The Use of Lion's Mane and Turkey Tail Mushroom Extracts in Supportive Cancer Treatment 

Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) and Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor) are two mushroom species that have been used in Eastern medicine for centuries and possess powerful medicinal properties.

Medicinal Properties of Lion's Mane and Turkey Tail Mushrooms

Lion's Mane is known for its anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and neuroregenerative effects. Extracts of this mushroom have shown promising results in the treatment of various types of cancer due to their ability to induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells, reduce inflammation, and enhance the immune response.

Turkey Tail contains the polysaccharide Krestin (PSK) and polysaccharide peptides (PSP), which have pronounced immunomodulatory and anti-tumor properties. The use of these extracts contributes to increased survival and improved quality of life in cancer patients.

Learn more: Reishi Polysaccharides: Support in the Fight Against Cancer

Mechanisms of Action of Medicinal Mushrooms on Cancer

The main mechanism of action of these mushroom extracts is to support the immune system of patients undergoing chemotherapy. These mushrooms help strengthen the immune response, reduce side effects of treatment such as fatigue and loss of appetite, and promote better regeneration of healthy cells.

In Japan, Turkey Tail is used in oncology in patients during and after treatment. PSK was approved as an anti-tumor drug by the Japanese National Health Registry in 1977 (in China - in 1987).(L. J. Standish, C. A. Wenner, E. S. Sweet, C. Bridge, A. Nelson, M. Martzen, J. Novack and C.Torkelson, Trametes versicolor mushroom immune therapy in breast cancer, J. Soc. Integr. Oncol. 6 (2008) 122–128).

It is worth noting that the results of stomach cancer treatment in Asian countries are more successful than in Western countries.

Recent studies have increased the role of Turkey Tail in supportive therapy for breast cancer.

Over three decades of Asian research, components of Turkey Tail have been used as adjunctive therapy for stomach, esophageal, nasopharyngeal, colon, rectal, and lung cancers. (L. J. Standish, C. A. Wenner, E. S. Sweet, C. Bridge, A. Nelson, M. Martzen, J. Novack and C.Torkelson, Trametes versicolor mushroom immune therapy in breast cancer, J. Soc. Integr. Oncol. 6 (2008) 122–128).

Read more about the application in the article: Turkey tail mushroom (Trametes versicolor) and breast cancer: new discoveries

The immunological activity of Turkey Tail extract components is the result of enhancing innate and acquired immune responses through agonistic action on TLRs (Toll-like receptors), especially TLR2 and TLR4. (H. Lu, Y. Yang, E. Gad, C. Inatsuka, C. A. Wenner, M. L. Disis and L. J. Standish, TLR2 agonist PSK activates human NK cells and enhances the antitumor effect of HER2-targeted monoclonal antibody therapy, Clin. Cancer Res. 17 (2011)).

TLRs are membrane proteins of immune cells (dendritic cells, macrophages) that are the first to respond to antigens, triggering the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and further activation of T- and B-lymphocytes.

Recent data suggest that Turkey Tail extract may also improve the immune status of patients during radiation therapy, which causes specific immunodeficiency disorders, particularly lymphopenia and decreased NK cell activity. (C. J. Torkelson, E. Sweet, M. R. Martzen, M. Sasagawa, C. A. Wenner, J. Gay, A. Putiri and L. J.Standish, Phase 1 clinical trial of Trametes versicolor in women with breast cancer, ISRN Oncol.2012 (2012) 251632).

Studies have shown that Lion's Mane and Turkey Tail extracts have potential in the treatment of various types of cancer not only because of their direct impact on tumor cells, but also through support and modulation of the patient's immune system, which is critically important for the effectiveness of traditional treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. They have shown promising results in reducing the side effects of chemotherapy, particularly mitigating the decrease in the bone marrow's ability to produce healthy blood cells and improving patients' quality of life, allowing them to better tolerate treatment and maintain an active lifestyle.

We also recommend: Chaga mushroom: unique properties in fighting cancer

Types of cancer where mushroom extracts may be effective: gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, esophageal cancer, nasopharyngeal cancer, lung cancer, cervical cancer (HeLa cell line), acute promyelocytic leukemia (HL-60, NB-4 cell lines), Burkitt's lymphoma (Raji cell line), hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG-2 cell line), prostate cancer.

An important aspect of the use of these mushroom extracts is their safety and good tolerability by patients, which allows them to be used as part of a comprehensive approach to the treatment of cancer.

In summary, Lion's Mane and Turkey Tail extracts open new horizons in the supportive treatment of cancer, offering natural, safe, and effective means to enhance traditional therapy, improve patients' quality of life, and increase the chances of successful recovery.

When ordering a course, you can contact us for an additional free consultation, and we will provide you with personalized instructions for taking the mushrooms.

This information is provided for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult your doctor before taking any supplements.

You can buy these mushrooms in our store.

For our regular customers, upon request, we can provide a printout of the article translation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  1. Can mushrooms completely cure cancer?
    No. Lion’s Mane and Turkey Tail do not replace medical treatment, but their extracts can support immunity and reduce the side effects of therapy.

  2. Which active compounds are responsible for the effects of these mushrooms in oncology?
    In Lion’s Mane — erinacines and hericenones; in Turkey Tail — beta-glucans and polysaccharides. They stimulate the immune response and inhibit tumor growth.

  3. In what form are these mushrooms best taken?
    The most effective are standardized extracts in capsules, with indicated percentages of polysaccharides and beta-glucans.

  4. Can mushrooms be combined with chemotherapy?
    Yes, in many studies extracts were used as adjunct therapy alongside conventional treatment. However, it is advisable to consult a doctor.

For each client individually, we draw up instructions according to his indicators and requests

Monthly Course:

How to get discounts

Other articles on the topic:

Contact us: