MYCOLab Ai Logo - gold and army green

The Emerging Role of Oyster Mushrooms as a Functional Food for Complementary Cancer Therapy

Summary

Oyster mushrooms contain special compounds that may help fight cancer and boost the immune system. These mushrooms have antioxidants and other natural chemicals that can slow cancer cell growth and trigger cancer cells to die. When combined with standard cancer treatments, oyster mushroom supplements might improve quality of life and reduce side effects. More research is needed, but oyster mushrooms show promise as an affordable, natural addition to cancer treatment plans.

Background

Cancer remains the second leading cause of death globally with approximately 9.9 million deaths in 2020. There is increasing interest in natural bioactive compounds from functional foods for cancer prevention and treatment. Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus species) have been identified as rich sources of antioxidant and immunomodulatory compounds.

Objective

This review examines the potential of oyster mushrooms as a functional food for complementary cancer therapy by synthesizing current knowledge of their bioactive compounds, antioxidant properties, and anticancer mechanisms. The review aims to evaluate how oyster mushroom-derived compounds can support cancer prevention and treatment while improving quality of life in cancer patients.

Results

Oyster mushrooms contain high molecular weight compounds (polysaccharides like β-glucans) and low molecular weight compounds (phenolic compounds, flavonoids, terpenoids) with demonstrated antioxidant and anticancer properties. Studies show these compounds suppress cancer cell growth, induce apoptosis, inhibit cell proliferation through cell cycle arrest, and enhance immune responses through activation of natural killer cells and macrophages.

Conclusion

Oyster mushrooms demonstrate significant potential as functional foods for complementary cancer therapy through multiple mechanisms including antioxidant activity, immunomodulation, and direct anticancer effects. Further clinical trials with larger participant numbers are needed to establish optimal dosages, determine effects of different mushroom forms, and validate their efficacy as adjuvant cancer treatments.
  • Published in:Foods,
  • Study Type:Narrative Review,
  • Source: PMID: 39796417, PMC11719500
Scroll to Top