Douglas Schar, BA.DipPhyt.MCPP

Abstract

An interim report of a year long study to evaluate the effects of Grifola frondosa var. Yukiguni on the health status of individuals suffering from HIV infection. 24 Respondents embarked on the study and 20 are currently still in process. All respondents are followed up at monthly intervals by telephone in order to monitor the HIV states reflected by CD4 counts, viral load measures, concomitant conditions, and general wellbeing. To date, fourteen respondents reported increases in CD4 counts and six have reported decreases in CD4 counts. In regards viral load counts, five reported a decrease in viral load, nine reported an increase in viral load, and six reported a static viral load. In regards concomitant conditions, seventeen reported resolution of previously described conditions, one reported a worsening of conditions, and one reported no change in conditions. In regards perception of well being, seventeen respondents reported an increase in sense of well being, two reported a decrease in sense of well being, and one reported no change in sense of well being. The study indicated that Grifola frondosa var. Yukiguni made a positive impact on the health of individual suffering from HIV infection and warrants additional examination as a potential anti-HIV drug.

 Introduction

Acquired Immuno-deficiency Syndrome (HIV and AIDS)

AIDS is a disease characterised by infection from the human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV) which results in gradual destruction of the individual's immune system mechanisms, thereby allowing the development of other conditions which, ultimately, become life threatening. These secondary diseases are termed opportunistic infections and include Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, tuberculosis, cytomegalovirus, central nervous system toxoplasmosis and Kaposi's sarcoma.

 Mechanisms of Infection

HIV transmission is almost entirely through blood to blood contact, but can also be passed on via semen and vaginal secretions. Infection mostly occurs through sexual contact but can also result from transfusion of infected blood or intravenous injection with infected needles. It can also be passed from mother to child before, during or after birth via the placenta or breast milk.

The virus depends for its survival on taking over a host cell and utilising its nutritive and reproductive functions in order to replicate itself. Once reproduced it spreads to other cells, destroying the host cells in the process. Meanwhile, the normal immune response is triggered to produce antibodies to the invading virus. These antibodies act against the host cells as well as the virus resulting in a two fold attack on the body.

The main target cell for the invading virus is the helper "T" cell. These cells are a vital part of the immune system responsible for stimulating both the production of antibodies and the destruction of infected cells. When these cells are damaged by HIV infection the immune system collapses and opportunistic infections gain entry to the system.

 There are three stages of the disease.

 1. Seroconversion.

Seroconversion which is the reaction of the body to the invading virus and production of antibodies. There may be transitory flu like symptoms and swollen glands at this stage.

 2. Dormant Period.

A dormant period follows. The time span of this period is variable and can be affected by the individuals constitution, life style and psychological outlook. Statistics suggest that this stage is approximately ten years. During this time the individual is "body positive" and infective. There is a greater susceptibility to general ill health and particularly to opportunistic infection.

 3. Final Stage

The final stage of HIV infection, AIDS, is characterised by almost total collapse of the immune system and infection by secondary disease which is, eventually fatal.

 Methods of Assessment

The main focus for monitoring the progress of HIV disease is to measure the CD4 count (T helper cells) and the viral load. The normal CD4 count has a range from 500-1200. A level between 500-200 indicates that some damage has occurred. Below 200, the individual is highly susceptible to the previously mentioned secondary diseases. The viral load test measures the amount of HIV in the blood. The higher the viral load the greater the risk of damage to the T cells.

 Grifola frondosa var. Yukiguni

Research has shown that traditionally used medicinal mushrooms have a positive effect on general health. Maitake in particular, contains many essential vitamins and minerals as well as a host of other compounds that stimulate health. In animal studies it has been shown to :

The most significant of these activities in regards HIV infection relate to the immune system. Both interleukin I and interferon are activated as a part of the immune systems response to infection by viral disease, and serve to enhance the protective mechanisms of the body against viruses. They demonstrate both antiproliferative and immunomodulatory effects. In recent years Maitake has gained popularity in the treatment of viral diseases including hepatitis, HIV, genital warts, and Epstein Barr infection.

Purpose of the Study

This year long evaluative study was instituted to provide a preliminary assessment of the effects of Grifola frondosa on the health status and general well being of people suffering from HIV infection. Factors monitored were CD4 count, viral load, individual symptoms, energy levels, and mood. Acknowledging that psychological factors and stress may have a negative effect on the way individuals cope with their illness, the evaluation was conducted in a low key and informal manner, and as far as possible, not demanding changes to their normal programme. To this end the study attempted to reflect their every day lives and how the course of the disease impacted on this.

