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Extracts of the fungus Phellinus linteus that in the wild grows on mulberry trees and that is widely used in Japan, Korea and China for medicinal purposes may help fight cancer by slowing the growth of tumors and starving them of blood.
Extracts of this fungus have been used for centuries in Eastern Ancient medicine where it’s thought to have the power to rejuvenate and extend life.
Recent studies have indicated that the mushroom has the ability of holding back the growth of skin, lung and prostate cancer cells. Researchers also believe that this mushroom increases the amount of prostate cancer cells killed by the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin.
Scientists working with breast cancer at Indianapolis’ Methodist Research Institute found evidence that this mushroom blocks the activity of an enzyme called AKT which control signals that lead to cancer cells growth and the development of new blood vessels around them; blood vessels that are vital for the cancer cell survival.
Dr. Daniel Silva, lead researcher of the study published on the 15 April of 2008 issue of the British Journal of Cancer said: “The anti-cancer properties of this type of mushroom have been recently investigated by scientists using various types of cancer cells.
“We saw a number of positive results from our investigation on aggressive human breast cancer cells, including a lower rate of uncontrolled growth of new cancer cells, suppression of their aggressive behaviour and the formation of fewer blood vessels that feed cancer cells essential nutrients.”
“We’re not yet able to apply this knowledge to modern medicine, but we’re excited that we can begin to explain how this ancient medicine works by acting on specific molecules.
“We hope our study will encourage more researchers to explore the use of medicinal mushrooms for the treatment of cancer.”
However, Dr Lesley Walker, director of cancer information at Cancer Research UK which owns the British Journal of Cancer gave a note of caution saying: “Although natural products have been used to develop many important drugs, there is no guarantee that they are all safe or will be effective in the clinic,” she said.
“The results from this study are interesting, but it’s certainly too early to advise people to stock up on mushrooms. Further research will be needed before we will know if mushroom extracts can be used to treat cancer patients.”
