Coriolus Versicolor is Potent Mushroom for Fighting Cancer

and Autoimmune Diseases

(NaturalNews) For thousands of years Chinese medicine has prized the mushroom for its energizing and healing properties. Chinese legend is filled with stories of those who discovered the 1,000 year old mushroom and became immortal. In the West, acceptance is based less on tradition and more on the results of the scientific method. Researchers have been busy scientifically documenting what Chinese tradition dictates, that mushrooms are some of the most potent medicines on the plant. Recent research findings have shown the Coriolus versicolor mushroom stands out above the rest for regulating the immune system.



Coriolus versicolor found to be effective against cancer and human papillomavirus



Researchers at the Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York tested several botanicals for their immune enhancing activity using a subcutaneous immunization model of cell surface carbohydrate expression in cancer cells in a study published in September, 2008 Vaccine. They found Coriolus versicolor to display consistent and significant immune enhancement activity superior to all other coumpounds tested. The superiority of Coriolus to yeast beta-glucan, maitake, turmeric, echinacea, and preparation H-48 from Honso USA, was described as surprising. Although the exhibited levels of immune enhancing ability of astragalus was also impressive, it was surpassed by that of Coriolus.



The March, 2008 BMC Cancer reports Coriolus versicolor has shown anticancer activity with positive results in the treatment of gastric, esophageal, colorectal, breast and lung cancers. The efficacy of its protein-bound polysaccharide as an immunomodulator is credited. This activity was independent of its previously described immunomodulatory effect on NK cells.



The journal Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy reports double blind trials on 111 patients with colorectal cancer, using Coriolus versicolor. Although traditional medicine offers little help for colon cancer patients, Coriolus showed a remarkable enhancement of the patient's white blood cells, even in advanced colon cancer cases. The white cells greatly increased natural chemotactic motion and phagocytosis, the ability to scavenge toxins and kill pathogens. Coriolus was also used with patients as a helpful maintenance therapy following cancer surgery.



The results of a year long clinical trial examining the effects of mushroom supplementation in patients with Human Papillomavirus (HPV) were so impressive they were presented in 2008 at the 20th European Congress of Obstetrics and Gynocology. Dr. Silva Couto and his research team found that Coriolus versicolor supplementation over the period of one year substantially increased regression of dysplasia and induced clearance of the high-risk subtypes of the HPV responsible for cervical cancer. Coriolus supplementation demonstrated a 72 percent regression rate in lesions compared to 47.5 percent without supplementation, and a 90 percent regression rate in the high risk HPV virus sub-types compared to 8.5 percent without.



After using the supplement for one year, 72.5 percent of recipients reverted to normal cytology compared with only 47.5 percent of the control group. Coriolus supplementation produced a 90 percent regression rate in the high risk HPV virus sub-tupes compared to an 8.5 percent regression without supplementation.



It is also likely that Coriolus versicolor would be beneficial in high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL), a precancerous condition in which the cells of the uterine cervix are moderately or severely abnormal. The lead physician of the study noted that the optimal supplementation period may be as short as six months.



Coriolus versicolor modulates autoimmune diseases



T cells belong to a group of while blood cells known as lymphocytes, and play a central role in cell-mediated immunity. The activation of T helper (Th) cell subsets also plays an important role in immunity. Uncontrolled Th responses lead to autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. The identification of agents that modulate these helper cells is essential for controlling autoimmune diseases. A study from the November, 2008 Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, reported that polysaccharopeptide (PSP) from Coriolus versicolor exhibited the ability to control aberrant T lymphocyte activation through ciclosporin-like activity. PSP alone suppress production of activated T cells.



What makes Coriolus versicolor special?



Coriolus versicolor, also referred to as the turkey-tail mushroom, contains large quantities of Beta-glucans that act to stimulate the immune system. Coriolus can dramatically regenerate and rejuvenate the body. Its most active medicinal components are biological response modifiers called protein-bound polysaccharides. These polysaccharides are known as Krestin or PSK in Japan, and as Yun zhi, or PSP in China. There have been reports of cases of Bell's palsy clearing up with use of Coriolus for just a few days. Others have found it effective against bronchitis.



