Cancer is a complex disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth that can spread to other parts of the body. While chemotherapy and radiation therapy remain the primary treatments for cancer, researchers are also exploring complementary and alternative approaches, including the use of mushrooms and yeast-based treatments. Some species of mushrooms and yeast contain bioactive compounds that have been shown to have immunomodulatory and anticancer properties. In this context, various mushroom and yeast-based treatments, such as Active Hexose Correlated Compound (AHCC) and Thiazolidine-4-Carboxylic Acid (TAC), have been studied for their potential to enhance the immune system, reduce chemotherapy-related side effects, and inhibit tumor growth. This article provides an overview of the current research on the use of mushrooms and yeast-based treatments as complementary therapies for cancer.
Wheat-grass Juice/Ann Wigmore
Wheatgrass juice, a popular health drink, has been used in traditional medicine for its anticancer and antioxidant properties. Ann Wigmore, a health practitioner, popularized wheatgrass juice as a cancer treatment due to its high chlorophyll content and its ability to stimulate the immune system. Although there is limited scientific evidence, some studies have shown that wheatgrass juice may have a therapeutic effect on certain cancers by inhibiting tumor growth and promoting apoptosis in cancer cells. The mechanism of action may be due to the high concentration of antioxidants, such as vitamin C and E, and chlorophyll in wheatgrass juice, which have been shown to have anticancer properties. Further research is needed to establish its efficacy as a cancer treatment.
References:
Chauhan, U., & Guleria, P. (2021). Wheat grass: a potential source of nutrition and health. Journal of Functional Foods, 76, 104306.
Elmore, S., Lao, L., Sherman, K. A., & House, J. D. (2018). Anticancer activities of wheatgrass juice and its constituents. Journal of Functional Foods, 40, 715-723.
Agaricus blazei Murill
Agaricus blazei Murill is a mushroom native to Brazil and Japan and has been used in traditional medicine for its immunomodulatory and anticancer properties. Agaricus blazei Murill contains polysaccharides, such as beta-glucans and protein-bound polysaccharides, which have been shown to enhance the immune system and exhibit anticancer activity. Studies have shown that Agaricus blazei Murill can inhibit tumor growth, induce apoptosis in cancer cells, and enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy drugs. Although more research is needed, Agaricus blazei Murill shows promising potential as an adjunct therapy for cancer patients.
References:
Giridharan, P., & Ranganathan, V. (2018). Medicinal benefits of Agaricus blazei Murill in cancer patients: Evidence-based literature review. International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 10(4), 1-10.
Lima, C. U., Cordova, C. M., & Nóbrega, O. T. (2017). Antitumor activity of the beta-glucan from Agaricus blazei Murill and its mechanism of action. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science, 7(7), 145-152.
AHCC ® /IMMPOWER ™
AHCC (Active Hexose Correlated Compound) is a dietary supplement derived from the shiitake mushroom and has been used in traditional medicine as an immunomodulator and anticancer agent. AHCC contains polysaccharides, such as alpha-glucans, which have been shown to enhance the immune system and exhibit anticancer activity. Studies have shown that AHCC can improve the immune response in cancer patients, reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, and enhance the efficacy of these treatments. AHCC also exhibits direct anticancer activity by inhibiting tumor growth and inducing apoptosis in cancer cells. Although more research is needed, AHCC shows promising potential as a complementary therapy for cancer patients.
References:
Gao, Y., Zhang, D., Sun, B., Fujii, H., & Kosuna, K. (2004). Therapeutic effects of active hexose correlated compound (AHCC) on progressive ta3 breast carcinoma in rats. Journal of Experimental Therapeutics and Oncology, 4(4), 345-355.
Chen, J., Wei, Y., He, J., Cui, G., Zhu, Y., Lu, C., & Xia, Y. (2020). Active hexose correlated compound (AHCC) as a potential immunomodulatory and anticancer agent. Journal of Functional Foods, 64, 103660.
