Reishi Mushroom for Cancer Treatment – Research Review

Reishi mushrooms are being investigated as an adjunct therapy in the treatment of some cancers.

The reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) is sometimes used as an immune stimulant by patients with cancer and other diseases.

Although it has recently attracted clinical attention, the mushroom has a long history in traditional medicine practices throughout Asia.

However, more research is required before using Reishi Mushroom for cancer treatment is adopted by Western medical doctors. It has not yet been approved by the FDA for the treatment or prevention of cancers.

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

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What is Reishi Extract?

Reishi is also known by its Chinese name, lingzhi, and is sometimes also referred to as the “mushroom of immortality.” It has been used as a medicinal elixir in Korea, Vietnam, China and Japan since approximately 300 BCE.

Reishi mushrooms are bracket fungi that are morphologically classified as polypores, meaning they have pores to release spores and contain no gills on their undersides.

They commonly grow on tree stumps or on decaying wood. They are considered saprotrophs because they usually extract necessary nutrients from decaying organic matter.

Their long history of use suggests they are generally well tolerated by humans, but research is still needed to understand their safety. In traditional medical practice the mushroom was often used as a support of good, balanced health.

Lingzhi is believed to positively affect the organs and glands of the body, bringing on improved vitality, combating fatigue and decreasing the risk of preventable diseases. Contemporary investigation has largely focused on the use of reishi mushrooms as an immune stimulant and an adjunct therapy in some cancer treatments.

Reishi Mushroom for Cancer

Certain phytonutrient (plant nutrient) constituents of reishi mushrooms may support a number of health effects useful in the treatment of cancer.

In particular, reishi mushrooms contain beta-glucan polysaccharides and ganoderic acid triterpenoids.

These compounds have been observed to induce vasodilation (blood vessel expansion) and exhibit immunomodulatory, antiinflammatory, antiviral, renoprotective and hepatoprotective properties.

Further, lingzhi mushrooms have been observed to exhibit anti-tumor properties, both on benign and malignant tumor cells. In mouse studies, between 95 percent and 98 percent of induced sarcomas were inhibited with Ganoderma lucidum injections.

Also, reishi extracts have been observed to exhibit chemopreventive properties, which may help reduce the probability of developing new cancers. Other observed effects include:

• Treating nausea associated with chemotherapy;
• Improving the efficacy of certain radiation therapies;
• Elevating cisplatin (a chemotherapy drug) sensitivity in ovarian cancer cells;
• Lowering incidences of nephrotoxicity caused by cisplatin;
• Improving immunological responses in cancer patients;
• Inhibiting the progression of colorectal adenomas;
• Inducing remission of hepatocellular carcinomas

Additional Research Findings

While preliminary studies are promising, there is not enough evidence to support Ganoderma lucidum use as a generally safe primary or adjunct cancer treatment. Further research is required and is currently underway. In experiments, reishi extract have been observed to exhibit the following effects:

• Ganoderic acid triterpenoids in reishi mushrooms have been observed to reduce the expression of metalloproteinase and thereby act to inhibit tumor development.
• Observed to inhibit endothelial attachment of tumor cells.
• Activates NKG2D and NCR cytotoxic receptors, and stimulates MAPK (mitogen activated protein kinase) signaling pathways.
• Stimulates granulysin and perforin exocytosis.
• Limits proliferation of ovarian cancer cells in humans via natural suppression of VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) expression.
• Elevate the antioxidants in plasma.
• May boost immune system performance.

Phytonutrient Constituents of Reishi

Reishi mushrooms contain a number of phytonutrient (plant nutrient) constituents, several of which have been observed to act against various forms of cancer. These phytonutrients often exhibit low toxicity, which makes them an attractive option for cancer treatment.

Specifically, reishi mushrooms contain beta-glucan polysaccharides, triterpenoid ganoderic acids, lectins, peptidoglycans, adenosine and other substances that are believed widely to induce anticancer effects and to trigger numerous other positive effects.

Researchers note that the anti-cancer effects of reishi mushrooms are likely due to a number of different mechanisms. The phytonutrients in reishi may help support the immune system, induce antioxidant activity and support tumor cell death (apoptosis). Researchers continue to look at and isolate which chemicals found in reishi mushrooms can fight cancerous cells.

Are there Reishi Side Effects?

Reishi mushrooms are generally well tolerated by humans. It has a long history of use with few reported severe side effects. However, recent cases have correlated reishi powder use with toxicity. Some researchers recommend supplementation is closely monitored. [1]

Mild side effects may include dry mouth, dry throat, bloody noses, skin rashes, dizziness, nausea and headaches. When these side effects occur, they are often temporary and mild.

Reishi has been observed to affect the use of blood glucose; It is not recommended for anyone receiving treatment for diabetes mellitus type II. Reishi mushrooms may also decrease blood pressure and are not recommended for anyone taking medications for hypertension.

Individuals taking anticoagulant, antiplatelet and/or antihypertensive medications should not use reishi mushrooms. Also, pregnant women, nursing mothers, individuals suffering from liver or kidney disease and those scheduled for upcoming surgical procedures (within two weeks) should not supplement with this product.

Discuss supplementation with your doctor or oncologist before using reishi mushrooms as a cancer treatment.

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