Michael Davis
Mushrooms have been used as medicine for thousands of years, and they are now being investigated for their potential to improve immunity and ward off chronic disease. Medicinal mushrooms are thought to have immunomodulating effects, helping to keep the immune system in balance by stimulating it when there's an infection and downregulating it when it's overactive. They are also a source of vitamin D, which is typically obtained through supplements or sunshine. Mushrooms are rich in polysaccharides, which are bioactive ingredients that may strengthen the immune system, and they contain ergothioneine, an amino acid and antioxidant that prevents or slows cellular damage. Turkey tail, maitake, and reishi mushrooms are all associated with improved survival rates for cancer patients, and they may also increase the efficacy of chemotherapy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Medicinal mushrooms | Chaga, reishi, turkey tail, shiitake, maitake, lion's mane, cordyceps |
| Immunomodulating effects | Help keep the immune system in balance |
| Bioactive compounds | Polysaccharides, beta-glucans, triterpenes, ergothioneine, lentinan, D-fraction |
| Benefits | Anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetes, anti-Alzheimer's, improved digestion, improved mood, increased energy, improved sleep, brain health, hormone health, reduced cholesterol |
| Culinary mushrooms | Shiitake, oyster, king oyster, white button, golden, portabella, cremini |
| Nutritional benefits | Low in sodium, high in fiber, source of vitamin D |
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What You'll Learn
The role of mushrooms in oncology
Mushrooms have been used as medicine for thousands of years, especially in traditional Asian medicine. They are known to be rich in bioactive compounds, which have captured the attention of pharmaceutical companies searching for novel compounds to treat cancer, infectious diseases, and Alzheimer's.
Medicinal mushrooms have been investigated for their effects on the immune system and their potential to stop or slow the growth of tumors or kill cancer cells. Certain compounds in mushrooms, such as polysaccharides, are thought to strengthen the immune system and improve immune response in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Turkey tail, maitake, and reishi mushrooms are known to contain these polysaccharides. Turkey tail, in particular, contains a compound called polysaccharide-K (PSK), which stimulates the immune system. PSK is an approved anticancer prescription drug in Japan, and it has been shown to improve the survival rate of people with leukemia.
In addition to chemotherapy, researchers are exploring the use of mushrooms to improve the side effects of radiation therapy. β-Glucan isolated from reishi has been found to significantly improve mouse survival after radiation exposure. A study by Pillai and Devi found that β-glucan rescued 66% of mice from death after radiation, compared to 100% mortality when no radioprotective agent was used.
Mushrooms also have the potential to increase the effects of chemotherapy. A meta-analysis of turkey tail by Eliza et al. demonstrated an increased rate of survival for cancer patients who consumed this mushroom, especially those with breast, gastric, and colorectal cancers. Additionally, a phase 1 clinical trial of turkey tail extract evaluated dosing safety and immune function in women with breast cancer. The extract was well-tolerated and showed immunomodulatory effects at higher doses, increasing CD8+ T cells and CD19+ B cells. Agaricus has also been tested in a phase I clinical study with cancer patients in remission, and it was found to be well-tolerated with a low rate of adverse digestive events.
While the immunological findings regarding mushrooms are promising, more research is needed to understand their effects on human patients with cancer. The goal of cancer treatment is to improve the quality of life and survival rates, so the application of mushroom immunology in clinical settings is crucial. Furthermore, it is important to note that mushroom products are not a cure-all, and they should not be used as a replacement for prescribed cancer treatments without consulting a doctor.
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Mushrooms as an adjunct therapy
Mushrooms have been used as medicine for thousands of years to treat infections, lung disease, cancer, and other conditions. They have long been central to traditional medicine in Asia. Medicinal mushrooms have been shown to have immunomodulating effects, meaning they help keep the immune system in balance. They stimulate the immune system when there is an infection to fight and downregulate it when it is overactive.
Mushrooms are rich in bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, which are thought to strengthen the immune system. The polysaccharide beta-glucan, for example, has been found to help fight inflammation and balance the immune system. Turkey tail, maitake, and reishi mushrooms are especially rich in polysaccharides. Turkey tail, in particular, contains a compound called polysaccharide-K (PSK), which stimulates the immune system so effectively that it is an approved anticancer prescription drug in Japan.
Mushrooms also contain other beneficial compounds, such as ergothioneine, an amino acid and antioxidant that prevents or slows cellular damage. Shiitake, oyster, maitake, and king oyster mushrooms have higher amounts of ergothioneine. In addition, mushrooms are a source of vitamin D, which is important for maintaining and building strong bones. White button, portabella, and cremini mushrooms provide the most vitamin D after exposure to UV light or sunlight.
Medicinal mushrooms are being investigated as an adjunct therapy to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. They appear to increase the effects of chemotherapy and improve survival rates. For example, a meta-analysis of turkey tail by Eliza et al. demonstrated an increased rate of survival for cancer patients who took this mushroom, especially those with breast, gastric, and colorectal cancers. In addition, β-glucan isolated from reishi significantly improved mouse survival post-radiation.
