Chemotherapy is a critical treatment for cancer, but it often comes with side effects and challenges, including immune suppression and potential damage to healthy cells. Agaricus blazei Murill (ABM) mushrooms have been studied for their potential to support immune health and provide complementary benefits for patients undergoing chemotherapy. Ongoing research suggests that ABM mushrooms may enhance immune function, protect against DNA damage, and even improve the effectiveness of conventional cancer treatments.
Immune Support for Cancer Patients
Supporting the immune system during chemotherapy is vital for patients, as the treatment can weaken the body’s defenses. In a study published in the International Journal of Gynecological Cancer (2004), ovarian cancer patients receiving ABM mushroom extract along with chemotherapy experienced improved natural killer (NK) cell activity and reported a better quality of life compared to those who only received chemotherapy. NK cells are an important part of the immune system, playing a key role in identifying and eliminating abnormal cells.
The study also found that patients receiving ABM extract had fewer chemotherapy-related side effects, such as improved appetite, reduced hair loss, and increased emotional stability. This suggests that ABM mushrooms may help alleviate some of the physical and emotional burdens of chemotherapy.
Protecting Cells from Chemotherapy-Induced Damage
Chemotherapy can damage healthy cells, leading to oxidative stress and DNA damage. Beta-glucans found in ABM mushrooms have been shown to offer protective effects. A study published in Cell Biology and Toxicology (2006) demonstrated that beta-glucans from Agaricus blazei help protect human lymphocytes from DNA damage caused by oxidative stress and harmful chemicals. By supporting cellular integrity, beta-glucans may help protect healthy cells during chemotherapy.
Enhancing Chemotherapy's Effectiveness
In addition to supporting the immune system and protecting cells, ABM mushrooms have shown potential to enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs. A review in the International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms (2002) found that combining Agaricus blazei extract with chemotherapy drugs like 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) and Mitomycin C resulted in greater inhibition of tumor growth than using the drugs alone. This suggests that ABM mushrooms may work synergistically with chemotherapy to improve treatment outcomes.
Overcoming Drug Resistance
Drug resistance is a major challenge in cancer treatment, where cancer cells become less responsive to chemotherapy over time. A study published in the International Journal of Oncology (2011) found that ABM mushrooms helped increase the effectiveness of the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin in treating liver cancer cells. By inhibiting a protein called NFκB, ABM mushrooms allowed for increased accumulation of the drug within cancer cells, leading to enhanced cell death. This finding suggests that ABM mushrooms may help improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy in cases of drug-resistant cancers.
Broader Immune Benefits
In addition to their cancer-fighting potential, ABM mushrooms have well-documented immunomodulatory properties. A study by Hetland et al. (2008) suggests that ABM mushrooms help activate the immune system, promoting both anti-infection and anti-tumor effects. The study also found that ABM mushrooms may help protect against chemotherapy side effects and could be useful as a complementary therapy in cancer care. The effects of ABM mushrooms can vary depending on the source and manufacturing process, but the evidence supporting their use as an immune-supportive supplement is promising.
Conclusion
ABM mushrooms are emerging as a valuable complementary therapy for patients undergoing chemotherapy. By enhancing immune function, protecting healthy cells from damage, and improving the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs, ABM mushrooms may help improve patient outcomes and quality of life. As with any supplement, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before adding ABM mushrooms to a cancer treatment plan to ensure they are appropriate for your specific needs.
This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and complies with the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994. It does not intend to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Bibliography
- Ahn, W-S., Kim, D-J., Chae, G-T., Lee, J-M., Bae, S-M., Sin, J-I., Kim, Y-W., Namkoong, S-E., & Lee, I P. (2004). Natural killer cell activity and quality of life were improved by consumption of a mushroom extract, Agaricus blazei Murill Kyowa, in gynecological cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. International Journal of Gynecological Cancer, 14(4), 589-594. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1048-891X.2004.14403.x
- Angeli, J. P. F., Ribeiro, L. R., Gonzaga, M. L. C., de A Soares, S., Ricardo, M. P. S. N., Tsuboy, M. S., Stidl, R., Knasmueller, S., Linhares, R. E., & Mantovani, M. S. (2006). Protective effects of beta-glucan extracted from Agaricus brasiliensis against chemically induced DNA damage in human lymphocytes. Cell Biology and Toxicology, 22(4), 285-291. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10565-006-0087-z
- Mizuno, T. (2002). Medicinal Properties and Clinical Effects of Culinary-Medicinal Mushroom Agaricus blazei Murill (Agaricomycetideae) (Review). International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms, 4(4), 299-312.
- Lee, J. S., & Hong, E. K. (2011). Agaricus blazei Murill enhances doxorubicin-induced apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells by NFκB-mediated increase of intracellular doxorubicin accumulation. International Journal of Oncology, 38(2), 401-408. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijo.2010.852
- Hetland, G., Johnson, E., Lyberg, T., Bernardshaw, S., Tryggestad, A. M. A., & Grinde, B. (2008). Effects of the medicinal mushroom Agaricus blazei Murill on immunity, infection, and cancer. Scandinavian Journal of Immunology, 68(4), 363-370. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-3083.2008.02156.x