Dealing with breast cancer can be an overwhelming journey, and many patients seek holistic ways to complement their treatment. Functional mushrooms, known for their immune-boosting and potential anti-cancer properties, have gained attention for supporting patients alongside conventional therapies.
Turkey Tail, Maitake, and Reishi are three of the most researched mushrooms in this area. While they are not substitutes for conventional treatment, their bioactive compounds may offer additional immune support, strengthening the efficacy of conventional treatment and aiding in recovery. Let’s explore their key benefits and active compounds in breast cancer care.
Turkey Tail
Turkey Tail is one of the most studied mushrooms for its potential in cancer care. It contains polysaccharide-K (PSK), a compound that is widely used in Japan alongside chemotherapy for its immune-stimulating effects.
Turkey Tail may help boost the body’s natural defence system, making it better equipped to fight cancer.
Key Benefits
Immune Stimulation
Turkey Tail mushrooms enhance immune function by increasing the activity of natural killer (NK) cells and other critical immune components, which are essential for helping combat cancer. By strengthening these key defences, Turkey Tail supports the body’s ability to identify and destroy cancer cells more effectively.
Enhances Conventional Treatment
Research suggests that Turkey Tail mushrooms may enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy while also helping to alleviate side effects like fatigue and nausea. By supporting the body’s resilience during treatment, Turkey Tail offers a complementary approach that may improve overall treatment outcomes and patient well-being.
Gut Health Support
Conventional breast cancer treatments can be harsh on the gut, often disrupting the delicate balance of the microbiome. Turkey Tail helps restore and promote a healthy microbiome, supporting digestive health and enhancing the immune system's strength. By aiding gut health, Turkey Tail not only alleviates the impacts of treatment but also contributes to overall immune resilience, which is vital for breast cancer patients.
Active Compounds
- Polysaccharide-K (PSK): A highly studied immune-boosting compound that is used to complement cancer therapies, especially in Japan.
- Polysaccharide-P (PSP): Similar to PSK, PSP has immune-stimulating properties that enhance the body’s ability to fight cancer.
- Beta-Glucans: These compounds activate immune cells, helping the body recognize and destroy cancer cells.
Maitake
Maitake has shown potential in cancer care, particularly for its ability to enhance immune function and complement conventional treatments.
Its D-fraction extract is noted for its anti-tumour properties, making it an important mushroom to consider in breast cancer support.
Key Benefits
Tumour Growth Inhibition
The active compounds in Maitake mushrooms have demonstrated potential in slowing tumor growth and enhancing the effectiveness of chemotherapy treatments. By working synergistically with conventional therapies, Maitake may help inhibit cancer cell progression while boosting the body's response to treatment, offering a promising complementary approach for breast cancer patients.
Enhanced Immune Response
Maitake mushrooms can stimulate immune activity by activating NK cells and T-cells, which play a crucial role in identifying and targeting cancer cells. By enhancing the body's natural defense mechanisms, Maitake supports a more robust immune response, making it an effective ally in the fight against cancer.
Supports Blood Sugar Regulation
Maitake mushrooms are known for their ability to help regulate blood glucose levels, which can be particularly beneficial for breast cancer patients managing insulin resistance or metabolic challenges during treatment. By supporting balanced blood sugar levels, Maitake can help mitigate the metabolic disruptions that often accompany conventional therapies, contributing to a more stable and resilient body throughout the treatment process.
Active Compounds
- D-Fraction: A powerful extract known for stimulating immune cells and enhancing anti-tumor responses.
- Beta-Glucans: Maitake’s beta-glucans boost immune function, helping the body’s natural defences target cancer cells.
- Ergosterol: This compound, a precursor to Vitamin D, has been shown to promote the destruction of tumour cells by triggering apoptosis (programmed cell death).
Reishi
Reishi is known for its adaptogenic and immune-enhancing properties, making it a valuable mushroom in cancer support. It contains triterpenes and polysaccharides, which have been studied for their anti-tumour effects and ability to boost overall immune function.
Key Benefits
Immune System Modulation
Reishi strengthens the immune system’s capacity to combat cancer by activating natural killer (NK) cells and promoting immune balance. This dual action not only boosts the body's natural defences against cancer cells but also helps maintain a balanced immune response, making it a supportive ally during cancer treatment.
