Mushroom Supplement Displays Benefits in Slowing and Preventing Prostate Cancer

White button mushroom supplements displayed positive impacts in slowing and preventing prostate cancer from spreading among men, according to study findings conducted by researchers at City of Hope. The phase 2 clinical trial that assessed “food as medicine” evaluated how food-based treatments could aid cancer outcomes.¹

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“City of Hope researchers are investigating foods like white button mushroom, grape seed extract, pomegranate, blueberries, and ripe purple berries called Jamun for their potential medicinal properties. We’re finding that plant-derived substances may one day be used to support traditional cancer treatment and prevention practices,” Shiuan Chen, PhD, the Lester M. and Irene C. Finkelstein Chair in biology and professor and chair of the department of cancer biology and molecular medicine at Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, said in the press release.¹

Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer as about 1 in 8 men will face a diagnosis at some point in their lives. In many cases the cancer grows slowly and are restricted to the prostate gland. In these cases, individuals do not require extensive treatment, but other cases could be more aggressive and spread more rapidly. Individuals have the best chance for successful treatment if detected while the cancer is still confined in the prostate. However, researchers noted that prostate cancer may not display signs or symptoms in its early stages, causing difficulty in detecting an early diagnosis. More advanced cases of prostate cancer can display symptoms which include trouble urinating, decreased force in the stream of urine, blood in the urine and/or the semen, bone pain, unexpected weight loss, and erectile dysfunction.²

White button mushrooms are known to be low in calories and sugar, while providing a high source of protein, vitamin D, and vitamin B12. Data has provided that white mushrooms are believed to have cancer-fighting properties as they include flavonoids and phenolic acids, which act as antioxidants to help improve cell survival.³

The study authors noted that previous research conducted on mouse models found that white button mushroom extract considerably delayed the growth of tumors and prolonged the survival of the mice. Additional results found that the extract also improved T cell immune response through the decrease of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) levels in the mouse model. The findings suggested that the white button mushroom extract improved the immune system’s aptitude to kill cancer, according to the press release.¹

In the phase 2 clinical trial, the men included in the study were instructed to take a white button mushroom supplement under active surveillance. The researchers assessed samples of 8 men that had their blood drawn before and after 3 months of treatment with the supplement. The results found that after white button mushroom supplement treatment, the men displayed less tumor-creating MDSCs and more anti-tumor T and natural killer cells.¹

“Our study emphasizes the importance of seeking professional guidance to ensure safety and to avoid self-prescribing supplements without consulting a health care provider,” Xiaoqiang Wang, MD, PhD, staff scientist at City of Hope, said in the press release. “Some people are buying mushroom products or extract online, but these are not FDA approved. While our research has promising early results, the study is ongoing. That said, it couldn’t hurt if people wanted to add more fresh white button mushrooms to their everyday diet.”¹

The findings suggest that white button mushroom can rebuild anti-cancer immune defense, while slowing cancer growth, aiding men with prostate cancer.¹

“This study suggests that ‘food as medicine’ treatments could eventually become normal, evidence-based cancer care that is recommended for everyone touched by cancer,” Chen said in the press release.¹

REFERENCES

1. City of Hope researchers discover why taking a mushroom supplement slows or prevents prostate cancer from getting worse. EurekAlert!. News release. November 12, 2024. Accessed November 13, 2024. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1064476

2. Prostate cancer. Mayo Clinic. June 14, 2024. Accessed November 13, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prostate-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20353087.

3. White Mushrooms: Nutrition, Benefits, and Uses. Healthline. January 27, 2020. Accessed November 13, 2024. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/white-mushroom-nutrition.