This scientific study on medicinal mushrooms discusses the abundance of evidence that exists explaining their anticancer and immunological mechanisms. Just one more reason you may want to include medicinal mushroom supplements in your daily routine!
Abstract
This review discusses the immunological roles of 5 major mushrooms in oncology: Agaricus blazei, Cordyceps sinensis, Grifola frondosa, Ganoderma lucidum, and Trametes versicolor. These mushrooms were selected based on the body of research performed on mushroom immunology in an oncology model. First, this article focuses on how mushrooms modify cytokines within specific cancer models and on how those cytokines affect the disease process. Second, this article examines the direct effect of mushrooms on cancer. Finally, this article presents an analysis of how mushrooms interact with chemotherapeutic agents, including their effects on its efficacy and on the myelosuppression that results from it. For these 5 mushrooms, an abundance of in vitro evidence exists that elucidates the anticancer immunological mechanisms. Preliminary research in humans is also available and is promising for treatment.
Thank you Alena G. Guggenheim, ND, Kirsten M. Wright, BS, and Heather L. Zwickey, PhD
Alena G. Guggenheim, nd, is an assistant professor; Kirsten M. Wright, bs, is a medical student; and Heather L. Zwickey, phd, is the dean of research and graduate studies, the director of Helfgott Research Institute, and a professor. All are located at Helfgott Research Institute at the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon.
Read the entire study at ncbi.nlm.nih.gov here.