Use of Shiitake Mushrooms in Treating HIV and AIDS Symptoms

Shiitake is currently the second most popular mushroom in the world.  The recent surge in interest in this fungus is partly due to the exotic and delicious taste which is considered far superior to the bland, white button type typically carried in supermarkets around the world, but also because of the growing amount of scientific research that has shown its remarkable curative properties.  One area of particular interest is in regards to HIV and AIDS symptoms.  Lentinula edodes mycelium extract (LEM) and lentinan, two key elements of the shiitake mushroom, have shown remarkable defense properties against various cancers, bacteria (particularly tuberculosis), and parasites, as well as having a direct effect on HIV, helping to control HIV infection by inhibiting the virus’s ability to replicate.  Read more . . .

UNAIDS 2010 AIDS Report

According to the recently published UNAIDS 2010 AIDS Report, despite the continued rate of global infection, statistics indicate that among young people aged 15 to 24 in 15 of the most severely affected countries around the world, HIV prevalence has actually fallen by more than 25% as a growing number of young people are choosing safer sexual practices.  By any measure, this is indeed very encouraging news.  Thus, the focus now shifts from “Will we ever find a cure,” to “What has led to this unprecedented change in the course of this dreaded disease?”  And, perhaps more importantly, “What can be done to make this trend continue?”  Read more . . .