Sarah Brown
Mushrooms have been used as medicine for thousands of years, especially in Asia. Today, medicinal mushrooms are used to treat lung diseases and cancer. In Japan and China, certain mushrooms are routinely used to complement cancer treatments. There have been over 2000 studies focused on mushrooms and cancer in the last 10 years. While there is no evidence that any type of mushroom can prevent or cure cancer, some studies show that mushrooms may extend survival after a cancer diagnosis. Mushrooms are being studied to determine how they affect the immune system and if they can stop or slow the growth of tumours or kill cancer cells.
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What You'll Learn
Mushrooms and cancer treatment in traditional Chinese medicine
Mushrooms have been an integral part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for thousands of years, contributing to a holistic approach to health. In China, mushrooms are used as a complementary treatment for cancer alongside conventional therapies such as chemotherapy and surgery.
Mushrooms have been shown to have various anti-cancer properties, including modulating PI3K/AKT/mTOR, reducing proliferation, inducing apoptosis, suppressing angiogenesis, and modulating immunity and inflammation crucial for cancer progression. The anti-tumour properties of mushrooms have been extensively researched, with over 2,000 studies in the last 10 years. Some common mushrooms used in cancer treatment include Ganoderma lucidum (reishi), Trametes versicolor (turkey tail), Lentinus edodes (shiitake), and Grifola frondosa (maitake).
Turkey tail is the most widely researched mushroom for cancer care in China and is known to improve immune function. The polysaccharide PSK found in turkey tail increases immune cell production and improves the patient's immune status, enabling them to fight cancer cells more efficiently. PSK has been shown to increase survival rates in certain cancers, including oesophageal, gastric, colorectal, nasopharynx, lung, and uterine cancers.
In addition to turkey tail, other mushrooms have also been studied for their anti-cancer effects. For example, the Phellinus linteus methanol extract has anti-angiogenic effects, inhibiting the proliferation and assembly of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). This extract has been shown to reduce tumour size and increase T cell numbers in mice. Shiitake mushrooms produce lentinan, a β-glucan known to suppress leukemia cell proliferation.
While mushrooms have been shown to have potential anti-cancer effects, it is important to note that the current research is limited to studies conducted primarily in Asia, and the results may not be generalizable to other populations. More studies are needed to fully understand the mechanisms, optimize dosages, and evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of using mushrooms in cancer treatment.
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Mushrooms as immune modulators
Mushrooms have been used as medicine for thousands of years, especially in Asia, to treat infections, lung disease, cancer, and other conditions. They are currently being investigated for their potential to affect the immune system and stop or slow the growth of tumours or kill tumour cells.
Medicinal mushrooms, also known as mycomedicinals, and mushroom-derived polysaccharide preparations have been studied as immune modulators and adjuvant agents in cancer treatment. Mycomedicinals have been found to modify tumour response and improve immune function, primarily in patients with solid tumours. Mushrooms contain biologically active polysaccharides in their fruit bodies or mycelia. The -glucans of mushrooms resemble bacterial cell walls and complex with complement on macrophages to activate an immune response, triggering the release of various cytokines that are active in tumour inhibition.
The polysaccharide extract active hexose correlated compound (AHCC) of the Lentinula edodes mushroom has been tested in several human trials. Eleven advanced cancer patients who were given 3 gm per day of AHCC for 1 month in an uncontrolled trial showed a 2.5 times increase in natural killer cell activity, and over half had a tumour response. Statistically significant increases in lymphocyte percentage, albumin levels, general physical health status, and maintenance of activities of daily living were reported in advanced liver cancer patients who were given AHCC instead of a placebo. A cohort of 269 hepatocellular cancer patients who received curative resection was assigned to receive either 3 gm of AHCC daily or a control after surgery. The treated group had a significantly longer disease-free interval and increased overall survival.
Another study found that maitake D-fraction, when given to patients receiving chemotherapy for several different cancers, increased response rates from 12% to 28%, and chemotherapy side effects were reduced. A further study suggests a direct antitumor effect of maitake D-fraction with the induction of apoptosis observed in breast cancer cell lines.
While the research is promising, it is important to note that there is currently no evidence that mushrooms or mushroom extracts can prevent or cure cancer. More large-scale studies are needed to determine how mushrooms can help people with cancer.
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Mushrooms and their anti-tumour effects
Mushrooms have been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine, particularly in Asia, to treat a variety of illnesses, including cancer. While there is currently no evidence that mushrooms can cure cancer, they have been shown to have anti-tumour effects and may improve the quality of life for cancer patients.
Mushrooms contain biologically active polysaccharides in their fruit bodies or mycelia. The -glucans of mushrooms resemble bacterial cell walls and can activate an immune response, triggering the release of various cytokines that are active in tumour inhibition. Mushroom-derived bioactive compounds can also affect the maturation, differentiation, and proliferation of immune cells, thereby inhibiting cancer cell metastasis and growth.
One study found that maitake mushroom extract had a 'dual effect' on the immune system, acting as both a stimulator and a suppressor. This extract has been shown to increase response rates and reduce side effects in patients receiving chemotherapy for several different cancers. Another study found that maitake D-fraction had a direct antitumor effect, with induction of apoptosis observed in breast cancer cell lines.
