Tremella mushrooms (Tremella fuciformis) have been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine for their various health benefits. In recent years, tremella mushroom supplements have gained popularity in the Western world as people seek out natural ways to support their health and well-being. From supporting a healthy immune system to promoting skin health and even aiding in lung health, tremella mushroom benefits are proving to be a powerful addition to any wellness routine.
What Is Tremella Mushroom?
Tremella mushroom, also known as Silver Ear or Snow Fungus, is a type of functional mushroom that is native to Asia, particularly China. It grows on trees and has a gelatinous, translucent appearance that resembles jelly. Tremella mushroom has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to support health and well-being. It is rich in antioxidants, which can help fight off harmful free radicals in the body, and beta-glucans, which can boost the immune system. Tremella mushroom is also a source of polysaccharides, a type of carbohydrate that may support healthy blood sugar levels.
What Are Tremella Mushrooms Good For?
Tremella mushrooms are known for their various health benefits. They are rich in antioxidants, which can help protect the body against oxidative stress and damage caused by harmful free radicals. Tremella mushrooms also contain beta-glucans, which have been shown to boost the immune system and may have anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, tremella mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine to support healthy skin and aid in weight loss. Some studies have suggested that tremella mushroom supplements may help improve blood sugar levels and support heart health. Overall, tremella mushrooms are a versatile and powerful ingredient that can benefit the body in numerous ways.
What Are the TCM and Herbal Medicine Uses of Tremella?
Tremella mushrooms have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for centuries due to their various health benefits. In TCM, tremella mushrooms are believed to nourish the body's yin energy, which is associated with coolness, moisture, and rejuvenation. They are often used to promote healthy skin and support lung and respiratory health. Tremella mushrooms are also believed to support digestive health and aid in digestion. In addition to TCM, tremella mushrooms are also used in herbal medicine for their immune-boosting properties and potential anti-inflammatory effects. They have been used to treat conditions such as bronchitis, asthma, and chronic coughs.
What Are the Tremella Mushroom Benefits?
1. Promote Healthy Skin and Improve Overall Skin Health
Firstly, tremella mushroom is rich in polysaccharides, which have been shown to have antioxidant properties. Antioxidants can help protect the skin against oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals, which can lead to premature aging of the skin. One study found that the polysaccharides extracted from tremella mushroom had a significant antioxidant effect in vitro, indicating their potential as a skin-protective agent [1].
Secondly, tremella mushroom is a natural source of hyaluronic acid (HA), a compound that is naturally present in the skin and responsible for maintaining skin hydration and elasticity. Research has shown that topical application of HA can improve skin hydration and reduce the appearance of wrinkles [2]. Tremella mushroom has been shown to stimulate the production of HA in the skin, leading to improved skin hydration and overall skin health, potentially labelling them as one of the best supplements for skin [3].
2. Boost Immune System to Fight off Infections and Diseases
Tremella mushroom is a natural source of beta-glucans, which are complex polysaccharides that have been shown to have immune-boosting effects [4]. Beta-glucans stimulate immune cells, such as macrophages and natural killer cells, to enhance the immune response [5]. In addition, beta-glucans have been shown to increase the production of cytokines, which are signaling molecules that help to coordinate the immune response [6].
Furthermore, tremella mushroom contains compounds that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. Chronic inflammation can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of infections and diseases. Tremella mushroom has been shown to reduce inflammation by suppressing the production of inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) [7].
3. Reduce Inflammation in the Lungs and Promote the Clearance of Mucus
One of the primary ways in which tremella mushroom reduces inflammation in the lungs is through its ability to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) [8]. These cytokines can cause inflammation in the lungs and contribute to the development of respiratory diseases. Tremella mushroom has been shown to suppress the production of these cytokines, thereby reducing lung inflammation [9].
Furthermore, tremella mushroom has been shown to have immunomodulatory effects. It can stimulate the immune system to produce more white blood cells, which can help to fight off infections in the lungs [10]. This can be especially beneficial for individuals with chronic respiratory conditions, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), who may be more susceptible to infections.
Another way in which tremella mushroom can help reduce lung inflammation is by promoting the clearance of mucus. Mucus can accumulate in the lungs and airways, leading to inflammation and respiratory symptoms. Tremella mushroom has been shown to enhance the activity of cilia, which are small hair-like structures in the lungs that help to move mucus out of the airways [11].
4. Promoting the Growth of Healthy Gut Bacteria
One of the primary ways in which tremella mushroom promotes the growth of healthy gut bacteria is through its prebiotic effects. Tremella mushroom contains complex polysaccharides that are not digestible by the human body but can be broken down by gut bacteria [12]. These polysaccharides act as food for the beneficial bacteria in the gut, such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, helping them to grow and multiply [13].
