NEW AWARENESS ON MUSHROOMS AND CANCER: FOCUSING ON GANODERMA LUCIDUM AND BREAST CANCER

Ganoderma lucidum extract (GL extract) shows potential antitumor and chemoprevention effects on three types of breast cancer: estrogen-receptor dependent, estrogen-receptor independent, and inflammatory. Such positive effects are primarily due to the bioactive constituents in the GL extract, triterpenes and polysaccharides. There seems to be a common GL extract anticancer mechanism at the molecular level for breast cancer and other types of cancers. Studies at cellular, molecular and genomic levels on the topic reveal the formulation of the molecular sequence of events in the GL extract antitumor mechanism. Such sequence facilitates the identification of GL extract antitumor molecular targets; such as Nuclear Factor Kappa Beta (NF-kB), a cancer promoter, a protein that acts as a switch to turn inflammation on and offin the body. Insights from studies of GL extract or its bioactive constituents on breast and other cancers, including practical applications, give rise to recommendations for how and when GL extract should be used, and what age group in the population may benefit the most from its use. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]