PeopleBeatingCancer

Recently Diagnosed or Relapsed? Stop Looking For a Miracle Cure, and Use Evidence-Based Therapies To Enhance Your Treatment and Prolong Your Remission

Multiple Myeloma an incurable disease, but I have spent the last 25 years in remission using a blend of conventional oncology and evidence-based nutrition, supplementation, and lifestyle therapies from peer-reviewed studies that your oncologist probably hasn't told you about.

Click the orange button to the right to learn more about what you can start doing today.

Learn More

Myeloma Therapy- Medical Mushrooms-

Share Button

“…the mushroom (Agaricus blazei Murrill) extract may have both cytotoxic and immunomodulating antitumor mechanisms of action in myeloma.”

I am a long-term myeloma survivor and myeloma coach. I’m writing this post for the benefit of myeloma patients, survivors and caregivers. According to two of the studies linked and excerpted below,  Agaricus blazei Murrill (ABM) aka medical mushrooms are the ultimate multiple myeloma therapy.

These mushroom are both cytotoxic to MM and can moderate the side effects of high-dose therapies such as an autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT).

I included studies below that cite the cytotoxic property of  about UC, Crohn’s and Intestinal cancer mainly to fortify the idea that Agaricus blazei Murrill  show many positive health effects.

I have no personal experience with Agaricus blazei Murrill mushrooms. My approach is that of a long-term MM survivor who acknowledges that conventional oncology considers MM to be incurable.

If MM patients and survivors confine themselves to conventional MM therapies they will eventually confront multi-drug resistance and run out of options.

To put it another way, MM patients and survivors can reduce their reliance on toxic therapies by including evidence-based MM therapies.

According to the studies below, ABM:

  • is cytotoxic to MM
  • boosts immune function
  • is complementary with conventional therapies
  • increases progression-free survival (PFS) in MM patients

I have linked a well-reviewed ABM product from Amazon though it is not the product of the studies called AndoSan™.

David Emerson

  • MM Survivor
  • MM Cancer Coach
  • Director PeopleBeatingCancer

Recommended Reading:

Immunomodulatory Effects of the Agaricus blazei Murrill-Based Mushroom Extract AndoSan in Patients with Multiple Myeloma Undergoing High Dose Chemotherapy and Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation: A Randomized, Double Blinded Clinical Study

“Conclusion- The study showed evidence of a number of immunomodulating effects of AndoSan, used as adjuvant therapy to the high dose of melphalan with autologous stem cell support in patients with multiple myeloma, which possibly may have a clinical significance. However, the results must be interpreted with caution because of the restricted sample size of the study. No statistically significant clinical impact of AndoSan was detected, although trends for a longer median time to next treatment (37.5 months versus 31.2 months) and a shorter period of i.v. antibiotics (8.6 days versus 10.0 days) were noted in the Agaricus group…”

Cytotoxic Effect on Human Myeloma Cells and Leukemic Cells by the Agaricus blazei Murrill Based Mushroom Extract, Andosan™

“Agaricus blazei Murrill is an edible mushroom of the Basidiomycetes family, which has been found to contain a number of compounds with antitumor properties, such as proteoglycans and ergosterol. In the present investigation, we show that the commercial mushroom product Andosan, which contains 82.4% Agaricus blazeiMurill, together with medicinal mushrooms Hericium erinaceus (14.7%) and Grifola frondosa (2.9%), has a cytotoxic effect on primary myeloma cells, other myeloma cell lines, and leukemia cell lines in vitro…

Discussion

This study shows a predominantly dose-related cytotoxic effect of Andosan on primary myeloma cells and human myeloma and leukemic cell lines in vitro. These results are in line with previous reports of cytotoxic effects of different compounds (β– glucans, proteoglycans, ergosterol, and agaritine) extracted from AbM preparations from the fruiting body, on different malignant tumors, both in vitro and in animal models [14–20].

In particular, it has been shown that an extract of the fruiting body of Agaricus blazei Murill had an antitumor effect in a mouse myeloma model when given together with a marine phospholipid [30]. In the case of Andosan, which is a commercial mushroom extract where the exact content is not known, a firm conclusion regarding the mechanism behind the cytotoxic effects is not possible.

However, it is remarkable that indications of cell cycle arrest were found when the myeloma cell lines RPMI-8226, U226, and INA-6 were cultivated with Andosan. We and others [19, 20, 22] have previously found that AbM extracts can have cytotoxic effects on tumor cells by induction of apoptosis. Also, it has been documented that an ethanol-soluble fraction of Andosan inhibits the tumor-associated protease legumain in the murine macrophage-like cell line RAW 264.7 [6].

