Ganoderma for Cancer Treatment, Tumors and Chemotherapy

Can Ganoderma cure cancer? Researchers are beginning to examine the use of mushrooms from the Ganoderma genus as an addition to conventional cancer treatment.

A number of sources claim that Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi mushrooms) can improve cancer treatment outcomes or help to prevent this disease. While there has been some initial research suggesting benefits, these studies have not involved human populations and instead have used laboratory models or animal trials.

Research shows that Ganoderma mushrooms contain compounds that may support the immune system and help to prevent cancer cell proliferation, in vitro. This supplement was also used historically as a treatment for cancer and to suppress tumor growth.

However, more research is needed to determine the effects of Ganoderma for cancer treatment in humans.

Reishi Mushroom

Mushroom Supplement

Immune Booster

Heart Health

Longevity

How It Works:

• Traditional Chinese immune modulator
• Promotes healthy blood pressure & cholesterol
• Anti-oxidant used for anti-aging benefits

Dosage:

Between 400 - 1800 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

Top Reishi Products* ❯

View User Ratings* ❯

Ganoderma for Cancer Review

Some species of Ganoderma, particularly Ganoderma lucidum are considered medicinal mushrooms and have been used for millennia to promote wellness and treat disease.

Their use in the West has only come in the past few decades, but Ganoderma lucidum has been used for millennia in traditional medicine systems throughout Asia.

Contemporary research indicates that G. lucidum and some other species of the Ganoderma genus contain bioactive constituents, including polysaccharides like beta-glucans and tripterpenes like gandoric acids.

These constituents have been observed to act against some cancer cells, prevent tumor growth and trigger an immune response in animals.

While some of the available evidence is promising, most studies have focused on cell cultures or animal experiments. More research is needed before the effects of G. lucidum on the development and progression of human cancer can be established.

In addition, in laboratory test Ganoderma has been observed to exhibit some toxicity against white blood cells, meaning more information is needed before it can be recommended by the medical community as an adjunctive therapy.

Traditional Uses of Ganoderma Mushrooms

Medicinal mushrooms have been a staple of traditional medicine in Asia. In the case of Ganoderma lucidum, its rarity and purported benefits made it highly prized.

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) it is sometimes known as the “elixir of immortality” and thought to ward off a number of diseases and promote long life.

Within TCM, reishi is thought to promote centeredness, inner awareness, strength and balance. In other traditional medicine systems it is used to support the immune system. [1]

Ganoderma Active Constituents

Ganoderma lucidum contains a number of phytonutrients (plant nutrients), many of which have yet to be isolated, identified and tested for possible therapeutic values.

A number of the reishi mushroom’s identified constituents have exhibited anti-cancer properties. These constituents include:

• adenosine;
• polysaccharides, including beta-glucans;
• triterpenes, including ganoderic acids.

Beta-Glucans: Beta-glucans are naturally produced polysaccharides that are often contained in so-called medicinal mushrooms. These complex sugars have been observed to increase the activity of immune cells in both laboratory and animal studies.

For instance, beta-glucans have been observed to trigger the action of natural killer (NK) cells, which can target and kill developed tumor cells.

Although the exact mechanism is still under investigation, beta-glucans in Ganoderma extract may be able to stop the growth of cancer cells and prevent their spread, but this has only been observed in laboratory tests.

Ganoderic Acids: Triterpenes like ganoderic acid have been observed to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties and kill cancer cells in laboratory experiments. More research is needed to definitively establish their effect in the human body.

Preliminary Studies for Cancer Treatment

Ganoderma’s anti-cancer properties have been investigated in animal and laboratory experiments. In general, G. lucidum has been observed to prevent cancer cell proliferation and kill cancer cells in laboratory experiments. However, more research is needed to determine the effect of G. lucidum on human health.

In laboratory experiments, G. lucidum has been observed to increase the susceptibility of ovarian cancer cells to cisplatin, a chemotherapy drug. It has also been observed in animal studies to reduce cisplatin-induced nausea in rat models. [2]

Human Evidence of Anti-Cancer Effects

The majority of the research available on G. lucidu has been conducted in the laboratory or on animals. Only a small number of trials have been conducted that include human participants.

In a small study involving 34 advance-stage cancer patients, researchers observed that 1,800 mg/day of the supplement Ganopoly enhanced immune responses in participants. [4]

The Ganoderma Lucidum mushroom has also been observed to increase plasma antioxidant levels in preliminary trials. [2]

Antioxidants can help reduce oxidative damage by neutralizing free radicals. Oxidative damage and inflammation are becoming increasingly tied to the development and progression of some cancers.

Ganoderma Safety

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates G. lucidum as “Possibly Safe” when taken orally and appropriately.

However, bulk reishi mushroom powder is rated as “Possibly Unsafe” because its prolonged use has been associated with liver damage and connected with one fatality.

In laboratory studies, G. lucidum has exhibited toxicity against white blood cells. More research is needed to establish the safety of reishi mushrooms for cancer.

Always talk to your doctor before taking Ganoderma for cancer or any other purpose to make sure it is safe for you.

Rate This Article

(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5, rated)