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The Effect of Fungal Nutraceutical Supplementation on Postoperative Complications, Inflammatory Factors and Fecal Microbiota in Patients Undergoing Colorectal Cancer Surgery with Curative Intent: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Trial

Summary

Researchers tested whether a supplement made from nine different medicinal mushroom types could reduce complications after colorectal cancer surgery. While the supplement didn’t significantly reduce overall complications, it did appear to boost immune function in patients undergoing traditional surgery and favorably changed the composition of gut bacteria. The supplement was well-tolerated with no serious side effects.

Background

Colorectal cancer surgery carries significant risk of postoperative complications related to immune dysfunction and gut microbiota dysbiosis. Fungal polysaccharides have demonstrated immunomodulatory and prebiotic properties. This study evaluated whether fungal extract supplementation reduces postsurgical complications in colorectal cancer patients.

Objective

To evaluate whether Micodigest 2.0, a nutraceutical containing nine fungal extracts, reduces postoperative complications in patients with colorectal cancer undergoing curative surgery. Secondary objectives included assessment of effects on gut microbiota composition, inflammatory markers, nutritional status, and quality of life.

Results

Postoperative complications occurred in 26.1% of patients with no significant difference between groups (25.9% vs 26.3%, p=0.9). In non-robotic surgery patients, Micodigest 2.0 showed increased lymphocyte levels and reduced neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (p=0.02). Significant reductions in Firmicutes and Actinobacteria phyla were observed in the nutraceutical group (p=0.004 and p=0.04 respectively).

Conclusion

Micodigest 2.0 supplementation was associated with non-significant reductions in postoperative complications but significant modifications in gut microbiota composition. Evidence of immune modulation was observed in non-robotic surgery patients. Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm these findings and determine clinical utility.
  • Published in:Biomedicines,
  • Study Type:Randomized Controlled Trial,
  • Source: PMC12108607, PMID: 40427011, DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines13051185
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