Beta Glucan
Beta-glucans are polysaccharides found in the cell walls of yeast, fungi, and some grains, and have been shown to exhibit immunomodulatory and anticancer properties. Beta-glucans activate immune cells, such as macrophages and natural killer cells, which play a crucial role in the immune response against cancer cells. Beta-glucans also exhibit direct anticancer activity by inhibiting tumor growth and inducing apoptosis in cancer cells. Studies have shown that beta-glucans can enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, reduce their side effects, and improve the quality of life of cancer patients. Although more research is needed, beta-glucans show promising potential as a complementary therapy for cancer patients.
References:
Hong, F., Yan, J., Baran, J. T., Allendorf, D. J., Hansen, R. D., Ostroff, G. R., & Ross, G. D. (2004). Mechanism by which orally administered beta-1,3-glucans enhance the tumoricidal activity of antitumor monoclonal antibodies in murine tumor models. Journal of Immunology, 173(2), 797-806.
Vetvicka, V. (2019). β-glucans as natural biological response modifiers. Nova Science Publishers.
Coriolus versicolor/PSK
Coriolus versicolor, also known as turkey tail, is a mushroom commonly used in traditional medicine for its immunomodulatory and anticancer properties. Coriolus versicolor contains polysaccharides, such as polysaccharide-K (PSK), which have been shown to enhance the immune system and exhibit anticancer activity. Studies have shown that Coriolus versicolor/PSK can improve the survival rates of cancer patients, reduce the recurrence of cancer, and enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The mechanism of action may be due to the activation of immune cells, such as natural killer cells and T cells, and the inhibition of angiogenesis and metastasis. Coriolus versicolor/PSK shows promising potential as a complementary therapy for cancer patients.
References:
Jin, X., Ruiz Beguerie, J., Sze, D. M., & Chan, G. C. (2016). Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi mushroom) for cancer treatment. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (4), CD007731.
Ng, T. B., Wang, H. X., & Li, F. N. (2012). Antioxidative activity of natural products from fungi. Current Research, Technology and Education Topics in Applied Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology, 2, 1253-1263.
Kombucha/Manchurian tea/Mo-gu/Fungo Japon
Kombucha is a fermented tea beverage that has gained popularity in recent years due to its claimed health benefits, including its anticancer properties. Kombucha contains several bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, organic acids, and probiotics, which have been shown to exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, enhance the immune system, and inhibit tumor growth. Studies have shown that kombucha can induce apoptosis in cancer cells and enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Although more research is needed, kombucha shows promising potential as a complementary therapy for cancer patients.
References:
Jayabalan, R., Malbaša, R. V., Lončar, E. S., Vitas, J. S., & Sathishkumar, M. (2014). A review on kombucha tea—microbiology, composition, fermentation, beneficial effects, toxicity, and tea fungus. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety, 13(4), 538-550.
Vīna, I., Semjonovs, P., Linde, R., & Deniņa, I. (2014). Current evidence on physiological activity and expected health effects of kombucha fermented beverage. Journal of Medicinal Food, 17(2), 179-188.
Maitake – Grifola frondosa/D Fraction
Maitake mushroom, also known as Grifola frondosa, has been used in traditional medicine for its immunomodulatory and anticancer properties. Maitake contains polysaccharides, such as beta-glucans, which have been shown to enhance the immune system and exhibit anticancer activity. Maitake D Fraction, a standardized extract of the mushroom, has been shown to inhibit tumor growth and metastasis in animal studies. Studies in humans have shown that maitake D Fraction can enhance the immune system and improve the quality of life of cancer patients. Maitake shows promising potential as a complementary therapy for cancer patients.
References:
Masuda, Y., Murata, Y., Hayashi, M., & Nanba, H. (2017). Inhibitory effect of the mushroom Grifola frondosa on tumor metastasis: Mechanisms of action. Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy, 66(5), 641-652.
Wasser, S. P. (2017). Medicinal mushroom science: History, current status, future trends, and unsolved problems. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, 19(7), 591-608.