Other studies have shown that Coriolus can double the number of natural killer cells after only 8 weeks of treatment. Coriolus has also been found to help patients with chronic fatigue syndrome and may be an effective treatment for Lyme disease.



More research documents the anti-tumor benefits of Coriolus



Japanese researchers screened 200 of the best phytochemicals (plant extracts) known for anti-tumor activity. Coriolus versicolor was designated as exhibiting the greatest amount of anti-tumor activity. In another Japanese study, 185 people with lung cancer at different stages were given radiation. Doctors found those who also took Coriolus showed the best tumor shrinkage and the best survival rate. Another study involving stomach cancer patients produced similar results. Those who received Coriolus survived significantly longer, felt better and had fewer side effects.



Coriolus is first line defense against infection



Coriolus is a good centerpiece for your natural medicine chest, even if you are currently the picture of health. When any type of infection strikes, you will be ready. Coriolus can be used to target any infected organ, gland or tissue. Its immune enhancing properties provide an increased response to deal effectively with infections, and do this without over stimulating the immune system.



Sources:



Clinical Trial Results Show Proof of Concept for Use of Coriolus Versicolor As Immunonutrition in IPV Patients With Cervical Lesions, Medical News Today.



Coriolus, www.cocoonnutrition.org.



Coriolus Versicolor, University of California, San Diego Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Cancer Patients.





-by Barbara Minton, Natural Health Editor





About the author

Barbara is a school psychologist, a published author in the area of personal finance, a Breast Cancer survivor using "alternative" treatments, a born existentialist, and a student of nature and all things natural.





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Coriolus Versicolor is Potent Mushroom for Fighting Cancer and Auto...

(NaturalNews) Mushrooms are gaining popularity as a beneficial super food in North America. They are high in vegetable proteins and low in calories, making them a valuable source of healthy nutrition. They also contain zinc, iron, chitin, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Not only are mushrooms a healthy addition to the diet, they also have important medicinal properties.



Traditional Chinese Medicine has used mushrooms for thousands of years. There are over 200 species of mushrooms in China that are used to practice healing. An amazing 25 percent of these mushrooms are credited with tumor-fighting capabilities.



All varieties of mushrooms possess cleansing capabilities. Mushrooms contain a substance called Germanium. Germanium is a nutrient that helps boost the oxygen efficiency within the body. Germanium also helps counteract the body's exposure to environmental toxins and helps to increase the body's ability to fight disease.



Another amazing property of mushrooms is a compound named Polysaccharides. This enables mushrooms to boost the immune system and fight the growth of tumors. Mushrooms are also high in amino acids, nicotinic acid, riboflavin, vitamins B, C, and K, and pantothenic acid. Medicinal mushrooms also contain other compounds that further enhance tumor-fighting capabilities.



Shiitake Mushrooms



The shiitake mushroom is one of the most popular mushrooms. Asians have utilized it for centuries as a stimulant to boost health, prevent strokes, and improve circulation.



Shiitake mushrooms contain a substance called lentinan. Lentinan has been shown to be an effective way to treat chromosomal damage caused by common anti-cancer treatments. In Japan a purified form of lentinan has recently been approved for treating cancer and the effects of chemotherapy.



Shiitake mushrooms also contain a compound called eritadenine. This is thought to be helpful in reducing cholesterol by facilitating fat excretion.



An additional beneficial compound found in shiitake mushrooms is lentinula edodes mycelium (LEM). LEM has been found to be effective for treating and preventing cancer, heart disease, hypertension, infectious diseases and hepatitis.



It's important to note that there are several side effects associated with shiitake mushrooms, including skin irritation and diarrhea. In addition, people taking blood thinners should first consult a physician before supplementing with shiitake mushrooms because there are anti-clotting compounds contained in these mushrooms.



