Michael Davis
Mushrooms are part of the fungus family and have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for hundreds of years. In Asia, mushrooms are used as an addition to standard cancer treatments, and there are over 100 types of mushrooms used to treat cancer. While there is no evidence that mushrooms can cure or prevent cancer, some studies have shown that they may lower the risk of certain cancers. For example, a study by Penn State College of Medicine found that eating 18 grams of mushrooms daily was associated with a 45% lower risk of cancer. Mushrooms are being studied to determine their effects on the immune system and their potential antitumor properties.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cancer Treatment | In Japan and China, certain mushrooms are used to complement cancer treatments. |
| Traditional Medicine | Mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for hundreds of years to treat infections and other diseases. |
| Cancer Risk | A study by Penn State College of Medicine found that individuals who ate 18 grams of mushrooms daily had a 45% lower risk of cancer compared to those who did not. |
| Cancer Types | When specific cancer types were examined, the strongest associations were found for breast cancer. |
| Immune System | Mushrooms are thought to contain chemical compounds that may strengthen the immune system, which could help fight cancer cells. |
| Side Effects | Mushrooms can cause liver or kidney toxicity, but these side effects tend to be mild or moderate and are not usually severe. |
| Research | There have been more than 2,000 studies focused on mushrooms and cancer in the last 10 years. |
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What You'll Learn
Medicinal mushrooms in Asia
Mushrooms have been used as medicine for hundreds of years, especially in Asia. In Japan and China, they are used to treat lung diseases and cancer, often in conjunction with standard cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. There are more than 100 types of mushrooms used to treat cancer in Asia. Some common ones include Ganoderma lucidum (reishi), Trametes versicolor or Coriolus versicolor (turkey tail), Lentinus edodes (shiitake), and Grifola frondosa (maitake).
Turkey tail mushrooms, in particular, have been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat lung diseases and strengthen the immune system when given with standard cancer treatment. 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 can be consumed as tea or in capsule form.
Reishi mushrooms, also known as Ling Zhi in traditional Chinese medicine, are large, dark mushrooms with a woody texture. They are believed to have potent anticancer properties and are well-tolerated when given with conventional cancer treatments.
Maitake mushrooms, also known as Grifola Frondosa, are another type of medicinal mushroom used in China. They are an all-natural, edible option that can enhance osteogenesis, the process by which mesenchymal tissues transform into bone tissue and cartilage. Additionally, maitake mushrooms have anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and anticancer properties.
Chaga mushrooms, scientifically known as Inonotus Obliquus, are parasitic fungi with a long history of use in Chinese medicine. They have positive effects on lipid metabolism and cardiac function, and they also demonstrate antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antitumor properties.
While medicinal mushrooms have been used to treat cancer in Asia, it is important to note that there is limited scientific evidence to support their effectiveness. Research is ongoing to determine how mushrooms affect the immune system and if they can stop or slow tumour growth or kill tumour cells. However, a study by Penn State College of Medicine researchers found that higher mushroom consumption is associated with a lower risk of cancer. Individuals who consumed 18 grams of mushrooms daily had a 45% lower risk of cancer compared to non-mushroom eaters. Mushrooms are rich in vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants, which may contribute to their potential cancer-fighting properties.
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Turkey tail mushrooms
Mushrooms have been used as medicine for hundreds of years, especially in Asia. There are over 100 types of mushrooms used to treat cancer in Asia, one of which is the turkey tail mushroom. The scientific name for the turkey tail mushroom is Trametes versicolor or Coriolus versicolor. They get their common name from their colourful, fan-like shape, which resembles a turkey's tail feathers. They are also known as Yun Zhi in traditional Chinese medicine, where they have been used as a tonic and to treat lung conditions.
Research has also shown that compounds in turkey tail mushrooms have anti-tumour properties. A 2013 in vitro study showed promise in using an extract from turkey tail mushrooms in treating leukaemia. A 2019 study found that an extract from turkey tail mushrooms helped to stop cancer cells from spreading. Another review of eight studies that included over 8,000 people with gastric cancer found that adding PSK to their chemotherapy helped them live longer.
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Mushrooms and breast cancer
Mushrooms are part of the fungus family and have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to treat illnesses. They are rich in vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants.
There is emerging evidence that certain types of mushrooms may be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer. For example, a study by Penn State College of Medicine researchers found that individuals who consumed 18 grams of mushrooms daily had a 45% lower risk of cancer compared to non-mushroom eaters. This protective effect was most notable for breast cancer. White button mushrooms, in particular, have been found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and may help prevent breast cancer in at-risk women. In a Phase 2 clinical trial, white button mushroom tablets were investigated for their potential to reduce levels of prostate-specific antigen in the blood, thereby preventing or slowing down the progression of prostate cancer. Similarly, a Brazilian study found that consuming Agaricus sylvaticus mushrooms improved the quality of life of patients after bowel cancer surgery.
