Myco-ZX: How Effective are its Ingredients?

Myco-ZX: How Effective are its Ingredients in the Fight Against Fungal Overgrowth Within the Body?

In an earlier article, an interview between Infowars reporter Millie Weaver and Dr. Edward Group covered the hidden health dangers of mold and yeast. Briefly mentioned was Dr. Group’s supplement Myco-ZX, which is reported by the Infowars store to be “an all-natural blend of potent herbs and enzymes that support the body’s healthy detoxification of yeast and undesirable fungal organisms.” While we’re always a bit skeptical here at MoldBlogger and are not—in any way—affiliated with Infowars or Dr. Group’s Global Healing Center, we’re willing to investigate such claims, based on long-established facts surrounding the potential efficacy of each ingredient.

About the Creator of Myco-ZX

Firstly, the creator of this supplement, Dr. Edward F. Group, is an Owner/President Management (OPM 52) graduate of Harvard, which means he has been equipped with the know-how to build and run a successful company that adheres to the highest standards and keeps its promises to the customer.

He attended the Texas Chiropractic College and received his Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) Degree, which enables him to diagnose and treat disorders of the musculoskeletal and nervous system, as well as the body’s sympathetic response to such disorders.
In addition, he pursued a Naturopathic Practitioner Degree (NP/ND interchangeably) from the Natural Healing Institute of Naturopathy, where he was also afforded the distinction of being a Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN), Holistic Healing Practitioner (HHP), and Certified Clinical Herbalist (CCH). As an ND, his focus is on holistic, preventative, and comprehensive diagnoses and treatment of all medical conditions, regardless of age or case severity. He utilizes protocols that minimize the risk of harm while also identifying and removing barriers to good health by enabling patients to create a healing and stable environment within and without their bodies. In addition to minor surgeries and the stitching of superficial wounds, an ND attends regularly to these more common ailments:

allergies
chronic pain
digestive issues
hormonal imbalances
obesity
respiratory conditions
heart disease
fertility problems
menopause

Dr. Group has also met the requirements for recognition and licensure as an official Diplomate of the American Clinical Board of Nutrition (DACBN), the American Board of Functional Medicine (DABFM), and the Chiropractic Board of Clinical Nutrition (DCBCN). All three quality institutes ensure the monitoring and continued education of the licensee as a healthcare provider.

Product Claims

The insert for Myco-ZX, which can be viewed here, claims that this supplement “is a unique, all-natural formula designed to support the body’s natural cleansing of yeast and fungal organisms. [It is] made from wildcrafted and organically-certified herbs, [and] formulated for maximum effectiveness.”

Five claims are given to suggest to the consumer that they need Myco-ZX. Those claims are as follows:

Myco-ZX—

1. Supports the body’s normal fungal detoxification.
2. Provides nutritional support for healthy yeast cleansing.
3. Encourages your body’s natural defenses against yeast and fungal overgrowth.
4. Promotes a healthy environment for beneficial organisms.
5. Is excellent for supporting normal finger and toe nail health.

Myco-ZX has nine ingredients, including binders, absorption aids, and the capsule itself.

Wildcrafted Jatobá (bark):

Hymenaea courbaril (Jatobá), a 90-foot Amazonian rainforest canopy tree, is often referred to as “the tree that does not rot,” due to its antifungal and antibacterial properties. In fact, the jatobá tree is one of the few trees sporting trunk bark that is completely free of the mold and other forms of fungus guaranteed to take root and proliferate in a climate so stiflingly hot and moist. This is because the jatobá’s bark contains terpene and phenolic chemicals, which protect the tree from fungi, including yeast. The phytochemical composition of the jatobá’s resin (sap)—such as alpha-humulene, caryophyllene, copalic acid, and delta-cadinene—has been shown to provide significant anti-bacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and even antitumor activities. Even the jatobá’s leaves are beneficial in the fight against microbial infestation in that their chemical composition demonstrates notable hypoglycemic activity (reduced blood sugar levels)—an excellent benefit for those who must fight the deadly sugar-craving cycle that often accompanies fungal overgrowth.

In the past, the leaves, resin, and bark of the jatobá tree were wildcrafted (harvested from the natural wild) for the purpose of treating bacterial infections. Now, however, the antifungal properties are more widely recognized and put to good use against fungal ailments, such as Candida, finger and toenail fungal infections, thrush, athlete’s foot, staphylococcus aureus (staph infection) and other infections that have recently been shown to be related to fungal overgrowth in the body. (For further reading: Fighting Fungus: Cleansing with Jatobá.)

