Flammulina velutipes (Jinzhengu)

Distribution:
Most part of the world.

Properties (characteristics):
Cold, salty.
 
Medical functions:
Improves the production of nitrogen oxide of macrophages, thus helps the activation of immune system.
Anti-cancer effect.

Actions & Indications:
Jin zhen gu has been used as food for cancer therapy, especially for the estrogen non-responsive type of breast cancer, which has no effective drug treatment. This type of estrogen non-responsive breast cancer is common among the women of African and Asian origin.

Dosage:
Fresh mushroom: 100 g

Modern Research:
In one in vitro study MCF-7 tumor colony formation rate was reduced by 60% in CCE (Coprinus comatus (Muell.ex Fr.) Gray [Agaricus comatus Muell.])- and CME-treated cells. The MCF-7 tumor colony was nearly completely inhibited (99%) by FVE treatment, regardless of the hormone receptor status of the cancer cells..
 
According to Prof. Xu Fu of the horticulture department of Taiwan University, after heating the mushroom for 15 minutes under 121℃  and also heating 30 minutes under 95℃, the anticancer substance of FIP-fve still remain intact. That protein had not been destroyed. In further investigation, after high heat treatment, the effect of FIP-fve on the spleen cells and the the production of the interferin, IFN-r of the lab mice, that the anticancer ingredient FIP-fve of the mushroom possesses the quality of high temperature endurance.
 
Toxicity & Cautions:
It was found that there were some unscrupulous golden mushroom canneries in China illegally added sodium fomaldehyde sulfoxylate to their product and as as  bleaching agent, and to preserve the fresh look so that they can sell better. During the production process, some of the canneries also added potassium nitrate to preserve color, and illegally smoked with industrial sulfur to preserve freshness and color, and used sodium benzoate as a preservative. Sodium benzoate has been approved by different Western governments as a preservative to prevent mold in food. Usually it is added in soft drink, soy sauce, candies, and other snacks. When sodium benzoate combines with vitamin C, a carcinogenic substance is produced. When sodium benzoate is added to soft drink, it can damage the mitochondria of the cells. The function of mitochondria is to absorb oxygen and to release energy. The result is the unable of normal function of the cells, and become aged and atrophy, including causing degenerative diseases like cirrhosis of the liver and Parkinson's disease.  Industrial sulfur, besides containing sulfur, it also contains lead and arsenic. It is harmful to eat food that has been smoke with industrial sulfur..