Lentinula edodes mycelia extract (L.E.M.) is widely used as a herbal medicine, but its safety and effectiveness have not been scientifically proven. In this study, scientists examined its safety and effects on quality of life (QOL) and immune response in patients undergoing chemotherapy for cancer. The study included seven patients: three were receiving postoperative chemotherapy for breast cancer, two for gastrointestinal cancer, and two were receiving chemotherapy to prevent the recurrence of gastrointestinal cancer. The first phase of treatment involved only chemotherapy, while the second phase included both chemotherapy and L.E.M.
Throughout the study, researchers monitored any adverse effects, changes in quality of life, lymphocyte subpopulations, lymphocyte activity, and immune markers in the blood. Importantly, no side effects linked to L.E.M. were observed. After the first phase of chemotherapy, there were no significant changes in QOL or immune parameters compared to the pre-treatment state. However, during the second phase, when L.E.M. was added to the treatment, we observed improvements in QOL, an increase in the activity of NK (natural killer) cells, and a significant decrease in levels of immunosuppressive acidic protein (IAP).
These results suggest that combining L.E.M. with chemotherapy is safe and can enhance both the quality of life and immune function in patients undergoing cancer treatment. Although these findings are promising, further large-scale studies are needed to confirm these outcomes.
Yoshiyuki, Y., Miyahara, E., Hihara, J. 2011. “Efficacy and Safety of Orally Administered Lentinula edodes Mycelia Extract for Patients Undergoing Cancer Chemotherapy: A Pilot Study.” The American Journal of Chinese Medicine. Vol. 39, No.3, 451-459. doi: 10.1142/S0192415X11008956.
