Evidence supporting the use of: Mushroom
For the health condition: Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Mushrooms, particularly certain medicinal varieties such as Coriolus versicolor (Turkey Tail), Lentinula edodes (Shiitake), and Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi), have been studied for their potential to reduce chemotherapy-induced side effects. Polysaccharides, notably beta-glucans found in these mushrooms, are believed to modulate immune function. Several clinical trials, primarily in East Asia, have evaluated mushroom extracts as adjunct therapies in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. For example, polysaccharide-K (PSK), derived from Turkey Tail mushroom, has been shown in Japanese studies to improve quality of life, reduce fatigue, and potentially decrease the frequency or severity of chemotherapy side effects such as nausea and immunosuppression. Meta-analyses suggest moderate evidence that mushroom extracts may enhance immune cell counts and ameliorate some adverse effects, although results are not uniformly consistent and most studies use mushroom extracts rather than whole mushrooms.
While there is a tradition of medicinal mushroom use in Asia, the rating here is based on scientific validation from clinical research, mostly on specific extracts. The evidence is not overwhelming (hence a score of 3), and more high-quality, multicenter trials are needed to confirm the benefits and clarify which mushroom species and preparations are most effective. Nonetheless, current data support cautious optimism for mushrooms as supportive agents during chemotherapy.
More about Mushroom
More about Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Other ingredients used for Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoic acidAcemannan
AHCC
Alkylglycerols
Aloe vera
Alpha Glucans
Alpha lactalbumin
alpha-glycosyl isoquercitrin
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
alpha-lipoic acid
amino acids
anthocyanins
Antrodia camphorata
astaxanthin
astragalus
Baikal Skullcap
BCAA
benzyl isothiocyanate
beta caryophyllene
Bifidobacteria
Bifidobacterium
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Bifidobacterium animalis
Bifidobacterium bifidum
Bifidobacterium breve
Bifidobacterium infantis
Bifidobacterium lactis
Bifidobacterium longum
black cumin
black currant
blueberry
Boswellic Acid
branched-chain amino acids
bromelain
C-phycocyanin
cannabidiol
cannabigerol
Cannabis sativa oil
caryophyllene
chamomile
chlorella
Clostridium butyricum
Codonopsis
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
coix
colostrum
curcumin
Curcuminoid
cyclodextrin
d-alpha tocopherol
dithiolthiones
ergothioneine
fish oil
folinic acid
fucoidan
ginger
Glutamine
Glutathione
grape
green tea
Haematococcus pluvialis
hemp
hemp oil
herbal blend (proprietary)
hericium mushroom
HMB hydroxymethylbutyrate
Honokiol
hydroxymethylbutyrate
Hyphomycetes
L-alanyl-L-glutamine
L-carnosine
L-cysteine
L-glutamine
L-glutathione
L-glycine
L-taurine
Lactobacillus
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Lactobacillus brevis
Lactobacillus bulgaricus
Lactobacillus lactis
Lactobacillus plantarum
Lactoferrin
lactoglobulin
Lentinan
Lentinula edodes mycelia
licorice root
lion's mane
luteolin
Marine lipid
Matcha
Melatonin
Mesima
Methylselenocysteine
Milk Protein
Milk thistle
Mistletoe
Mushroom
N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
Oldenlandia diffusa
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)
Peptides
Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC)
phytocannabinoids
polysaccharides
pomegranate
probiotics
protein
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
quercetin
reishi mushroom
resveratrol
Saccharomyces boulardii
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
selenium
Selenomethionine
shiitake mushroom
Silychristin
soy isoflavones
spirulina
streptococcus thermophilus
Sulforaphane
Thymidine
Thymoquinone
tributyrin
Turkey tail mushroom
turmeric
Typhonium flagelliforme
Verbascoside
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin E
Whey protein
Zinc
Other health conditions supported by Mushroom
Acquired Immune Deficiency SyndromeAntibiotics (alternatives to)
Asthma
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Autoimmune Disorders
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Energy (lack of)
Fatigue
