Michael Davis
Mushrooms have been used for medicinal purposes for hundreds of years, especially in Asia. In Japan and China, certain mushrooms are often used to complement cancer treatments. In the last decade, there has been an increasing interest in the pharmaceutical potential of mushrooms in Western research. Some studies show that mushrooms boost parts of the immune system that are linked to cancer. Mushrooms such as Reishi, Royal Sun Mushroom, Maitake, Coriolus, Pleurotus, and Lion’s Mane contain potent compounds, mainly beta glucans, known to powerfully stimulate and awaken the human immune system. Other mushrooms such as Grifola frondosa (maitake) and Ganoderma lucidum (reishi) have been shown to have anti-tumor effects.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mushrooms that help with lung cancer | Reishi, Royal Sun Mushroom, Maitake, Coriolus, Pleurotus, Lion’s Mane, Grifola frondosa (maitake), Ganoderma lucidum (reishi), Trametes versicolor or Coriolus versicolor (turkey tail), Lentinus edodes (shiitake) |
| How they help | May stimulate the compounds that are responsible for tumor suppression, decrease inflammatory compounds, boost the immune system, stop or slow the growth of tumors, kill tumor cells |
| Side effects | Liver or kidney toxicity |
| Number of studies | Over 2,000 in the last 10 years |
| Locations of studies | China, Japan, Asia |
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What You'll Learn
Reishi mushrooms may improve immune response
Reishi mushrooms, also known as Ganoderma lucidum, have been used for hundreds of years in Asia to treat infections and other diseases. They are often used as complementary medicine alongside traditional cancer treatments in China and Japan.
Reishi mushrooms contain beta-glucans, which are known to stimulate the human immune system. They also contain polysaccharides, which may help cancer-fighting immune cells, called lymphocytes, stay active. Triterpenoids, another compound found in reishi mushrooms, have been studied as non-specific immunomodulating agents.
In one study, 36 patients with advanced lung cancer were given an over-the-counter product made from reishi alongside chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The study found that reishi may help strengthen the immune system in patients with lung cancer. Another study in China tested the blood of 12 lung cancer patients to see if taking a product made from reishi could improve immune response.
Reishi mushrooms may also help manage the function of T lymphocyte cells (T cells), which play an important role in fighting infections and cancer. A 2016 review indicated that the mushroom could benefit people with cancer when used alongside traditional treatment by increasing the activity of white blood cells and improving quality of life.
However, it is important to note that reishi mushrooms can cause side effects, including liver damage and allergic reactions. They may also increase the risk of bleeding, especially for people with low platelet counts. It is recommended to speak with a healthcare professional before taking reishi mushroom supplements to ensure they are safe for you and to determine the appropriate dosage.
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Medicinal mushrooms can be used alongside standard cancer treatments
Medicinal mushrooms have been used as an addition to standard cancer treatments in Asia, particularly in Japan and China, for hundreds of years. They are often used to treat infections and other diseases, and more than 100 types of mushrooms are used to treat cancer in Asia.
Mushrooms are packed with vitamin D, which is essential for the immune system. They also contain potent biological compounds and are therefore treated like medication. They have been shown to have immunomodulatory, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory activities. Some mushrooms and their compounds possess anticancer properties, and minimise undesirable side effects of cancer treatment such as nausea, bone marrow suppression, anemia, and insomnia.
Some studies have shown that cancer patients who take mushrooms may live longer. This is linked to a positive immune response, and a reduced level of fatigue. Mushrooms may also improve appetite, and physical and mental competency. In one study, patients who took mushrooms were able to tolerate more rounds of chemotherapy treatment, probably because they experienced fewer side effects.
Common types of medicinal mushrooms used to treat cancer include Ganoderma lucidum (reishi), Trametes versicolor or Coriolus versicolor (turkey tail), Lentinus edodes (shiitake), and Grifola frondosa (maitake). Turkey tail has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat lung diseases for many years, and in Japan, it is used to strengthen the immune system when given with standard cancer treatment. Polysaccharide K (PSK) is the best-known active compound in turkey tail mushrooms, and it is an approved mushroom product used to treat cancer in Japan.
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Mushrooms can cause liver or kidney toxicity
Certain types of mushrooms have been used as medicine for hundreds of years, especially in Asia. In Japan and China, certain mushrooms are routinely used to complement cancer treatments. In Asia, there are more than 100 types of mushrooms used to treat cancer. Some of the more common ones are Ganoderma lucidum (reishi), Trametes versicolor or Coriolus versicolor (turkey tail), Lentinus edodes (shiitake), and Grifola frondosa (maitake). Reishi mushrooms, in particular, have been studied for their effects on lung cancer. Studies suggest that the use of products made from reishi as adjuvant therapy may help strengthen the immune system in patients with lung cancer.
However, it is important to note that mushrooms can also cause adverse reactions. According to Santhosshi Narayanan, M.D., a physician at MD Anderson's Integrative Medicine Center, "Mushrooms can cause liver or kidney toxicity. From what we know, these side effects tend to be mild or moderate. They are not normally severe, but they do exist." Mushroom poisoning is a rare cause of acute liver failure, but it is associated with deadly outcomes if not recognized and treated early. The mortality rate for mushroom poisoning is estimated to be around 20%, but this varies depending on the region and the availability of treatment options. For example, in Western Europe, approximately 50-100 fatal cases are reported each year, while reported cases are less common in the United States, Africa, Asia, Australia, and Central and South America.
