Fight fatty liver and improve liver function with Antrodia camphorata. An exclusive mushroom from Taiwan with several healthy properties

Fatty liver is a common ailment in adults. In the U.S. alone, it affects around 10-20% of the population. If not treated effectively it could turn for the worse with serious complications like inflammation or cirrhosis. Fortunately, there exists a Taiwanese mushroom with several properties that support the liver: Antrodia camphorata.

It has been medically proven that one of the most effective ways to fight fatty liver is by consuming this mushroom which helps reduce the percentage of fat in the second largest organ of the body. In addition, the derivatives of this species are also beneficial for a better state of general health.   

What is a fatty liver?
Fatty liver refers to a pathology characterized by the accumulation of excess fat in the liver. It occurs when the body can no longer metabolize fat rapidly. Since this organ is in charge of processing food and drinks to filter toxic substances, its declining function causes health problems.

This problem originates mainly from drinking alcoholic drinks excessively. This problem also arises from having a diet high in fat and sugar, in addition to obesity, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, genetic factors or as a side effect from some medications.

There are generally no symptoms associated with fatty liver. A physician detects this problem during a yearly checkup. However, fatigue and upset stomach can indicate something is wrong with the liver. This condition can be improved through lifestyle changes and consuming natural supplements like ones that contain Antrodia camphorata.

About Antrodia camphorata
Antrodia camphorata is a mushroom that grows from the Cinnamomum kanehirai tree, which grows in the mountains of Taiwan, at an altitude of 450 and 2,000 meters. It became popular due to its diverse structure and the high presence of compounds like triterpenoids, superoxide dismutase polysaccharides, maleic acid and benzenoids, among others.

This mushroom, known as “the ruby of the forest,” only grows after the tree has died. Due to the high demand of Antrodia camphorata, aside from the fact that the wood of the Cinnamomum kanehirai which is used for making furniture, the Taiwanese government has protected the species.    

Nevertheless, other methods for cultivating the species have been developed in order to tap into its benefits for human health, against ailments such as alcoholism, cancer, fatigue, hypertension and hepatic diseases, among others.

An excellent protector of the liver
Since the year 1773 there has been information about the use of Antrodia camphorata for the treatment of the effects of alcoholism. In recent years it has been proven that the mycelium and fruiting body of this mushroom exercise a protective function against fatty liver, hepatitis and other forms of hepatic damage caused by alcohol.

Its properties help inhibit excessiveness caused by alcohol in cholesterol, hepatic lipids and hepatic enzymes. It also plays important roles as an antioxidant and hepatoprotector, thanks to the polysaccharides and derivatives from maleic acid it contains.

Research about the biochemical parameters and pathologies have revealed that it prevents hepatotoxicity and also helps minimize the invasive potential of cells that cause cancer in the liver. At the same time it controls fibrosis of the liver and severe damage due to hepatic fibrosis.

Aside from its hepatoprotective effects, among the pharmacological uses of Antrodia camphorata it has also been found to inhibit the growth and proliferation of cancerous cells, reducing inflammatory reactions, as well as having the potential to eliminate free radicals.