Oyster

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Oyster mushrooms are among the most popular culinary ingredients and are also a potent functional mushroom that supports immune system function, cardiovascular health, and metabolism. In Chinese medicine, they are used to support the Kidney energetic organ system and to nourish Spleen Qi.

Common Name: Oyster Mushroom

Pinyin Name: ping gu, hao gu

Botanical Name: Pleurotus ostreatus

Part Used: whole fungi, mycelium, and fruiting body

Properties: pungent, sweet, warm

Channels Entered: Liver, Spleen, Kidney

Chinese Medicine Patterns of Imbalance:

Impotence, seminal discharges, weakness of knees, numbness in limbs, leg pain, pain in the lower back, coldness in hands and feet,

Primary Actions:

  • Dispels Wind-Cold
  • Drains Damp
  • Benefits tendons and bones
  • Buids Blood
  • Tonifies Kidney Qi
  • Strengthens Yang

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Constituents: 

  • Polysaccharides are contained in the Oyster Mushroom cell wall including β-glucans and α-glucans. Polysaccharides are effective immune modulators, anti-oxidative, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory.
  • Lectins from Pleurotus have antiviral effects.
  • Ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid are the chief phenolic acids in oyster mushrooms that provide antioxidative effects.
  • Ergothioneineor L-ergothioneine (EGT) is a naturally occurring amino acid and is an antioxidant predominantly found in edible mushrooms. EGT relates to decreased risks of cognitive impairment, frailty, cardiovascular disease, and skin dryness.
  • Catechin is a plant secondary phenolic metabolite, with potent free radical scavenging properties.
  • Niacin, or vitamin B3, aids in the breakdown of lipids, carbs, and proteins resulting in improved energy levels. B3 is a precursor for antioxidant production. Niacin also aids in the healthy functioning of muscles and the neurological system.
  • Vitamin D is essential for the human body as it helps maintain insulin balance. Oyster mushrooms can reduce the risk of developing both type I and type II diabetes. Additionally, vitamin D plays a role in reducing chronic inflammation and supporting a healthy immune system.

Western Medicine View Benefits: 

  • Increased vital energy
  • Improved cognition, neurological health, and mood
  • Bone mineral density support and dental health
  • Heart health support and decreased cholesterol (LDL)
  • Healthy blood pressure
  • Supports Immune Function
  • Provides antioxidants to combat free radicals
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Blood Sugar Balance

Growing & Harvesting: Cultivated Oyster Mushrooms generally grow on hardwood substrates. Dozens of cultivated species are typically fast-growing and easier to grow than other functional mushrooms.

Culinary Uses: Sauteed in butter or oil with a bit of salt and added to many dishes.

Contra-indications: None

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References:

Aditya, Neeraj, Jarial RS, Jarial K, Bhatia JN. Comprehensive review on oyster mushroom species (Agaricomycetes): Morphology, nutrition, cultivation and future aspects. Heliyon. 2024 Feb 19;10(5):e26539. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26539. PMID: 38434383; PMCID: PMC10907667.

Jedinak A, Dudhgaonkar S, Wu QL, Simon J, Sliva D. Anti-inflammatory activity of edible oyster mushroom is mediated through the inhibition of NF-κB and AP-1 signaling. Nutr J. 2011 May 16;10:52. doi: 10.1186/1475-2891-10-52. PMID: 21575254; PMCID: PMC3120742.

Sharma A, Sharma A, Tripathi A. Biological activities of Pleurotus spp. polysaccharides: A review. J Food Biochem. 2021 Jun;45(6):e13748. doi: 10.1111/jfbc.13748. Epub 2021 May 17. PMID: 33998679.

Shaffique S, Kang SM, Kim AY, Imran M, Khan MA, Lee IJ. Current knowledge of medicinal mushrooms related to anti-oxidant properties. Sustainability. 2021;13(14):7948. doi: 10.3390/su13147948.

Chirinang P., Intarapichet K.-O. Amino acids and antioxidant properties of the Oyster mushrooms, Pleurotus ostreatus and Pleurotus sajor-caju. Sci. Asia. 2009;35:326–331. doi: 10.2306/scienceasia1513-1874.2009.35.326.

Hanayama M, Mori K, Ishimoto T, Kato Y, Kawai J. Effects of an ergothioneine-rich Pleurotus sp. on skin moisturizing functions and facial conditions: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Front Med (Lausanne). 2024 Jun 3;11:1396783. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1396783. PMID: 38887673; PMCID: PMC11182000.

Golak-Siwulska I., Kałużewicz A., Spiżewski T., Siwulski M., Sobieralski K. Bioactive compounds and medicinal properties of Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus sp.) Folia Hortic. 2018;30:191–201. doi: 10.2478/fhort-2018-0012

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This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.