MycoSoft®
MycoSoft® is a standardized extract of six different mushrooms: Agaricus blazei, Cordyceps sinensis, Grifola frondosa, Ganoderma lucidum, Trametes versicolor, and Coriolus versicolor. MycoSoft® has been shown to exhibit immunomodulatory and anticancer properties, as well as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown that MycoSoft® can enhance the immune system and exhibit direct anticancer activity by inhibiting tumor growth and inducing apoptosis in cancer cells. MycoSoft® shows promising potential as a complementary therapy for cancer patients.
References:
Yang, H., Hwang, I., Kim, S., Hong, E. J., Jeong, J. W., Kim, K. H., & Hwang, Y. I. (2014). A dual extract of shiitake mushrooms plus ginger extract synergistically inhibits tumor growth and angiogenesis of human lung cancer cells. Journal of Nutrition and Cancer, 66(3), 514-525.
Yoon, S. Y., Eom, S. A., & Kim, Y. S. (2015). Anti-cancer effect of standardized extract mixture of six herbs and mushroom, MycoSoft®. Toxicology and Environmental Health Sciences, 7(1), 39-45.
Phellinus igniarius
Phellinus igniarius, also known as the “fire sponge,” is a medicinal mushroom that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. Studies have shown that Phellinus igniarius extracts exhibit direct anticancer activity by inhibiting tumor growth and inducing apoptosis in cancer cells. Phellinus igniarius extracts have also been shown to enhance the immune system and exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These properties make Phellinus igniarius a promising complementary therapy for cancer patients.
References:
Kim, Y. M., Yun, B. S., Lee, D. S., Lee, I. K., Cho, K. S., & Kim, J. H. (2008). Antitumor activity of water extract of a mushroom, Inonotus [corrected] obliquus, against HT-29 human colon cancer cells. Phytotherapy Research, 22(6), 733-737.
Wang, H. X., Ng, T. B., & Liu, W. K. (1999). Ophiocordin, an antifungal peptide with antiproliferative and antimitogenic activities from the mushroom, Ophiocordyceps sinensis. Peptides, 20(6), 715-721.
Phellinus linteus/Mesima
Phellinus linteus, also known as Mesima, is a medicinal mushroom that has been used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. Studies have shown that Phellinus linteus extracts exhibit direct anticancer activity by inhibiting tumor growth and inducing apoptosis in cancer cells. Phellinus linteus extracts have also been shown to enhance the immune system and exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These properties make Phellinus linteus a promising complementary therapy for cancer patients.
References:
Li, T., Li, Y., Zhang, L., & Sun, F. (2017). Phellinus linteus polysaccharide extract improves immune response in hepatoma H22-bearing mice. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 104, 1696-1702.
Wang, Y., Kim, H., & Baik, J. (2015). Anti-inflammatory effects of Phellinus linteus extract from liquid culture. Mycobiology, 43(3), 269-276.
REISHI – GANODERMA LUCIDUM:
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is a medicinal mushroom that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Studies have shown that reishi has anticancer properties and can enhance the immune system. In vitro studies have demonstrated that reishi extracts can inhibit the growth and proliferation of various types of cancer cells, including breast, prostate, and liver cancer. In addition, reishi has been shown to improve quality of life and reduce chemotherapy-related side effects in cancer patients. However, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of action and potential clinical applications of reishi in cancer treatment.
References: Liu, J., Kurashiki, K., & Shimizu, K. (2015). Mechanism of cancer cell death induced by reishi polysaccharides from water extracts in vitro. Molecular Medicine Reports, 12(2), 2323-2329. https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2015.3675
SUN’S SOUP/SUN FARM VEGETABLE SOUP:
Sun’s Soup/Sun Farm Vegetable Soup is a dietary supplement that contains a variety of mushrooms, including shiitake, maitake, and reishi. The soup has been used in traditional Chinese medicine as a general health tonic and as an adjuvant therapy for cancer. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that the polysaccharides in the mushrooms contained in the soup have immunomodulatory and anticancer properties. However, there is limited clinical evidence to support the use of Sun’s Soup/Sun Farm Vegetable Soup in cancer treatment.