Methods

Twenty four individuals responded to an invitation to join the study and at present, nineteen are still in participating. The nature of the external variables were wide ranging including general health, time of diagnosis, life style factors, and orthodox treatment. For this reason the case study format was chosen for the assessment method.

A detailed medical history was taken, recording the progress of the condition to date demonstrated by CD4 counts, viral load and symptoms of concomitant conditions. The history of orthodox treatment was also recorded. A supply of Grifola frondosa was given to each respondent at a dose level of 24 tablets per day (6 grams). Telephone contact was made at approximately monthly intervals to monitor the above factors and sense of overall wellbeing as reflected by energy levels and psychological outlook. Changes in orthodox treatment were also recorded at during phone interviews.

Results

 Participant One

Initial CD4 count: 90

CD4 counts during study: 200-360-400-460

Average CD4 count: 355

Viral Load: undetectable throughout study

Previous Symptoms: kaposi's sarcoma; pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, allergic conjunctivitis.

Symptoms During Study Period: All symptoms resolved and remained controlled.

Well Being: Consistently reported feeling very well. Positive in mood. Energy levels much improved.

Combination Therapy: Yes.

Participant Two

Initial CD4 Count: 400

CD4 Counts during study: 600-620

Average CD4 Count during Study: 610

Viral Load: 20,000-27,000

Previous Symptoms: anal warts, veruccas, gum infections, lipomas on body.

Symptoms During Study Period: symptoms persisted but of less intensity. Gum infections resolved.

Well Being: generally felt well and had good energy levels.

Combination Therapy: No.

 Participant Three

Initial CD4 Count: 320

CD4 counts during study: 340-210-380

Average CD4 count during study: 310

Viral Load: 5000-15,200

Previous Symptoms: Kaposi's sarcoma, verrucas, anal warts, anal herpes, diarrhea, chest infections, fatigue.

Symptoms During Study Period: KS became static, verrucas and anal warts resolved, other symptoms became intermittent.

Well Being: fatigue persisted but feels more positive and less despondent. Feels better since taking the maitake.

Combination Therapy: No.

 Participant Four

Initial CD4 Count: 510

CD4 counts during study: 500

Average CD4 count during study: 500

Viral Load: 60,000-3,400-10,00

Previous Symptoms: day and night sweats, bouts of colds and flu, eczema.

Symptoms During Study Period: all symptoms resolved. Noticed a direct effect on the sweats by taking maitake.

Well Being: Improved sense of well being.

Combination Therapy: No.

Participant Five

Initial CD4 Count: 180

CD4 count during study: 220-240-300

Average CD4 count during study: 253.3

Viral Load: undetectable throughout.

Previous Symptoms: gastric candida, fatigue, peripheral neuropathy, mucous membrane irritation.

Symptoms During Study Period: peripheral neuropathy intermittent, other symptoms resolved. Developed bronchitis but this resolved.

Well Being: Generally feeling well. Energy levels much improved. Appetite and weight increasing. Feels maitake has been extremely beneficial.

Combination Therapy: Yes.

Participant Six

Initial CD4 Count: 350

CD4 count during study: 290-260

Average CD4 count during study: 275

Viral Load: 5000-3000-10,000

Previous Symptoms: dry skin, oral and anal herpes, occasional chest infections, fatigue.

Symptoms During Study Period: skin improved and chest infections resolved.

Well Being: Feels well. Energy improved. mood variable.

Combination Therapy: No.

 Participant Seven

Initial CD4 Count: 256

CD4 count during study: 163-200

Average CD4 count during study: 181.5

Viral Load: 200,000-1,000,000

Previous Symptoms: skin, oral, and gastric candida, genital warts, catarrh, irritable bowel, fatigue, aching muscles.

Symptoms During Study Period: all symptoms improved. Respiratory problems developed and required hospitalisation.

Well Being: initially felt very well in herself, more positive. Energy levels improved. Lately, developed severe respiratory problems, which reversed the progress.

Combination Therapy: No.

Participant Eight

Initial CD4 Count: 425

CD4 count during study: 360-500-680

Average CD4 count during study: 513.3

Viral Load: 20,000-100,000-93,000

Previous Symptoms: fatigue, insomnia, respiratory problems, oral herpes, occasional disorientation, depression.

Symptoms During Study Period: All symptoms improved.

Well Being: Feels maitake helps his general wellbeing. Feels more positive. Energy much improved.

Combination Therapy: No.