Additionally, medicinal mushrooms like turkey tail (Trametes versicolor or Coriolus versicolor) and reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) have been used alongside standard cancer treatments in Japan and China for over 30 years. These mushrooms are believed to strengthen the immune system and may have antitumor effects. For instance, turkey tail mushrooms contain polysaccharides (beta-glucans) that may help fight cancer by strengthening the immune system.
While the research is promising, it is important to note that there is currently insufficient evidence to conclude that any type of mushroom can prevent or cure cancer. More studies are needed to understand the specific mechanisms and impacts on different types of cancer.
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Mushrooms and the immune system
Mushrooms are part of the fungus family and have been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat illnesses for hundreds of years. They are also used in Japan and China to treat lung diseases. In Asia, there are over 100 types of mushrooms used to treat cancer. Some common ones are Ganoderma lucidum (reishi), Trametes versicolor or Coriolus versicolor (turkey tail), Lentinus edodes (shiitake), and Grifola frondosa (maitake).
Research has shown that eating mushrooms can lower the 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. Mushrooms are rich in vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants, which may help guard against cancer. They are the highest dietary source of ergothioneine, a potent antioxidant and cellular protector.
Medicinal mushrooms are being studied to determine how they affect the immune system and if they can stop or slow the growth of tumors or kill tumor cells. It is thought that certain compounds in mushrooms, particularly polysaccharides, may strengthen the immune system and improve immune response in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Turkey tail mushrooms, for example, contain polysaccharides that are believed to strengthen the immune system to fight cancer. Maitake mushroom extract has also been found to have a 'dual effect' on the immune system, acting as both a stimulator and a suppressor.
While mushrooms have been shown to have potential benefits for the immune system and in cancer treatment, it is important to note that they cannot cure or prevent cancer. There is currently not enough evidence to support this claim. Additionally, for patients with autoimmune diseases or those on immunotherapy, mushrooms can overstimulate the immune system, leading to worse side effects. Therefore, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before using medicinal mushrooms or supplements.
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Mushrooms and chemotherapy
Mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat illnesses for hundreds of years. They are also used in Japan and China to treat lung diseases. Medicinal mushrooms have been used as an addition to standard cancer treatments in Asia, particularly in Japan and China. In these countries, mushrooms have been used safely for a long time, either alone or in combination with radiation or
There are more than 100 types of mushrooms used to treat cancer in Asia. Some of the more common ones are Ganoderma lucidum (reishi), Trametes versicolor or Coriolus versicolor (turkey tail), Lentinus edodes (shiitake), and Grifola frondosa (maitake). Mushrooms are being studied to see how they affect the immune system and if they can stop or slow tumour growth or kill tumour cells. It is thought that certain chemical compounds, such as polysaccharides (beta-glucans) in turkey tail mushrooms, strengthen the immune system to fight cancer.
Research has shown that mushrooms possess anticancer activities and minimise undesirable side effects such as nausea, bone marrow suppression, anaemia, and insomnia, and lower drug resistance after chemotherapy and radiation therapy. For example, in a study by Tsai et al., advanced adenocarcinoma patients treated with Antrodia cinnamomea alongside chemotherapy developed less severe gastrointestinal symptoms, such as abdominal pain and diarrhoea, than those in the placebo group. Twardowski et al. reported that Agaricus blazei Murill decreased prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and regulated recurrent prostate cancer by decreasing immunosuppressive factors. Ahn et al. reported that patients with gynaecological cancers receiving chemotherapy showed fewer side effects, such as loss of appetite, alopecia, and general weakness, when the therapy was accompanied by Agaricus blazei Muril.
In addition to the above, 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 unique and potent antioxidant and cellular protector. Replenishing antioxidants in the body may help protect against oxidative stress and lower the risk of cancer.
However, it is important to note that there is currently not enough evidence to say that any type of mushroom can prevent or cure cancer. While mushrooms may provide potential benefits when used alongside standard cancer treatments, they cannot cure or prevent cancer on their own.
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Frequently asked questions
No, mushrooms do not cause cancer. In fact, a study by Penn State College of Medicine researchers found that eating 18 grams of mushrooms daily is associated with a 45% lower risk of cancer.
Turkey tail (Trametes versicolor or Coriolus versicolor), reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), shiitake (Lentinus edodes), and maitake (Grifola frondosa) mushrooms are some of the more common types used in cancer treatment.
Mushrooms are rich in vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants, which may help to guard against cancer. Certain chemical compounds in mushrooms, such as polysaccharides (beta-glucans), are also thought to strengthen the immune system, which can help fight cancer cells.
While mushrooms have been used safely for a long time in countries like Japan and China, they can cause mild to moderate liver or kidney toxicity in some cases. More research is needed to fully understand the effects of mushrooms on cancer treatment.
