Introduction#
This article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. It’s essential to consult with your oncology team before using any supplements or making significant changes to your diet. The purpose of this review is to explore the current evidence on the use of medicinal mushrooms, including Turkey tail, Reishi, and Chaga, in cancer research.
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What the Research Actually Shows#
Studies have found that medicinal mushrooms may have potential benefits in cancer research, although more research is needed to fully understand their effects. A review of the health and clinical benefits of medicinal fungi found that Turkey tail (Trametes versicolor) had anti-cancer and immunomodulatory effects in several thousand people receiving cancer care (Hobbs, 2023). Another study found that Reishi mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum) had potential benefits for reducing cancer-related fatigue and improving quality of life (Leonard, 2023).
The health benefits of Chaga mushrooms have also been explored, with one study finding that ergosterol peroxide isolated from Chaga had anti-cancer activity on colon cancer cells (Fordjour et al., 2023). A review of the phytochemicals and enzymatic constituents of Turkey tail mushrooms found that they had potential therapeutic applications, including anti-cancer and immunomodulatory effects (Camilleri et al., 2024).
Mechanism of Action#
The mechanism of action of medicinal mushrooms in cancer research is not fully understood, but studies suggest that they may have immunomodulatory and anti-cancer effects. Turkey tail mushrooms, for example, contain polysaccharides that may stimulate the immune system and enhance its ability to fight cancer cells (Kasim et al., NA). Reishi mushrooms may also have potential benefits for reducing cancer-related fatigue by modulating the immune system and reducing inflammation (Leonard, 2023).
Chaga mushrooms contain a range of bioactive compounds, including ergosterol peroxide, which has been found to have anti-cancer activity on colon cancer cells (Fordjour et al., 2023). The exact mechanisms by which these compounds exert their effects are not fully understood and require further research.
What We Know vs. What We Don’t Know#
While some studies have found potential benefits of medicinal mushrooms in cancer research, more research is needed to fully understand their effects. The evidence is often preliminary or based on small-scale studies, and larger, well-designed trials are needed to confirm these findings.
There are also concerns about the safety and efficacy of using medicinal mushrooms during cancer treatment. Some studies have found that medicinal mushrooms may interact with cancer treatments or have adverse effects, such as allergic reactions or gastrointestinal problems (Kasim et al., NA). It’s essential to consult with your oncology team before using any supplements, including medicinal mushrooms.
Practical Takeaways#
Based on the current evidence, here are some practical takeaways:
- Consult with your oncology team before using any supplements, including medicinal mushrooms.
- Consider incorporating Turkey tail, Reishi, and Chaga mushrooms into your diet as part of a balanced and nutritious meal plan.
- Be aware of the potential risks and benefits of using medicinal mushrooms during cancer treatment.
- More research is needed to fully understand the effects of medicinal mushrooms in cancer research.
Conclusion#
In conclusion, while some studies have found potential benefits of medicinal mushrooms in cancer research, more research is needed to fully understand their effects. It’s essential to consult with your oncology team before using any supplements and to be aware of the potential risks and benefits of using medicinal mushrooms during cancer treatment.
This article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. It’s essential to consult with your oncology team before making any significant changes to your diet or supplement routine.
References#
Camilleri, E., Blundell, R., Baral, B., et al. (2024). A review on the health benefits, phytochemicals, and enzymatic constituents for potential therapeutic and industrial applications of Turkey tail mushrooms. Discover Applied, https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s42452-024-05936-9 | https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s42452-024-05936-9.pdf | https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-024-05936-9
Fordjour, E., Manful, C. F., & Javed, R. (2023). Chaga mushroom: a super-fungus with countless facets and untapped potential. Frontiers in Pharmacology, https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2023.1273786/full | https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2023.1273786/pdf | https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2023.1273786
Hobbs, C. (2023). The health and clinical benefits of medicinal fungi. … and biotechnology of medicinal mushrooms, https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/10_2023_230
Kasim, M. U., Kasim, R., & Şanlibaba, P. (NA). ANTI-CARCINOGENIC EFFECT OF FUNGI SPECIES AND THAT’S CONTENT OF BIOACTIVE SUBSTANCES. FULL TEXT PROCEEDINGS, https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Oezkan-Suezer/publication/337023004_AN_ANALYSIS_FOR_THE_USAGE_OF_KANLICA_MUSHROOM_ON_THE_PRACTICE_FIELD_OF/links/5dc15be5299bf1a47b162fa9/AN-ANALYSIS-FOR-THE-USAGE-OF-KANLICA-MUSHROOM-ON-THE-PRACTICE-FIELD-OF.pdf#page=155
Leonard, A. (2023). The Many Health Benefits of Mushrooms. NA, https://www.thecancerspecialist.com/2023/06/29/the-many-health-benefits-of-mushrooms/ | https://www.thecancerspecialist.com/2023/06/29/the-many-health-benefits-of-mushrooms/