Evidence supporting the use of: Polysaccharides
For the health condition: Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Polysaccharides, especially those derived from medicinal mushrooms like Lentinula edodes (shiitake, containing lentinan), Ganoderma lucidum (reishi), and Coriolus versicolor (turkey tail, containing polysaccharide-K or PSK), have been investigated for their potential to support patients undergoing chemotherapy, primarily by reducing side effects and enhancing immune function. Several clinical studies, particularly from East Asia, have suggested that these mushroom-derived polysaccharides may improve quality of life, reduce chemotherapy-induced immunosuppression, and alleviate side effects such as fatigue, nausea, and susceptibility to infection. For example, PSK has been widely used in Japan as an adjunct therapy in cancer treatment, where it is approved for clinical use and has demonstrated modest improvements in survival and symptom management in certain cancers (e.g., gastric and colorectal cancer). The mechanisms are believed to involve immunomodulation, such as stimulating natural killer cells and cytokine production, rather than direct anti-tumor effects. However, the quality of evidence varies, with some studies being small or lacking rigorous controls, and not all polysaccharides have demonstrated consistent benefit. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses indicate a trend toward benefit, but call for more high-quality randomized controlled trials. Overall, there is moderate scientific support for the use of certain polysaccharides as supportive agents in chemotherapy, but more robust evidence is needed.

More about Polysaccharides
More about Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)

Other ingredients used for Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)

aloe vera
alpha-glycosyl isoquercitrin
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
anthocyanins
astaxanthin
astragalus
beta caryophyllene
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium breve
bifidobacterium infantis
bifidobacterium lactis
bifidobacterium longum
black cumin
black currant
blueberry
branched-chain amino acids
bromelain
cannabis sativa oil
chamomile
chlorella
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
colostrum
turmeric
curcumin
cyclodextrin
d-alpha tocopherol
fish oil
ginger
grape
green tea
hemp oil
l-alanyl-l-glutamine
l-carnosine
l-cysteine
l-glutamine
l-glutathione
l-glycine
l-taurine
lactobacillus acidophilus
lactobacillus brevis
lactobacillus bulgaricus
lactobacillus lactis
lactoferrin
lentinula edodes mycelia
licorice root
lion's mane
luteolin
marine lipid
matcha
melatonin
milk thistle
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
pectin
phytocannabinoids
pomegranate
protein
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
quercetin
reishi mushroom
resveratrol
saccharomyces boulardii
selenium
shiitake mushroom
spirulina
streptococcus thermophilus
tributyrin
turkey tail mushroom
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin E
whey protein
zinc
coix
herbal blend (proprietary)
soy isoflavones
3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoic acid
Alpha Glucans
Antrodia camphorata
AHCC
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Alpha lactalbumin
Acemannan
Alkylglycerols
Bifidobacterium
Baikal Skullcap
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Boswellic Acid
Bifidobacterium animalis
Bifidobacteria
BCAA
benzyl isothiocyanate
Caryophyllene
Codonopsis
Curcuminoid
C-Phycocyanin
Cannabidiol
Clostridium butyricum
Cannabigerol
Dithiolthiones
Ergothioneine
Milk Protein
Mistletoe

Products containing Polysaccharides

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.