Magic Mushrooms May Help Fight Cancer
And are being used to help mental health in trials
Recent research has shed light on the intriguing connection between cancer and fungi, particularly the potential benefits of medicinal mushrooms, including magic mushrooms, in cancer treatment.
Studies have revealed that certain fungi not only coexist with tumours but also offer insights into cancer behaviour and prognosis. For instance, Candida yeasts have been associated with colon cancer metastasis, while other fungal species like Blastomyces and Malassezia have shown correlations with lung and breast cancers, respectively.
Medicinal mushrooms have gained attention for their diverse pharmacological properties, including anti-cancer effects. These mushrooms are rich sources of bioactive compounds that exhibit antioxidant, antitumour, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Notably, compounds found in mushrooms like Ganoderma lucidum, Cordyceps sinensis, and Coriolus versicolor have shown promise in inhibiting cancer proliferation through various mechanisms such as inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death) and inhibiting angiogenesis (growth of new blood vessels).
Moreover, recent studies have explored the potential of psilocybin, a compound found in magic mushrooms, in alleviating anxiety and depression associated with cancer. Psilocybin research has seen a resurgence in the past decade, with clinical trials evaluating its efficacy in providing relief for patients experiencing severe anxiety.
Despite legal challenges hindering extensive research in the United States, the therapeutic potential of psilocybin for cancer-related depression treatment has sparked significant interest among researchers and pharmacology experts.
The use of medicinal mushrooms and compounds like psilocybin represents a novel frontier in cancer research and treatment. While further studies are needed to fully understand the mechanisms underlying their anti-cancer effects and to standardize treatment protocols, the growing body of evidence suggests that fungi-based therapies could revolutionize cancer care in the future.
The exploration of these natural sources opens up new possibilities for developing innovative cancer treatments that harness the power of nature’s pharmacy to combat this complex disease.
What is the current state of research on the anti-cancer potential of edible/medicinal mushrooms.
Clinical trials have been conducted to evaluate the benefits of using commercial preparations containing medicinal mushroom extracts in cancer therapy, highlighting the growing interest in utilizing mushrooms as anti-cancer therapeutics.
Research has focused on elucidating the mechanisms underlying the anti-cancer activities of these mushrooms, including their role as antioxidants, immunomodulators, and inhibitors of tumour growth and metastasis. While preclinical studies have provided valuable insights into the efficacy of mushroom-derived compounds against cancer cells, there is a need for more high-quality clinical studies to fully understand the potential of medicinal mushrooms in cancer treatment.
The evidence suggests that mushrooms may contain compounds capable of both preventing cancer and enhancing immune function in cancer patients, emphasizing their multifaceted therapeutic potential in oncology.
Current research indicates a growing recognition of the anti-cancer properties of edible/medicinal mushrooms. These natural sources hold promise for developing innovative cancer treatments that leverage their bioactive compounds to combat various types of tumours effectively.
Further exploration and clinical studies are essential to harness the full therapeutic potential of mushrooms in cancer care.
Sources:
(PDF) Anti-Cancer Potential of Edible/Medicinal Mushrooms in Breast Cancer (researchgate.net)
DOI:10.3390/ijms241210120
