Mushroom Tablets: Cancer Cure Or Hoax?

Mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, and in recent decades, their use for treating cancer has increased in other parts of the world. Polysaccharide K (PSK) is the best-known active compound in turkey tail mushrooms and is an approved mushroom product used to treat cancer in Japan. In addition, mushrooms have been linked to improvements in several common quality-of-life indicators for cancer patients, including improved appetite, physical and mental competency, and reduced fatigue. However, there is currently insufficient evidence to conclude that any type of mushroom can prevent or cure cancer, and more research is needed.

Polysaccharide K (PSK) in Turkey Tail mushrooms

Polysaccharide-K (PSK) is the best-known active compound in turkey tail mushrooms. Turkey tail mushrooms, or Coriolus versicolor, are so-called because their concentric rings of brown and tan resemble the tail feathers of a turkey. Turkey tail mushrooms contain compounds known as polysaccharopeptides (PSP) and polysaccharide-K (PSK).

In Japan, PSK is an approved adjuvant cancer treatment. PSK can be taken as a tea or in capsule form. Laboratory and animal studies have tested the effects of PSK on the immune system, including immune cells called natural killer cells and T-cells. The use of products made from turkey tail mushrooms as adjuvant therapy may help strengthen the immune system in patients with cancer. PSK has been shown to have the most effect in people with programmed death-1 ligand 1 negative (PD-L1) negative tumours. These tumours usually do not respond well to immunotherapy.

Turkey tail mushroom extract may support cancer treatment and restore the balance of gut bacteria. It is thought that certain chemical compounds, such as polysaccharides (beta-glucans) in turkey tail mushrooms, strengthen the immune system to fight cancer. Clinical trials in cancer patients have demonstrated that turkey tail mushroom products are generally well tolerated. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved the use of turkey tail mushrooms or their active compound PSK as a treatment for cancer or any other medical condition in the United States.

It is important to note that mushrooms can cause liver or kidney toxicity, and anyone with a mushroom or mould allergy should not consume turkey tail mushrooms.

Maitake D-fraction

Maitake (Grifola frondosa), also known as "dancing mushroom" in Japanese, is an edible and medicinal mushroom that grows wild in Japan, China, and North America. Maitake has been used in traditional medicine to treat diabetes and hypertension. Its extracts are commercially available as dietary supplements marketed to enhance immune function and treat AIDS and cancer.

While there is a lot of research on the potential benefits of Maitake, most of it is older and not based on human subjects. More recent studies on humans are needed to verify the findings. It is important to note that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements, so it is difficult to know what ingredients are in a supplement and whether they are safe. Always check with your doctor before trying any kind of supplement.

In summary, Maitake D-Fraction is a supplement derived from the Maitake mushroom that has shown potential in preventing and treating cancer in animal studies. However, more human studies are needed to verify these findings, and it is important to consult with a doctor before taking any supplements.

Reishi mushrooms

Mushrooms have long been used in traditional Chinese medicine and other traditional medicines to treat illnesses. In recent years, their use in treating various diseases, including cancer, has increased outside of Asia. However, it is important to note that there is currently no evidence that any type of mushroom or mushroom extract can cure or prevent cancer.

A 2016 Cochrane review looked at the use of Reishi mushrooms as a cancer treatment. The review found a small benefit when Reishi mushrooms were given alongside standard treatment (chemotherapy and radiotherapy), with an increase in the activity of immune cells. However, the authors noted limitations in the trials and concluded that more high-quality research is needed to determine the effectiveness of Reishi mushrooms in cancer treatment.

Side effects and interactions

The use of mushroom tablets, or mycomedicinals, as complementary or alternative medicine (CAM) in cancer treatment is an emerging field of research. Mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for hundreds of years to treat infections and other diseases, and they are now being studied for their potential anticancer properties.

Mushrooms contain biologically active polysaccharides and other bioactive compounds that can activate and regulate the immune system, stimulate an immune response, and inhibit cancer cell growth and metastasis. They are also thought to complement chemotherapy and radiation therapy by reducing side effects such as nausea, bone marrow suppression, and lowered resistance.

However, it is important to note that the research on mushroom tablets and cancer is still ongoing, and there is no conclusive evidence that they can cure cancer. While some studies have shown positive effects, including improved survival rates and quality of life, others have found mixed results. For example, in one study, mushrooms enhanced the immune response at one dose but suppressed it at another.

Side effects of mushroom tablets are generally mild to moderate and may include liver or kidney toxicity. However, they are not usually severe. It is important to note that most mushroom supplements have not been tested for interactions with medications, foods, or other supplements. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a doctor before taking mushroom tablets, especially for individuals with leukemia or lymphoma, recent bone marrow transplants, or those on immunosuppressants.

Mushroom tablets are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the same way that drugs are, so it is essential to be cautious and well-informed about their potential benefits and risks. While they have shown promising results in some cases, they should not be considered a replacement for conventional cancer treatments without medical advice.

Lack of regulation

While mushrooms have been linked to several health benefits, there is a lack of regulation regarding their use as a cure for cancer. Mushroom supplements are not subject to the same degree of oversight as medications, and there is no standardisation across batches and brands.

In terms of cancer treatment, mushrooms are considered a complementary or alternative therapy, used alongside or in place of conventional treatments. However, unlike conventional treatments, these therapies are often not covered by insurance companies. Patients considering mushroom therapy should discuss this decision with their doctor, as they would with any other type of treatment.

The use of mushrooms in cancer treatment is currently not regulated or standardised. While some studies have shown positive effects, including improved quality of life indicators and increased survival rates for cancer patients, the research is limited and varied. Most studies have been conducted in Asia, and it is unclear if the results can be generalised to other populations.

Additionally, the quality of the studies varies, and the results are mixed. For example, maitake mushroom extract has been shown to have both immune-stimulating and immune-suppressing effects, depending on the dose. While some studies suggest that mushrooms may slow the growth of cancer cells, there is currently no evidence that they can cure or prevent cancer.

Furthermore, the FDA does not regularly review the manufacturing processes of mushroom supplements, and there may be variations in the accuracy of labelling, the presence of adulterants, and the legitimacy of manufacturers' claims. Patients should exercise caution when considering mushroom supplements, as they may cause adverse reactions or interact with other medications.

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