Wildcrafted Pau D’Arco (bark):

Tabebuia avellanedae (Pau D’Arco) is a tree-sized shrub that also grows in South America’s rainforests, as well as other hot and humid countries like Mexico and Haiti (although, Brazil is where it is usually wildcrafted from). The wood of the Pau D’Arco shrub is very hard, durable, and resistant to moisture and microbial damage, which is just one sign of its antifungal potential. The bark of Pau D’Arco contains compounds called quinoids, benzenoids, and flavonoids—all of which have proven to be antimicrobial, specifically targeting harmful microorganisms. Lapachol, however, is the most microbial-resistant and -toxic compound of Pau D’Arco, which is why it is often referred to as the lapacho tree. Like the jatobá tree, this potent shrub has a long history of medicinal use for bacterial, fungal, and inflammatory ailments and diseases. It is most effective against vaginal yeasts, Candida, inflamed skin conditions, bloating and other microbial digestive issues, and staph. (For further reading: The Harmful Organism Cleansing Benefits of Pau D’Arco.)

Organic Licorice (root):

Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice)—also known as “sweet root”—has only been domesticated for the past 1000 years. It is native to Southeastern Europe and various parts of Asia. While the plant itself reaches heights of 5 feet, it is the root—which descends about 3 feet below ground—and its outward branching rhizomes that are harvested for medicinal and food-flavoring purposes. It takes 3 years for a licorice plant to be ready for harvest. By then, its varying phyto-contents have reached maximum potency.

Topically, licorice root is antifungal in that it has been known to improve certain skin conditions, such as athlete’s foot, herpes, dermatitis, shingles, canker sores, eczema, and dandruff. Internally, its antifungal and antiviral properties aid the gastrointestinal system (and its gut flora) in the fight against irritation, spasm, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and inflammation of gastric and duodenal ulcers—all of which are known effects of imbalanced microbial overgrowth in the gut.

While the main attraction of the licorice root is the glycyrrhizin content (for flavor and certain anti-inflammatory—as well as adrenal gland—benefits), it is considered a volatile substance and should be used with great care and temperance. Prolonged use of glycyrrhizin can result in a condition known as pseudoaldosteronism—an excessive sensitivity to a hormone produced in the adrenal cortex, which can lead to headaches, high blood pressure, fatigue, and heart attack.

Infants, toddlers, and pregnant women should never eat licorice, drink licorice tea, or ingest supplements containing licorice. In addition, do not take licorice if you have any of the following conditions:

• Heart failure
• Heart disease
• Hormone-sensitive cancers (breast, ovarian, uterine, or prostate)
• Fluid retention
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Diabetes
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Hypokalemia (low potassium)
• Erectile dysfunction

(For further reading: Understanding the Benefits and Uses of Licorice Root.)

Goldenthread (root):

Coptis (Goldenthread or Goldthread)—otherwise known as “canker root”—belongs to the buttercup family of perennial flowering plants. It is usually found in the cool, swampy wooded regions of Canada, Iceland, India, even Siberia, and some states (Minnesota and Marlyand, for example). Goldthread is antiphlogistic (anti-inflammatory) and antifungal. Quite often used in the treatment against alcoholism, goldthread is an impressive counteracting agent against inflammation caused by the abundance of sugar and yeast in the body (which usually causes the vicious cycle of alcohol and sugar cravings). Goldthread is used to treat fungi-derived skin conditions: canker sores, acne, abscesses, and boils. It also is a potent aid against thrush, especially in children. The most beneficial use of the goldthread herb, however, is due to its berberine content. Berberine protects and defends the body against fungal overgrowth within the gastrointestinal tract by lowering blood sugar levels and increasing the production of enzyme-carrying saliva, bile, and gastric and pancreatic juices. Overall, goldthread is an excellent source for gastrointestinal health in general, as it halts diarrhea, kills many parasites, counteracts inflammation, and reduces stomach cramping (especially for premenstrual women or those suffering from IBS). (For further reading: Health Benefits of Goldthread.)

Organic Anise (seed):

Pimpinella anisum (Anise) is a 2-foot-tall flowering herb native to the Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern regions. The entire plant is cut down come season, but only the seeds are harvested. (Anise is often mistaken for licorice once it has been processed for medicinal or flavoring purposes because it shares the same distinct smell and taste, due to its anethol oil content.) Anise is mostly sought after for its antioxidant compounds, which prevent disease and promote the general health and well-being of all processes within the body. However, it is also a good source for combating gastrointestinal concerns, as it is a stomachic (promotes appetite and assists in digestion), antiseptic (cleans out harmful microbials), antispasmodic (soothes IBS), carminative (relieves flatulence), digestive, and expectorant (clears airways of mucous) agent—all of which promote resistance to fungal overgrowth and the symptoms associated with it. (For further reading: Fighting Fungus: Cleansing with Anise Seed.)

