Ganoderma lucidum, commonly known as reishi mushroom, is an edible fungus, which has been used as a medicinal remedy for centuries in Japan. Japanese believe that Ganoderma lucidum preserves human vitality and promotes longevity. Currently, it is under investigation for its usefulness as an anti-carcinogen. Drugs.com reports that Ganoderma lucidum is rich in polysaccharides that act as anticancer agents. In the United States, Ganoderma lucidum is sold as a dietary supplement in various forms including cancer treatment pills. If you want to use Ganoderma lucidum, be sure to consult with your doctor first.
Detoxification
Ganoderma lucidum neutralizes both endogenous and environmental toxic chemicals in your body and promotes healthy tissue repair. Toxic chemicals can damage important bio-molecules in a cell such as lipids, proteins and nucleic acids, resulting in the accumulation of genetic mutations and thus allowing malignant transformations to take place, notes The Cancer Care Foundation.
Immune System Effects
The body's immune system is an effective inhibitor of the cancer process. Ganoderma lucidum has the ability to stimulate various immune system components. It stimulates natural killer cells, which protect your body from intruders such as cancer cells. Therefore, strengthening the human immune-system response to cancer cells could be a viable option for cancer therapy.
Chemotherapy Side Effects
Ganoderma lucidum is prescribed in cancer treatment for counteracting undesirable effects of chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is a standard cancer therapy that has the ability to treat metastatic cancer. However, like everything else, chemotherapy is not without side effects. It causes damage to healthy body tissues, especially hair follicles, skin and cells lining the gastrointestinal tract and induces side effects such as hair loss, rashes, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Precautions
Ganoderma lucidum is generally safe for human consumption; however, it can trigger side-effects and can interact with other herbs, supplements and medications. Take ganoderma lucidum under a doctor's supervision. It has blood-thinning properties. So, Ganoderma lucidum should be used with caution in patients with bleeding disorders such as hemophilia or who use anti-coagulant drugs such as warfarin.
