In recent decades, biohacking, a trend aimed at optimizing health through scientifically proven methods, has become popular among those seeking long-term disease prevention and improving quality of life. One of the most interesting areas for biohackers is myco pharmaceutics, the study and use of medicinal mushrooms in medicine. This trend is actively developing in various countries, including China and Germany, where traditional and modern medicine integrate medicinal mushrooms into treatment regimens.
Historical Roots and Modern Context
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has used mushrooms as medicines for centuries. Mushrooms such as reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris), and shiitake (Lentinula edodes) are known for their properties to support the immune system, reduce inflammation, and increase resistance to stress. In Western medicine, these approaches have long been considered alternative or complementary, but today we are seeing a deeper integration of mushrooms into mainstream medical treatment, especially in Germany. Myco pharmaceuticals are beginning to be used not only for prevention, but also as an important supplement to classical drugs.
In countries where myco pharmaceuticals are actively developing, mushrooms are prescribed in addition to traditional drugs to enhance their effect, as well as to reduce side effects. This practice has been confirmed by numerous scientific studies that demonstrate that medicinal mushrooms have the potential to protect the body from toxicity caused by chemical drugs.
Medicinal mushrooms as a safe supplement to traditional drugs
Many studies show that certain medicinal mushrooms can effectively complement classical pharmaceuticals, reducing their toxicity and enhancing the therapeutic effect. For example:
- Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum):
o The antioxidant properties of Reishi help reduce inflammation, which may be useful when using anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids. In addition, Reishi has immune system-supporting properties, which is especially important during chemotherapy or the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
- Cordyceps (Cordyceps militeris):
o Cordyceps is actively used in sports medicine due to its ability to increase energy levels and improve oxygen metabolism. It can also have a protective effect on the kidneys and liver, reducing the toxicity of antibiotics or drugs used to treat kidney disease.
- Shiitake (Lentinula edodes):
o Shiitake extract has powerful antibacterial and antiviral effects, which makes it effective as a complementary therapy for viral infections. At the same time, the mushrooms reduce the burden on the liver and immune system when taking antibiotics.
How Medicinal Mushrooms Protect the Body
One of the main benefits of using medicinal mushrooms in combination with traditional drugs is their ability to reduce the level of side effects and increase the therapeutic window (the time when the drug is most effective and least toxic). This occurs due to several mechanisms:
- Antioxidant activity: Medicinal mushrooms are rich in polysaccharides, triterpenoids and other bioactive compounds that fight oxidative stress. This reduces cell and tissue damage caused by exposure to chemicals.
- Immunomodulatory action: Many mushrooms, such as reishi and shiitake, have adaptogenic properties, which means they can strengthen the immune system and protect the body from infections. This is especially important during long courses of antibiotics or immunosuppressants.
- Liver and kidney support: Medicinal mushrooms such as cordyceps can help reduce the burden on organs that are actively involved in the metabolism of chemicals – the liver and kidneys. This promotes detoxification and improves the overall health of the patient.
Research in the field of myco pharmaceuticals
Research into medicinal mushrooms is constantly expanding, especially in the fields of oncology, immunology and cardiology. For example, a study conducted in Germany showed that reishi extract can reduce the toxic effects of chemotherapy on the liver and improve the overall condition of patients suffering from cancer. Other studies in this field have shown that mushroom extracts can prevent DNA damage and speed up recovery after intensive therapy.
Modern research is also focused on developing safer and more effective forms of mushroom-based drugs, such as capsules and powders with high bioavailability. These forms allow patients to easily include medicinal mushrooms in their daily therapy without the risk of overdose or interactions with traditional drugs.
Medicinal Mushrooms and Biohacking: How to Integrate into Everyday Practice
For biohackers, the use of medicinal mushrooms can be a powerful tool for disease prevention and improving quality of life. It is important to note that medicinal mushrooms such as reishi, cordyceps and shiitake can be safely used as a supplement to traditional medicine, especially when taken under the advice of a specialist. Including mushrooms in your daily diet helps strengthen the immune system, reduce stress and maintain the health of internal organs.
However, it should be remembered that medicinal mushrooms, like any dietary supplements, can interact with pharmaceutical drugs. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a doctor or a specialist in myco pharmaceuticals before using them, especially if you are already taking traditional drugs.
The Future of Myco pharmaceuticals
With the development of science and technology, myco pharmaceuticals are becoming an increasingly important part of medicine. Research in this area is ongoing, and it is expected that in the coming years new, more effective drugs based on medicinal mushrooms will appear that will be able not only to complement, but also to replace some chemical drugs.
Modern medicine is moving towards the integration of different approaches to treatment, and myco pharmaceuticals play an important role in the creation of safer and more effective treatment regimens. Biohackers looking to improve their health can already use this potential to prevent diseases, boost immunity, and minimize harm from traditional drugs.
Conclusion
Myco pharmaceutics is a promising area of medicine that combines traditional knowledge of medicinal mushrooms with modern research in the field of pharmacology. In countries such as China and Germany, mushrooms have long been used as a safe and effective supplement to traditional drugs. Medicinal mushrooms help reduce toxicity, enhance the therapeutic effect, and support the body during treatment. For biohackers, this opens up new opportunities to improve health and prevent diseases, while ensuring safety and effectiveness at all stages of treatment.
Author: Dr. Anna Petrová, doctor of integral medicine
