The prostate is the gland found at the base of the bladder. Prostate cancer is the third most common cause of cancer-related death in men. A slow-growing form of cancer, it is often treatable if caught early, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Treatment usually involves surgery to remove the prostate followed by hormone therapy. Herbs including reishi mushrooms may also play a role in the treatment of cancer although evidence to prove this is weak. Don't use reishi mushroom in place of medical treatments and get advice before using it.
Properties and Potential Benefits
Also known as the immortality mushroom, the cap and stem of the reishi mushroom contains compounds such as beta-glucan polysaccharides and triterpenes that stimulate the immune system. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, it is sometimes used as a complementary remedy for a number of ailments including HIV. It might also inhibit cancer cell growth and alleviate chemotherapy-induced nausea.
Administration
Your doctor or oncologist may be able to advise you regarding the dose required to prevent or treat prostate cancer. Mississippi Baptist Health Systems states that the normal dosage of reishi mushrooms is between 2 g to 6 g per day taken with meals. However, this is only a general guideline.
Effectiveness
Clinical studies examining the role of reishi mushrooms in the treatment of prostate cancer are limited. However, the results of an animal-based study published in the February 2009 issue of "Chemistry & Biodiversity" show that reishi mushroom compounds may play a role in the treatment of prostate cancer by inhibiting cancer cell growth. Findings from an another animal study published in the July 2007 issue of "Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry" also found that reishi mushroom compounds might suppress cell signaling processes involved in the development of prostate cancer.
Safety Considerations
Drugs.com notes that adverse reactions associated with reishi mushroom use are generally mild and might include dizziness and gastrointestinal upset, adding that it is unlikely to cause toxicity. However, the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center warns that it might increase the risk of bleeding, and that in theory it could interact with chemotherapeutic drugs. Get medical clearance from your doctor or oncologist before using this herb for prostate cancer.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Prostate Cancer
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Reishi Mushroom
- Mississppi Baptist Health Systems: Reishi
- "Chemistry & Biodiversity"; Anti-androgen Effects of Extracts and Compounds From Ganoderma Lucidum; J. Liu, et al.; February 2009
- "Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry"; The Anti-Androgen Effect of Ganoderol B Isolated From The Fruiting Body of Ganoderma Lucidum; J. Liu et al.; July 2007
- Drugs.com: Reishi Mushroom