Shiitake mushrooms, the second largest cultivated and most popular edible mushroom in the world, have also been studied for their potential anti-tumour effects. The polysaccharide extract active hexose correlated compound (AHCC) of the Lentinula edodes mushroom has been shown to increase natural killer cell activity and improve overall survival in cancer patients.
While the research on the anti-tumour effects of mushrooms is promising, it is important to note that most studies have been conducted in Asia, and more research is needed to determine if the same effects will be observed in other populations. Additionally, the majority of studies have focused on a limited number of mushroom species, and further investigation is needed to determine the effects of other mushroom varieties.
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Mushrooms and their impact on cancer patients' quality of life
Mushrooms have been used as medicine for thousands of years, particularly in Asia, to treat infections, lung disease, cancer, and other conditions. There are hundreds of different species of mushroom, and they are part of the fungus family. Some species of mushroom are not edible, but they can be eaten fresh or dried, or taken as an extract in food supplements. They are also available in powdered form and as pills.
Mushrooms contain biologically active polysaccharides in their fruit bodies or mycelia. The -glucans of mushrooms resemble bacterial cell walls and complex with complement on macrophages to activate an immune response, triggering the release of various cytokines that are active in tumour inhibition. The polysaccharides in mushrooms can also suppress the proliferation of pathogens by increasing the growth of probiotics in the gut, which can suppress diseases such as cancer.
Medicinal mushrooms, also known as mycomedicinals, and mushroom-derived polysaccharide preparations have been studied as immune modulators and adjuvant agents in cancer treatment. Mycomedicinals have been found to modify tumour response and improve immune function, primarily in patients with solid tumours.
Research has shown that mushrooms may extend survival after a cancer diagnosis. Some studies have shown that cancer patients who take mushrooms may live longer, which has been linked to a positive immune response. Mushrooms have been linked to improvements in several common quality-of-life indicators for cancer patients, including improved appetite, improved physical and mental competency, and reduced fatigue.
There have been more than 2,000 studies focused on mushrooms and cancer in the last 10 years, but almost all of these studies have been conducted in Asia. As such, it is unclear whether patients in other parts of the world, such as the United States, will respond to mushrooms in the same way. Furthermore, most studies have focused on a limited number of cancer types, and there is currently not enough evidence to say that any type of mushroom can prevent or cure cancer. While some studies have shown positive results, larger-scale studies are needed before we will know how mushroom extracts can help people with cancer.
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Mushrooms and their potential to reduce side effects of cancer treatment
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and conventional treatments often cause severe side effects and induce resistance. Natural compounds, including mushrooms, have been explored as potential anticancer agents with minimal or no side effects. While there is currently insufficient evidence to conclude that mushrooms can prevent or cure cancer, they have been found to have immune-boosting properties and may help reduce the side effects of cancer treatment.
Mushrooms contain biologically active polysaccharides, such as chitin, hemicellulose, β-glucans, mannans, xylans, and galactans, which can suppress pathogens and enhance the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. A healthy intestinal microbiota is crucial, as an imbalance can contribute to the development of cancer. By regulating the immune system and inhibiting cancer cell growth and metastasis, mushroom-derived compounds may improve cancer treatment outcomes and reduce adverse effects.
Several studies have demonstrated the potential anticancer effects of specific mushrooms. For example, Phellinus linteus methanol extract has shown anti-angiogenic properties, inhibiting the proliferation and migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells, which play a role in tumour development. Additionally, Grifola frondosa, also known as Maitake, enhances the efficacy of the anticancer agent cisplatin by preserving immunocompetent cells. Furthermore, Flammulinavelutipes, commonly known as the winter mushroom or enoki, contains a fungal immunomodulatory protein that exhibits antitumor activity.
The polysaccharide extract active hexose correlated compound (AHCC) from the Lentinula edodes (Shiitake) mushroom has been studied in cancer patients. In one trial, advanced cancer patients given 3 grams of AHCC per day for one month showed a 2.5 times increase in natural killer cell activity, and over half experienced a tumour response. Another study found that patients with hepatocellular cancer who received AHCC after surgery had a significantly longer disease-free interval and increased overall survival.
While the research on the anticancer properties of mushrooms is promising, it is important to note that most studies have been conducted in Asia, and the results may not be generalisable to other populations. Additionally, the quality and findings of existing studies vary, and more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of mushrooms in cancer treatment. Nevertheless, mushrooms may offer a novel approach to reducing the side effects of conventional cancer therapies and improving patients' quality of life.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine for centuries, particularly in Asia. There is ongoing research into the potential of certain mushrooms to treat cancer, but there is currently no evidence that they can cure it.
Mushrooms are being studied for their potential to affect the immune system and stop or slow the growth of tumours or kill cancer cells. Some studies have shown that cancer patients who take mushrooms may live longer, possibly due to a positive immune response.
Reishi (also known as Ganoderma lucidum or G. lucidum), shiitake, maitake, and turkey tail are some of the mushrooms being studied for their potential to treat cancer.
