The Potential Role of Medicinal Mushrooms in the Prevention and Treatment of Gynecological Cancers: A Review

Int J Med Mushrooms. 2019;21(3):225-235. doi: 10.1615/IntJMedMushrooms.2019030289.

Abstract

A review of scientific information about the potential role of medicinal mushrooms in the prevention and treatment of gynecological cancers, human immunodeficiency virus, and human papillomavirus infections is reported here. The results of in vivo and in vitro experiments on 16 different species of Basidiomycetes and three Ascomycetes, which possess chemopreventive potential and are effective in clinical application in combination with chemotherapy, are also discussed. Medicinal mushroom extracts confirm an evident efficacy on the reduction of tumor cell proliferation and side effects in patients with gynecological tumors who are undergoing chemotherapy treatments. This review, the first on the use of medicinal mushrooms in the prevention and treatment of gynecological cancers, aims to highlight the remarkable potential of mushrooms in integrated oncology.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Agaricales / chemistry*
  • Animals
  • Antioxidants / therapeutic use
  • Ascomycota / chemistry
  • Basidiomycota / chemistry
  • Biological Products / chemistry
  • Biological Products / therapeutic use*
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Female
  • Genital Neoplasms, Female / drug therapy*
  • Genital Neoplasms, Female / prevention & control*
  • HIV / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Papillomaviridae / drug effects
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / prevention & control
  • Vaginal Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Vaginal Neoplasms / prevention & control

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Biological Products