Participant Nine

Initial CD4 Count: 560

CD4 count during study: 600-680

Average CD4 count during study: 640

Viral Load: 56,000-22,000-92,000

Previous Symptoms: occasional diarrhoea, night sweats, insomnia.

Symptoms During Study Period: all symptoms resolved.

Well Being: feels well, energy improved, appetite and weight increasing.

Combination Therapy: Yes.

Participant Ten

Initial CD4 Count: 280

CD4 counts during study: 560-570

Average CD4 count during study: 565

Viral Load: 1,700-40,000-undetectable

Previous Symptoms: intermittent flu like symptoms, colds, dry cough, hot sweats, irritable bowel, breathlessness, fatigue.

Symptoms During Study Period: all symptoms resolved.

Well Being: feels much more positive, energy much improved. Feels very positive about maitake.

Combination Therapy: No.

Participant 11

Initial CD4 Count: 190

CD4 counts during study: 220-394

Average CD4 count during study: 307

Viral Load:5000-undetectable-5000

Previous Symptoms: recurrent colds and flu, occasional headaches, fatigue, panic attacks.

Symptoms During Study Period: symptoms improved. intermittent colds. energy variable.

Well Being: states he feels an enhanced sense of well being while taking maitake despite energy levels being variable.

Combination Therapy: Yes.

 Participant 12

Initial CD4 Count:510

CD4 counts during study: 562

Average CD4 count during study: 562

Viral Load: 33,000-28,000

Previous Symptoms: generalised painful lymphadenopathy, hairy leukoplakia, gum disease.

Symptoms During Study Period: all symptoms resolved.

Well Being: feels generally very well and that maitake helps. Energy levels improved.

Combination Therapy: No.

Participant 13

Initial CD4 Count: 17

CD4 counts during study: 7

Average CD4 count during study: 7

Viral Load: 55,000-62,000

Previous Symptoms: AIDS, oral candida, bronchitis, irritable bowel, wasting disease, poor appetite, and weight loss.

Symptoms During Study Period: bronchitis resolved, appetite improved and some weight gain, other symptoms persist.

Well Being: feeling generally well in himself relatively speaking. Feels better than previously. Energy variable.

Combination Therapy: Yes.

Participant 14

Initial CD4 Count: 634

CD4 counts during study: 550

Average CD4 count during study: 550

Viral Load: 8,020-14,000-21,000

Previous Symptoms: recurrent flu like symptoms, fatigue, swollen glands, headaches, sweats.

Symptoms During Study Period: all symptoms resolved but developed kidney infection which then cleared.

Well Being: no real change. Energy levels remain low.

Combination Therapy: No.

Participant 16

Initial CD4 Count: 375

CD4 counts during study: 730

Average CD4 count during study: 730

Viral Load: undetectable

Previous Symptoms: Kaposi's sarcoma, breathlessness.

Symptoms During Study Period: KS improving. No other symptoms.

Well Being: Feels well and positive. Energy levels improved.

Combination Therapy: Yes.

 Participant 20

Initial CD4 Count: 380

CD4 counts during study: 520-380-450

Average CD4 count during study: 450

Viral Load: 12,000-1,200-4000

Previous Symptoms: recurrent chest infections, oral herpes.

Symptoms During Study Period: symptoms resolved. Developed other infection which resolved. Also diarrhoea which never resolved.

Well Being: feels generally well in himself. No change in energy.

Combination Therapy: No.

Participant 21

Initial CD4 Count: 205

CD4 count during study: 200

Average CD4 count during study: 200

Viral Load: 606-1600

Previous Symptoms: occasional night sweats.

Symptoms During Study Period: no symptoms.

Well Being: feels well. Energy levels good.

Combination Therapy: Yes.

Participant 22

Initial CD4 Count: 502

CD4 counts during study: 669-593

Average CD4 counts during study: 631

Viral Load: 14,000-18,252-7,918

Previous Symptoms: oral herpes, fatigue.

Symptoms During Study Period: Symptoms resolved.

Well Being: Feels more positive. Energy levels improved.

Combination Therapy: No.

 Participant 23

Initial CD4 Count: 150. Results have varied. Now improved.

CD4 count during study: n/a

Average CD4 count during study: n/a.

Respondent prefers not to know figures.

Viral Load: 26,000- as above.

Previous Symptoms: fatigue, weakness, spinal and anal herpes, episodic shingles.

Symptoms During Study Period: symptoms initially improved then returned.

Well Being: general improvement until recently when condition deteriorated. Improving again now.

Combination Therapy: No.

Participant 24

Initial CD4 Count:400

CD4 counts during study: 580-597

Average CD4 count during study: 588.5

Viral Load: undetectable throughout.

