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Current Uses of Mushrooms in Cancer Treatment and Their Anticancer Mechanisms

Summary

This comprehensive review examines how medicinal mushrooms can help treat cancer. Certain mushroom species and their compounds, particularly polysaccharides, can boost the immune system to fight cancer cells, reduce chemotherapy side effects, and overcome drug resistance. Multiple mushrooms are currently in clinical trials showing promise in improving cancer patient outcomes when used alongside conventional treatments.

Background

Cancer is a leading cause of mortality worldwide, and current anticancer drugs often cause severe side effects and induce drug resistance. Natural compounds, particularly mushrooms, have been highlighted as potential anticancer agents due to their biological activities. Among 14,000 mushroom species, approximately 700 have been reported to exhibit medicinal properties.

Objective

This review aims to discuss the anticancer potential of different mushrooms and their underlying molecular mechanisms. The goal is to provide information regarding the clinical status and possible molecular actions of various mushrooms and mushroom-derived compounds in cancer treatment.

Results

Multiple mushrooms demonstrate anticancer activity through various mechanisms including overcoming multidrug resistance, targeting PI3K/AKT, Wnt/β-catenin, MAPK, and NF-κB signaling pathways. Clinical trials show mushroom extracts reduce chemotherapy side effects and improve immune function in cancer patients while polysaccharides, cordycepin, and hispolon are identified as key active compounds.

Conclusion

Mushrooms and their bioactive compounds possess significant anticancer potential through immune modulation and targeting multiple signaling pathways. The review emphasizes the need for more high-quality clinical studies with larger sample sizes and long-term follow-ups to validate mushroom effectiveness in cancer treatment and establish them as viable therapeutic options.
  • Published in:International Journal of Molecular Sciences,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: 10.3390/ijms231810502, PMC9504980, PMID: 36142412
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