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Exploring the Bioactive Mycocompounds of Selected Medicinal Mushrooms and Their Potentials Against HPV Infection and Associated Cancer in Humans

Summary

This research explores how medicinal mushrooms can help fight HPV infections and related cancers. Traditional mushrooms like turkey tail (Coriolus versicolor) and reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) contain powerful compounds that can boost the immune system and help the body fight cancer cells. The study shows these mushrooms can be particularly helpful when used alongside conventional treatments. Impacts on everyday life: • Provides a natural complementary treatment option for HPV infections • Offers potential support for cancer prevention and treatment • Demonstrates how traditional medicine can be integrated with modern healthcare • Shows promise for reducing side effects of conventional cancer treatments • Suggests new ways to boost immune system function naturally

Background

Medicinal mushrooms have been used as therapeutic tools for centuries and are currently used in prevention and treatment of various diseases, including as adjunct cancer treatments. About 14-16% of global cancer cases are caused by infectious events, with human papillomavirus (HPV) being responsible for over 99.7% of cervical cancer cases and playing a role in other cancers. HPV is the second most common cancer-causing infectious agent worldwide after Helicobacter pylori.

Objective

To review and analyze the bioactive compounds found in medicinal mushrooms and their potential therapeutic effects against HPV infection and associated cancers, particularly focusing on their mechanisms of action and clinical applications.

Results

Multiple medicinal mushrooms showed significant anti-HPV and anti-cancer properties through various mechanisms. Coriolus versicolor’s polysaccharide-K (PSK) and polysaccharopeptide (PSP) demonstrated effectiveness against various cancers through cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction. Studies showed 67% HPV negativity in patients using C. versicolor-based vaginal gel versus 37.2% in control groups. Other mushrooms like Ganoderma lucidum showed anti-tumor activity in cervical cancer cells through proliferation inhibition and apoptosis induction.

Conclusion

Medicinal mushrooms demonstrate significant potential as adjunct treatments for HPV-related cancers and precancerous conditions. Their beneficial effects include enhanced HPV clearance, improved cervical cytology, and anti-cancer properties through various mechanisms including cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction. While more in vivo studies are needed, current evidence supports their use as complementary treatments in cancer therapy.
  • Published in:Life (Basel),
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: 10.3390/life13010244
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