroom benefits. Agarikon mushrooms also known as quinine conks are best known for their health-promoting abilities. They possess antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties which prevent infections and reduce the risk of various diseases. In spite of a wide variety of health benefits of agarikon mushrooms, there are also side effects associated with overconsumption. They should be consumed after consulting with your physician and should be avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
