10 replies to this topic

[Thorsten2]

Hi

Sorry for the weird post but I was just wondering whether anyone knows if reishi might have acetylcholinerase inhibiting qualities?

I remember reading somewhere that it did, but now when I do a google search it comes up with very little.

They do push it as a memory tonic so if this isn't just the usual media hype how does its memory enhancing effects work?

Of course I could do a pubmed search but unfortunately I am not very educated on Chinese herbs (i am ignorant to the conpounds in reishi and to their actions) and was kind of hoping there might be someone here who can help me out.

It's a bit of a stab in the dark and I think this thread might sink to the bottom of the page with nil replies. Not because I'm an unlikeable dick, but just because i am asking a question that I just think no-one will know the answer to.

Anyone have at least a hunch as to what it's effects might be in relation to being a acetylcholinerase inhibitor?

Also, what about cordyceps? Is that a AChEI too?

I have to be very careful because I am already taking uridine and I find anything that increases acetylcholine makes me depressed as fuck!

Recently I stupidly starting adding stuff like gotu kola and ashwagandha to uridine and it was just too much.

Cheers

[8bitmore]

Hi Thorsten, well, I am no connoisseur of Chinese/Eastern herbs but have the interest so I gave your inquiry a shot with Google: results are: did not find anything in relation to Reishi's possible acetylcholinerase effects BUT a study from 2011 (Selective cholinesterase inhibition by lanostane triterpenes...) shows novel acetylcholinerase inhibition effects from Lingzhi mushrooms which may be a viable alternative for you?

[Thorsten2]

Ah thanks, but it's the AChEI effects I am trying to avoid. Thanks anyway though.

[8bitmore]

Thorsten2, on 11 August 2012 - 06:33 PM, said:

Ah thanks, but it's the AChEI effects I am trying to avoid. Thanks anyway though.

Ups, thanks for up-response, see I misread your original question: anyway, maybe someone else can make use of the Lingzhi find for memory/more improvement. As a sidenote I reckon that the fact that Reishi, like Lingzhi, contains a multitude of different lanostane triterpenes should make it a very likely candidate for AChEI effects - in which case I would stay away if I were you (if you don't want to experiment!)

[Renegade]

Lingzhi is the Chinese name for reishi!!!!

[golden1]

yeah  lingzhi mushroom = reishi

[fntms]

I've been taking lingzhi tea and also the extract regularly for a few years.
I'm also very sensitive to acetylcholine as it makes me feel depressed and angry and try to avoid supplements that enhance it.
Nevery noticed anything from reishi though. It actually makes me sleep quite well, as it seems to have slight anti histamine properties.

[Renegade]

It is one of, if not THE most balanced and intelligent substances you can take for physical, mental and spiritual development.

If I was given the option of taking one thing daily for the rest of my life - it would be reishi, without a second thought.

[daouda]

Only one potential downside I see to Reishi for males : it has anti-androgenic properties (so has astragalus, green tea, curcumin and many other things that are also good for you)

[Renegade]

I know it lowers DHT, hence its usefulness for hair loss. I have never heard any reports of side effects resulting from lowered testosterone. It is known to enhance libido.

Its fascinating how POTENT its immune modulating, cholesterol lowering, mind enhancing, spirit reviving properties are (to name a few). Usually, if a substance has a pronounced effect in one area, it will have lesser potency in others. Reishi is known as being one of the most powerful anti cancer substances on the planet, and at the same time, the no 1 herb for cultivation of the spirit. Also - potent substances often can not be used as a daily staple, like reishi can, as they are not sufficiently balanced. Its the closest we have to a real world panacea and no wonder it was practically worshipped in ancient China.

[daouda]

Quote

I have never heard any reports of side effects resulting from lowered testosterone.

Anti-androgenic doesnt mean lowered T. Anything that lowers DHT (5-alpha-reductase inhibitors such as reishi, saw palmetto, curcumin, fish oil etc and of course the drug finasteride) is in effect anti-androgenic. DHT is actually a much more potent androgen than testosterone in that it binds more strongly to androgen receptors.
Anyway it is true that reishi is traditionnaly regarded in TCM as a libido enhancer rather than the opposite... Reishi probably has many substances in it other than the 5ari one, so it's probably wise to eat the whole mushroom instead of an extract standardized for specific compounds.
But still, Id be wary of taking ANYTHING that has 5ARi properties in too high doses (check propeciahelp.com to have an idea of what a potent pharmaceutical 5ARi can possibly do in some males)
That being said, I do take reishi daily... But I wouldnt eat pounds of it.

Edited by daouda, 16 December 2012 - 09:25 PM.