Mushrooms That Fight Cancer and Boost the Immune System

Monday, July 14, 2008 by: Tony Isaacs
Tags: medicinal mushrooms, health news, Natural News

(NewsTarget) In the world of natural health, "medicinal" mushrooms are known as some of the most potent immune boosters and disease fighters. Perhaps the most potent of all is the Agaricus Blazei Murrill mushroom, known in its native Brazil as "The Mushroom of God"; however many others have also proven to be very effective and popular.

Here are some of the very best:

Agaricus Blazei Murrill Mushroom

A few decades ago, researchers noticed that in the mountain region of Ideate near Sao Paulo, Brazil, a regular part of the local inhabitants` diet was a mushroom known as "Cogmelo de Deus" or "Mushroom of God". The researchers also noted that the local inhabitants were extraordinarily healthy and had a very low incidence of disease, which they attributed to this magical mushroom.

The scientific name of the mushroom is Agaricus Blazei Murrill, more commonly called the ABM mushroom and sometimes referred to as Agaricus Brasiliennis. So potent is this mushroom that one well-known rain forest herbal manufacturer, uses it as the main ingredient in herbal supplements that have been credited with success against cancer and other diseases around the world. A link to the manufacturer is provided on the last page of this book.

In a study conducted by Dr. Shoji Shibata, a professor at Tokyo University, several other well known cancer-fighting and immune-boosting mushrooms were compared to the ABM, including Reishi and Shiitake. Dr. Shibata`s results found that the other mushrooms were not as effective as the ABM mushroom, and so the ABM was ranked at the top of the list of potent mushrooms -- a spot befitting the "Mushroom of God"! Other Japanese and British studies have also shown the ABM mushroom to have the highest concentration of beta-glucan of any mushroom.

The ABM mushroom contains Beta-(1-3)-D-glucan, Beta-(1-4)-a-D-glucan & Beta-(1-6)-D-glucan. Known collectively as Beta-glucans, these long-chain polysaccharides are the most potent immuno-potentiating (immune enhancing) substances yet found. They also have very powerful anti-tumor properties. When human subjects are given AMB in their diet, a 3000% increase of NK cells, a type of anti-tumor white blood cell known as Natural Killer cells, is seen in the blood within 2-4 days.

In addition to beta glucans, agaricus also contains derivatives of ergosterol, a potent anti-tumor agent; double stranded RNA, an anti-viral agent; proteoglycans and protein bound polysaccharides of low molecular weight, which are immune enhancers; and, protein bound polysaccharides of high molecular weight, vitamins B1 and B2, proteins in the form of amino acids, niacin, iron, and calcium. There are many verified reports from around the world of this mushroom being used successfully in late stage cancers that had been determined hopeless and some clinics in Europe base their entire treatment protocols on agaricus blazei murrill mushroom extracts and other complimentary botanicals. In fact, in many published studies, the rate of cure for all types of cancer has been in the high ninety percentile range, even for stage 4 lung cancer, where many complete remissions are often seen in just a few weeks.

Coriolus Versicolor - the Asian "Turkey Tail" mushroom

Coriolus Versicolor mushrooms contains polysaccharides [PSK] and polysaccharopeptides [PSP])and are effective for acute leukemia and stomach, esophagus, colorectal, lung cancer; PS is effective with many types of cancer (at least early and mid-stage cancer), including lung cancer and particularly stomach & colon cancer. The NCI reportedly stated that PSK has been "contemplated for use against... mammary cancer, gastrointestinal cancers, such as those of the esophagus, stomach... colon; lung... brain tumors" and that PSP "has ... anti-tumor activities, inhibiting Ehrlich ascites tumors, leukemia, and sarcoma... gastric tumor, lymph, and monocytic leukemia"; good to take during chemo & radiation - including acute leukemia patients.

Shiitake Mushrooms

Shiitake mushrooms lower cholesterol and improve immune system function, good for preventing high blood pressure and heart disease, for controlling cholesterol level, building resistance against viruses, and fighting diseases such as AIDS/HIV and cancers. Shiitake mushrooms are often available fresh and are very flavorful when used in cooking. If you cannot find them fresh, they are available as a supplement also.

Maitake Mushrooms

Are high in nutrients including Vitamins B-2, C, D, niacin, magnesium, potassium, fiber, and amino acids, contains the polysaccharide compound beta-1.6-glucan which naturally stimulates the immune system and lowers blood pressure. Beneficial for obesity and diabetic patients, the Maitake mushroom may be best known for its cancer fighting ability. Tests in mice prove that it blocks tumor formation and boosts the immune system. Available fresh or as supplement.

Reishi Mushrooms

The Reishi mushroom can increase the production of interleukin 1 and 2, resulting in inhibition of tumor growth. Studies show that Reishi can have a number of other positive effects on the body such as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-viral (through its interferon production), lowers blood pressure. It also acts as a cardiotonic by lowering serum and increasing the production of interleukin 1 and 2, which results in inhibition of tumor cholesterol, expectorant, anti-tissue, liver protecting and detoxifying, protection against ionizing radiation, antibacterial, and anti-HIV activity. Available fresh or as supplement.

Cordyceps Oglossoides Mushroom

Cordyceps, like many other medicinal mushrooms, contains complex sugars (especially beta 1,3 glucan) and other nutrients (nucleosides, triterpenoids) which seem to strongly nourish and activate various components of the immune system, useful in treating cancer, chronic fatigue and other immune disorders. It also seems to have value in treating nephritis, may help the immune system recognize tumors that otherwise might escape immune surveillance, and has positive effects on the cardiovascular and nervous systems, and an anti-aging effect.

Phellinus Linteus Mushroom

Made up primarily of polysacharrides, the Phellinus Linteus mushroom suppresses cancer growth, angiogenesis and invasive behavior of breast and other cancer cells through the inhibition of AKT signalling. It also stimulates the immune system and induces apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells.

The world of natural health has an abundance of botanicals, vitamins, minerals and supplements to help fight illness and boost the immune system. As you can see, the so-called "medicinal mushrooms" are important parts of that world.

Live long, live healthy, live happy!

Sources included:

"Cancer`s Natural Enemy" by Tony Isaacs

About the author

Tony Isaacs, is a natural health author, advocate and researcher who hosts The Best Years in Life website for those who wish to avoid prescription drugs and mainstream managed illness and live longer, healthier and happier lives naturally. Mr. Isaacs is the author of books and articles about natural health, longevity and beating cancer including "Cancer's Natural Enemy" and is working on a major book project due to be published later this year. He is also a contributing author for the worldwide advocacy group "S.A N.E.Vax. Inc" which endeavors to uncover the truth about HPV vaccine dangers.
Mr. Isaacs is currently residing in scenic East Texas and frequently commutes to the even more scenic Texas hill country near Austin and San Antonio to give lectures and health seminars. He also hosts the CureZone "Ask Tony Isaacs - featuring Luella May" forum as well as the Yahoo Health Group "Oleander Soup" and he serves as a consultant to the "Utopia Silver Supplement Company".