The mushroom Coprinus is rich in cell active lectins and contains antioxidant L-ergothioneine.

Botanic: Coprinus Comatus
English: shaggy ink cap, lawyer’s wig, shaggy mane

The positive properties of the Coprinus mushroom weren’t discovered in China (TCM), but in Europe. It usually grows in forests and meadows, but can often be found in gardens and by the wayside as well. The protein-rich mushroom, which contains a high amount of different minerals and amino acids, is very popular.

The Coprinus mushroom is rich in cell active lectins. These are complex proteins or glycoproteins, which are able to bind specific carbohydrate structures and activate biochemical reactions in the cell. They can affect various metabolic processes such as the cell division, the ribosomal protein biosynthesis or the immune system. A comparative study showed that the Coprinus mushroom has the highest lectin activity of all edible and medicinal mushrooms. (Source: Mikiashvili N, Elisashvili V, Wasser S, Nevo E: Comparative Study of Lectin Activity of Higher Basidiomycetes. DOI: 10.1615/ IntJMedMushr.v8.i1, 2006.)

Furthermore, an antioxidant protective effect on the polyunsaturated fatty acids in the cell membranes could be documented. (Source: Deiana M, Rosa A, Casu V, Piga R, Assunta Dessí M, Aruoma OI: L-ergothioneine modulates oxidative damage in the kidney and liver of rats in vivo: studies upon the profile of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Clin Nutr. 2004 Apr; 23(2):183-93)

• protects cells and tissues
• antioxidant
• can be of importance for a well-balanced blood sugar level
• standardised to 30% polysaccharides