Anti-Tumour Effects
The bioactive compounds in Reishi mushrooms have been shown to inhibit the spread of cancer cells, potentially slowing tumor growth. By targeting and disrupting cancer cell activity, Reishi offers promising support in controlling tumor progression, making it a valuable complementary option during treatment.
Improves Quality of Life
Reishi mushrooms help combat fatigue and promote better sleep quality, enhancing overall well-being during cancer treatment. By supporting restful sleep and boosting energy levels, Reishi offers vital relief from the physical and mental exhaustion often experienced during therapy, contributing to a stronger and more resilient recovery process.
Active Compounds
- Triterpenes: These compounds contain anti-tumour, anti-inflammatory, and anti-metastatic properties, helping to reduce cancer progression.
- Beta-Glucans: Reishi’s beta-glucans stimulate the immune system, enhancing the body’s defence against tumours.
- Polysaccharides: These boost immune activity by promoting cytokine production, which helps the body fight cancerous cells.
Conclusion
Turkey Tail, Maitake, and Reishi are three powerful mushrooms that offer immune-boosting, anti-tumour, and overall health benefits for breast cancer patients.
With their unique bioactive compounds like PSK, D-fraction, and beta-glucans, these mushrooms can support the body’s natural defences and potentially enhance the effectiveness of traditional treatments.
However, always consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating these mushrooms into your cancer care plan.
References
Turkey Tail
Torkelson, C.J., Sweet, E., Martzen, M.R., Sasagawa, M., Wenner, C.A., Gay, J., Putiri, A. & Standish, L.J. 2012, “Phase 1 Clinical Trial of Trametes versicolor in Women with Breast Cancer,” ISRN oncology, vol. 2012, p. 251632
Stamets P. Trametes versicolor (Turkey Tail Mushrooms) and the Treatment of Breast Cancer. Glob Adv Health Med. 2012;1(5):20. doi:10.7453/gahmj.2012.1.5.007
Torkelson CJ, Sweet E, Martzen MR, et al. Phase 1 Clinical Trial of Trametes versicolor in Women with Breast Cancer. ISRN Oncol. 2012;2012:251632. doi:10.5402/2012/251632
Immunochemotherapies versus chemotherapy as adjuvant treatment after curative resection of operable breast cancer. Iino Y, Yokoe T, Maemura M, Horiguchi J, Takei H, Ohwada S, Morishita Y. Anticancer Res. 1995;15(6B):2907–2911.
HLA antigen as predictive index for the outcome of breast cancer patients with adjuvant immunochemotherapy with PSK. Yokoe T, Iino Y, Takei H, Horiguchi J, Koibuchi Y, Maemura M, Ohwada S, Morishita Y. Anticancer Res. 1997;17(4A):2815–2818.
Maitake
Deng, G., H. Lin, A. Seidman, M. Fornier, G,.D‘ Andrea,K. Wesa, S. Yeung et al. 2009. A phase I/II trial of a polysaccharide extract from Grifola frondose (Maitake mushroom) in breast cancer patients: immunological effects. Journal of Cancer Research & Clinical Oncology 135(9):1215-1221.
Eliana Noelia Alonso, Manuela Orozco, Alvaro Eloy Nieto, and Gabriela Andrea Balogh.Genes Related to Suppression of Malignant Phenotype Induced by Maitake D-Fraction in Breast Cancer Cells. Journal of Medicinal Food.Jul 2013.602-617.
http://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2012.0222
Reishi
Chen, S.; Li, X.; Yong, T.; Wang, Z.; Su, J.; Jiao, C.; Xie, Y.; Yang, B.B. Cytotoxic lanostane-type triterpenoids from the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma lucidum and their structure–activity relationships. Oncotarget 2017, 8, 10071.
Petrova, Roumyana & Wasser, Solomon & Mahajna, Jamal & Denchev, Cvetomir & Nevo, Eviatar. (2005). Potential Role of Medicinal Mushrooms in Breast Cancer Treatment: Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms - INT J MED MUSHROOMS. 7. 141-156. 10.1615/IntJMedMushr.v7.i12.140.
Seleen, John & Chen, Alice. (2007). Potential Benefits of Ling Zhi or Reishi Mushroom Ganoderma lucidum (W. Curt.: Fr.) P. Karst. (Aphyllophoromycetideae) to Breast Cancer Patients. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms - INT J MED MUSHROOMS. 9. 29-38. 10.1615/IntJMedMushr.v9.i1.40