Emily Johnson
Mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to treat various illnesses, including lung diseases. In recent years, they have also been used as a complementary treatment for cancer. While there is no evidence that mushrooms can cure cancer, some research suggests that they may have anticancer properties and could help strengthen the immune system, potentially aiding in the fight against cancer cells. Certain types of mushrooms, such as reishi and turkey tail, have been studied for their potential therapeutic benefits, and compounds derived from mushrooms are being explored as novel anticancer agents. Additionally, a study by Penn State College of Medicine researchers found that higher mushroom consumption may be associated with a lower risk of cancer, particularly breast cancer. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings and understand the specific mechanisms involved.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mushroom consumption and cancer risk | According to a study by Penn State College of Medicine, individuals who ate 18 grams of mushrooms daily had a 45% lower risk of cancer. |
| Mushrooms in cancer treatment | Mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine and in Japan to treat lung diseases and strengthen the immune system. |
| Types of mushrooms used in treatment | Turkey tail, reishi, and shiitake mushrooms have been studied for their potential anticancer effects. |
| Active compounds in mushrooms | Polysaccharide K (PSK), triterpenoids, polysaccharides, and lentinan are some of the active compounds in mushrooms that have been studied for their anticancer properties. |
| Limitations and ongoing research | While some studies suggest a link between mushroom consumption and lower cancer risk, there is currently insufficient evidence to conclude that mushrooms can prevent or cure cancer. More research is needed to understand the specific mechanisms and impact on different types of cancer. |
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What You'll Learn
Mushrooms as complementary cancer treatment
Mushrooms are part of the fungus family and have been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat illnesses. They are also used in Japan and China to treat lung diseases and are sometimes given alongside cancer treatment.
Medicinal mushrooms are not ordinary mushrooms. There are hundreds of different kinds of mushrooms, and those most frequently studied in cancer research are not usually sold in grocery stores. Shiitake mushrooms are the only ones easily available in grocery stores.
Mushrooms are rich in vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants. A study by Penn State College of Medicine researchers found that higher mushroom consumption is associated with a lower risk of cancer. Individuals who ate 18 grams of mushrooms daily had a 45% lower risk of cancer compared to those who did not eat mushrooms. Mushrooms are the highest dietary source of ergothioneine, a potent antioxidant and cellular protector. Replenishing antioxidants in the body may help protect against oxidative stress and lower the risk of cancer.
In Japan, Polysaccharide K (PSK) is an approved mushroom product used to treat cancer. PSK has been studied in patients with gastric cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and lung cancer. It has been used as adjuvant therapy in thousands of cancer patients since the mid-1970s. PSK has been safely used in Japan for a long time with few side effects reported. However, the FDA has not approved the use of PSK or turkey tail as a treatment for cancer or any other medical condition.
Reishi mushrooms, also known as Ganoderma lucidum or G. lucidum, have been used as medicine in East Asia for a long time. They are thought to prolong life, prevent aging, and increase energy. In China, reishi is used to strengthen the immune system of cancer patients receiving chemotherapy or radiation therapy. A Cochrane review found that when G. lucidum was given with standard treatment, it led to a small benefit and was well tolerated. However, the authors stated that more high-quality trials are needed, and there is currently insufficient evidence to recommend reishi as a cancer treatment.
Some studies have shown that cancer patients who take mushrooms may live longer, possibly due to a positive immune response. Mushrooms have also been linked to improvements in quality of life indicators for cancer patients, including improved appetite, physical and mental competency, and reduced fatigue.
While mushrooms have shown potential as a complementary cancer treatment, it is important to consult with a doctor or specialist before using them during cancer treatment. Mushrooms contain potent biological compounds and can behave like drugs, so they should be treated as medication.
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Turkey tail mushrooms in traditional Chinese medicine
Turkey tail mushrooms, scientifically known as Trametes versicolor or Coriolus versicolor, are characterised by their rings of brown and tan, resembling the tail feathers of a turkey. They are one of the most researched medicinal mushrooms, with a history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) dating back to the Ming Dynasty in the 15th century. In TCM, turkey tail mushrooms are known as Yun Zhi and are believed to promote health, strength, and longevity.
In traditional Chinese medicine, turkey tail mushrooms have been used to treat lung diseases and boost overall immunity. The mushroom's extract contains polysaccharides, specifically polysaccharide-K (PSK) or krestin, and polysaccharide peptides (PSP), which are known for their immune-boosting properties. PSK has been studied for its potential in inhibiting colon cancer cell growth and reducing the side effects of chemotherapy in colorectal cancer patients. Additionally, PSK is an approved mushroom product used to treat cancer in Japan, where it is often used alongside standard cancer treatments. Turkey tail mushrooms may also possess antibacterial and antiviral properties, according to certain laboratory studies.
Turkey tail mushrooms can be consumed in various forms, such as powder, tea, or capsules. When taken as a supplement, it is important to source purified or dried mushrooms from reputable suppliers to minimise the risk of consuming accumulated environmental metals. Individuals with mushroom or mould allergies should refrain from consuming turkey tail mushrooms due to the risk of anaphylaxis.
