Michael Davis
Mushrooms have been used for hundreds of years in Asia to treat infections and other diseases. In Japan and China, certain mushrooms are routinely used to complement cancer treatments. There are more than 100 types of mushrooms used to treat cancer in Asia, and some studies show that mushrooms boost parts of the immune system linked to cancer. Turkey tail mushrooms, for example, are purported to boost the immune system to fight off cancer. Medicinal mushrooms are being studied to determine how they affect the immune system and if they stop or slow the growth of tumours or kill cancer cells. While there is currently not enough evidence to say that any type of mushroom can prevent or cure cancer, researchers are looking at whether mushrooms might affect cancer cells.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mushrooms used for medicinal purposes | Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), Turkey tail (Trametes versicolor), Shiitake (Lentinus edodes), Maitake (Grifola frondosa) |
| Types | Fresh, dried, extract in food supplements |
| Benefits | Improve survival rates, reduce side effects of chemotherapy, improve quality of life, stimulate compounds that suppress tumors, decrease inflammatory compounds, improve immune system |
| Limitations of studies | Most studies conducted in Asia, different types of cancer included, small sample sizes |
| Cautions | Supplements vary in accuracy of labeling and legitimacy of claims, not enough evidence to suggest mushrooms can cure cancer, talk to a doctor before use |
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What You'll Learn
- Turkey tail mushrooms boost the immune system to fight cancer
- Maitake mushrooms are used to treat diabetes and hypertension
- Reishi mushrooms are well tolerated when given with conventional cancer treatment
- Shiitake mushrooms boost the immune system and may suppress tumours
- Mushrooms may extend survival after a cancer diagnosis
Turkey tail mushrooms boost the immune system to fight cancer
Turkey tail mushrooms, or Trametes versicolor, are a type of mushroom that grows on dead logs worldwide. They get their name from their colourful, fan-like shape, which resembles a turkey's outspread tail. Turkey tail mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, where they are used as a tonic and to treat lung conditions.
In recent years, they have become a subject of interest in modern cancer research. Turkey tail mushrooms contain compounds known as polysaccharopeptide (PSP) and polysaccharide-K (PSK), which may help boost the immune system. A number of studies have shown that these mushrooms have immune-boosting properties, which may be beneficial for people undergoing cancer treatment. For example, a 2012 study found that breast cancer patients who took capsules of powdered turkey tail mushrooms recovered immune function after radiation therapy more quickly than those who didn’t take the capsules. Another study found that an extract derived from turkey tail mushrooms showed promise in treating leukemia.
Turkey tail mushrooms are also high in antioxidants like phenols, which reduce or inhibit cellular damage caused by oxidative stress. This is a condition caused by an imbalance between antioxidants and reactive molecules called free radical molecules. Turkey tail mushrooms may also promote healthy gut bacteria and are a source of fibre.
It is important to note that turkey tail mushrooms should not be used as a replacement for anticancer drugs. They should only be used by people with cancer if recommended by their oncologist and under a doctor's supervision.
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Maitake mushrooms are used to treat diabetes and hypertension
Maitake mushrooms, also known as Grifola frondosa, are edible and medicinal mushrooms that grow wild in Japan, China, and North America. Maitake means "dancing mushroom" in Japanese, as people would dance with joy upon finding it. It has been used in traditional Asian medicine for numerous health-promoting purposes and is considered an adaptogen, helping the body fight against physical and mental difficulties.
Maitake mushrooms have been studied for their potential benefits in managing blood sugar levels and insulin resistance, which are relevant factors in diabetes management. Animal studies have shown that maitake mushroom extracts may help reduce blood sugar levels in rats with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, as well as improve insulin resistance. Additionally, maitake has been found to support fertility by improving ovulation in women with PCOS, likely due to its ability to reduce insulin resistance and restore hormonal imbalances.
The mushrooms also possess hypertension-ameliorating properties, as demonstrated in studies on aging female rats. Furthermore, maitake mushrooms have been investigated for their potential cholesterol-lowering effects, as research on rats indicated a decrease in triglyceride, cholesterol, and phospholipid levels in their blood. These studies highlight the potential of maitake mushrooms in addressing metabolic perturbations.
While maitake mushrooms have shown promising results in animal studies, more human studies are needed to confirm their effectiveness in treating diabetes and hypertension. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating any new dietary supplements, especially for those already taking insulin medication, as the combination may lead to dangerous insulin levels in the body.
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Reishi mushrooms are well tolerated when given with conventional cancer treatment
Mushrooms have been used for medicinal purposes for hundreds of years, especially in Asia. In Japan and China, certain mushrooms are routinely used to complement cancer treatments. There have been thousands of studies focused on the effects of mushrooms on cancer in the last decade.