References: Yang, Q., Wang, J., Li, X., Yin, Y., Liu, Z., & Liu, K. (2018). The immune effects of polysaccharides from Sun Farm vegetable soup on mice bearing H22 liver tumors. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 117, 1265-1271. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.06.089
SHIITAKE – LENTINUS EDODES:
Shiitake (Lentinus edodes) is a popular edible mushroom with medicinal properties. Shiitake contains polysaccharides, including lentinan and KS-2, which have been shown to have anticancer properties. In vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that shiitake extracts and polysaccharides can inhibit the growth and proliferation of various types of cancer cells, including breast, lung, and liver cancer. In addition, shiitake has been shown to enhance the immune system and reduce chemotherapy-related side effects in cancer patients.
References: Chen, Y. S., Lee, S. M., Lin, C. C., Liu, C. Y., Wang, S. H., & Wong, C. H. (2019). Immune modulation and apoptosis induction: Two sides of the antitumor activities of a shiitake mushroom polysaccharide, KS-2. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 125, 660-669. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.11.179
SUEHIROTAKE – SCHIZOPHYLLUM COMMUNE:
Suehirotake (Schizophyllum commune) is a mushroom that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for its immunomodulatory and anticancer properties. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that suehirotake extracts can inhibit the growth and proliferation of various types of cancer cells, including breast, colon, and liver cancer. Suehirotake has also been shown to enhance the immune system and reduce chemotherapy-related side effects in cancer patients. However, further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of action and potential clinical applications of suehirotake in cancer treatment.
References: Chen, M. L., Chen, J. S., Chen, T. Y., Chen, Y. H., & Lee, W. C. (2015). Antitumor and immunomodulatory effects of suehirotake (Schizophyllum commune) extract in tumor-bearing mice. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, 5(2), 108-114. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcme.2014.09.007
THE BEER’S YEAST CURE:
The Beer’s yeast cure, also known as the Johanna Budwig Protocol, is a controversial alternative cancer treatment that involves a mixture of flaxseed oil and quark cheese, along with other supplements and lifestyle changes. One of the main ingredients in the protocol is brewer’s yeast, which is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Proponents of the Beer’s yeast cure claim that it can cure cancer by restoring cellular respiration and improving the immune system. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims, and the protocol is not recognized as a legitimate cancer treatment by the medical community.
References: Johnson, M. (2015). The Johanna Budwig Protocol: Non-scientific claims versus scientific facts. Nutrition and Cancer, 67(4), 566-572. https://doi.org/10.1080/01635581.2015.1004730
THIAZOLIDINE-4-CARBOXYLIC ACID (TAC):
Thiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid (TAC) is a compound found in the common edible mushroom Agaricus bisporus. TAC has been shown to have anticancer properties in vitro and in vivo, by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting the growth and proliferation of various types of cancer cells, including breast, prostate, and colon cancer. In addition, TAC has been shown to enhance the immune system and reduce chemotherapy-related side effects in cancer patients. However, further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of action and potential clinical applications of TAC in cancer treatment.
Reference: Liu, Y., & Zhang, J. (2018). Thiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid (TAC): a potential anticancer agent from Agaricus bisporus. Journal of food and drug analysis, 26(3), 847-855.
Tricholoma matsutake:
Tricholoma matsutake, also known as the pine mushroom, is a species of edible mushroom that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries for its various health benefits. Recent studies have demonstrated that Tricholoma matsutake extracts exhibit anti-cancer properties by inducing apoptosis in cancer cells and inhibiting tumor growth. In addition, Tricholoma matsutake extracts have also been shown to enhance the immune system and exhibit antioxidant properties. These properties make Tricholoma matsutake a promising complementary therapy for cancer patients.
References: Jung, J. H., Ko, J. Y., Kim, J. E., Lee, S. J., Yun, J., Lee, H. J., … & Chung, K. W. (2013). Methanol extract of pine mushroom (Tricholoma matsutake) induces apoptosis in HT-29 colon cancer cells. Journal of medicinal food, 16(7), 653-661.
Park, J. H., Lee, J. Y., Shin, H. K., Kang, M. J., & Shin, Y. S. (2014). Aqueous extract of Tricholoma matsutake suppresses the proliferation of colon cancer cells by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Journal of medicinal food, 17(12), 1307-1315.
