Mushroom Extract Increases Pain Sensitivity in Aging Adults

Jenn Hoskins
22nd May, 2024

Mushroom Extract Increases Pain Sensitivity in Aging Adults

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • A study by Taoyuan General Hospital explored if Ganoderma tsuage (GT), a type of Reishi mushroom, could prevent the reduction in pain sensitivity associated with aging
  • Using a galactose-induced aging model in mice, the study found that GT significantly improved pain sensitivity and reaction speed compared to the control group
  • The findings suggest that GT could help older adults maintain pain sensitivity, potentially reducing injury risks and preserving functional abilities
Advances in modern medicine have extended human life expectancy, leading to an aging society. Aging refers to the natural decline in physiological functions over time, such as reduced pain sensitivity and reaction speed. While healthy pain sensitivity serves as a warning signal to avoid harmful stimuli, its gradual decrease in the elderly increases the risk of injury. Consequently, geriatric healthcare is receiving growing attention to improve the health status and quality of life of older adults, potentially reducing the medical burden. A recent study conducted by Taoyuan General Hospital investigated whether Ganoderma tsuage (GT), a type of Reishi mushroom, could prevent the reduction in pain sensitivity associated with aging[1]. GT contains various beneficial components, including polysaccharides, triterpenoids, and adenosine, known for their anticancer, blood sugar-regulating, antioxidation, antibacterial, antiviral, and liver and stomach protective properties. However, its effects on pain perception had not been thoroughly studied until now. The research utilized a galactose-induced animal model to simulate aging in mice. The objective was to determine if GT could maintain pain sensitivity in these aging mice. The study employed several pain tests, including the formalin pain test, hot water test, and tail flexes. These tests measure the sensitivity and reaction speed to pain stimuli. The results revealed that GT significantly improved pain sensitivity and reaction speed in aging mice compared to the control group, suggesting that GT could be a promising compound for maintaining pain sensitivity during aging. This study aligns with previous research on age-related changes in pain perception. A meta-analysis indicated that pain threshold increases with age, especially when heat stimuli are applied to the head[2]. However, pain tolerance thresholds did not show substantial age-related changes. This implies that while older adults may not feel lower intensities of pain as acutely, their tolerance for higher intensities remains relatively unchanged. The findings from the GT study suggest that GT could help maintain the sensitivity to lower pain intensities, potentially mitigating the risks associated with reduced pain perception in the elderly. Moreover, the study's findings are relevant in the context of functional limitations associated with pain. Research has shown that significant pain is linked to higher rates of functional limitations across various domains, including mobility, stair climbing, upper extremity tasks, and activities of daily living[3]. Participants with pain exhibited functional limitations similar to those of individuals 2 to 3 decades older. For instance, subjects aged 50 to 59 with pain had mobility limitations comparable to those aged 80 to 89 without pain. By potentially maintaining pain sensitivity, GT could help older adults avoid injuries and maintain their functional abilities longer. The growing subfield of pain and aging has highlighted several unique characteristics of geriatric pain, such as increased vulnerability to neuropathic pain and prolonged recovery from tissue and nerve injury[4]. The study on GT contributes to this subfield by providing evidence that dietary supplements could play a role in managing age-related changes in pain perception. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms behind GT's effects and to develop age-tailored interventions for pain management in the elderly. In conclusion, the study conducted by Taoyuan General Hospital positions Ganoderma tsuage as a promising compound for maintaining pain sensitivity in aging populations. By potentially mitigating the reduction in pain sensitivity, GT could help older adults avoid injuries and maintain their functional abilities, contributing to better health and quality of life in an aging society.

MedicineAnimal ScienceMycology

References

Main Study

1) Ganoderma tsuage promotes pain sensitivity in aging mice.

Published 21st May, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-61499-0

Related Studies

2) Age changes in pain perception: A systematic-review and meta-analysis of age effects on pain and tolerance thresholds.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.01.039

3) Pain, functional limitations, and aging.

https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-5415.2009.02388.x

4) Pain and aging: the emergence of a new subfield of pain research.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpain.2008.10.013


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