The Coprinus comatus

Shaggy ink cap or shaggy mane – its strong effect of reducing blood sugar helps successfully in diabetes.

The Coprinus is a secondary decomposer. It grows on dung, humus and plant residue and grows wild throughout Europe in forests, on meadows and in gardens. The young, still white, grey or brown mushrooms are exceptionally tasty due to their delicate consistency and mild aroma. Older samples, on the other hand, are no longer edible. This is because their caps measuring up to ten centimetres and their white lamellae dissolve with advancing maturity to a black, inky fluid, hence the name shaggy ink cap.

Main areas of use in mycotherapy:

Coprinus can trigger an impressive elevated endogenous release of insulin and has a regenerating effect on the pancreas. Coprinus has the effect of reducing blood sugar and is used for type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

It has been established among diabetics that taking Coprinus led to an equal reduction in blood sugar levels as the medicines prescribed by traditional medicine – but without burdening the body.

The vanadium content explains the antidiabetic properties of this mushroom: in the periphery there is a sensitisation of the target ells for insulin and in the pancreas the insulin-producing beta cells are protected and regenerated. Not only the blood sugar level but also the HbA1c value (glycol haemoglobin) as an indicator of the blood sugar level of the last 2-3 months is reduced by Coprinus.

It has also been observed that taking Coprinus can halt weight gain, without reducing calorie consumption. This is due to the regulating effect of the mushroom on glucose processing.

In experiments, Chinese scientists have proven an inhibition of the growth of malignant tumours of the connective and supporting tissue through Coprinus.

In the folk medicine of the Far East, Coprinus is recommended to improve digestion, against constipation and to treat haemorrhoids.

Effects proven by studies:

• slight reduction in the glucose level in the blood after just 10 hours, noticeable reduction after 11 days
• improved glucose tolerance
• prevents weight gain

Areas of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine:

• improves digestion
• against haemorrhoids

Sources:

• Jianzhe Y., Mao X.: “Icons of Medicinal Fungi from China”; CRC Press; 1989
• Bailey C. J., Turner S. L., Jakeman K. J., Hayes W. A.: “Effect of Coprinus comatus on Plasma Glucose Concentrations in Mice”; 1984
• Prof. Dr. med. Ivo Bianchi: “Moderne Mykotherapie”; Hinckel Druck, 2008
• Han C., et al.: “Hypoglycemic activity of fermented mushroom of Coprinus comatus rich in vanadium”; Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology. Vol. 20(3): 191-196, 2006

Note: the described effects are based on taking medicinal mushroom powder made from the whole mushroom. Please consult your therapist before use.