Talk about a magic mushroom.
New research from the City of Hope cancer treatment center suggests that white button mushroom extract may slow the progression of prostate cancer by inhibiting tumor growth and supporting cancer-fighting immune cells.
But one of the study’s authors has a warning for anyone buying his mushroom extract as a cure.
“City of Hope researchers are investigating foods such as white mushroom, grape seed extract, pomegranate, blueberries and ripe purple berries called Jamun for their potential medicinal properties,” said Shiuan Chen, a professor from the Department of Cancer and Molecular Biology of the City of Hope. Bar.
“We are discovering that plant-derived substances may one day be used to support traditional cancer treatment and prevention practices,” Chen added.
The good news is that white button mushrooms – also known as agaricus bisporus – are the most consumed mushrooms in the US.
In the Phase I trial, City of Hope scientists found that about 36% of participants experienced a drop in their prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels three months after taking white button mushroom tablets.
PSA is a protein produced by prostate cells – elevated levels in the blood can indicate prostate cancer.
No major side effects from the pills were observed in this trial.
In this Phase II trial, researchers tested their hypothesis that mushroom treatment attenuates prostate cancer progression by targeting myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs).
MDSCs support tumor growth by actively suppressing the immune system.
The researchers found fewer MDSCs in the blood of eight prostate cancer patients three months after consuming the soft white mushroom extract – and increased activity of tumor-busting T cells and natural killer cells.
In mice, treatment with fungi and immunotherapy extended survival time by eight days.
The researchers noted that white mushrooms contain polysaccharides, also known as beta-glucans, which are natural compounds that have been shown to stimulate the immune system in various ways.
The findings were published last month in the journal Clinical and Translational Medicine.
The results come as prostate cancer continues to be one of the most common — and deadliest — cancers in American men. Treatment options include surgery to remove the prostate gland, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.
As City of Hope continues to explore the potential anticancer effects of white button mushrooms, researchers caution against filling your online cart with mushroom extract.
“Some people are buying mushroom products or extracts online, but these are not FDA approved,” advised Dr. Xiaoqiang Wang, City of Hope staff scientist and first author of the study. “While our research has promising early results, the study is ongoing. That being said, it couldn’t hurt if people wanted to add more fresh white mushrooms to their daily diet.”
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