Study: Mushrooms are an effective weapon against influenza
A recent study showed that mushrooms, which are used in many dishes, may carry unexpected health benefits.
In addition to what previous studies have found that mushrooms can reduce the risk of depression, improve brain cell growth, and enhance protection against cancer, a new study has shown that mushrooms may also be an effective weapon against influenza.
A research team from McGill University in Canada conducted a study on mice, and the results showed that the fiber found in mushrooms, known as “beta-glucan,” may contribute to reducing lung infections caused by influenza infection.
When giving mice a dose of these fibers, researchers noticed an improvement in lung function and a reduction in the risk of serious complications or death after exposure to the virus.
McGill University immunologist Maziar Devangahi confirmed to Science Alert that “beta-glucan is present in the cell walls of all types of fungi, including those that live inside and on the human body.”
He added: "It is possible that the levels and composition of fungi in the human body affect the immune system's response to infection, in part thanks to the effect of beta-glucan."
Studies have proven that beta-glucan enhances the ability of the immune system, but the current study focused on its ability to reduce the effect of viral infections instead of fighting viruses directly as traditional medicines do.
What distinguishes beta-glucan is its ability to modify the behavior of immune cells in the body, which helps in better interaction with influenza.
The treated mice showed an increase in the number of immune cells called neutrophils, which were acting in an organized manner rather than in a random rush.
It is known that neutrophils may contribute to inflammation, but with the effect of beta-glucan, these cells were able to reduce inflammation in the lungs, an essential process for avoiding health complications resulting from influenza such as pneumonia.
Immunologist Kim Tran, from McGill University, confirmed that “neutrophils usually cause inflammation, but beta-glucan can change their behavior to reduce this inflammation.”
She added that immune cells treated with beta-glucan remained active for up to a month, suggesting that this treatment may provide long-term protection.
Although it is early stages to fully understand this treatment, this study opens new horizons in understanding how beta-glucan can contribute to enhancing immunity against respiratory diseases, allowing researchers to explore it as a potential treatment for influenza and similar diseases in the future.
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