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The unique tremella mushroom has been utilized in East Asian cuisine and medicine for centuries. It is called Shiro Kikurage in Japanese, which translates to “white tree jellyfish.” It’s a fitting name for this mushroom, which is frilly, white, and jelly-like.
Tremella thrives in tropical climates, growing on dead wood. There are actually more than one hundred species of tremella found all over the world. Biologists first identified it in Brazil, but this fungus is more renowned for its use in Asian medicine.
In Chinese medicine, tremella has been nicknamed the Fountain of Youth and has been used since at least the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE).
There are multiple purported benefits of tremella mushrooms, not least its nutritional profile. This guide explores some of the primary effects and the science so far.
Potential Benefits of Tremella
Tremella mushrooms are not known to have a nutritional profile that’s specifically beneficial. They likely have a similar nutrient profile to other mushrooms, meaning low in calories and containing some protein and fiber. The main benefit of tremella is the high vitamin D content.
A small amount of research indicates some specific potential benefits of tremella. Five of its possible uses are listed below.
1. Anti-Inflammatory
The polysaccharides in tremella could reduce inflammation. In 2018, a study demonstrated that these compounds could decrease the inflammatory cytokines in the body, thus reducing oxidative stress. They act as an antioxidant to reduce stressors in the body.
More recently, a 2021 study tested tremella polysaccharides in mice, finding that they reduced inflammation in the colon. This could be beneficial for conditions like colitis.
Human trials are required to determine the full capabilities of tremella in this department.
2. Cholesterol Reduction
An old study from 1996 involved feeding rats a high-cholesterol diet for four weeks. Some animals also ate either tremella or jelly ear fungus alongside the diet. After four weeks, the rats eating the mushrooms had a significantly lower quantity of low-density lipoprotein and overall cholesterol.
However, there were no changes in liver cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, or total lipids. So, while tremella could have a positive effect, it may not produce the overall effects necessary to get rid of cholesterol. Furthermore, this is another animal study, with no trials conducted on humans.
3. Immune Function
In 2018, researchers from China administered tremella polysaccharides to mice with induced immunosuppression. Their immune systems were suppressed using a chemotherapy drug, cyclophosphamide. The study reported improved immunity in the mice.
The tremella reduced the severity of side effects from the drug, too.
Furthermore, test-tube studies have indicated that tremella can boost the activity of macrophages, a white blood cell essential for immune health.
Again, more human research is necessary to further these findings.
4. Antioxidant Properties
Mushrooms, in general, tend to contain high levels of antioxidants. These compounds protect the body from oxidative stress; they often feature in anti-aging products and other supplements.
The polysaccharides in tremella mushrooms can act as antioxidants. Several test-tube studies have shown these compounds to be beneficial for the body.
5. Tremella for Skin Care
It may be surprising that a fungus is a fantastic skincare ingredient, but tremella is commonly used as a beauty product. In China, tremella is frequently added to soups and desserts to enhance the consumer’s appearance.
Although it has been used as a beauty ingredient for a long time, a handful of studies now support these claims. For one, a 2017 study suggested that tremella could protect fibroblasts, the cells that produce collagen. When exposed to oxidative stress, the cells pre-treated with tremella extract experienced less harm because the tremella activated pro-survival pathways that reduced cell death.
The antioxidant properties of tremella could also be ideal for skincare purposes.
Final Thoughts on Tremella Mushrooms: How to Use Them
Tremella mushrooms are a nutritious fungus that can easily be used as a supplement. Numerous brands sell them in supplement form, making it easy to take them as and when they are necessary.
Some of the research into mushrooms has discovered some potential health benefits, although more clinical studies on humans are required. Much of the research so far is on animals, and although results have been promising, it’s unclear how these effects work on humans.
At the very least, tremella contains numerous compounds that could have potential health benefits, so it’s no wonder this mushroom is becoming so popular in the supplement industry.
