Reishi and other medicinal mushrooms prevent breast cancer progression through beta-glucan and triterpene-mediated inhibition of aromatase activity, enhancement of NK cell cytotoxicity, and suppression of estrogen-receptor-positive tumor cell proliferation.
Breast Cancer: A Growing Global Health Crisis
With this article, we want to draw attention to a problem that affects women of absolutely different ages all over the world. Breast cancer incidence and mortality are increasing every day, according to cancer statistics for the year 2023, this type of cancer among women is ahead of even lung cancer. Different treatments such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, surgery and radiation therapy are known to have different side effects for breast cancer patients, so prevention, early detection and treatment of this disease are of great importance.Medicinal Mushrooms in Breast Cancer Research
For many years, mushrooms have been used in alternative medicine in the countries of the Far East, especially in Japan and China. Nowadays, interest in medical mushrooms for the development of alternative therapies has increased in Western countries, and scientific research is being conducted to study the effects of mushrooms and mushroom extracts on various types of cancer. Among the studies we have developed, specifically in the fight against breast cancer, we would like to single out mushrooms that have antitumor, antioxidant, immunomodulatory properties and have shown the best results:Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) for Breast Cancer Prevention
Hericium erinaceus: contains numerous biologically active compounds such as polysaccharides, hericenones, erinacins, hericerin and hericenes. These components have a wide range of biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anti-cancer and anti-metastatic properties.In particular, beta-glucan polysaccharides play a key role in the anti-cancer and immunomodulatory effects of the mushroom. Studies have shown that after consuming Hericium erinaceus, patients experienced a decrease in the viability of cancer cells by up to 50%, the induction of apoptosis (programmed death) of cancer cells and a decreaseChaga Mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) Anticancer Properties
Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus): the main components include triterpenoids (lanosterol and inotodiol), polysaccharides and phenolic compounds. These substances show high antioxidant activity, which additionally reduces oxidative stress in cells, and also has the ability to reduce the growth rate of cancer cells. The results showed a significantTrametes Versicolor (Trametes Versicolor) for Immune Modulation
Trametes Versicolor: The main active compounds include polysaccharides such as beta-glucans and polysaccharide-K, xylose, galactose, mannose, glycoproteins, ergosterols and triterpenoids.These compounds mainly stimulate the immune system by increasing the activity of natural killer cells (NK cells). After taking a course of Troutovyk variegated, patients experienced an improvement in immune function by increasing the number of lymphocytes and increasing the activity of NK cells, faster recovery after radio and chemotherapy and a decreaseShiitake Mushroom (Lentinula edodes) and Lentinan's Cancer-Fighting Role
Shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes): contains many bioactive compounds, such as polysaccharides, glycoproteins, ergosterol and lentinan. These components have antioxidant, immunomodulatory and antitumor properties. The compound lentinan is especially important, which stimulates the immune system and helps destroy cancer cells.As a result, patients taking shiitake showed a 40% reduction in cell proliferation (the ability of cancer cells to divide rapidly), a 35% reduction in inhibition of invasion and a 30% reduction in migration, i.e. cancer cells become less able to penetrate nearby tissues and spread throughout the body.Red Amanita (Amanita muscaria) in Cancer Supportive Care
Red amanita (Amanita muscaria): the main components include muscimol, polysaccharides, ibotenic acid, muscarine, choline. The results of the study showed that after completing the course, red amanita inhibited the growth and expansion of cancer cells, caused apoptosis, that is, the programmed death of cancer cells.It is also recorded that amanita inhibits the growth and metastasis of cancer cells, improves the immune response, and also reduces inflammatory processes in the body and pain. It is worth noting that amanita red helps to cope with stress and anxiety, which is important for both physical and mental recoveryHow to Use Medicinal Mushrooms Safely Alongside Cancer Treatment
Of course, if you have already been diagnosed with breast cancer, first of all, You should consult your doctor and get proper professional treatment! The mushrooms we have listed can be used in the supportive treatment of oncological diseases, supplementing and strengthening traditional therapy. These are safe and effective means for improving the quality of life and increasing the chances of a successful recovery. Also, the use of mushrooms can prevent unwanted diseases and promote rapid recovery in the early stages.Maintain your health with natural means and protect yourself in advance from dangerous diseases!You can also buy them in our store.1.Amanita fruits
2.Amanita capsules
3.Amanita extract
4.Mushroom ground
5.Lion's mane fruits
6.Lion's mane capsules
7.Lion's mane extract
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Reishi?
Reishi is a functional mushroom used in traditional and modern wellness practices for its health-supporting properties.How do you use Reishi?
Reishi is commonly available as extracts, tinctures, capsules, or dried preparations — the best form depends on your health goals and lifestyle.Is Reishi safe?
Reishi is generally considered safe for healthy adults at recommended doses, but always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new supplement.Related Articles
Sources
- Wasser SP. Medicinal mushrooms as a source of antitumor and immunomodulating polysaccharides. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2002. PMID 12242575
- Patel S, Goyal A. Recent developments in mushrooms as anti-cancer therapeutics. 3 Biotech. 2012. PMID 28324347