Mushrooms for Cancer Prevention

Mushroom extracts are used by health practitioners around the world to prevent cancer and enhance immune function in people who already have cancer. Some mushroom extracts, such as Coriolus versicolor (Trametes versicolor) and maitake (Grifola frondosa), are considered cancer drugs in China and )apan, since they have been so well studied. Various mushroom extracts are used to treat and prevent different cancers. Coriolus, for instance, is used specifically as an adjunct treatment along with chemotherapy, radiation and surgery and as a preventive for esophageal, lung, stomach and colon cancers. Many studies support its use. Maitake is used specifically to support conventional treatment of breast, prostate, liver and lung cancers. Be sure to tell your primary care doctor and your oncologist if you are taking mushroom extracts. In some cases, they may interfere with immune-suppressing drugs, such as those taken after a transplant.