Previous Symptoms: involuntary movement disorder.

Symptoms During Study Period: no change in this condition.

Well Being: feels the maitake has greatly improved his general wellbeing. Energy levels much improved.

Combination Therapy: Yes.

Discussion

It is difficult to draw standardised conclusions from a study such as this which reflects on individual cases. There is evidence, however, to suggest that Grifola frondosa var. Yukiguni, in many cases, has made a positive contribution to the impact of HIV infection on the general health and well being of respondents.

CD4 Counts

14 respondents reported an increase and 6 reported a decrease.

Increase in CD4 count: 70%

Decrease in CD4 count: 30%

 Viral Load

5 respondents reported a decrease in viral load, 9 reported an increase in viral load, and 6 reported a static viral load.

Decrease in viral load: 25%

Increase in viral load: 45%

Static viral load: 30%

Net positive reaction: 55%*

*As viral loads tend to increase with the passage of time, both the decrease in viral load and the reported static viral load are seen as positive responses to the Grifola frondosa var. Yukiguni.

 Symptoms

18 of the respondents reported a resolution or lessening of symptoms they had previously been experiencing. Periodically, other symptoms flared up but mostly remained controlled and then resolved. 2 respondents developed severe infections which required hospitalisation. Both are now recovering. The most common symptoms reported were:

1. fatigue

2. recurrent chest infections

3. irritable bowel

4. day and or night sweats.

Resolution or improvement in 1,2,and 3 was noted in all but one case. Resolution of 4 was noted in all cases.

Improvement in symptoms: 90%

Worsening of symptoms: 5%

No change in symptoms: 5%

Well being: 17 respondents reported a significant improvement in their sense of well being which was reflected in increased energy levels and positive psychological outlook. 2 reported a worsening in the sense of wellbeing. 1 reported no change in the sense of well being.

Increase sense of well being: 85%

Decrease in sense of Well being: 10%

No change in sense of well being: 5%

Conclusion

In 1990, the National Cancer Institute in America determined that Grifola frondosa gave 100% protection to uninfected T cells exposed to the HIV virus in the test tube. In consequence, practitioners in America began using Grifola frondosa in HIV infection and AIDS. They reported positive results. The practitioner confidence in Grifola frondosa lead our group of researchers to examine Grifola frondosa var. Yukiguni as a potential anti-HIV drug.

This study monitored individual responses with individual variables over a course of time to Grifola frondosa var.Yukiguni. Of the 20 participants involved in the study, a majority of cases experienced an increase in CD4 count, a positive reaction in regards viral load, a reduction of symptoms, and an increase in sense of well being. The result was overwhelmingly positive.

On the clinical side, the patients using Grifola frondosa var.Yukiguni experienced a resolution of the opportunistic conditions previously experienced. It must be remembered that it is these opportunistic conditions that cause mortality in the HIV and AIDS patient, not the virus itself. In one case, Kaposi's sarcoma, which did not yield to combination therapy or chemotherapy, did resolve when Grifola frondosa var.Yukiguni was thrown into the equation. This finding alone suggests additional research is warranted.

The positive result of this study results in many questions being raised, questions that beg answering. As an example, one such issue is dosage. The patients involved in this study were using 8 milligrams of tableted dried Grifola frondosa var.Yukiguni powder. This amount was used as the experts in the field, both in Japan and America, recommend 6 or more milligrams per day for people with serious illness, Cancer and HIV infection included. It would be useful to know the exact therapeutic threshold for the Grifola frondosa var.Yukiguni. Additional research might shed light on this matter.

Beyond this, the subjects of this preliminary study were chosen in a random manner and the population reflects this fact. 12 subjects were not using combination therapy and 8 were using combination therapy. In the future, it would be helpful to examine these different populations separately.

The reason for this is as follows. In this study we have noticed that patients using combination therapy and Grifola frondosa var.Yukiguni suffer from fewer side effects of the combination therapy regimen. Patients seem better able to cope with the drug therapies. This observation is consistent with that which cancer workers have noticed. Patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy appear better able to tolerate the regimens while using Grifola frondosa var.Yukiguni. As many patients are unable to tolerate combination therapy due to unpleasant side effects, a determination in this direction would be highly useful.

All of the above indicates that there is evidence to support a more structured investigation into the potential benefits of Grifola frondosa var. Yukiguni as a contributing agent in the treatment of HIV disease. The result also suggests that this work needs to be done as many questions remain unanswered. It is the hope of this research group that this study will inspire other workers to examine Grifola frondosa as a potential anti-HIV drug.