Reishi mushrooms, also known as Ganoderma lucidum, are one of the most common types of mushrooms used to treat cancer in Asia. They are also known to support the immune system. While Reishi mushrooms are not a cure for cancer, they have been found to be generally well tolerated by cancer patients and can be used in conjunction with conventional cancer treatments.
Reishi mushrooms have been found to improve the quality of life of cancer patients by reducing side effects such as nausea, fatigue, poor appetite, and depression. They can also help patients tolerate more rounds of chemotherapy treatment, likely due to the reduction of side effects. In addition, Reishi mushrooms may improve tumour response when used in conjunction with conventional chemo/radiotherapy regimens.
However, it is important to note that the majority of studies on mushrooms and cancer have been conducted in Asia, and it is unclear if patients in other parts of the world will respond in the same way. More studies are needed to fully understand the effects of Reishi mushrooms on cancer treatment and long-term survival rates.
It is always recommended to consult with a doctor before using mushrooms or any other complementary or alternative therapy during cancer treatment.
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Shiitake mushrooms boost the immune system and may suppress tumours
Shiitake mushrooms are native to East Asia and are now cultivated worldwide for their purported health benefits. They are the second largest cultivated and the most popular edible mushroom globally. They are also the only medicinal mushrooms that can be easily bought whole in grocery stores.
Shiitake mushrooms are rich in beta-glucans, a type of fiber that can lower cholesterol and boost the immune system. They also contain other bioactive compounds, such as polysaccharides, terpenoids, sterols, and lipids, which have been shown to have immune-boosting, cholesterol-lowering, and anticancer effects. The amount of these bioactive compounds depends on how and where the mushrooms are grown, stored, and prepared.
Lentinan, a polysaccharide extracted from shiitake, has been shown to stimulate the activity of certain immune cells in lab studies and in people. It also has antiviral and antibacterial properties. Lentinan does not kill cancer cells directly, but it enhances several aspects of the immune system, which may aid in slowing tumor growth. It also suppresses the production of inflammatory chemicals like IL-4 and IL-13, which cause allergic symptoms such as swelling, itching, and inflammation.
Studies have shown that shiitake mushrooms can enhance the effectiveness of conventional cancer therapies, such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy. When combined with traditional cancer drugs, lentinan can enhance patient outcomes by shrinking tumors more effectively and reducing treatment side effects. However, it is important to note that most studies on mushrooms and cancer have been conducted in Asia, and more research is needed to determine whether people in other parts of the world will respond to mushroom treatments in the same way.
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Mushrooms may extend survival after a cancer diagnosis
Mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine for hundreds of years, especially in Asian countries such as China and Japan, where they are routinely used to complement cancer treatments. In these countries, mushrooms are used either alone or in combination with chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Medicinal mushrooms are thought to stimulate the compounds responsible for tumour suppression and decrease inflammatory compounds, which is helpful for cancer patients. They contain biologically active polysaccharides in their fruit bodies or mycelia, which resemble bacterial cell walls and trigger an immune response that inhibits tumours.
Some studies have shown that cancer patients who take mushrooms may live longer. This may be linked to a positive immune response, but there may be other factors. For example, one study showed that people who took mushrooms were able to tolerate more rounds of chemotherapy treatment, probably because they experienced fewer side effects, which may have indirectly improved their survival. Mushrooms have also been linked to improvements in several quality of life indicators for cancer patients, including improved appetite, improved physical and mental competency, and reduced fatigue.
However, it is important to note that most studies on mushrooms and cancer have been conducted in Asia, and it is not yet known whether patients in other parts of the world will respond in the same way. More research is needed to determine the effectiveness of mushrooms in cancer treatment, and they should not be used as a replacement for conventional treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
Medicinal mushrooms are mushrooms that are used as medicine. They have been used to treat infections for hundreds of years, mostly in Asia. Medicinal mushrooms include Ganoderma lucidum (reishi), Trametes versicolor or Coriolus versicolor (turkey tail), Lentinus edodes (shiitake), and Grifola frondosa (maitake).
Mushrooms have been found to improve the immune system and fight cancer. They are also used to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea, insomnia, and fatigue.
Turkey tail mushrooms are purported to have anticancer properties and boost the immune system. Shiitake mushrooms are also being studied for their potential in helping with cancer.
There is currently no evidence that mushrooms or mushroom extract can prevent or cure cancer. However, they are being studied as a complementary treatment to standard cancer treatments.
