Medicinal Mushroom Cordyceps Militaris – Future Breast Cancer Treatment?

Medicinal Mushroom Cordyceps Militaris – Future Breast Cancer Treatment? AUTHOR BRIDGET GREENWOOD maitake An animal study using extracts from the medicinal mushroom Cordyceps militaris to treat breast cancer tumors has found very promising results. Could this useful fungus become part of anti-cancer treatments in the future? The popular medicinal mushroom Cordyceps has been the subject of many scientific investigations. Long used in traditional Chinese medicines, the mushroom is now being tested for its possible role in cancer treatments, perhaps as part of additional therapies. Cordyceps Sinensis is probably the most well known member of the Cordyceps gamily, but Cordyceps militaris also contains essential bioactive compounds. Cordycepin is the main functional component of Cordyceps. Cordycepin has several pharmacological effects, including stimulating the immune system. Cordycepin was originally derived from the medicinal mushroom, but can now also be produced synthetically. Cordyceps animal study: can cordycepin reduce tumors? A study was developed by researchers (Jeong MH, Lee CM, et al) from the Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan, Republic of Korea. They wanted to investigate the possible anti tumor effects of Cordyceps militaris. Conventional cancer treatments like chemotherapy, while often effective, may have harsh side-effects which can reduce the patient’s quality of life. Improvements are therefore continually under investigation. Medicinal mushrooms are a popular source of study, as they are non-toxic and also contain active biological compounds which would improve cancer treatments. This Korean animal study investigated wild Cordyceps militaris and also cordycepin-enriched Cordyceps. They were given added to the diets of mice with breast cancer, to see if the medicinal mushroom would help reduce tumor growth. Dietary administration of Cordyceps militaris had a significant effect. Tumor growth was delayed, and the survival rates of the tumor-bearing mice were increased. The best result was found with the cordycepin-enriched Cordyceps militaris. The researchers hope that in time, and after more scientific studies, cordycepin-enriched Cordyceps militaris will become part of cancer immunotherapy. Please go to this site to order Ganolife Gourmet Coffee enriched with Ganoderma, www.ganolifevo.com/wwammcafe.