Mushrooms to Boost Immune Health

Shiitake

Shiitake is a powerhouse mushroom that activates multiple types of immune cells. These immune cells reduce the overall number and potential migration of cancerous cells to another part of the body. Lentinan, which is found in Shiitake mushrooms, has been shown to improve the efficacy of chemo and radiation in several studies. These mushrooms are also rich in fiber, protein, vitamin D, B vitamins, and selenium which further support the immune system.

Reishi

Reishi displays antitumor properties by inhibiting the growth of new blood vessels to supply tumors, limiting a tumor’s ability to attach to cells in a new location, and stimulating the natural death of abnormal cells (apoptosis). Reishi can also stimulate Natural Killer Cells (NK) which attack cancer cells.

Turkey Tail

Turkey tail can increase circulating immune products and white blood cell counts, which is of great importance during and after treatment. It also contains antioxidants like quercetin and baicalein. These are woody mushrooms that can be easily added to a broth or soup using a powdered form, or added to your tea/coffee via tincture.

Maitake

Maitake inhibits the growth of new blood vessels to supply tumors (angiogenesis) and activates immune products to fight invaders and abnormal cell growth (immune surveillance). It protects against tumor implantation, and stimulates cancer cell death. Maitake makes a great addition to many recipes. Example: Mushroom Frittata. 

Lion’s Mane

Lion’s Mane increases the presence of a number of immune cells including Natural Killer cells which fight tumor growth. It inhibits the spread of cancer (metastasis), and has shown promise as an anti-carcinogen and anti-inflammatory specifically for inflammatory disorders of the digestive system including gastric ulcers. Lion’s mane also improves cognition and may be helpful in combating brain fog caused by treatments.

For an example of how to incorporate mushrooms into your diet, try out this Mushroom Frittata recipe. 

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References 

Balakrishnan B, Liang Q, Fenix K, et al. Combining the Anticancer and Immunomodulatory Effects of Astragalus and Shiitake as an Integrated Therapeutic Approach. Nutrients. 2021;13(8):2564. doi:10.3390/nu13082564

Park HJ. Current Uses of Mushrooms in Cancer Treatment and Their Anticancer Mechanisms. Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23(18):10502. doi:10.3390/ijms231810502

Eliza WLY, Fai CK, Chung LP. Efficacy of Yun Zhi (Coriolus versicolor) on survival in cancer patients: systematic review and meta-analysis. Recent Pat Inflamm Allergy Drug Discov. 2012;6(1):78-87. doi:10.2174/187221312798889310

Kim SP, Nam SH, Friedman M. Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane) mushroom extracts inhibit metastasis of cancer cells to the lung in CT-26 colon cancer-tansplanted mice. J Agric Food Chem. 2013;61(20):4898-4904. doi:10.1021/jf400916c

Tieu S, Charchoglyan A, Wagter-Lesperance L, et al. Immunoceuticals: Harnessing Their Immunomodulatory Potential to Promote Health and Wellness. Nutrients. 2022;14(19):4075. doi:10.3390/nu14194075

Wang XL, Ding ZY, Liu GQ, Yang H, Zhou GY. Improved Production and Antitumor Properties of Triterpene Acids from Submerged Culture of Ganoderma lingzhi. Molecules. 2016;21(10):1395. doi:10.3390/molecules21101395

Maitake | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Published May 13, 2022. Accessed February 9, 2024. https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/maitake

Blagodatski A, Yatsunskaya M, Mikhailova V, Tiasto V, Kagansky A, Katanaev VL. Medicinal mushrooms as an attractive new source of natural compounds for future cancer therapy. Oncotarget. 2018;9(49):29259-29274. doi:10.18632/oncotarget.25660

Zhang M, Zhang Y, Zhang L, Tian Q. Mushroom polysaccharide lentinan for treating different types of cancers: A review of 12 years clinical studies in China. Prog Mol Biol Transl Sci. 2019;163:297-328. doi:10.1016/bs.pmbts.2019.02.013

Reishi Mushroom | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Published February 9, 2023. Accessed February 9, 2024. https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/reishi-mushroom