Science

The Science of Tremella fuciformis

The scientific name for Tremella is Tremella fuciformis.  Tremella has long been used in Chinese and Japanese herbalism as a “tonic” herb, as an immuno-modulator.*  Like all medicinal mushrooms Tremella contains beta glucans and other polysaccharides within the indigestible cell walls.  When properly extracted with hot water these polysaccharides are used in supplemental form to maintain, protect or support immune health.*

However, just as interesting to many is how Tremella extracts seem to support and improve the health of the skin.  This health benefit is attributed to the fact that some of the polysaccharides in Tremella can help the body maintain the production of hyaluronic acid, the production of which normally declines as the body ages.*

Hyaluronic acid is a carbohydrate, more specifically a mucopolysaccharide occurring naturally throughout the body.  It can be several thousands of sugars (carbohydrates) long.  When not bound to other molecules, it binds to water, giving it a stiff viscous quality similar to “jello”.  This viscous gel is one of the most heavily researched substances in medicine today.

The function of hyaluronic acid in the body is varied, such as binding water and lubricating moveable parts like joints and muscles.  Its consistency and tissue friendliness also allows it to be used in skin care products.  Hyaluronic acid is one of the most hydrophilic (water loving) molecules in nature and can be described as “nature’s moisturizer”.

Through extensive research over the years, hyaluronic acid has yielded amazing results in various applications and locations throughout the body.

However, Tremella extracts, by supporting the body’s ability to naturally produce hyaluronic acid from within, maybe a better option than trying to add it later through supplementation as the body’s production of hyaluronic declines with age.

The Tradition of Tremella: The “White Fungus”

Tremella, called the “white fungus” in Chinese, is mild in nature and has a licorice taste.  Tremella nourishes the lungs, stomach and kidneys, strengthens the bone.*

When descriptions involving the organs are used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) they are not describing the physical organs themselves.  They are describing the flow of energy or “Qi” (pronounced Chi) that flows through those meridians.

The Chinese texts from TCM also state that Tremella is “beauty-securing”.  Traditionally, Chinese women have used Tremella, both the cooked whole mushroom and the mushroom extract (tea), to help moisten the skin from the inside out, helping to keep the skin soft and pliable even as the body ages.*

Modern research attributes these benefits to the fact that Tremella helps the body maintain the production of hyaluronic acid, the production of which normally declines as the body ages.*

As described in the section on Science, maintaining the production of hyaluronic acid may help to maintain the health of the skin during the aging process.*

Other ingredients: Vegetarian Capsule (cellulose), Tremella fuciformis mycelium, myceliated rice, organic rice flour.

Suggested use: Adults, take 1-3 capsules, twice daily, on an empty stomach.

Warnings: Keep out of reach of children. Do not use if allergic to mushrooms, pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not use if safety seal around top of bottle is missing or broken. Store at room temperature, with lid closed.