Reishi Mushrooms



Reishi mushrooms are rich with healing compounds and are touted as being beneficial for the health of both the prostate and the heart. Reishi mushrooms are also considered to effective for fighting cancer. Chinese medicine routinely utilizes reishi mushrooms for their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and immunogenic capabilities. Reishi mushrooms have also demonstrated their ability to regulate metabolism and fight tumor growth.



Western medicine is now taking notice of reishi mushrooms due to their ability to treat hypertension, heart disease, arthritis, and muscular dystrophy. Additionally, reishi mushrooms have been found to be able to stop tumor growth in prostate cancer patients.



Reishi mushrooms have also been discovered to contain compounds that can produce a calming effect and promote sleep.



Maitake Mushrooms



Maitake mushrooms are very popular in Asian cultures for their ability to strengthen and improve general health. Recent research shows that the maitake mushroom enhances the immune system and stops tumor growth.



Patients with the AIDS virus have benefited from eating maitake mushrooms and diabetics can improve their blood Sugar levels by ingesting maitake mushrooms. Additionally, maitake mushrooms can help reduce high blood pressure, shrink brain tumors, and fight prostate cancer.



Maitake mushrooms can also help to manage emotional and physical stress levels. Cancer patients can benefit from eating maitake mushrooms because they contain a compound that strengthens the body while it fights cancer. Additionally, it is thought that maitake mushrooms can make some chemotherapy drugs more effective and thereby may reduce necessary dosages.



Most mushrooms are available either as a vegetable to include in the diet and as supplements. Not only are mushrooms an interesting and beneficial addition to one's diet, they are also a promising medicinal option for many people.



Source: http://www. healthynewage .com/Shitak...







About the author

Jo Hartley

Wife, Mother of 8, and Grandmother of 2

Jo is a 41 year old home educator who has always gravitated toward a natural approach to life. She enjoys learning as much as possible about just about anything!

http://loftymatters.com - Current Events

http://winemaiden.com - Simply Abundant Living





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Discover What Traditional Chinese Medicine Knows about Mushrooms

(NaturalNews) Regular mushroom consumption can decrease a woman's risk of Breast Cancer by two thirds, researchers have found.



Scientists from the University of Western Australia in Perth conducted a study on 2,018 Chinese women, half of whom had been diagnosed with breast cancer. After adjusting for known cancer risk factors such as obesity, smoking, lack of exercise and lower education level, the researchers found that women who ate at least 10 grams of button mushrooms per day were 64 percent less likely to develop the disease. Women who ate dried mushrooms regularly also significantly reduced their cancer risk, although not by as much.



The study was published in the International Journal of Cancer.



This is not the first time scientists have found evidence of mushrooms' cancer-fighting properties. Laboratory studies have found that mushrooms may suppress the body's production of the sex hormone estrogen, much like the Breast Cancer drugs known as aromatose inhibitors. High estrogen levels are a well-known risk factor for breast cancer.



Mushrooms have also been found to strengthen the body's immune function and block tumor development. Mushroom extract has been shown to stop the growth of Breast Cancer cells, sparking an ongoing study into whether taking mushroom extract twice per month can prevent a recurrence of the disease.



While the Chinese study focused on the culinary mushrooms Agaricus bisporus (button mushrooms), the study on extracts is focusing on the traditional medicinal mushroom Phellinus linteus. In Eastern medicine, this mushroom is used to help refresh the body and lengthen lifespan.



Researchers believe that P. linteus acts by blocking the action of an enzyme known as AKT, which plays a role in controlling cell growth. Prior studies have suggested that the mushroom hampers the activity of skin, lung and prostate cancer cells. It reduces uncontrollable cell growth and blocks the development of blood vessels that keep tumors alive.



Sources for this story include: www.telegraph.co.uk; news.bbc.co.uk; uk.reuters.com.





by: David Gutierrez, staff writer





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Eating Mushrooms Slashes Risk of Breast Cancer by Two-Thirds