Beta Gluconase (Beta-Glucanase):

To better understand what beta-glucanase is and its purpose in an anti-fungal supplement, one should first be familiar with what a glucan is. Certain fungi contain cellulose plant fiber known as B-Glucans (beta-glucans), which are polysaccharides—long-chain carbohydrates (such as starch, cellulose, or glycogen) made up of even smaller carbohydrates called monosaccharides, which consist of a number of bonded sugar molecules. These polysaccharides are difficult to digest and are rumored to cause inconsistent peristalsis (involuntary constriction and relaxation of the muscles of the intestine for the purpose of moving food through the digestive tract). This is due to its inclination to take on a state of high viscosity (thick, sticky gelatinous texture) because of the body’s inability to adequately break it down. This is where beta-glucanase steps in.

Beta-Glucanase refers to a group of carbohydrate enzymes, which are capable of breaking down certain components within beta-glucans. This hydrolyzation (chemical reaction with water) reduces the beta-glucan’s viscosity and enhances the digestive process. It is possible that many fungi-induced gastrointestinal discomforts (such as bloating, indigestion, and flatulence) could be alleviated if carbohydrates were more successfully broken down during digestion. (For further reading: The Health Benefits of Beta-Glucanase.)

Hemi Cellulase (Hemicellulase):

Much like the link between beta-glucanase and beta-glucans, hemicellulase is an enzyme necessary in the break-down of yet another grouping of polysaccharides: hemicellulose. Hemicellulose consists of a matrix of long-chain sugar-molecule carbohydrates (polysaccharides), which are vital fibrous components within the structure of the plant’s cell wall. Without the aid of hemicellulase, hemicellulose resists digestion and significantly reduces the absorption of various plant-based nutrients.

Hemicellulase is produced by varied members of the communal gut flora contained within the digestive tract. However, fungal overgrowth/infection is a strong indicator that there is an imbalance of microorganisms, which would result in the inadequate production of much-needed hemicellulase. This complicates matters further because that indigestible material—hemicellulose—is what is known as prebiotic fuel for the probiotic community. In other words, without sufficient levels of hemicellulase, neither the host, nor the gut-inhabiting microorganisms, benefit from the digestive attempt on the polysaccharides.

In addition, while fungi are not plants, they do develop cell walls made of chitin (a fibrous substance consisting of polysaccharides). The cell walls of candida, especially, are comprised of both cellulose and hemicellulose. This would be a good reason to add hemicellulase to an anti-fungal/yeast supplement. (For further reading: The Health Benefits of Hemicellulase.)

Organic Gum Acacia:

Otherwise known as Gum Arabic, this hardened secretion of the acacia tree is more than just dissolved sugars and mineral salts. This fiber-rich sap has been shown to exhibit prebiotic activity, improving the vitality and increasing the proliferation of the gut’s beneficial bacteria (read the study here). Prebiotic activity enables healthy gut flora, which is essential for the optimal health of the host and, especially, in the fight against fungal overgrowth. (For further reading: Study: Gum Arabic Boosts Prebiotic Activity.)

Kosher Certified Vegetarian Capsules:

Many pharmaceuticals, herbal supplements, and vitamins are packed into gelatin capsules. Gelatin is an animal byproduct usually made from beef or pork. Unless great care is taken in their selection, the consumer could be purchasing a product encapsulated in a substance that contains health-damaging preservatives, allergens, GMOs, antibiotics, and remnants of mad cow disease, among other dangers.

Kosher-certified vegetarian capsules guarantee that the ingredients, and the process to which they were subjected, involved no type of animal-product interference or contamination during production. Many sellers readily provide authentic certification that ensures their capsules are preservative-free, allergen-free, starch-free, and gluten-free, as well as non-GMO. Trustworthy vegetarian capsules are 100% natural, made of vegetable cellulose—sometimes derived from the trunks of pine or spruce trees. They are tasteless, quickly and easily dissolved, and fast-releasing of their content.

Conclusion:

Is there any virtue in those five claims made about Myco-ZX?

Which ingredients have the potential to—

1. Support the body’s normal fungal detoxification? All.
2. Provide nutritional support for healthy yeast cleansing? All.
3. Encourage your body’s natural defenses against yeast and fungal overgrowth? All.
4. Promote a healthy environment for beneficial organisms? All.
5. Support normal finger and toe nail health? All.

With such potential, perhaps it should come as no surprise that the Infowars webstore is frequently sold out of Myco-ZX. If you or an acquaintance has tried Myco-ZX (or its equivalent) or are interested in doing so and sharing your testimony for the benefit of other mold sufferers, please leave a detailed review of your experience below in the comments.

For more information regarding mold, mold prevention, and mold solutions, please check out the rest of MoldBlogger.com.

 

About the Author: Amanda Demsky is the mother and personal chef of two boys, the domestic technician of a three-bedroom desert home, and occasionally, a freelance writer and editor. Feel free to follow her on Twitter @fullquiver777