This may indirectly indicate an antitumor effect of this fraction, as legumain is secreted by a number of malignant cells [31]. In fact, in the mouse model for colon cancer, Andosan did also induce reduced expression of legumain in the intestinal wall [6]. Moreover, it increased levels of Th1 cytokine IL-12 in addition to proinflammatory cytokines [22]. The latter is in contrast to what we have usually observed in humans consuming Andosan. However, it agrees with our previous in vitro finding of Andosan-induced -B activation via stimulation of TLR2 in dendritic cells [32].

Furthermore, the possibility of a synergistic effect between the three mushrooms contained in Andosan—Agaricus blazei Murill, Grifola frondosa, and Hericium erinaceus—may also be taken into consideration. Importantly, Andosan did not have a toxic effect neither on human peripheral mononuclear cells (PMNC) nor on normal human hematopoietic stem cells (G. Hetland et al., unpublished results).

The cytotoxic effects of Andosan found in this investigation on primary myeloma cells and myeloma cell lines are particularly interesting in light of the previously reported immunomodulating effects mostly associated with antitumor properties when this product was used as an adjuvant treatment in myeloma patients undergoing high-dose chemotherapy [26]. It, therefore, seems plausible that the mushroom extract may have both cytotoxic and immunomodulating antitumor mechanisms of action in myeloma. Further investigations are needed in order to clarify whether Andosan may have a role in the treatment of multiple myeloma.

Ulcerative Colitis

“Beneficiary effects on symptoms, fatigue, and HRQoL from AndoSan™ consumption were demonstrated in this per-protocol study, supporting its use as a supplement to conventional medication for patients with mild to moderate symptoms from ulcerative colitis. The patients did not report any harms or unintended effects of AndoSan™ in this study.”

Crohn’s Disease

“The results from this single-blinded randomized clinical trial shows significant improvement in symptoms, for both gendshowin the AndoSanTM group, but no significant differences between the study groups…”

Intestinal Cancer

“The results from this mouse model for colorectal cancer show significant protection of orally administered Andosan™ against the development of intestinal cancer…”

 

Leave a Comment:

32 comments
Cynthia Kissner says a couple of months ago

Hi, thanks for the interesting information
questions
Should the mushroom supplement be organic
Is there a certain brand preferred
If I use the ABM type should I discontinue a different mushroom supplement containing a mushroom blend
Thanks so much
Cynthia

Reply
    David Emerson says a couple of months ago

    Hi Cynthia-

    I think organic is always preferred by I don’t know if Andosan is. My understanding is that Andosan is a brand that creates the mushroom tincture. The other mushroom supplement you refer to may have other health benefits that you want. Mushrooms are remarkable plants.

    Good luck,

    David Emerson

    Reply
Dave says last year

Turkey mushroom and multiple myeloma, are turkey mushrooms a good idea to help fight this disease?

Reply
    David Emerson says last year

    Hi Dave-

    The researched linked in that blog post cite that particular extract being cytotoxic to MM. I don’t know about turkey tail mushrooms.

    David Emerson

    Reply
Dan Burns says last year

Thanks! Well done and much appreciated.

Reply
    David Emerson says last year

    Good luck, Dan-

    David Emerson

    Reply
David Walker says last year

What are the 17 non-toxic supplements that can aid in increasing PFS in MM?

Reply
    David Emerson says last year

    Hi David-

    The studies do not say anything about increasing PFS in MM. There are in vitro and in vivo studies that cite cytotoxicity to MM.

    https://peoplebeatingcancer.org/cancer-resources/

    David Emerson

    Reply
Tania says a couple of years ago

I am newly diagnosed very early stages. I’ve had an auto stem cell I went through chemo. I am in remission three months now and I’ve been using mushrooms through my whole process and I am very well. I am curious to know about the maintenance drug Lanolidimide. if you’re using it or have used it.

Tania

Reply
    David Emerson says a couple of years ago

    Hi Tania-

    Great to read that you are in remission. I have not been on any chemo regimens, including revlimid, since early 1999 so all I can cite are studies and anecdotal feedback.

    Research has shown the low-dose revlimid maintenance therapy can increase both your first remission as well as your overall survival. The challenge is that some MM patients do well on revlimid but many feel awful.

    Also, according to research, curcumin has been shown to enhance the efficacy of revlimid while reducing its toxicity.

    Let me know if you have any questions.

    Hang in there,

    David Emerson

    Reply
Int. Vitamin C Myeloma- Kidney, Liver Damage? - PeopleBeatingCancer says a couple of years ago

[…] Multiple Myeloma Therapy- Medical Mushrooms- […]

Reply
Roderick Buckley says a couple of years ago

I’m a Myeloma patient taking Revlimid. Will my Oncologist be able to recommend and administer ABM mushrooms to me?

