Fungal Extract Fights Four Common Cancers
A study led by the Methodist Hospital Research Institute indicates extracts from a tropical fungus called Phellinus linteus may combat breast cancer.
Methodist Hospital’s results add to previous research suggesting the yellow mushroom is also effective for slowing lung, prostate and skin cancers.
Phellinus linteus grows on the bark of mulberry trees and has been used in Chinese medicines for hundreds of years. Methodist’s investigation suggests the powdered extracts from the mushroom block AKT enzymes involved in the development of blood vessels that feed tumors. As the study’s lead author said,
“We saw a number of positive results from our investigation of aggressive human breast cancer cells, including a lower rate of uncontrolled growth of new cancer cells, suppression of their aggressive behavior and the formation of fewer blood vessels that feed cancer cells essential nutrients.”
Dr Daniel Sliva
Methodist Research Institute
Dr Sliva emphasized that more studies will need to done to determine if the extract if safe and effective for treating cancer patients. Citing health and quality concerns, he also urged patients to avoid buying untested commercial mushroom powders.
If you’d like to learn more about the breast cancer study, the findings have been published in the March 25, 2008, online edition of the British Journal of Cancer.
Source: Daily Mail
Related Links: Reuters; FOXNews.com
Related Podcast: Getting Chinese Medicine in to Balance from University of Warwick News
Technorati Tags: Indianapolis; oncology; complementary and alternative medicine; natural remedies; chemotherapy
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