Oriental mushroom may fight cancer
A mushroom widely used in oriental medicine may combat breast cancer by slowing the growth of tumours and starving them of blood, a study has shown.
Extracts of the fungus, Phellinus linteus, have been used for centuries by eastern healers, who believe it has the power to rejuvenate and extend life.
Recent research has indicated the mushroom can hold back the growth of skin, lung and prostate cancer cells.
It is also believed to increase the number of prostate cancer cells killed by the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin.
The new research conducted in the US has revealed a clue to the mechanism behind the mushroom's remarkable properties.
Working with breast cancer cells, scientists at the Methodist Research Institute in Indianapolis found evidence that the mushroom blocks the activity of an enzyme called AKT.
The enzyme, a biological catalyst, is known to control signals that lead to cell growth and the development of new blood vessels feeding tumours.
Cancers need a good blood supply to survive, and send out chemical messages which promote the construction of new blood vessels, a process known as angiogenesis. Scientists are actively exploring ways to block angiogenesis as a cancer therapy.
Dr Daniel Sliva, who led the research, said: "We saw a number of positive results from our investigation on aggressive human breast cancer cells, including a lower rate of uncontrolled growth of new cancer cells, suppression of their aggressive behaviour and the formation of fewer blood vessels that feed cancer cells essential nutrients.
"We're not yet able to apply this knowledge to modern medicine, but we're excited that we can begin to explain how this ancient medicine works by acting on specific molecules. We hope our study will encourage more researchers to explore the use of medicinal mushrooms for the treatment of cancer."
