Mushrooms as Medicine with Paul Stamets at Exponential Medicine

NextMed Health・2 minutes read

The speaker discusses the historical significance of the mushroom Amadu and its role in human survival, as well as the potential medicinal properties of other mushrooms in cancer treatment and antiviral activities against various viruses. They also emphasize the impact of deforestation on biodiversity, the importance of bees' health, and the interconnectedness of ecosystems for a holistic approach to life.

Insights

  • The mushroom Amadu, historically used for carrying fire, can also be transformed into melium fabric, showcasing the versatility of fungi in human applications throughout history.
  • Research on medicinal mushrooms, such as turkey tail, has shown promising immune system activation properties against cancer, highlighting the potential of natural remedies in modern medical treatments and the importance of exploring traditional knowledge for innovative solutions.

Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free

Recent questions

  • What is Amadu used for?

    Fire portability and survival.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

"Medicinal Mushrooms: Nature's Healing Power"

  • The speaker discusses a mushroom called Amadu, a birch polypore, which was crucial for human survival in the past, allowing for the portability of fire.
  • Amadu can be hollowed out to carry fire for days and was used by fire keepers in ancient clans for survival.
  • When boiled, Amadu delaminates to become melium, a fabric, a tradition kept alive by some women in Transylvania.
  • Another mushroom, Aaron, is described as the longest living mushroom, with historical medicinal uses against consumption (tuberculosis).
  • The speaker shares personal experiences, including receiving an award from Triple AS and the impact of his brother's sudden passing.
  • Biodiversity and the interconnectedness of organisms, particularly fungi, are highlighted, emphasizing the role of mycelium in ecosystems.
  • The process of growing immunologically educated mycelium is detailed, involving soaking wood chips or straw in water, followed by exposure to oxygen.
  • The speaker discusses the medicinal properties of turkey tail mushrooms, which have shown immune system activation in cancer patients.
  • Personal anecdotes about the speaker's mother's successful battle against cancer using turkey tail mushrooms are shared.
  • The potential of medicinal mushrooms in cancer treatment, including a case of spontaneous recovery from a deadly cancer, is explored, suggesting immune system activation as a mechanism.

15:04

Mushroom extracts show antiviral potential against diseases.

  • Extracts from mycelium diluted 100 to 1 showed high antiviral activity against H1N1 and other viruses.
  • Bioguided fractionation at the University of Mississippi identified a new group of compounds named Fpol with antiviral properties.
  • Structures sent to St. Jude Hospital were inactive against H5N1, indicating multiple antiviral compounds in the mushroom extracts.
  • NIH is interested in potential antiviral compounds from mushrooms, with 10 structures submitted for testing against Ebola and other viruses.
  • A patent was granted after 10 years, confirming the antiviral activity of a gan against flu viruses.
  • Collaboration with Dr. Scott Fran Blau led to the discovery of a new anti-TB compound, Chlorinated Coumarin, in mushrooms.
  • Deforestation has led to changes in forest ecology, affecting microbial mass composition and biodiversity.
  • Deforestation contributes to the sixth mass extinction event, with 30,000 species lost annually.
  • Bees face multiple stressors like pollution, mites, and monoculture farming, impacting their health and survival.
  • Feeding bees Mico honey, made from mushroom extracts, showed antiviral effects and potential benefits for bee health and colony survival.

30:53

Bacteria trigger corn gene expressions through epigenesis.

  • Bacteria engage in epigenesis to trigger corn's ability to upregulate gene expressions through quorum sensing, revealing hidden gene sequences and emphasizing the importance of understanding the symbiosis and synergism of ecosystems for a holistic approach to life.
Channel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatar

Try it yourself — It’s free.