CORIOLUS

J Integrative Medicine 2004;8:101-108
CORIOLUS
Jean A. Munro, MB, BS, MRCS, LRCP, FAAEM, DIBEM, MACOEM

The use of the medicinal mushroom Coriolus MRL * as an immuno-therapeutic agent in the treatment of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Summary

Thirty six patients who all had features of chronic fatigue syndrome, according to the criteria defined by Fukuda et al, were evaluated through the completion of a symptom scoring questionnaire. Chronic fatigue syndrome is defined by Fukuda et al by the presence of the following: [1] clinically evaluated, unexplained persistent or relapsing chronic fatigue that is of new or definite onset, is not the result of ongoing exertion, is not substantially alleviated by rest and results in substantial reduction in previous levels of occupational, educational, social or personal activities; and [2] the concurrent occurrence of four or more of a group of symptoms and signs [annotated later], all of which must have persisted or recurred during six or more consecutive months of illness and must not have predated the fatigue [1].

The patients in the trial also fulfilled the criteria of symptoms as approved by An Independent Working Group On CFS/ME 1998, Chair : Prof. Allen Hutchinson. They were all examined and ECG and heart rate variability evaluation was undertaken to confirm autonomic dysfunction. An investigation was undertaken which included the following parameters :

• T-lymphocyte subsets
• Natural killer cells
• Epstein-Barr virus status
• Human herpes 6 virus status
• Cytomegalovirus

This test was done for immunological confirmation of persisting viral infection and abnormal immune response including low natural killer cell numbers. Treatment was with 6 tablets of Coriolus containing 500 gm. daily for 15 days and then 3 tablets daily for 45 days. Follow-up investigation of repeat symptom scoring questionnaire and repeat laboratory investigations was undertaken.

The results of this trial have confirmed that natural killer cell numbers rose by 35% in the 60 day period, confirming that Coriolus MRL in the dosages provided, has been able to improve natural killer cell function dramatically.

Coriolus Versicolor

Coriolus Versicolor is an immuno-therapeutic agent which modulates immunity. It can increase or restore a patient’s ability to respond to bio-active substances such as lymphokines or cytokines by stimulating maturation, differentiation or proliferation of cells, important for host defence mechanisms. Such substances are termed host defence potentiators.

Method
The patients’ questionnaires included the following symptoms :
Point scale :

0 = Never or almost never have the symptom
1 = Occasionally have it, effect if not severe
2 = Occasionally have, effect is severe
3 = Frequently have it, effect is not severe
4 = Frequently have it, effect is severe.

DIGESTIVE TRACT		EARS
Nausea or vomiting		Itchy ears
Diarrhoea		Earaches, ear infections
Constipation		Discharge from ear
Bloated feeling		Ringing from ear
Belching
Heartburn
Total		Total

EMOTIONS		ENERGY / ACTIVITY
Mood swings		Fatigue, sluggishness
Anxiety, fear or nervousness		Apathy, lethargy
Anger, irritability, aggressiveness		Hyperactivity
Depression		Restlessness
Total		Total

EYES		HEAD
Watery or itchy		Headaches
Swollen, reddened, sticky		Faintness
Bags, dark circles		Dizziness
Blurred, tunnel vision		Insomnia
Total		Total
HEART		JOINTS / MUSCLES
Irregular or skipped heartbeat		Pains or aches in joints
Rapid or pounding heartbeat		Arthritis
Chest pain		Stiffness / limited movement
		Pain or aches in muscles
		Feeling of weakness / tiredness
Total		Total
LUNGS		MIND
Chest congestion		Poor memory
Asthma, bronchitis		Confusion, poor comprehension
Shortness of breath		Poor concentration
Difficulty in breathing		Poor physical co-ordination
		Difficulty in making decisions
		Stuttering or stammering
		Slurred speech
		Learning disabilities
Total		Total
MOUTH / THROAT		NOSE
Chronic coughing		Stuffy nose
Gagging, frequent need to clear throat		Sinus problems
Sore throat, hoarseness, loss of voice		Hayfever
Swollen or discoloured tongue, gums, lips		Sneezing attacks
Cold sores		Excessive mucus formation, catarrh
Total		Total
SKIN		WEIGHT
Acne		Binge eating / drinking
Hives, nettle rash, rashes		Craving certain foods
Dry skin		Excessive weight
Hair loss		Compulsive eating
Flushing or hot flushes		Water retention
Excessive sweating		Underweight
Total		Total
OTHER
Frequent illness
Frequent or urgent urination
Genital itch or discharge
Total