White button mushroom extract can shrink cancer tumours: Promising findings of new study

White button mushroom or

Agaricus bisporus

, one of the most popular edible fungus in the world, can shrink cancer tumours, delaying their growth, as per new

clinical trials

on the use of food as medicine. Not only it slows tumour growth, but also increases the efficiency of cancer-fighting immune cells.
The medicinal mushrooms have been long known to possess cancer-fighting properties, but its mechanism of action has not been studied yet. A new research at

City of Hope

, one of the US’s largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations, has discovered the many positive health effects of the fungus.
A study published in the journal Molecule found out that white button mushrooms are backed with many

antioxidant compounds

like polyphenols, polysaccharides, ergothioneine, glutathione, selenium, and vitamin C, that could potentially lend them cancer-fighting properties.
White button mushrooms have been a food staple since 1600s and with their small size, pale colour, and culinary versatility, they can be turned into a variety of dishes.

“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 medicine properties,” said Shiuan Chen, PhD, a professor from the City of Hope’s Department of Cancer Biology and Molecular Medicine and the study’s corresponding author. “We’re finding that plant-derived substances may one day be used to support traditional

cancer treatment

and prevention practices.”
The researchers had earlier done a phase I clinical trial, wherein participants were given white button mushroom tablets as a nutraceutical intervention for recurring

prostate cancer

. The results were promising as in 13 of the 36 participants, the treatment significantly reduced prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels without affecting blood testosterone levels. PSA is a protein made by prostate cells and is measured to screen for prostate cancer.
In the current phase II trial of the study, the researchers noted the immune responses to white button mushroom consumption in preclinical trials on mouse models of prostate cancer and clinical trials with prostate cancer patients. The immune cells called myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) were in the focus which tends to accumulate in the tumor microenvironment and inhibit other immune cells from fighting cancer while promoting tumor growth.
In mouse models, researchers tested FDA-approved

white button mushroom extract

as both a preventive and therapeutic treatment for prostate cancer. As a preventive, it delayed tumor growth and extended survival when given before tumor cells were injected. As a therapeutic, a daily dose shrank established tumors and improved survival. The extract also reduced MDSCs, which suppress T-cells, boosting the immune response. In human prostate cancer patients, similar effects were observed, with a reduction in MDSCs and activation of T and NK cells. While the extract shows promise as an anticancer treatment, the researchers advise consulting a medical professional before increasing mushroom intake.

“Our study emphasizes the importance of seeking professional guidance to ensure safety and to avoid self-prescribing supplements without consulting a health care provider,” said Xiaoqiang Wang, MD, PhD, a City of Hope staff scientist and the lead author of the study. “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.

History of white button mushrooms

It was around beginning of 20th century that white button mushroom began to gain popularity in the United States in Pennsylvania where mushrooms were grown in abandoned coal mines. They are grown in dark warehouses, caves, or tunnels. They need a nutrient-rich soil, called substrate, to grow in.

Nutrition factor

White button mushroom is rich in protein, Vitamins B1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 9, 12, C and D along with iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and zinc.

Benefits of white button mushroom

Heart health: White button mushroom has antioxidants that can reduce inflammation, oxidative stress and reduce bad cholesterol and triglycerides, all the risk factors that could raise risk of a heart disease.
Blood sugar levels: According to a study published in International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, the polysaccharides in white mushrooms may help lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin resistance.
Boosts gut health: The polysaccharides in white button mushroom can also work wonders for your gut health being a source of prebiotics, which help improve digestive health.

5 ways to eat white mushrooms

Sautéed Mushrooms: Slice white mushrooms and saute them in butter with garlic, salt, and pepper until golden brown. Enjoy them hot.
Mushroom soup: Simmer chopped white mushrooms with onions, garlic, vegetable broth, and cream, then blend until smooth. Enjoy it in winters for a cosy experience.
Mushroom risotto: Cook Arborio rice with sautéed mushrooms, garlic, broth, and Parmesan for a delectable result.
Mushroom stir-fry: Stir-fry white mushrooms with bell peppers, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce for a quick, savory meal with your family.
Stuffed mushrooms: Be creative and fill your mushroom caps with a mixture of cream cheese, garlic, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan. Bake it until golden and get ready to devour a finger-licious dish.
(Picture courtesy: Canva, Freepik)