5. Reducing Cholesterol Levels and Improving Blood Circulation
One of the primary ways in which tremella mushroom reduces cholesterol levels is through its beta-glucan content. Beta-glucans are complex polysaccharides that have been shown to have cholesterol-lowering effects by binding to bile acids in the gut and reducing their reabsorption [14]. This leads to an increased excretion of bile acids, which in turn stimulates the liver to produce more bile acids from cholesterol, resulting in a decrease in blood cholesterol levels.
In addition to its beta-glucan content, tremella mushroom contains other bioactive compounds that have been shown to improve blood circulation, such as polysaccharides, flavonoids, and ergothioneine [15]. These compounds work by dilating blood vessels and reducing inflammation, which can improve blood flow and lower blood pressure [16].
6. Retains Moisture and Stabilizes the Skin Barrier
Tremella mushroom has been shown to have moisturizing and barrier-stabilizing effects on the skin, making it the perfect skin supplement. One of the primary ways in which tremella mushroom retains moisture in the skin is through its polysaccharide content. Polysaccharides are long-chain carbohydrates that have been shown to have strong water-holding properties [17]. When applied topically, tremella mushroom polysaccharides can form a protective film on the skin that helps to prevent water loss and maintain skin hydration [18].
In addition to its polysaccharide content, tremella mushroom contains other bioactive compounds that have been shown to improve skin barrier function, such as ergothioneine and beta-glucans [19,20]. These compounds work by strengthening the skin barrier and reducing inflammation, which can help to prevent moisture loss and protect the skin from environmental stressors [21].
7. Provides Neuroprotective Effects for Brain Development
Studies have found that tremella mushroom contains high amounts of polysaccharides, which have been shown to enhance cognitive function and protect against neurodegenerative diseases [22]. These polysaccharides have been found to improve brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, which are important for the growth, survival, and maintenance of neurons [23]. Tremella mushroom has also been found to possess antioxidant properties, which can protect against oxidative stress-induced damage to the brain. Furthermore, studies have shown that tremella mushroom can enhance neurogenesis, or the growth of new neurons, in the hippocampus region of the brain [24,25].
How to Take Tremella Mushroom Supplements
When it comes to taking tremella mushroom supplements, there are a few options to consider. One common form is mushroom capsules, which are easy to take and provide a convenient way to ensure consistent dosage. Capsules typically contain a powdered form of the mushroom, which can be made from dried fruiting bodies or mycelium. It is important to choose a high-quality supplement that has been produced with care to ensure that it contains potent and pure tremella mushroom extract.
Another option is to look for mushroom extract blends that include tremella mushroom along with other medicinal mushrooms. These blends can offer a range of health benefits and can be tailored to specific needs. For example, blends that include reishi mushroom and cordyceps may be helpful for improving immune function and athletic performance. It is important to choose a reputable brand that uses high-quality ingredients and has rigorous quality control measures in place to ensure the potency and purity of the supplement.
What Is a Therapeutic Dose of Tremella Mushroom Supplements?
Determining the optimal therapeutic dose of tremella mushroom depends on a variety of factors, including the individual's health status, age, weight, and other underlying medical conditions. Research studies have used a range of dosages, with doses typically ranging from 1-5 grams per day, although some studies have used doses as high as 10 grams per day. In a clinical trial investigating the effects of tremella mushroom extract on skin hydration and texture, participants received a daily dose of 500 mg of tremella extract for 8 weeks [26]. Another study investigating the cholesterol-lowering effects of tremella mushroom extract used a daily dose of 3 grams of the extract for 12 weeks [27].
Where to Buy Quality Tremella Mushroom Supplements?
Although the market for functional mushrooms is wide, it is important to be mindful of what is inside of the products you are buying. There are many types of mushrooms, but if you find the words “full spectrum”, “mycelial biomass”, or “extracellular compounds” on the label, this means the product is made from the grain substrate the mushrooms are grown on, and potentially the primordia and fruiting body, all combined and often not in extract form. Full spectrum is often advertised as a beneficial aspect of the product by some companies, but you’d need to consume much more of it to achieve the same benefits as you would from a product containing 100% fruiting body.
Eversio Wellness carries 100% fruiting body only mushroom extracts, and they consistently practice transparency to their consumers by sharing the COAs (Certificate of Analysis) of each product. The COAs reassure consumers that the percentage of compounds that are claimed to be in the products is scientifically confirmed through lab testing. Eversio Wellness currently carries one of the best mushroom blends, the Rejuvenate Blend, which contains oyster, chaga, tremella, lion’s mane, shiitake, and maitake mushroom extracts in powder form as well as tremella mushroom extract capsules.
We hope you have found this article informative. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them in the comment section below!
By Silvana Jakupovic — BSc and 4th Year Student of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM-Boucher)
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