Shiitake and cancer

What is shiitake mushroom

Shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes) is an edible mushroom originating from East Asia, known for its rich umami flavor and meaty texture. It is often cultivated on tree trunks and is popular both in cooking and as a dietary supplement. Shiitake mushrooms are also recognized for their health benefits, including potential immune-boosting properties, antioxidant effects, and possible cancer-fighting effects. They are often used in Asian dishes, soups, and sauces and can also be found in dried form [1, 2].

Shiitake mushroom has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese (TCM) and Japanese medicine. It has gained significant attention in the Western world for its potential health benefits, especially in relation to the immune system and prevention of certain diseases.

History

Historical use and traditional application

Shiitake mushroom has a long history in traditional Chinese medicine, where it was used to strengthen the immune system, improve digestion, and promote longevity. The mushroom was also used to treat a range of ailments, including colds, flu, and skin diseases [1].

Active substances and mechanisms

The health benefits of shiitake are attributed to a number of active substances, including:

Beta-glucans

These polysaccharides, called beta-glucans, are believed to stimulate the immune system and have anti-tumor properties [4].

Lentinan

Another polysaccharide that has been shown to have immune-modulating and anti-tumor effects in animal studies.

Ergothioneine

An antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative stress and may have a neuroprotective effect.

Effect of shiitake

Immune-stimulating

Shiitake can stimulate the production of certain immune cells and increase their activity, which can help the body fight infections and diseases. This is partly due to shiitake’s content of beta-glucans, which can stimulate the immune system to attack cancer cells more effectively. This can happen by activating specific immune cells and increasing the production of cytokines, which are signaling molecules that coordinate the immune response [4, 5].

Anti-tumor

Several studies show that shiitake can inhibit the growth of tumor cells and stimulate the immune system to attack cancer cells. They can also inhibit the growth of tumor cells by affecting specific signaling pathways involved in cell division and survival [4].

Induction of apoptosis

Shiitake can induce apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in cancer cells. This means that cancer cells “commit suicide,” which can contribute to reducing tumor size [4, 6, 7, 8].

Antioxidant

Shiitake contains antioxidants that can protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Antiviral

Some studies suggest that shiitake may have antiviral activity.

Health benefits

Strengthened immune system

Shiitake can help strengthen the immune system and protect the body from infections, just as it can help fight cancer cells more effectively.

Counteracts fatigue

By strengthening the immune system, shiitake can also contribute to reducing feelings of fatigue and increasing energy levels.

Anti-inflammatory effect

Shiitake may have an anti-inflammatory effect, which can be beneficial for a number of chronic diseases.

Antiviral activity

Some studies suggest that shiitake may have antiviral activity and can help combat viral infections.

Cancer prevention

Some studies suggest that substances in shiitake can inhibit the growth of certain types of tumor cells.

Protection against DNA damage

Shiitake contains antioxidants that can protect cell DNA from damage caused by free radicals, which can reduce the risk of cancer.

Cardiovascular health

Cholesterol reduction

Some studies suggest that shiitake can help lower cholesterol levels, which can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Blood pressure-lowering effect

Shiitake may have a blood pressure-lowering effect, which can be beneficial for people with high blood pressure.

Anti-aging

Shiitake may have anti-aging properties due to its antioxidants and immune-stimulating effects.

Skin health

Shiitake can contribute to healthy skin due to its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

Digestive health

Shiitake contains dietary fiber that can promote healthy digestion.

Safety and side effects

Shiitake is generally considered safe when consumed in moderate amounts. Some people may experience mild side effects such as digestive discomfort or skin reactions. People with mushroom allergies should avoid shiitake.

Note

It is important to note that shiitake should not replace relevant cancer treatment. If you are taking medication or other dietary supplements, you should be aware of the risk of interactions. Consult your healthcare provider.

Conclusion

Shiitake mushroom has great potential as a natural remedy to strengthen health. Its immune-stimulating, anti-tumor, and antioxidant properties make it an interesting subject for researchers and health-conscious consumers. Although more research is needed, shiitake is a promising plant that can have a positive impact on our well-being.

Overview of medicinal mushrooms and cannabis

This overview compares the effect and safety of the most used medicinal mushrooms. Cannabis is also included in the overview, despite biologically being a plant and not a mushroom. But it is often used in the same context when natural symptom relief is desired for cancer patients.

