Patients with cancer frequently use herbs along with conventional medical treatment, hoping to augment treatment effectiveness and enhance recovery. Mushrooms have an established history of use in traditional oriental therapies and are increasingly being evaluated and integrated into cancer care. Common “medicinal mushrooms” include Lentinus edodes (Shiitake), Coriolus versicolor (Turkey Tail) and Agaricus Sylvaticus (Scaly Wood).
Findings from a recent review of published studies evaluating Yun Zhi, a widely used medicinal mushroom suggest that it has the potential to prevent lymph node metastasis, prolong overall survival, decrease chemotherapy-induced side effects (e.g., diarrhea, vomiting), affect the immune system, and help maintain immune function and quality of life in patients with certain cancers.1
Yun Zhi
Yun zhi also known as Coriolus Versicolor or “Turkey Tail”, is a type of cloud-like mushroom mainly found in the Yunnan and Guizhou provinces in China and grows deep in the forest. In a meta-analyses of 13 clinical trials Yun Zhi has been reported to produce a significant survival advantage compared with standard chemotherapy. With the addition of Yun Zhi to chemotherapy there was a 9% absolute reduction in 5-year mortality In patients with breast cancer, gastric cancer, or colorectal cancer but not in esophageal or nasophayngeal carcer. The findings highlight the need for further evidence from prospective studies of outcome to guide future potential modifications of treatment regimes.
Side Effects of Turkey Tail Mushrooms
- Gastrointestinal issues (bloating, gas, stomach pain, nausea)
- Constipation.
- Cold and flu symptoms.
- Low blood pressure.
- Low blood sugar.
- Low white blood cell count.
- Heart palpitation.
- Rash.
Can psilocybin help with cancer?
Cancer patients often develop chronic, clinically significant psychosocial distress, depressed mood, anxiety, and reduced quality of life that is associated with decreased treatment adherence.3,4 Doctors from Johns Hopkins University tracked the effects of a single guided dose of psilocybin in terminal cancer patients with anxiety and depression and found that more than 80% had a “significant decrease” in symptoms — even 6 months after treatment — with more than 60% of the group remaining in the normal mood range.5
Individuals considering integrating medical mushrooms or other complimentary therapies should consider treatment by a provider with expertise. The MSKCC has one of the more established Integrative Medicine programs for Cancer. Individuals considering the use of complimentary medicines should always discuss them with their treating physician some therapies are unproven, harmful, or can interfere with the effectiveness of established cancer treatments.
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