Mushroom Extract Demonstrates Potential in Fighting Prostate Cancer

Exotic mushrooms like Lion’s mane have garnered attention for their medicinal benefits, but common varieties, such as the white button mushroom, may also offer immune-boosting effects.

The white button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) is the world’s most cultivated edible mushroom. Although not typically seen as medicinal, emerging studies suggest its extract may help slow or even prevent prostate cancer growth.

Researchers at the City of Hope, a cancer research center, are working to follow FDA guidelines and establish evidence for the mushroom’s health benefits. Their findings strengthen the case for using white button mushrooms as a “nutraceutical” treatment to slow prostate cancer progression, especially when used as an adjuvant therapy.

“Plant-derived substances could one day complement traditional cancer treatments,” says cancer biologist Shiuan Chen. “This study suggests ‘food as medicine’ could become part of evidence-based cancer care.”

Prostate cancer creates a defense against the immune system by producing myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). White button mushrooms may disrupt this defense. In a Phase I clinical trial, researchers saw promising signs that the mushroom extract reduced prostate cancer toxicity, with some participants showing fewer MDSCs and undetectable levels of cancer markers after months of taking mushroom tablets.

Follow-up Study and Phase II Trial Reveal Mushroom Extract’s Potential to Slow Tumor Growth and Boost Immune Response in Prostate Cancer

A follow-up study on mice and a Phase II clinical trial involving prostate cancer patients are now exploring the mechanisms behind this effect. In mouse models, the mushroom extract significantly slowed tumor growth and extended survival, with treated mice showing fewer tumor-derived suppressor cells in their blood. In the ongoing Phase II trial, patients treated with the extract have shown fewer suppressor cells and an increase in anti-tumor immune cells.

These results suggest that white button mushrooms could help enhance anti-cancer immune responses and slow cancer growth when combined with other therapies.

However, it remains unclear which specific compounds in the mushroom extract are responsible for these effects. Botanicals like mushrooms contain numerous chemicals, which may target multiple cancer pathways simultaneously. Identifying the active ingredients is a slow process, so clinical trials focus on safety and efficacy rather than the exact mechanisms.

The mushroom extract may contain soluble fibers, proteins, lipids, and phytochemicals, all of which could affect cancer cells.

“While our results are promising, the study is still ongoing,” says Xiaoqiang Wang, City of Hope staff scientist and lead author. “That said, adding fresh white button mushrooms to your diet couldn’t hurt.”

Read Original Article: Science Alert

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