Shiitake mushroom in the treatment of rectal cancer
By continuing to investigate the effects of healing fungi on common diseases of today, this time we want to pay attention to colon cancer - colorectal cancer.It turns out that according to statistics, it enters the top three of the most common cancer, both men and women. And, as is often the case, it is not manifested in the first stages, but it can be detected in the first or even precancerous stages.
In East Asia, such as Japan and China, since ancient times, Lentinus Edodes is used not only as a food but also as a medicine.It is known for its antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, immunomodulatory and antitumor properties.
The main active substance of shiitake, which has antitumor activity, is lentinan. Lentinan activates the immune response, in particular the T-cell response, which helps the body fight tumors. However, recent studies show that lentinan can also have a direct antitumor effect, affecting cancer cells directly.This effect is achieved by inhibiting the reproduction of cancer cells and the induction of apoptosis (programmable cell death) through the activation of various intracellular mechanisms.
In a study conducted by scientists in Wuhan, China and published in the journal Oncotarget in 2017, it was shown that lentinan from shiitake can inhibit the growth of tumors, particularly rectal cancer, both in vitro and in vitro.
Cancer growth inhibition: polysaccharide from shiitake stopped the division and growth of cancer cells, which means that the tumor could not increase.
Triggering apoptosis (self-destruction of cells): Shiitake made cancer cells start the process of apoptosis, that is, programmed self-destruction. This helped the body to get rid of these cells naturally.
Activation of caspases: These are important enzymes that play a key role in the process of apoptosis. Shiitake activated these enzymes, which helped start the process of destroying cancer cells.
Increased levels of oxidative stress: Shiitake increased levels of reactive oxygen species in cells, which caused additional stress to cancer cells and pushed them to self-destruct.
Suppression of the defense mechanisms of cancer cells: Cancer cells have mechanisms that help them avoid apoptosis. Shiitake inhibited one of these mechanisms, allowing the cells to self-destruct more easily.
This study was conducted on mice, and the results recorded that shiitake extract inhibited tumor growth by up to 57.9%, which is an impressive result for a natural product.
Another study conducted at the National University of Singapore and published in the journal of alternative and complementary medicine in 2002, showed a significant antitumor effect of Lentinan with its oral administration on colon mice.During experiments, it was established that lentinan reduces the weight of tumors in mice by more than 90% compared to control groups. Scientists noted that the effect of lentinan is mainly mediated through the body's immune system.It stimulates T-helper cells (Th1) that secrete various cytokines, such as interleukin-2, interferon-gamma and tumor-alpha necrosis factor. These cytokines increase the activity of the immune system, directing it against tumor cells, which significantly slows or stops the development
Both studies have shown that the shiitake fungus has a powerful antitumor effect and can be a promising alternative to traditional pharmacological agents in the treatment of rectal cancer.
Another important study conducted at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston, which was published in July 2011 year in parenteral and enteral nutrition. In this study, it was found that patients receiving shiitake extract after surgery for rectal cancer had a much lower recurrence rate and improved survival compared to those who did not receive this extract.
Therefore, you should not forget about timely examination and prevention of colorectal cancer, as well as proper medical treatment. However, shiitake fungus can be an indispensable complement to both treatment and prevention of disease of this ailment.
You can also buy them in our store.
1.Shiitake fruit
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