Medicinal mushrooms and cancer care: Nature’s support for treatment and recovery

By Stephanie J Moore, Clinical Nutritionist and SATCC Advisory Board Member

In recent years, medicinal mushrooms have gained recognition as a safe, natural, and evidence-informed way to complement cancer treatment. Far from being a fleeting wellness trend, mushrooms such as reishi, turkey tail, shiitake, maitake, and cordyceps have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Today, modern science is beginning to validate their remarkable therapeutic potential.

For individuals undergoing cancer treatment or navigating recovery, medicinal mushrooms offer gentle, holistic support. These fungi can bolster the body’s natural defences, ease side effects, and enhance overall wellbeing. Their wide-ranging benefits stem from their profound influence on the immune system, gut microbiome, hormonal balance (including adrenal and thyroid function), and the nervous system.

What are medicinal mushrooms?

Medicinal mushrooms are specific species of fungi known for their bioactive compounds that exert therapeutic effects. Unlike the culinary varieties commonly found in the kitchen, these mushrooms contain powerful concentrations of polysaccharides (especially beta-glucans), triterpenoids, antioxidants, and other compounds that promote immune regulation, reduce inflammation, and support cellular health.

They are most commonly consumed in extract form—as capsules, powders, or teas—since concentrated forms are required for medicinal benefit. Importantly, product quality, extraction methods, and concentration of active compounds play a vital role in their efficacy.

A growing body of scientific evidence

Medicinal mushrooms are among the most widely researched natural therapies in integrative oncology. More than 100 clinical trials – particularly in Japan, China, and Korea, with increasing interest in Western healthcare systems – have explored their role in cancer support.

One of the most well-studied species, Trametes versicolor (turkey tail), has been evaluated in FDA-approved clinical trials in the U.S. for its immune-boosting effects in breast cancer patients.

How medicinal mushrooms support cancer treatment

Research has shown that medicinal mushrooms can offer a range of benefits during and after cancer treatment:

Immune support

Mushrooms like turkey tail and reishi are rich in beta-glucans, which activate and regulate immune cells. This is especially important during chemotherapy or radiotherapy, when immune function is often compromised.

Reduction of treatment side effects

Clinical studies suggest medicinal mushrooms can help alleviate side effects such as fatigue, nausea, low white blood cell counts, and appetite loss. Reishi, in particular, has demonstrated benefits in improving energy and reducing anxiety during treatment.

Enhanced treatment efficacy

Some mushrooms may improve the body’s tolerance to conventional therapies, potentially increasing treatment efficacy and speeding recovery. For instance, turkey tail has been associated with longer survival rates in some breast, gastric, and colorectal cancer patients.

Improved quality of life

Beyond physical health, patients often report improved sleep, mood, and emotional wellbeing when incorporating medicinal mushrooms into their care plan.

Are medicinal mushrooms safe?

When sourced from reputable suppliers and used appropriately, medicinal mushrooms are considered very safe and generally well-tolerated. If the body does not require their specific action, they are typically neutral rather than harmful. However, as with any supplement, especially during active cancer treatment, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional, such as an oncologist, GP, or integrative practitioner, before introducing medicinal mushrooms into your routine.

A holistic, evidence-informed approach to healing

Medicinal mushrooms are not a substitute for conventional cancer treatments, nor are they a cure. However, they can serve as powerful allies—helping to strengthen resilience, ease the treatment journey, and support long-term recovery. They beautifully illustrate the synergy between nature and science, offering a more integrative, patient-centred approach to cancer care.

If you’re considering medicinal mushrooms as part of your care plan, consult with your healthcare provider or a qualified integrative therapist. The SATCC remains committed to promoting safe, effective, and evidence-informed complementary approaches that empower individuals through every stage of their cancer journey.

References

Carvalho Garbi Novaes, et al. (2011) The effects of dietary supplementation with Agaricales mushrooms and other medicinal fungi on breast cancer: Evidence-based medicine. Highlights research showing that many medicinal mushrooms exert anticarcinogenic, antiviral, antithrombotic, antibiotic, and anti-inflammatory effects in addition to many other activities that provide health benefits: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3226611/#sec3

Torkelson CJ, Sweet E, Martzen MR, et al. (2012)
Phase 1 Clinical Trial of Trametes versicolor in Women with Breast Cancer: Demonstrated safety and immune-enhancing effects of turkey tail (Trametes versicolor) in breast cancer patients post-treatment: 
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22701186/

Eliza W, Fai CK, Chung LP, et al. (2012)
Effects of Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi) on Cancer-Related Fatigue in Breast Cancer Survivors: Found that reishi mushroom reduced fatigue and improved quality of life: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3236089/#:~:text=This%20pilot%20study%20suggests%20that%20spore%20powder,endocrine%20therapy%20without%20any%20significant%20adverse%20effect

Wang, et al. (2023) Systematic review and meta-analysis on the efficacy and safety of Injectable Lentinan combined with chemotherapy in the treatment of gastric cancer:  Found the efficacy of treatment of with medicinal mushrooms in combination with chemotherapy was found to be better than chemotherapy: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0944711323006013

Clinical Evaluation of Lentinan Combined with Chemotherapy in Patients with Advanced Gastric Cancer: Showed improved survival rates when lentinan (from shiitake) was added to chemotherapy: 
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15570928/

Yang Y, Hao, W (2023)
Immunomodulatory function and anti-tumour mechanism of natural polysaccharides: A review: found that medicinal mushrooms products combined with chemotherapy could significantly improve overall survival and disease-free survival without increasing side effects.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2023.1147641/full