Vital mushrooms in oncology

Medicinal mushrooms in oncology

Medicinal mushrooms are increasingly being studied for their potential role in oncology, especially as an adjunctive therapy alongside conventional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Some species of medicinal mushrooms have immunomodulatory, anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory properties that may be beneficial for cancer patients.

Medicinal mushrooms as part of cancer treatment

In several Asian countries, especially Japan, China and South Korea, some medicinal mushrooms are approved as part of cancer care. These mushrooms are primarily used as adjuvants to conventional treatments due to their ability to modulate the immune system, increase the efficacy of treatment, reduce the negative impact of conventional treatment and improve the overall well-being of patients.

The effects of medicinal mushrooms in cancer have already been clearly demonstrated by many studies. Importantly, when used concurrently with conventional treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, they do not reduce the effect of these treatments.

Below is an overview of the most studied medicinal mushrooms and their possible effects in oncology:

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)

Main active ingredients: polysaccharides (beta-glucans), triterpenoids.
Effects in oncology:

Immunomodulation: Reishi strengthens the immune system by stimulating the activity of natural killer cells (NK cells), T-cells and macrophages, which are key in the fight against tumors.
Anti-cancer activity: Studies show that extracts of Reishi can inhibit cancer cell proliferation and induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in certain types of cancer.
Quality of life: Reishi is often used to improve the overall well-being of cancer patients, relieving fatigue and emotional stress.

Coriolus (Trametes versicolor)

Main active ingredients: polysaccharopeptides (PSP) and polysaccharide-K (PSK).
Effects in oncology:

Immunostimulant: PSP, a compound contained in Coriol, is approved as an adjuvant in cancer treatment in China, especially for gastric and colon cancer. It enhances the immune response, including NK cell activity.
Adjunct to chemotherapy: extracts from Coriol have shown improved survival rates in certain cancers such as breast, lung and colon cancer when used alongside chemotherapy.
Clinical research: Ongoing clinical trials are investigating its role in improving outcomes for breast cancer patients.

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)

Main active ingredients: betulinic acid, inotodiol, polysaccharides.
Effects in oncology:

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties: Chaga is rich in antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, factors that contribute to cancer development.

Anti-cancer effects: clinical studies show that Chaga extracts can slow the growth of certain cancers

Maitake (Grifola frondosa)

Main active substances: beta-glucans (especially fraction D).
Effects in oncology:

Activation of immunity: Maitake D-fraction has been shown to stimulate the immune system, especially NK cells and T-cells, which play a key role in the fight against cancer cells.
Synergistic effect with chemotherapy: research shows that Maitake can enhance the effect of chemotherapy drugs such as doxorubicin and paclitaxel, thereby improving treatment outcomes.
Antimetastatic potential: Maitake, like Coriolus, may help inhibit the spread of cancer to other parts of the body.

Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis)

Main active ingredients: Cordycepin, polysaccharides.
Effects in oncology:

Induction of apoptosis: Cordyceps pro has shown the ability to induce apoptosis in cancer cells, especially in lung, colon and breast cancer.
Immunomodulatory properties: Cordyceps promotes the activity of immune cells, especially NK cells, which help target and eliminate cancer cells.
Energy and Recovery:Cordyceps is often used by cancer patients to increase energy levels and reduce fatigue, especially during chemotherapy.

Agaricus blazei Murill (Agaricus subrufescens)

Main active ingredients: beta-glucans, ergosterol.
Effects in oncology:

Clinical Use: Known as Himematsutake in Japan, this mushroom is used as an adjunctive therapy for cancer. Although not officially approved as a stand-alone cancer treatment, it is widely prescribed in Japanto support conventional treatment, especially for breast, gastrointestinal and lung cancers.
Immunostimulation: it is believed to enhance the immune system's ability to target cancer cells, reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and improve overall patient outcomes.

Enoki (Flammulina velutipes)

Main active substances: polysaccharides, sesquiterpenes.
Effects in oncology:

Anti-tumor properties: Enoki contains substances that may inhibit tumor cell growth and promote apoptosis.
Immune support: polysaccharides from Enoki stimulate the immune system, which may help fight cancer.

Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)

Main active ingredients: Lentinan (beta-glucan), erythadenine.
Effects in oncology:

Immunomodulation: Lentinan, an extract of Shiitake, is known for its immunostimulatory effects and is used as an adjuvant in the treatment of certain cancers.
Improving quality of life: Shiitake can help to alleviate the side effects of chemotherapy and improve the overall well-being of patients.

Agarikon (Fomitopsis officinalis)

Main active ingredients: triterpenoids, polysaccharides.
Effects in oncology:

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects: Agarikon may reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, factors associated with cancer development.
Anti-cancer activity: Preliminary studies suggest the potential of Agarikon to inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

Polyporus (Polyporus umbellatus)

Main active ingredients: polysaccharides, ergosterol.
Effects in oncology:

Immune support: Polyporus increases the activity of immune cells, which may help fight cancer cells.
Diuretic effect: Helps remove excess fluid from the body, which may be beneficial for patients suffering from swelling due to cancer or its treatment.

Mechanisms of action

Beta-glucans: Many medicinal mushrooms contain beta-glucans, which are polysaccharides that enhance immune system function. Beta-glucans stimulate innate immunity and improve the body's ability to recognize and destroy cancer cells.
Triterpenoids, polysaccharides and other secondary metabolites: These substances, contained for example in the fungus Reishi, have the potential to reduce inflammation, prevent cancer cell proliferation and induce tumour apoptosis.

Clinical use

In countries such as Japan and China, medicinal mushrooms are often incorporated into cancer treatment protocols, primarily as immunotherapeutic agents to support the body's natural defenses. Their main roles include:

Supporting immune health during and after chemotherapy.
Improving the efficacy of conventional therapies
Direct action on tumors. The active substances in mushrooms are able to detect tumor cells and induce their apoptosis (cell suicide). In some cases, they can also induce angiogenesis, i.e. cut off the tumour's supply of oxygen and nutrients.
Reduce side effects associated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Potential improvement in survival rates and quality of life for cancer patients.

Restrictions and warnings

Mushrooms are very well tolerated and there are rare contraindications with other drugs. Practically, mushrooms cannot be overdosed.

The quality and form of mushroom processing is important. Mushrooms easily draw into themselves harmful substances such as heavy metals, pesticides, radioactivity, etc. It is therefore important that they grow in a clean environment and that the producer then tests all production for these harmful substances.

Forms of mushroom processing promote efficiency

The processing of mushrooms is important. For therapeutic purposes, mushrooms processed by extraction are used, where the bioavailability of the active substances is increased, as well as their concentration. Care must be taken to ensure that they contain sufficient quantities of the important active substances and are not 'diluted' by various additives such as maltodextrin. Most cheap mushrooms, for example, contain only 20% mushroom and the rest is just ineffective starch. The starch will not harm, but it will not help.

Modern extracts are standardized to beta 1,3(1,6 D glucans, the main active immune modulating substance.

Conclusion

Medicinal mushrooms have potential in oncology, especially due to their immunostimulatory and anticancer properties. They are often used as adjunctive therapy alongside conventional therapies, with the aim of enhancing immune function, reducing treatment side effects and improving patient outcomes.

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