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The Potential of Mushroom Extracts to Improve Chemotherapy Efficacy in Cancer Cells: A Systematic Review

Summary

This systematic review examines how mushroom extracts can make chemotherapy more effective at treating cancer, particularly by helping overcome cancer cells’ resistance to drugs. Researchers found that various mushroom species contain compounds that work together with chemotherapy drugs to kill cancer cells more effectively through different cellular mechanisms. The results suggest mushroom extracts could be a promising natural complement to conventional cancer treatments, though more research is needed before they can be used clinically.

Background

Chemoresistance is a major challenge in cancer treatment that limits chemotherapy effectiveness. Mushroom extracts have been used in traditional medicine for cancer treatment due to their bioactive compounds and low toxicity. This systematic review explores the potential of mushroom extracts to enhance chemotherapy and reverse chemoresistance in cancer cells.

Objective

To evaluate the existing evidence on how mushroom extracts can reverse chemotherapy resistance when administered in combination with chemotherapeutic agents. The review explores the molecular mechanisms underlying these extracts’ therapeutic effects and their potential synergistic interactions with chemotherapy drugs.

Results

Five studies met inclusion criteria, demonstrating that mushroom extracts enhanced chemotherapy efficacy through multiple mechanisms including inhibition of P-glycoprotein, regulation of microRNAs, inhibition of JAK2/STAT3 and ERK1/2 pathways, and modulation of anti-apoptotic proteins. Synergistic effects were observed when mushroom extracts were combined with chemotherapy drugs such as docetaxel, oxaliplatin, cisplatin, paclitaxel, and vincristine.

Conclusion

Mushroom extracts show promising potential as adjuvants to chemotherapy, capable of overcoming chemoresistance through multiple cellular mechanisms. Although the number of studies is limited, the diversity of mushrooms and their bioactive compounds warrant further investigation to establish their clinical utility in improving chemotherapy efficacy.
  • Published in:Cells,
  • Study Type:Systematic Review,
  • Source: PMID: 38534354, DOI: 10.3390/cells13060510
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