Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jan 29, 2026 1 hour, 47 minutes ago
Medical News: Mushrooms Move from Kitchen Staple to Cancer Research Spotlight
For centuries, mushrooms have been valued as nutritious foods and traditional remedies, but new scientific evidence is now revealing their serious potential in modern cancer care. Researchers from Russia and Vietnam have published a comprehensive review showing how common dietary and medicinal mushrooms may help the body fight cancer, mainly by strengthening the immune system rather than directly killing cancer cells.
New research reveals how common mushrooms may strengthen immunity and support cancer treatment
Who Conducted The Research
The researchers are from the Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences in St. Petersburg, Russia; the University of Science and Technology of Hanoi under the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology; and the Center for Development of Natural Products and Technology-Equipments at the Institute of Chemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology.
Why Mushrooms Are Gaining Medical Attention
Mushrooms are low in fat and calories but rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and special bioactive compounds. This
Medical News report highlights that scientists have identified over 270 mushroom species with health-promoting properties, including immune-boosting and cancer-related benefits. Popular varieties such as shiitake, oyster, maitake, reishi, turkey tail, and lion’s mane are now widely studied in laboratories worldwide.
How Mushrooms Help the Immune System Fight Cancer
The key cancer-fighting strength of mushrooms lies in complex sugars found in their cell walls, especially beta-glucans. These substances are not fully absorbed into the bloodstream. Instead, they interact with immune cells in the gut, sending powerful signals that activate natural killer cells, macrophages, and T cells. These immune cells then become more effective at identifying and attacking tumor cells throughout the body.
The study explains that beta-glucans stimulate immune balance by increasing cancer-fighting Th1 immune responses while reducing immune suppression that tumors often create. This helps restore the body’s natural ability to keep abnormal cell growth under control.
Direct Effects on Cancer Cells and Limitations
Some mushroom compounds can directly slow cancer cell growth, trigger cancer cell death, and block pathways that allow tumors to spread. However, researchers caution that many of these effects occur mainly in laboratory settings. Because large mushroom molecules are poorly absorbed, their direct impact on cancers outside the gut may be limited.
Special Promise for Colorectal Cancer
One important finding is the potential role of mushrooms in colorectal cancer. Since mushroom polysaccharides accumulate in the intestine, they may act locally by reducing inflammation, improving gut bacteria, enhancing immune defenses, and directly suppressing colon cancer cells. This dual action makes mushrooms especially promising for future prevention and supportive treatment strategies in colorectal
cancer.
Broader Benefits for Cancer Patients
Beyond tumor control, mushroom-based compounds may help reduce chemotherapy side effects, improve immune strength during treatment, and enhance quality of life. Some mushroom extracts are already used as supportive therapies in parts of Asia.
Conclusion
Overall, the findings suggest that mushrooms are not miracle cures but powerful natural allies in cancer care. Their greatest value lies in immune support, inflammation control, and targeted gut-related benefits. With more clinical studies, dietary and medicinal mushrooms could become important complements to conventional cancer treatments, offering safer and more holistic support for patients worldwide.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/27/3/1312
For the latest on herbs and phytochemicals, and cancer, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/cancer
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/herbs-and-phytochemicals
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