Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi mushroom) for cancer treatment
Jin X, Ruiz Beguerie J, Sze DM, Chan GC
Published in Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
Abstract
Systematic review of 5 RCTs with 373 cancer patients. Reishi as adjuvant therapy (1.8-5.4g daily) improved tumor response rate, enhanced immune function (increased NK cells, CD3, CD4, CD8 counts), and improved quality of life. No improvement in survival but well-tolerated with minimal adverse effects. Establishes immune-modulating effects in clinical setting.
Methodology
Cochrane systematic review of five randomised controlled trials (373 participants) of Ganoderma lucidum as adjuvant therapy in cancer patients, assessing tumour response, immune markers, quality of life and adverse events.
Key Findings
Patients receiving Ganoderma lucidum alongside conventional treatment were more likely to show a tumour response and had increases in immune cell measures and some quality-of-life scores. No survival benefit was demonstrated, and the included trials were few, small and at moderate to high risk of bias.
Conclusions
Evidence is insufficient to recommend Ganoderma lucidum as a cancer treatment; it may be considered only as an adjunct within trials or specialist care, and never as a replacement for conventional therapy.
Limitations
Only five eligible trials with small samples, methodological weaknesses and incomplete reporting, heterogeneous preparations and doses, short follow-up, and no long-term survival data.
Supplements Studied
Patients receiving Ganoderma lucidum alongside conventional treatment were more likely to show a tumour response and had increases in immune cell measures and some quality-of-life scores. No survival benefit was demonstrated, and the included trials were few, small and at moderate to high risk of bias.
Related Health Concerns
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