While the immunological findings are promising, more research is needed to determine the potential of mushroom compounds for human health. Most of the data on the effects of mushrooms on the immune system comes from laboratory and animal studies and has not yet been tested in humans.
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Culinary mushrooms and their health benefits
Culinary mushrooms are an excellent addition to your diet, offering a savory flavor to meals without adding significant amounts of fat, calories, or sodium. They are also rich in fiber, which supports a healthy microbiome, and are a good source of vitamin D, which is essential for maintaining and building strong bones.
Shiitake mushrooms, in particular, have been found to help lower cholesterol levels. They contain compounds that inhibit the production and absorption of cholesterol, reducing the overall amount in the blood. Additionally, research suggests that consuming shiitake mushrooms can lower your risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). In a study conducted in Singapore, participants who ate more than two cups of shiitake mushrooms per week had a 50% lower risk of developing MCI.
Other varieties of culinary mushrooms, such as oyster, maitake, and king oyster, offer higher amounts of ergothioneine, a powerful amino acid and antioxidant that prevents or slows cellular damage. Incorporating any variety of mushrooms into your daily diet is believed to lower your risk of cancer.
While the extraction and brewing process of mushroom coffee may not provide sufficient active ingredients to significantly impact your immune system, adding a spoonful of mushroom powder or a teaspoon of medicinal mushrooms to your recipes or smoothies can be a great way to boost the health benefits you receive from these fungi.
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Medicinal mushrooms and their impact on the nervous system
Medicinal mushrooms have been used for thousands of years to treat various ailments. They are now being investigated for their potential impact on the nervous system and brain function.
Indigenous mushrooms used in traditional medicines, such as Lignosus rhinocerotis and Ganoderma neo-japonicum, are being studied for their potential benefits to nerve health and nerve regeneration. The lion's mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus), a staple of traditional Chinese medicine, has been found to have a significant impact on the growth of brain cells and memory improvement. Laboratory tests have shown that the active compounds in lion's mane promote neuron projections, helping brain cells establish new connections with other neurons.
The inclusion of mushrooms in the diet has been linked to improved cognition and mood in both healthy individuals and those with health issues. However, intervention studies have shown mixed results, with limited benefits for cognition. Further acute and chronic human intervention studies are needed to confirm the effects of mushroom supplementation on neurocognition and mood.
While the evidence for the impact of mushrooms on the nervous system is still emerging, their role in improving nerve health and brain function is an exciting area of research.
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Mushrooms as a cancer treatment
Mushrooms have been used medicinally for thousands of years, particularly in Asia, to treat a variety of conditions including cancer. The use of mushrooms in cancer treatment has gained traction in other parts of the world in recent decades.
Mushrooms are thought to possess anticancer properties and may help to reduce the undesirable side effects of conventional cancer treatments, such as nausea, bone marrow suppression, anemia, insomnia, and drug resistance. The bioactive compounds present in mushrooms are believed to be responsible for their therapeutic effects.
Turkey tail (Trametes versicolor or Coriolus versicolor), a type of mushroom that grows on dead logs worldwide, has been of particular interest in cancer research. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is known as Yun Zhi, and in Japan, it is called kawaratake. Polysaccharide K (PSK), the active compound in turkey tail mushrooms, is approved in Japan as a cancer treatment. PSK has been studied in patients with various types of cancer and has been used as an adjuvant therapy for thousands of cancer patients since the 1970s. However, it is important to note that the FDA has not approved the use of turkey tail or PSK as a treatment for cancer or any other medical condition.
Other mushrooms that have been studied for their potential anticancer effects include reishi (Ganoderma lucidum or Ganoderma sinense), cordyceps sinensis, grifola frondosa, agaricus blazei, and maitake. These mushrooms are believed to have immunomodulatory properties and may enhance the effects of chemotherapy. For example, a clinical trial of turkey tail extract in women with breast cancer found that it was well-tolerated and increased CD8+ T cells and CD19+ B cells at higher doses.
While the research on the use of mushrooms in cancer treatment is promising, most of the data comes from laboratory and animal studies, and more human clinical trials are needed. It is crucial for cancer patients to consult with their healthcare providers before using mushrooms as a complementary treatment to ensure proper guidance and consideration of potential risks and benefits.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms are a good source of ergothioneine, an amino acid and antioxidant that prevents or slows cellular damage. They are also rich in fiber, which supports a healthy microbiome.
Medicinal mushrooms have been shown to have immunomodulating effects, meaning they help keep the immune system in balance. They stimulate the immune system when there’s something to fight and downregulate it when it’s overactive.
Chaga, reishi, turkey tail, shiitake, maitake, lion’s mane and cordyceps have all been shown to have immune-balancing effects and antioxidants, which fight free radicals in the body.
Culinary mushrooms can be incorporated into your daily diet by adding them to your cooking. Medicinal mushrooms can be consumed in powder or tincture form, or as capsules.
Mushrooms may not be suitable for those with autoimmune diseases, such as Crohn's or lupus. It is important to consult a doctor before incorporating medicinal mushrooms into your diet, especially if you are pregnant or taking medication.
