Feb 4, 2025
Research on Functional Mushrooms and Natural Support Options During Cancer Therapy
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Though small, cute, and humble, mushrooms hold a powerful secret. They’re nature’s hidden herbal medicine pantry. For centuries, traditional healers, especially those practicing Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), have tapped into the therapeutic potential of “medicinal mushrooms” to cure a range of ailments.
Medicinal mushrooms have also been utilized as a complement to conventional cancer treatments in Japan and China for over 30 years. Mushrooms pose little or no risk for an extended period, whether used on their own or in conjunction with radiation or chemotherapy.
At the moment, there is ongoing research on mushrooms to understand their impact on the immune system and their potential to inhibit tumor growth or destroy tumor cells. For instance, certain chemical compounds like beta-glucans found in medicinal mushrooms are believed to enhance the immune system’s ability to combat cancer.
This blog provides a summary of how medicinal mushrooms are being studied to revolutionize and improve the treatment of cancer.
Medicinal Mushrooms: Transforming Cancer Treatment
Research has looked at some particular mushrooms and their extracts in the quest to fight safer alternative treatments for cancer. Some of these are as listed:
1. Reishi Mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum)
Ganoderma lucidum is recommended by Asian physicians and naturopaths as a popular natural remedy for its immune system support. Laboratory research and a small number of preclinical trials have indicated that G. lucidum possesses significant qualities in terms of fighting cancer and regulating the immune system.
Due to these preliminary findings, the use of G. lucidum as a complementary treatment has been on the rise among cancer patients. A review from 2016, which was published in the Cochrane Library, analyzed the impact of G. lucidum on cancer patients’ long-term survival, tumor response, immune functions, quality of life, and any negative effects linked to its usage.
The research discovered that G. lucidum could be used as an additional treatment option along with conventional treatment to possibly improve tumor response and boost the overall immune system. Most study participants tolerated G. lucidum well, with only a few minor adverse events reported sporadically. No significant toxic effects were noted in the various studies.
Researchers highlighted that future research should focus on enhancing the quality of methods and conducting more clinical studies to investigate the impact of G. lucidum on long-term cancer survival. However, the researchers mentioned that the studies had constraints and additional trials of higher quality were required for more conclusive results.
2. Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms originated from East Asia and are cultivated globally due to their perceived positive impact on health. In certain cultures, they are highly esteemed for their anti-cancer properties.
The health benefits of shiitake mushrooms partially come from a complex sugar molecule called lentinan, a beta-glucan that has been utilized for centuries in Asia to enhance overall well-being. During experiments in the lab, lentinan didn’t directly destroy cancer cells; however, it boosted various functions of the immune system, potentially helping to slow down tumor growth. Moreover, lentinan has been shown to directly eliminate viruses and microbes in laboratory research.
Shiitake Mushrooms
A study from 2018 examined the composition, preclinical and clinical research, and molecular processes of lentinan. An examination was conducted on the statistical analysis of the clinical efficacy of lentinan as a supplementary treatment for lung cancer patients in China over 12 years.
The analysis showed that lentinan was successful in enhancing both the quality of life and the effectiveness of chemotherapy in patients undergoing treatment for lung cancer. More extensive research is needed to determine the efficacy of shiitake extracts in aiding individuals with cancer.
3. Agaricus sylvaticus Mushrooms
Agaricus sylvaticus, also known as the Sun Mushroom, is cultivated in Brazil and is frequently associated with pharmacological and nutritional benefits. These fungi contain a range of minerals and boast a significant protein content. Numerous parts of this mushroom possess healing properties amd they are also known for their exceptional antioxidant abilities.
A 2003 case study revealed that Agaricus sylvaticus could be a beneficial treatment for breast cancer patients with pulmonary metastasis. The study demonstrated that adding Agaricus sylvaticus to the diet resulted in complete regression of lung metastasis. Therefore, the mushroom can be utilized in conjunction with conventional chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery.
A different study published in 2011 examined the impact of fungi and other basidiomycetes Agaricales on the co-adjuvant therapy for breast cancer. Supplementing with mushrooms led to enhancements in the immune system and blood parameters of breast cancer patients, as well as their quality of life.
4. Phellinus linteus Mushroom
Phellinus linteus is a popular medicinal fungus of Oriental origin, known for its various biological functions like immunomodulation and direct antitumor effects. The anti-cancer activity of P. linteus is linked to the existence of polysaccharides, peptide/protein compounds, and other small molecular complexes. Polysaccharide fractions extracted from P. linteus were discovered to be linked to the heightened functioning of immune cells.
Additionally, there have been case reports showing tumor shrinkage with P. linteus extracts, indicating that using an extract or supplement based on P. linteus may be beneficial for treating cancer unconventionally.
Final Thoughts
Numerous experimental clinical studies have reported the beneficial effects of medicinal mushrooms and their extracts in the adjuvant treatment of different cancer types. To further strengthen these promising results, larger and more detailed clinical trials must be conducted so that medicinal mushrooms may become a potential treatment for cancer along with conventional approaches.
Sources:
Gennari,J. L. and Veronesi,R. and Gennari,M. de S., 20023131427, Spanish, Journal article, Brazil, 0034–7264, 59, (7), São Paulo, Revista Brasileira de Medicina, (537–538), Moreira jr. editora Itda, Edible mushroom Agaricus sylvaticus used as therapeutics complement in a patient with breast cancer and lung metastasis. (2002).
Jin X, Ruiz Beguerie J, Sze DMY, Chan GCF. Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi mushroom) for cancer treatment. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2016): Issue 4. Art. No.: CD007731.
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD007731.pub3
Novaes, Maria Rita Carvalho Garbi et al. “The effects of dietary supplementation with Agaricales mushrooms and other medicinal fungi on breast cancer: evidence-based medicine.” Clinics (Sao Paulo, Brazil) vol. 66,12 (2011): 2133–9.
doi:10.1590/s1807–59322011001200021
Sliva D, Jedinak A, Kawasaki J, Harvey K, Slivova V. Phellinus linteus suppresses growth, angiogenesis and invasive behaviour of breast cancer cells through the inhibition of AKT signalling. Br J Cancer. (2008) 98:1348–1356.
doi: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6604319
Zhang, Yiran et al. Lentinan as an immunotherapeutic for treating lung cancer: a review of 12 years clinical studies in China. Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology vol. 144,11 (2018): 2177–2186.
DOI:10.1007/s00432–018–2718–1