Talk about a magic mushroom.
New research from the cancer treatment center City of Hope suggests that white button mushroom extract may slow prostate cancer progression by hindering tumor growth and supporting cancer-fighting immune cells.
But one of the study’s authors has a warning for anyone buying their own mushroom extract as a cure-all.
“City of Hope researchers are investigating foods like white button mushroom, grape seed extract, pomegranate, blueberries and ripe purple berries called Jamun for their potential medicine properties,” said Shiuan Chen, a professor from the City of Hope’s Department of Cancer Biology and Molecular Medicine.
“We’re finding 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 commonly consumed mushroom in the US.
In its Phase I trial, City of Hope scientists found that about 36% of participants experienced declining 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 may indicate prostate cancer.
No major side effects from the pills were observed in this trial.
In this Phase II trial, the researchers tested their hypothesis that the mushroom treatment mitigates prostate cancer progression by targeting myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs).
MDSCs support tumor growth by actively stifling the immune system.
The researchers found fewer MDSCs in the blood of eight prostate cancer patients three months after consumption of white button mushroom extract — and increased activity of tumor-blasting T and natural killer cells.
In mice, the mushroom treatment and immunotherapy prolonged survival time by eight days.
Researchers pointed out that white button mushrooms boast polysaccharides, also known as beta-glucans, which are naturally occurring compounds that have been shown to stimulate the immune system in a variety of ways.
The findings were published last month in the Clinical and Translational Medicine journal.
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, hormonal therapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
As City of Hope continues its exploration of the potential anti-cancer effects of white button mushrooms, researchers warn against filling your online cart with mushroom extract.
“Some people are buying mushroom products or extract 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 said, it couldn’t hurt if people wanted to add more fresh white button mushrooms to their everyday diet.”
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