Amatoxin poisoning is the most common type of mushroom poisoning, accounting for 90% of fatal mushroom poisonings. Amatoxins cause severe hepatic cell damage and inhibit protein synthesis, leading to liver failure and, in some cases, subsequent multiorgan failure and death. The effects of amatoxins are irreversible, and there is currently no specific antidote or efficient treatment available. Cooking, freezing, or long periods of cold storage do not reduce the toxicity of amatoxins, and even a small amount ingested can be fatal.
In addition to liver toxicity, mushroom poisoning can also cause acute kidney injury (AKI). Orellanine syndrome, caused by Cortinarius mushrooms found in Europe, Australia, and Japan, leads to tubulo-interstitial nephritis and kidney failure. Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms, known for their hallucinogenic properties, have also been associated with a case of AKI in a 15-year-old male. This case was resolved within five days of hospital admission, indicating that mushroom-induced kidney toxicity may be treatable if identified and addressed promptly.
While medicinal mushrooms may offer potential benefits in cancer treatment, it is crucial to exercise caution and consult a doctor before using mushrooms as a complementary therapy. As Narayanan advises, "Mushrooms contain potent biological compounds and will behave like drugs, so treat them like a medication." The potential risks of liver and kidney toxicity associated with mushroom consumption highlight the importance of careful identification of mushroom species and the need for further research to fully understand their effects on the human body.
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Lion's Mane has anti-tumour and immunomodulatory effects
Mushrooms have been used as medicine for hundreds of years, especially in Asia. They are packed with vitamin D, which is essential for the immune system. Medicinal mushrooms are used as an addition to standard cancer treatments in Japan and China, where they have been deemed safe for consumption. In these countries, certain mushrooms are routinely used to complement cancer treatments.
Lion's Mane is one such mushroom that has been studied for its medicinal properties. A 2021 study found that Lion's Mane exhibits high antioxidant activity, especially when researchers used ethanol to extract its bioactive compounds. Antioxidants in Lion's Mane may fight both inflammation and oxidation in the body. Inflammation contributes to many medical conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and autoimmune diseases. Research on mice suggests that Lion's Mane mushrooms may boost the activity of the intestinal immune system. Lion's Mane also shows potential as a therapeutic diabetes supplement, as it was found to reduce diabetic nerve pain in the hands and feet of mice with diabetic nerve damage.
Lion's Mane has also been studied for its anti-tumour effects. A 2014 study found that Lion's Mane extract was more effective than traditional cancer medications at slowing tumour growth in mice, in addition to having fewer side effects. Furthermore, a 2011 study found that Lion's Mane mushroom extracts inhibit metastasis of cancer cells to the lung in CT-26 colon cancer-transplanted mice. Another study found that Lion's Mane extracts protect infected mice against Salmonella Typhimurium-induced liver damage and mortality by stimulating innate immune cells.
Lion's Mane also has immunomodulatory effects. A 2017 study found that a fungal protein extracted from Lion's Mane exhibited immunomodulatory activities through regulating the gut microbiota. Another study found that a protein in Lion's Mane mushrooms encourages the growth of beneficial gut bacteria that strengthen immunity.
While these animal studies are promising, it is important to note that there is very little research involving humans. More research is needed to understand the full potential of Lion's Mane mushrooms in cancer prevention and treatment.
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Grifola frondosa (maitake) is used to treat lung cancer
Grifola frondosa, also known as Maitake, is a medicinal mushroom that has been used to treat lung cancer. Maitake is an edible mushroom of the class Basidiomycetes. It is considered an adaptogen, helping the body fight against physical and mental difficulties. Maitake mushrooms are praised for their promises of health, vitality, and longevity.
Maitake mushrooms have been used to treat lung cancer in Asia, especially in Japan and China, where they have been safely used for a long time, either alone or in combination with radiation or chemotherapy. Maitake is one of the more common mushrooms used to treat cancer in these countries.
The active component of the maitake mushroom is beta-1,6-glucan, a protein-bound polysaccharide. This compound has been shown to have anticancer effects by stimulating various subsets of the immune system. Studies have found that maitake extract is beneficial for cancer patients, and further investigations are underway to determine optimal dosing and fully assess its anticancer potential.
Research has shown that maitake mushrooms may help improve recovery rates, inhibit infection, and support the immune system. Polysaccharide extracts from maitake have been found to be helpful in fighting influenza in living organisms. Maitake mushrooms have also been shown to have anti-diabetic effects by reducing blood sugar levels, which is relevant as high blood sugar is associated with developing diabetes.
It is important to note that mushrooms contain potent biological compounds and can cause adverse reactions, so patients should consult their physicians before taking maitake supplements.
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Frequently asked questions
Reishi, Royal Sun Mushroom, Maitake, Coriolus, Pleurotus, and Lion’s Mane are some of the mushrooms that have been studied for their effects on lung cancer.
Mushrooms are packed with vitamin D, which is essential for the immune system. Studies show that mushrooms boost parts of the immune system that are linked to cancer. They also contain beta glucans, which stimulate the compounds that are responsible for tumor suppression.
Mushrooms have been used to complement cancer treatments in Japan and China for hundreds of years. However, there is not enough research to confirm that mushrooms can cure lung cancer.
Mushrooms can cause liver or kidney toxicity, but these side effects are usually mild or moderate.
