Mushrooms effective against tumors
At the crossroads of oncology and mycology, the discovery of the anti-cancer powers of these mushrooms from the Far East could lead to the next generation of low toxicity anti-cancer drugs, specifically targeted on different types of tumours. Promising data, presented in the journal Oncotarget, on "new" antitumor and highly specific natural chemical compounds, new, although already well known in traditional Asian and Far Eastern medicine.
Researchers from the Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU - Russia) reveal with this work that certain local fungi, such as Inonotus obliquus (see visual) contain natural chemical compounds, which are extremely promising for the design of new drugs with highly specific and antitumor activity. low toxicity. These compounds open up new options in oncology, as an alternative to chemotherapy or in combination with existing therapies, but also in chemoprevention.
The team examines 4 species of fungi with strong anti-cancer potential and the list of specific tumors against which the compounds extracted from these fungi could be effective. Among the "target" tumors, sarcoma, leukemia, rectal and colon cancer, stomach cancer, liver cancer, colon carcinoma and other tumors.
4 species:
the scientists chose to study mushrooms widely used in traditional Asian and Far Eastern medicine: Fomitopsis pinicola, Hericium erinaceus, Inonotus obliquus and Trametes versicolor. They show with their in vitro work that these species of fungi selectively target certain malignant tumors. Scientists point out that the medicinal properties of these 4 species of mushrooms are relatively well described. Some of them are already actively used for the manufacture of anti-cancer drugs in some countries. Undoubtedly, there are many other species of fungi containing such anti-cancer chemical compounds.
Well-known bioactive compounds:
at the base of this anti-cancer capacity, various bioactive compounds contained in mushrooms: polyphenols, polysaccharides, glucans, terpenoids, steroids, cerebrosides and proteins. These substances are not only able to reach different critical targets at the level of cancer cells, but also to synergistically stimulate chemotherapy.
Contemporary fungotherapy (or mycotherapy) represents a promising field
for scientific research, while curiously in ancient China, these mushrooms were already considered the most effective treatment for different types of tumors. “They represent a wealth of natural chemical compounds with anti-cancer potential that has not yet been fully investigated,” says lead author Professor Vladimir Katanaev, head of the Pharmacology Laboratory at the School of Biomedicine, FEFU. Interest in the study of fungi has grown exponentially over the past 60 years, but approximately 90% of fungal species have yet to be analyzed for their antibiotic and antitumor activities. In particular, it will also be a question of being able to select selective compounds, targeted on cancerous cells.
Because the first generation of natural medical compounds from mushroom extracts was not specific and was applied to the therapy of all types of cancer without taking into account the specific properties of each type of tumor. Such therapy also damages healthy cells in the body… Modern approaches to cancer treatment are based on the principle of targeted treatment, with minimal or no consequences for healthy cells and tissues. The mode of action of these new compounds must therefore be clarified on the different tumours.
Scientists hope that the high anti-cancer potential of these mushrooms will encourage further research at the intersection of oncology and mycology, with a new generation of highly targeted, low toxicity drugs soon to come.
What mushrooms are best for fighting cancer?
The mushrooms credited with success against cancer belong to the genus Phellinus, Pleurotus, Agaricus, Ganoderma, Clitocybe, Antrodia, Trametes, Cordyceps, Xerocomus, Calvatia, Schizophyllum, Flammulina, Suillus, Inonotus, Inocybe, Funlia, Lactarius, Albatrellus, Russula, and Fomes.
How does mushroom help cancer?
Some studies show mushrooms boost parts of the immune system that are linked to cancer. “Certain mushrooms stimulate the compounds that are responsible for tumors suppression,” says Narayanan. “And there are also mushrooms that decrease inflammatory compounds, which is helpful for cancer patients.”
Do mushrooms protect you from cancer?
Beta-glucans, a soluble fiber found in mushrooms, can boost the immune system and may help the body fight cancer, infection or other diseases. Per the research, higher mushroom consumption was associated with a lower risk of total cancer1, especially breast cancer.
How can I reduce the size of a tumor naturally?
8 Cancer-Fighting Foods to Include In Your Diet
- Turmeric. This orange-colored spice is a staple in Indian curries and contains a component called curcumin that can possibly help in inducing tumor cell death and reducing cancer risk. ...
- Green Tea. ...
- Cruciferous vegetables. ...
- Walnuts. ...
- Berries. ...
- Tomatoes. ...
- Fatty fish. ...
- Folate-rich food.
What medicine shrinks tumors?
Drugs Approved to Treat Solid Tumors Anywhere in the Body
- Dabrafenib Mesylate.
- Dostarlimab-gxly.
- Entrectinib.
- Jemperli (Dostarlimab-gxly)
- Keytruda (Pembrolizumab)
- Larotrectinib Sulfate.
- Mekinist (Trametinib Dimethyl Sulfoxide)
- Pembrolizumab.
What treatment shrinks tumors?
Radiation therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.
What foods stop the spread of cancer?
"Cancer-fighting foods"
Phytochemicals are compounds found in plants that can help prevent chronic diseases like cancer. The list is usually topped with berries, broccoli, tomatoes, walnuts, grapes and other vegetables, fruits and nuts.
What should a cancer avoid?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a 30-40% cancer burden can be attributed to lifestyle risk factors such as tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, a diet low in fruit and vegetables, overweight and obesity, and physical inactivity.
Do shiitake mushrooms prevent cancer?
Some of the medicinal properties of shiitake mushroom are attributed to a sugar molecule named lentinan, on which extensive research has been done. In laboratory tests, lentinan does not kill cancer cells directly, but enhances a number of aspects of the immune system, which may aid in the slowing of tumor growth.
What stops the growth of cancer?
Cancer growth blockers are also called cancer growth inhibitors. They are a type of targeted cancer drug. Our body makes chemicals called growth factors that control cell growth. Cancer growth blockers work by blocking the growth factors that trigger cancer cells to divide and grow.
What helps cancer to grow?
Like healthy cells, cancer cells can't live without oxygen and nutrients. So they send out signals called angiogenic factors. These encourage new blood vessels to grow into the tumour. This is called angiogenesis.
What nutrients help cancer?
Protective elements in a cancer prevention diet include selenium, folic acid, vitamin B-12, vitamin D, chlorophyll, and antioxidants such as the carotenoids (α-carotene, β-carotene, lycopene, lutein, cryptoxanthin). Ascorbic acid has limited benefits orally, but could be very beneficial intravenously.
Can turkey tail mushrooms treat cancer?
In Japan, turkey tail has been used to strengthen the immune system when given with standard cancer treatment. What is PSK? Polysaccharide K (PSK) is the best known active compound in turkey tail mushrooms. In Japan, PSK is an approved mushroom product used to treat cancer.
Is cancer like a fungus?
Cancer isn't a fungus. This myth has been widely debunked. But while this is the case, some people who are undergoing cancer treatments may be at increased risk for fungal infections. Doctors are also researching whether there's a connection between fungal infections and cancer.
