Study show reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) may help heal prostate cancer

    Cellular studies have investigated the effects on cell transformation by different types of mushroom extract. Researchers from Methodist Research Institute in Indianapolis investigated the impact of reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) on cell proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis in human prostate cancer cells.They found reishi inhibited proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner by impacting genetic expression; it also induced apoptosis by decreasing expression of NF-kappaB regulated markers and upregulating expression of the proapoptotic Bax protein. The researchers concluded reishi exerts effects on cancer cells by multiple mechanisms.

    To address the issue of toxicity, researchers at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon looked at the impact of reishi on 18 healthy adults in a four-week double blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial.113 At the end of the investigation, researchers found no significant changes in antioxidant status, DNA damage, immune status or inflammation, although a slight trend was seen toward lower lipids and increased antioxidant capacity.

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