A new combination for Natural Wellbeing

BY DR. FRANCESCA ARDIGÒ

Interest in natural treatments for health and wellness has increased enormously over the last few decades. Mycotherapy has a key role in this context, thanks to the use of Medicinal Mushrooms - powerful natural Nutraceutical and Cosmeceutical remedies. Although Mycotherapy has ancient historical roots, its use is supported by scientific studies, and it is increasingly integrated into preventive and complementary medicine.

In the world of health and wellness, the integration of natural active ingredients to promote a state of balance and prevention is increasingly recognized, thanks to the use of Medicinal Mushrooms as curative and preventive tools. 

From a nutraceutical perspective, Medicinal Mushrooms not only offer health benefits through their formulation in Food Supplements, but are also conquering the cosmetics sector, as demonstrated by the Dott.ssa Ardigò line, produced by Funghi Energia & Salute. 

But what exactly is Mycotherapy ? What are Nutraceuticals and how can they contribute to our well-being? Let's find out together.

Nutraceuticals: Food as Medicine

The term "Nutraceutical" comes from the combination of "nutrition" and "pharmaceutical" and refers to the active ingredients present in plants and Medicinal Mushrooms, which in addition to their nutritional value, are capable of producing health benefits. These active ingredients, if used regularly, can exert many important actions, including:

Prevent diseases;
Improve quality of life;
Strengthen the immune system;
Deeply cleanse the liver and skin;
Increase energy throughout the body;
Counteract inflammation;
Strengthen the digestive system;
Regulate metabolism;
Protect the kidneys;
Support the reproductive system and more.

The idea behind Nutraceuticals is that, through a targeted integration of specific compounds, we can not only maintain good health but also, in many cases, reduce the risk of disease.

Medicinal Mushrooms and active ingredients

Medicinal Mushrooms are rich in bioactive compounds that act as real nutraceuticals. These compounds, which include polysaccharides, terpenoids, sterols and antioxidants, are able to positively influence different systems of our body:

Beta-glucans: these are polysaccharides known for their ability to improve the immune system, present in all Medicinal Mushrooms such as Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), Maitake (Grifola frondosa) and Shiitake (Lentinula edodes). These compounds strengthen and rebalance the immune response when it is weak or impaired, helping the body fight off infections, inflammation and allergies, for example.
Ergosterol and triterpenes: substances present in medicinal mushrooms such as Reishi and Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis), with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. They support cardiovascular health, improve liver function and much more.
Cordycepin: Key active ingredient in Cordyceps, known for its ability to increase energy and physical stamina, as well as improve cellular oxygenation and respiratory health.
Lentinan: a powerful polysaccharide contained in Shiitake, very useful for strengthening the immune system.

Mycotherapy: the Healing Power of Medicinal Mushrooms

Mycotherapy is a branch of phytotherapy that uses Medicinal Mushrooms to promote health, and to prevent and treat diseases. This practice has ancient origins in Traditional Chinese and Japanese Medicine, but in recent years it has also gained popularity in the West thanks to numerous scientific studies that confirm its effectiveness.

Medicinal Mushrooms contain numerous bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides (such as beta-glucans), triterpenes, sterols, enzymes and vitamins, which contribute to the well-being of the body. Some of the most commonly used Medicinal Mushrooms in Mycotherapy are:

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum): known as the “Mushroom of Immortality”. Reishi is prized for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is often used to reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and support the immune system.
Shiitake (Lentinula edodes): used for its beneficial effect on the immune system and microbiota, because it contains trehalose, a molecule (prebiotic) appreciated by our intestinal bacteria.
Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis): traditionally used to improve physical stamina and energy. Cordyceps is also known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, useful in improving lung and cardiovascular function.
Maitake (Grifola frondosa): excellent for immune support. Maitake is often added for the treatment of many ailments and in weight loss for its effects on the immune system and its ability to reduce blood sugar levels.

