In many clinical anti-cancer treatment prescriptions or anti-cancer diets today, we often encounter the presence of Reishi mushroom.

 

From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine treatment principle, conventional treatments for tumors such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy primarily focus on suppressing cancer cells, or "dispelling pathogenic factors," while neglecting the importance of "strengthening healthy qi" and may even harm the body's healthy qi, leading to various adverse reactions. This has become a consensus among doctors and patients.

 

Ganoderma's ability to "strengthen healthy qi while dispelling pathogenic factors" showcases its distinct anti-cancer effects compared to conventional radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Clinical trial results indicate that when Reishi preparations are used in conjunction with radiotherapy and chemotherapy, they exhibit favorable adjunctive therapeutic effects for esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer, prostate cancer, and others [1].

 

 

Many individuals are curious about the extent to which Reishi can assist cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. What role can it play in various stages of cancer treatment?

 

1. Ganoderma Combined with Chemotherapy Drugs Enhances Efficacy and Reduces Toxicity

 

A report published in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules by the Institute of Traditional Medicine at Taiwan's National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University in 2021 revealed that Reishi polysaccharides not only enhance the inhibitory effect of the chemotherapy drug cisplatin on lung adenocarcinoma but also protect immune cells and normal cells, significantly increasing the survival rate of experimental animals.

 

The researchers combined this Reishi polysaccharide extract with cisplatin and observed their different effects on lung adenocarcinoma cells and normal cells in vitro. After 21 days of experimentation, it was found that both the Reishi fruiting body polysaccharide extract alone and cisplatin alone could slow down tumor growth and reduce tumor size. The antitumor effect of the Reishi fruiting body polysaccharide extract was comparable to that of cisplatin, and the combination of the two yielded the best results.

 

The inhibitory effects of Reishi fruiting body polysaccharide extract, cisplatin, or their combination on the growth of lung adenocarcinoma tumors [2]

 

2. Reishi Reduces the Probability of Tumor Recurrence and Metastasis after Surgery

 

Cancer metastasis is a highly complex process, but it is heartening that Reishi exhibits potential in reducing the rate of cancer metastasis.

 

In 2023, a report published by the Marine Drug Development Center at Minjiang University in the journal "Food and Chemical Toxicology" provided effective support for this conclusion.

 

The experiment, conducted on animal models of breast cancer cells and breast cancer lung metastasis, demonstrated that Reishi extract (50-200 μg/mL) could inhibit angiogenesis and weaken the abilities of breast cancer cells to survive, migrate, invade, adhere, and form colonies (as shown in the table below).

 

 

Furthermore, the inhibitory effect is positively correlated with the dosage of Reishi extract. This indicates that as long as the dosage is appropriate, Reishi extract has the potential to make multiple breakthroughs and comprehensively block the metastasis of breast cancer cells [3].

 

3. Reishi Aids Postoperative Recovery, Enhances Immunity, and Improves Quality of Life

 

In 2021, a clinical research report from the Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, published in "Clinical and Translational Oncology," compared the effects of consuming or not consuming Reishi spore powder on immune indicators and overall health recovery in 120 breast cancer and lung cancer patients after surgery and chemotherapy.

 

 

The trial results revealed that the Reishi group exhibited a higher proportion of mature T cells, predominantly consisting of helper T cells that lead immune responses. Concurrently, there was an increase in interleukin-2 and interleukin-12 concentrations, which are beneficial for anti-tumor and anti-infection responses. Conversely, concentrations of interleukin-10 and factors related to chronic inflammation decreased. Therefore, it can be concluded that Reishi spore powder can assist in restoring the balance of the dysregulated immune system, reinstating equilibrium between "anti-tumor" and "anti-inflammatory" functions.

 

Furthermore, as shown in the table above, Reishi spore powder can alleviate postoperative discomfort, including fatigue, weakness, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, significantly enhancing the quality of life during the recovery period for patients [4].

 

Overall, in terms of assisting in the treatment of tumors, Reishi plays multiple roles, including inhibiting tumor angiogenesis, antagonizing the toxic effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, suppressing tumor cell proliferation, promoting tumor cell apoptosis, and enhancing the body's anti-tumor immune mechanisms. It exhibits a multi-target anti-tumor effect.

 

The image depicts Professor Lin Zhibin presenting the multi-target anti-tumor effects of Reishi at the "High-Quality Development Conference on Reishi Industry."

 

All of the above reasons have become increasingly compelling for more cancer patients to choose Reishi.

 

Professor Lin Zhibin from Peking University Health Science Center, who has studied Reishi for nearly half a century, has stated that whether used as an adjunctive treatment for cancer or to alleviate postoperative insomnia, depression, anxiety, and other symptoms, Reishi can exert its effects. Using Reishi in cancer treatment can be said to have multiple benefits.

 

While there are various methods for postoperative care following cancer surgery and for alleviating chemotherapy-induced discomforts, Reishi undeniably stands out as one of the promising options.

 

 

References:

1. Lin Zhibin, "Lingzhi From Mystery to Science", p108.

2. New Research | "Polysaccharides from Ganoderma Lucidum Fruiting Bodies + Cisplatin" for lung adenocarcinoma treatment, improving efficacy & survival rate. GanoHerb Organic Reishi. Wu Tingyao, December 1, 2022.

3. Ganoderma Lucidum extract inhibits breast cancer lung metastasis, related to inducing cancer cell "pyroptosis" and stimulating anti-tumor immunity.  GanoHerb Organic Reishi. Wu Tingyao, March 27, 2024.

4. Clinical research confirms | Maintenance with Ganoderma Lucidum spore powder after breast and lung cancer surgery is beneficial for immune regulation and quality of life. GanoHerb Organic Reishi. Wu Tingyao, April 14, 2021.