How Oyster Mushroom Extract Affects Blood and Immune Health in Healthy People

Jenn Hoskins
28th June, 2024

How Oyster Mushroom Extract Affects Blood and Immune Health in Healthy People

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study in Turkey found that drinking 100 ml of Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom) water extract daily for 29 days reduced inflammation
  • Significant reductions in pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-1β were observed by the 15th and 29th days
  • No adverse effects were detected in blood tests, indicating the safety of the mushroom extract
The study conducted by Mardin Vocational Higher School of Health Services, Turkey, aimed to investigate whether regular consumption of Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom) water extract over 29 days affects blood and cytokine values in volunteer individuals[1]. This research is significant as it explores the potential health benefits of a common edible mushroom, particularly its anti-inflammatory properties. The study involved volunteers consuming 100 ml of Pleurotus ostreatus water extract each morning for 29 days. Blood samples were collected from the participants on the 1st (control), 15th, and 29th days. These samples underwent biochemical and hematological analyses, and cytokine levels were measured to assess immunomodulatory effects. The chemical composition of the mushroom extract, including its β-glucan content, was also analyzed. The results showed that certain cytokines—IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-13—were undetectable due to values being below the lowest standard. However, significant reductions were observed in TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-1β levels on the 15th and 29th days compared to the control values (p < 0.05). No significant differences were noted between the 15th and 29th-day values. Additionally, no abnormalities were detected in the biochemical and hematological values of the participants, indicating the safety of the mushroom extract. The β-glucan content was found to be 38.12 mg/100 ml. These findings suggest that Pleurotus ostreatus water extract has an anti-inflammatory effect, as evidenced by the decreased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The absence of significant differences between the 15th and 29th-day values implies that a shorter duration of 15 days may be sufficient to achieve these anti-inflammatory benefits. However, the study emphasizes the need for further clinical trials to confirm these results. This study contributes to the growing body of research on functional foods and their health benefits. Previous studies have highlighted the role of dietary supplements in promoting overall health and wellness[2]. For example, a series of consumer surveys conducted by the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) from 2007 to 2011 revealed that supplement use is prevalent in the United States, with many individuals using supplements to fill nutrient gaps and improve overall health[2]. The current study on Pleurotus ostreatus aligns with these findings by demonstrating the potential health benefits of a natural supplement. Additionally, the role of functional foods in managing the gut microbiome and boosting immunity has been well-documented[3]. Probiotics and prebiotics, for instance, have been shown to improve intestinal health and overall host physiology by producing beneficial metabolites like short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)[3]. The anti-inflammatory properties of Pleurotus ostreatus may similarly contribute to improved immune function, although further research is needed to elucidate the exact mechanisms. The current study also complements research on the potential cancer-preventive properties of mushrooms. For example, a study involving 36,499 Japanese men found an inverse relationship between mushroom consumption and prostate cancer incidence, suggesting that regular mushroom intake may help prevent prostate cancer[4]. While the present study did not specifically investigate cancer prevention, the observed anti-inflammatory effects of Pleurotus ostreatus could have broader implications for reducing the risk of chronic diseases, including cancer. In conclusion, the study by Mardin Vocational Higher School of Health Services provides valuable insights into the anti-inflammatory properties of Pleurotus ostreatus water extract. The findings suggest that regular consumption of this mushroom extract can significantly reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine levels without causing any adverse effects on biochemical and hematological parameters. These results contribute to the broader understanding of the health benefits of functional foods and dietary supplements, reinforcing the potential of natural products in promoting overall health and wellness.

HealthBiochemMycology

References

Main Study

1) Effect of Pleurotus ostreatus Water Extract Consumption on Blood Parameters and Cytokine Values in Healthy Volunteers.

Published 27th June, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1080/27697061.2024.2369781

Related Studies

2) Consumer usage and reasons for using dietary supplements: report of a series of surveys.

https://doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2013.875423

3) Immune boosting functional foods and their mechanisms: A critical evaluation of probiotics and prebiotics.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110625

4) Mushroom consumption and incident risk of prostate cancer in Japan: A pooled analysis of the Miyagi Cohort Study and the Ohsaki Cohort Study.

https://doi.org/10.1002/ijc.32591


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