Mycotherapy is Nutraceutical

Mycotherapy offers us Medicinal Mushrooms, called nutraceuticals, which are Food Supplements with truly unique therapeutic properties. In this natural holistic approach to health, Medicinal Mushrooms, working in synergy, promote both prevention and promotion of health, improving the well-being of the whole body. Mycotherapy is an important response to the growing demand for health, which arises from the awareness of the importance of prevention and treatment of diseases.

Medicinal Mushroom Supplements: Funghi Energia & Salute

Funghi Energia & Salute offers a range of Food Supplements based on Medicinal Mushrooms in tablets or powder (pulverized sporophore) that exploit the nutraceutical properties of these extraordinary organisms. Our Food Supplements are formulated to improve health, from strengthening the immune system to energy support and increasing general well-being. Thanks to their natural active ingredients, Food Supplements based on Medicinal Mushrooms help in prevention and support the body in a natural way, acting at multiple levels.

Mycotherapy and Cosmetics based on Medicinal Mushrooms: the Essential Line by Dott.ssa Ardigò

Medicinal Mushrooms never cease to amaze thanks to their extraordinary benefits. In addition to being very useful as Food Supplements, they are also a precious cosmetic resource. In fact, Funghi Energia & Salute created the cosmetic line Dott.ssa Ardigò, which uses the properties of Medicinal Mushrooms to promote the health and beauty of skin and hair. Skin and hair care benefits from the properties of Medicinal Mushrooms, which are also nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals. In the cosmetic field, for example, the bioactive principles they are rich in:

promote hydration, regeneration and protection of skin and hair;
improve blood circulation, bringing more blood, oxygen and nutrients to the skin, eliminating fats and impurities more effectively. The skin appears brighter.
have an anti-inflammatory action.
effectively fight free radicals, protecting collagen, which is the supporting structure of the skin, keeping it strong and compact.
help the skin to be smoother and more hydrated.
combat hair loss and promote hair regrowth.

The Dott.ssa Ardigò Cosmetics line, created by Funghi Energia & Salute, represents the perfect example of the important cosmetic properties of some Medicinal Mushrooms. They are the beauty secret of oriental women, who have used them for thousands of years. For example, Reishi makes the skin of the face smooth, bright, beautiful. It removes impurities, small scars, lightens age spots, reduces wrinkles and other signs of aging (Chien, 2008).

That’s why nowadays some Medicinal Mushrooms are called cosmeceuticals for the richness of their active ingredients. This term is a combination of two words: cosmetic and pharmaceutical. For example, Reishi makes the skin more beautiful (cosmetic effect) and also healthier (curative effect) by improving the function and structure of the skin (O. Taofiq , AM González- Paramás). The same can be said of other Medicinal Mushrooms for the beauty and care of hair. For example, Polyporus makes hair more beautiful (cosmetic effect) and fights hair loss, promoting regrowth (curative effect). Dott.ssa Ardigò's cosmetic products are expertly formulated and use the high concentration of active ingredients present in Medicinal Mushrooms. They are cosmetics that act in depth, promoting beauty, charm and well-being.

Conclusions

Mycotherapy, with its nutraceutical and cosmeceutical efficacy, represents an extraordinary resource to improve health, well-being and beauty in a natural way, exploiting the healing properties of Medicinal Mushrooms. Funghi Energia & Salute offers both Food Supplements and cosmetic products from the Dott.ssa Ardigò line. Medicinal Mushrooms are very important because they act both internally and externally.

Thanks to the powerful active ingredients contained in Medicinal Mushrooms, today it is possible to improve quality of life, prevent disease and preserve the beauty and health of skin and hair, through the aware use of Food Supplements and natural cosmetics. The integration of Medicinal Mushrooms, both in diet and in beauty routine, represents one of the most promising frontiers of modern nutraceuticals and cosmoceuticals.

Like millions of people around the world, you can easily improve your health, increase your personal energy and take care of your skin and hair with the wonderful properties of nature contained in Medicinal Mushrooms. Today, thanks to Mycotherapy, all this is no longer a dream, but a reality, which you have at your fingertips!

Nutraceuticals and Mycotherapy