Raymond Y. Chang, author Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and private practice. 1996 published in Mushroom Biology and Mushroom Products Animal studies suggest that immune protection against cancer is effected primarily through cell-mediated immune mechanisms; and because Natural Killer (NK) lymphocyte functional acitivity correlates with the incidence of tumors. Ganoderma polysaccharides particularly those of a Beta 1,3 configuration have been extensively demonstrated to have broad immunopotentiating properties, including the stimulation of NK activity. Too date NO animal or human studies have been carried out using this for cancer prevention, but it is a potenially ideal agent since it has no toxicity. NOTE: What all this means is that while there have been lots of small studies looking at the ability of this mushroom, among others, to boost the immune system, there have been NO human studies with cancer patients. Still, most of us cannot wait for this level of evidence (especially since no study has yet to begin). Mushrooms are not toxic and can be eaten or taken as pills. See also MGN3 section for more on NK activity and Ann's Protocol (under Ann's Bio) for her story on Maitake mushrooms and tumor reduction. Anticancer Res, 4/01 Anti-aromatase activity phytochemicals white button mushrooms J Nutrition, 2001 Int J Cancer, 11/02 Biologic Activity:Ganoderma lucidum Ganoderma lucidum: Acute & Short-term Biomarker Response Anti-angiogenic/Inhibitory Activity Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) Ganoderma lucidum Inhibitory Effects Epstein-Barr Ganoderma lucidum & Cell Proliferation (Reishi) J Nutr, 3/03 Extract of Mushroom (Lentinula edodes) Kills Ca Cells (Mice) Phytother Res, 8/03 Immunomodulatory & Antitumor Effects: Cordycepts mushroom Varoius studies Brazilian Sun-Mushroom (Agaricus blazei) & NK activity Life Sci, 7/04 British J Cancer, Posted 9/06 Phellinus linteus Induces Apoptosis in Prostate Ca Cells J Food and Chem Toxicology, 7/07 Antrodia camphorata is a popular folk medicine Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.