This health article has been professionally reviewed by Dt Chen Zi Xin, a registered dietitian of Malaysian Dietitians’ Association (MDA).
Respiratory health concerns are a significant issue in Malaysia, exacerbated by factors such as air pollution, haze, and the lingering effects of COVID-19. According to the Department of Environment Malaysia, air pollution levels in urban areas often exceed safe limits, contributing to respiratory problems like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and bronchitis. The annual haze, caused by forest fires in neighbouring countries, further aggravates these conditions. These environmental factors, along with weather fluctuations and increased respiratory infections, have led to a rise in respiratory complaints.
The Prevalence of Respiratory Health Issues in Malaysia
Respiratory health is a significant public health concern in Malaysia, affecting both children and adults. The prevalence of respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD is notable:
- Asthma: The prevalence of asthma in Malaysian children (6–14 years) is estimated at 8.9% to 13%, while in adults it is around 6.3% (4).
- COPD: The prevalence of COPD in the general population is approximately 4.7%, with higher rates in certain suburban populations (5).
- Hospitalizations: Respiratory diseases are one of the major causes of hospitalization, accounting for 13.86% of hospital admissions (6).
- Chronic Respiratory Diseases: These diseases account for 7% of Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) in Malaysia, highlighting their significant health burden (2).
Common Respiratory Symptoms and Conditions
Common symptoms include cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and phlegm production. Conditions such as asthma, COPD, and upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are prevalent.
Can Tiger Milk Mushroom Help?
Tiger Milk Mushroom (TMM), also known as Lignosus rhinocerus, has been used in Southeast Asia as traditional medicine for respiratory ailments. Recent studies suggest its potential benefits for respiratory health, making it an area of interest for healthcare professionals seeking natural remedies for respiratory issues.
Benefits of Tiger Milk Mushroom
Improvement in Respiratory Health and Immunity
Tiger Milk Mushroom (TMM) has been shown to significantly enhance respiratory health and immunity. Clinical studies demonstrated notable improvements in respiratory symptoms and immune parameters. Respiratory symptoms assessed by Nasal Symptom Questionnaire (NSQ) dropped by 74%.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
The beneficial effects of TMM are largely due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Key inflammatory cytokines, IL-1β and IL-8, saw reductions of 55% and 40%, respectively. These cytokines play a major role in initiating and maintaining airway inflammation. TMM’s anti-inflammatory actions are attributed to its high-molecular-weight proteins and linoleic acid content, which inhibit TNF-α production and oxidative stress pathways.
Immunomodulatory Effects
TMM supplementation also strengthens respiratory immunity by increasing the IgA levels in participants by 113%. IgA is crucial for mucosal immunity, helping to prevent pathogen invasion. The mechanisms behind IgA induction by TMM are similar to those seen in other medicinal mushrooms, involving up-regulation of TLR4 pathways and enhanced mucosal defense.
Active Ingredients in TMM
Total Polysaccharides
These compounds are known for their immune-boosting properties, helping the body fight off infections and reduce inflammation. Polysaccharides enhance the activity of white blood cells and stimulate the production of antibodies, providing a stronger defense against respiratory pathogens (1).
1,3–1,6 Beta Glucans
These are powerful immunomodulators that enhance the body’s defense mechanisms, particularly in the respiratory system. Beta glucans can activate various immune cells, such as macrophages and natural killer cells, which play a crucial role in identifying and destroying harmful microorganisms.
Choosing the Right Tiger Milk Mushroom Supplement
Benefits of Standardized Supplements
- Consistency: Each dose in a standardized supplement provides the same amount of active ingredients, ensuring predictable results. This consistency is vital, especially in standardized supplements designed to manage chronic conditions, where consistent treatment is key to long-term health.
- Efficacy: Standardized supplements have been rigorously tested for their effectiveness in clinical studies. This ensures that the standardized supplement you’re using has proven efficacy, providing healthcare professionals with the confidence to recommend it. The reliability of a standardized supplement is particularly important when evidence-based products are necessary for patient care.
- Safety: A standardized supplement ensures the correct dosage of active ingredients, minimizing the risk of side effects and interactions with other medications. This safety aspect is crucial for patients who may be on multiple treatments simultaneously. Choosing a standardized supplement adds an extra layer of assurance in patient care, especially in complex treatment plans.
Full-Spectrum Tiger Milk Mushroom for Enhanced Benefits:
In addition to choosing a standardized supplement, selecting a Tiger Milk Mushroom that is full-spectrum can provide even greater health benefits. Full-spectrum Tiger Milk Mushroom contains mycelium, primordia, fruiting bodies and extracellular compounds. Full spectrum Tiger Milk Mushroom contains a wide range of bioactive compounds that can enhance its therapeutic effects and offer a more comprehensive approach to respiratory health. This ensures that you are getting the maximum benefit from it.
Conclusion
Respiratory health concerns in Malaysia are a pressing issue, influenced by factors such as air pollution, haze, and the aftermath of COVID-19. Tiger Milk Mushroom, with its potent active ingredients like total polysaccharides and 1,3–1,6 beta glucans, offers a natural and effective solution. By choosing standardized supplements, healthcare professionals can ensure their patients receive consistent and reliable benefits, helping to alleviate respiratory symptoms and improve overall lung health.
References
- A status review of the bioactive activities of Tiger Milk Mushroom Lignosus rhinocerotis (Cooke) Ryvarden. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5775285/.
- Chronic respiratory disease in low-income and middle-income countries: From challenges to solutions. Retrieved from https://patsjournal.org/chronic-respiratory-disease-in-low-income-and-middle-income-countries-from-challenges-to-solutions/.
- Effect of Tiger Milk Mushroom (Lignosus rhinocerus) supplementation on respiratory health, immunity and antioxidant status: An open-label prospective study. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8175741/.
- Healthcare resources, organisational support and practice in respiratory medicine in low- and middle-income countries: The Malaysian perspective. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10042823/.
- Malaysia. Retrieved from https://www.ipcrg.org/malaysia.
- Original article: Malaysia. Retrieved from https://mjphm.org/index.php/mjphm/article/download/640/265/6404.
- Prevalence of respiratory viruses among pediatric and adult patients: A systematic review. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9348681/.
- Prevalence of respiratory viruses among pediatric and adult patients: A systematic review. Retrieved from https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0265288.
- Tan, E. S. S., Leo, T. K., & Tan, C. K. (2021). Effect of tiger milk mushroom (Lignosus rhinocerus) supplementation on respiratory health, immunity and antioxidant status: an open-label prospective study. Scientific reports, 11(1), 11781. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-91256-6
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