The use of Hericium erinaceus and Trametes versicolor extracts in supportive treatment in oncology

Summary & key facts

This is a review of research on two edible fungi, Hericium erinaceus (lion’s mane) and Trametes versicolor (turkey tail). Lab studies and animal studies show their extracts can affect the immune system and have possible anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and nerve-regenerating actions. The authors say these extracts could help support chemotherapy more convincingly than many other supplement-based supports. However, most evidence comes from cell and animal studies, so the effects in people are not proven and more research is needed.

Key facts:

• The article is a 2020 open-access review published in Acta Pharmaceutica (Volume 71, Issue 1).
• The review focuses on two edible fungi: Hericium erinaceus (He) and Trametes versicolor (Tv).
• Most reported findings come from in vitro (human cell lines) and in vivo (mouse) studies, not from large human clinical trials.
• Studies reported immunomodulatory effects of substances from He and Tv, meaning the extracts can change immune system activity in lab and animal tests.
• The authors state that the use of He and Tv extracts as supportive treatment in oncology is more strongly justified, based on available studies, than many other supplement-based supportive treatments, but they note that human evidence is li

Abstract

Substances available in nature with potential therapeutic effects are the subject of research that raises tremendous hopes for new challenges in medicine. Fungi are the most common organisms in the ecosystem and the most interesting in this respect. This review discusses two species of edible fungi, used for centuries in Eastern natural medicine, with the best-documented effect - Hericium erinaceus (He) and Trametes versicolor (Tv). The results of in vivo and in vitro studies conducted on mice and human cell lines demonstrate immunomodulatory, potentially, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and neuroregenerative effects of substances isolated from these fungi. The substances contained in the extracts of He and Tv seem to have immunomodulatory effects that may support chemotherapy. The use of these extracts is justified stronger than the other supportive treat ments based on supplements.

Topics

Fungal Biology and Applications Phytochemistry and Bioactivity Studies Polysaccharides and Plant Cell Walls

Categories

Health Sciences Medicine Pharmacology

Tags

Alternative medicine Biochemistry Biology Botany Enzyme Hericium erinaceus Laccase Medicine Mycelium Pathology Pharmacology Traditional medicine Trametes versicolor