While the FDA has not approved turkey tail mushrooms or PSK for cancer treatment, their potential as an adjuvant therapy is being explored. The mushrooms' ability to stimulate the immune system and fight disease, including cancer, makes them a promising area of research for future cancer treatments.
In summary, turkey tail mushrooms have a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine, valued for their immune-boosting and potential disease-fighting properties. Modern research has focused on the mushrooms' active compounds, particularly PSK, and their possible role in cancer treatment and gut health.
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Reishi mushrooms in traditional Chinese medicine
Reishi mushrooms, scientifically known as Ganoderma lucidum, have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Also known as Ling Zhi in China, these mushrooms are believed to have various health benefits, including the ability to prolong life, prevent ageing, and increase energy.
In traditional Chinese medicine, Reishi is considered a tonic for Qi, or vital energy. The concept of Qi can be understood as a force field surrounding the body that maintains overall health and vitality. Modern uses of Reishi in traditional Chinese medicine include its ability to provide cardiovascular support, a healthy stress response, improved energy and stamina, overall wellness, and immune health.
Reishi mushrooms are often consumed in dried form or as an extract in liquid, capsule, or powder. They are also available as dietary supplements and tea. The fruiting bodies of Reishi mushrooms contain polysaccharides, specifically beta-glucans, which have been linked to improved immune health, healthy cell growth, and overall wellness.
In traditional Chinese medicine, the belief in the health benefits of Reishi mushrooms is largely based on anecdotal evidence, traditional use, and cultural mores. However, modern research has also explored the potential therapeutic benefits of Reishi mushrooms, particularly in cancer treatment. Studies have shown that Reishi mushrooms have antitumor activity and can be used alongside chemotherapy to reduce side effects such as nausea, bone marrow suppression, anaemia, and insomnia.
Overall, Reishi mushrooms have a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine and are valued for their perceived health-enhancing properties, including their potential anticancer effects.
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Mushroom consumption and cancer risk
Mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and are also used in Japan to treat lung diseases. They are sometimes given alongside cancer treatment. Research is looking at whether mushrooms can help the immune system and if they can help fight cancer cells.
In China, reishi mushrooms are used to strengthen the immune system of cancer patients who receive chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Reishi is usually dried and taken as an extract in the form of a liquid, capsule, or powder. Turkey tail mushrooms are also used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat lung diseases and in Japan, they are given with standard cancer treatment to strengthen the immune system. 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. PSK has been studied in patients with gastric cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and lung cancer. It has been safely used in Japan for a long time with few side effects reported.
According to a study by Penn State College of Medicine, individuals who ate 18 grams of mushrooms daily had a 45% lower risk of cancer compared to those who did not eat mushrooms. Mushrooms are rich in vitamins, nutrients, and
While the Penn State study provides important evidence for the protective effects of mushrooms against cancer, more research is needed to pinpoint the mechanisms involved and specific cancers impacted. Additionally, it is important to consider mushroom intake within the broader context of a person's diet and activity regime, as consuming fruits and vegetables may also reduce the risk of certain cancers. Overall, it is unlikely that any single food or drink causes or prevents cancer, but rather the patterns of what we eat across our lives impact our risk.
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Mushrooms as a potential cure for cancer
Mushrooms have been used for medicinal purposes for hundreds of years, especially in Asian countries such as China and Japan. In traditional Chinese medicine, for example, the mushroom known as "Yun Zhi" in Chinese or "Turkey tail" in English, has been used to treat lung diseases. In Japan, it is used to strengthen the immune system when given with standard cancer treatment.
In recent decades, the use of mushrooms to treat cancer has increased in other parts of the world. Medicinal mushrooms are now being studied for their potential therapeutic effects on cancer. Certain chemical compounds in mushrooms, such as polysaccharides (beta-glucans) in Turkey tail mushrooms, are thought to strengthen the immune system to fight cancer. Turkey tail mushrooms have also been used as complementary cancer treatment in Japan and China for more than 30 years, and Polysaccharide K (PSK), a compound found in these mushrooms, is an approved mushroom product used to treat cancer in Japan. PSK has been used as adjuvant therapy in thousands of cancer patients since the mid-1970s and has been safely used in Japan with few side effects reported.
Research has also shown that higher mushroom consumption is associated with a lower risk of cancer. A study by Penn State College of Medicine researchers found that individuals who ate 18 grams of mushrooms daily had a 45% lower risk of cancer compared to those who did not eat mushrooms. Mushrooms are rich in vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants, which may help protect against cancer.
However, it is important to note that the use of mushrooms in cancer treatment is still being studied, and they are typically used as a complementary therapy rather than a cure. The safety and effectiveness of complementary and alternative methods of cancer treatment are not as well understood as those of conventional treatments, and it is important to consult a doctor before using mushrooms during cancer treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no such thing as mushroom cancer. However, mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat lung diseases and are sometimes given alongside cancer treatment.
Turkey tail, reishi, and shiitake mushrooms are some of the types of mushrooms that are used in cancer treatment.
Mushrooms are rich in vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants. They are thought to strengthen the immune system and help fight cancer cells.
Mushrooms have been safely used in Japan for a long time and few side effects have been reported. However, the FDA has not approved the use of mushrooms or their compounds for cancer treatment.