Worth knowing:

Choice of mushroom: If the goal is to get through chemo safely with the fewest side effects, Turkey Tail is often the first choice, as it has the fewest contraindications.
Neuropathy: If chemo causes numb fingers or nerve damage, Lion’s Mane is the only mushroom with specific documentation for being able to help with nerve regeneration.
Stop before surgery: A good rule of thumb is to stop all mushrooms, especially Reishi, Chaga, and Cordyceps, as well as fish oil two weeks before planned surgeries due to the risk of bleeding.

Medicinal mushroom and Cannabis

Name	Primary Effect	Use in Cancer	Name	Important Caution
Agaricus blazei	Very powerful immune activation. High content of Beta-1,3/1,6-glucans.	Aggressive support. Used to significantly boost NK-cell activity.	Agaricus blazei	May affect liver enzymes. Should be used with caution in liver disease or heavy liver-taxing chemo.
Cannabis: CBD	Anxiolytic and muscle relaxant. Anti-inflammatory.	Quality of life. Relieves restlessness, anxiety, muscle tension, and sleep problems without a high.	Cannabis: CBD	Interaction with medication. Can inhibit the liver’s breakdown of chemotherapy (CYP450).
Cannabigerol (CBG)	Neuroprotective and appetite stimulant. Blocks TRPM8 channels (growth signals) in cells.	Antitumour support. Targeted use for growth in colon and brain, and against loss of weight and muscle mass.	Cannabigerol (CBG)	Interaction with liver enzymes (CYP450). May affect the concentration of blood thinners and certain types of epilepsy medication.
Cannabis: THC	Antiemetic and appetite stimulant. Psychoactive (euphoric).	Acute relief. Against severe nausea, vomiting, and weight loss.	Cannabis: THC	Driving ban. Psychoactive side effects. Sedative effect.
Chaga	Powerful antioxidant (SOD). Contains Betulin and Betulinic acid. Protects against oxidative stress.	Restorative. Used for general strengthening of the body under pressure.	Chaga	High oxalate content (risk of kidney stones). Blood-thinning. Interacts with insulin (lowers blood sugar).
Cordyceps	Energizing. Increases oxygen uptake (ATP) and kidney function.	Lung function. Counteracts shortness of breath and cancer-related fatigue.	Cordyceps	May over-activate the immune system in autoimmune diseases. Blood-thinning.
Lion’s Mane	Nerve regenerating. Stimulates growth of nerve cells (NGF).	Neuropathy. Counteracts sensory disturbances in fingers/feet and memory difficulties (chemo brain).	Lion’s Mane	May lower blood sugar. Mild blood-thinning effect.
Maitake	Immune-activating (D-fraction). Strong stimulation of macrophages.	Immune boost. Often used to activate the body’s own defense against cancer cells.	Maitake	May lower blood sugar. Can enhance the effect of blood-thinning medication.
Pau D’Arco	Potent antifungal and anti-inflammatory. Contains Lapachol.	Micro-environment. Used to purify the blood and combat fungal infections (Candida), which are often seen with a weakened immune system.	Pau D’Arco	Blood-thinning. Must not be combined with blood-thinning medication or used prior to surgical procedures.
Pao Pereira	Inhibits replication of abnormal cells. Penetrates the blood-brain barrier.	Targeted cell division. Often used for prostate cancer and cancers of the central nervous system (brain).	Pao Pereira	Generally well-tolerated, but should be taken under guidance to ensure correct dosage relative to conventional treatment.
Poria cocos	Diuretic and calming. Supports spleen and kidney function. Contains Pachyman.	Fluid retention. Helps against edema and mucus. Calms restlessness and racing thoughts.	Poria cocos	Acts as a diuretic. Be mindful of electrolyte balance if taking other diuretic medication.
Reishi	Calming and immune-strengthening. Acts as an adaptogen (stress-reducing) and sleep-promoting.	Sleep and stress. Good for finding peace in the body and supporting the immune system between treatments.	Reishi	Blood-thinning. Must not be used with low platelets or before surgery.
Shiitake	Immune-stimulating. Source of Lentinan and AHCC.	Standard support. Lentinan is used medically to prolong survival in certain types of cancer.	Shiitake	May in rare cases cause skin rash (Shiitake dermatitis). Contains purines (caution in gout).
Turkey Tail	Immune-modulating. Supports the immune system (NK cells) without overstimulating. Contains PSK.	Chemo support. Often used alongside chemo to counteract immune suppression.	Turkey Tail	Generally considered safe. Few known interactions (approved drug in Japan as PSK).

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Also see Maitake

Also see Turkey Tail

Also see Lion’s mane

Also see Reishi

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