Reply
Denise says a couple of years ago

Hi, I was diagnosed with Smoldering Multiple Myeloma 2/2013. Even though the oncologist has often hammered me on treatment, I refused. I only do holistic. I was in the ER over the weekend and reluctantly was given antibiotics intravenously and sent home with a round to get filled. I immediately bought intense probiotics at a health store. Im very interested in learning what you have to say.

My Red Blood Cell Count is 385, Norm is 490-700

My Free Lamda Light Chains is 1288, Norm is 5.7

Yes, I need and will appreciate your guidance 🙏❤🙂🙏

Reply
    David Emerson says a couple of years ago

    Hi Denise-

    I replied to you directly via email.

    David

    Reply
Carlos Solorzano says 3 years ago

Add the medicinal mushrooms,Red Reishi_+Chaga+Probiotoc like Dr Ohhira one in AM+AEP calcium 3 to 9 acording to the clinical situation+ membrane complex in relation of one to three-

Reply
Don longbottom says 3 years ago

I hame MM and am wondering about turkey tail mushrooms.

Reply
    David Emerson says 3 years ago

    Hi Don-

    I am sorry to read of your MM diagnosis. According to research, Turkey Tail muschooms may have anti-cancer properties but a specific tincture of mushroom extracts discussed below has specific action against MM.

    https://peoplebeatingcancer.org/multiple-myeloma-therapy-medical-mushrooms/

    David Emerson

    Reply
Terence McClerkin says 3 years ago

How can I get the mushroom to MM?

Reply
Toni-Lyn Ambrosino says 4 years ago

I’m was wondering if it’s recommended to take betaglucans or mushroom supplements while on chemo? I’m currently on kyprolis, Pomalyst, and Dex.

Reply
Laurie Newman says 4 years ago

Hi, I Possibly have multiple myeloma, or MGUS they are still not sure. Im taking AHCC Kinoko Platinum mushroom supplements, Mycelia extract of basidiomycetes (Lentinula edodes) mushrooms. Is this the same? Also do you do phone consulations. Thank you Laurie

Reply
    David Emerson says 4 years ago

    Hi Laurie-

    A search of AHCC Kinoko and masidiomycetes mushrooms indicates the two mixtures are different. Words in common but seem to be different products.

    Yes, I do phone consultations. I encourage you to get a specific diagnosis (CBC, metabolic panel, freelight chain assay, etc.) so that we can discuss specific therapy plan for you going forward. Pre-MM therapy plan is very different from a MM therapy plan.

    MGUS or MM, either way, consider curcumin, omega-3 fatty acids, clean diet, moderate exercise-

    “Active hexose correlated compound (AHCC) is a nutritional product prepared from the mycelia of shiitake (Lentinus edodes) mushrooms. Like other mushrooms, it contains a mixture of polysaccharides, amino acids, and minerals.”

    Good luck and let me know if you have any questions.

    Hang in there,

    David Emerson

    Reply
What is the Most Definitive Test to Diagnose Multiple Myeloma? - PeopleBeatingCancer says 4 years ago

[…] Multiple Myeloma Survivor- If I Knew Then What I Know Now Multiple Myeloma Therapy- Medical Mushrooms- What Do Multiple Myeloma Patients Die From? Multiple Myeloma Treatment- No CRAB, Increased […]

Reply
Isaac Rice says 5 years ago

That would be just fine. Thanks for the prompt response. Take care!

Reply
Isaac Rice says 5 years ago

David, I just thought I’d let you know that the “Turkey Tail Mushroom” is not ABM (Agaricus blazei Murill) or anything close to ABM. The scientific name for the Turkey Tail fungus is Trametes versicolor. It is a polypore bracket fungus known for its medicinal properties, but is not a gilled mushroom and is not a member of the Agaricus species of fungi. I appreciate your information, as my mother is a High Risk MM patient who just started treatment. I happen to be a mushroom enthusiast and decided to research potential uses of fungi in the treatment of Multiple Myeloma. I strongly encourage you to edit your article and remove the name “Turkey Tail”, so as not to mislead people into thinking that Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor) has been used or studied in treatment of Myeloma, or that it is an ingredient in Andosan, the main blended fungi extract that has been studied in Myeloma patients, whose main ingredient is ABM extract. I’ve posted a link below to information on Trametes versicolor (actual Turkey Tail).Thank you

https://www.mushroomexpert.com/trametes_versicolor.html

Reply
    David Emerson says 5 years ago

    Hi Isaac,

    I appreciate your input and I will re-write that blog post and figure out how to credit you (if that’s okay with you). I am always looking for evidence-based but non-conventional MM therapies so any/all help that you as well as other readers can supply is much appreciated.

    David Emerson

    Reply
Multiple Myeloma Pre-habilitation- Enhance Efficacy, Minimize Toxicity - PeopleBeatingCancer says 5 years ago

[…] Mushrooms- Non-toxic, Complementary Multiple Myeloma Therapy […]

Reply
Maria bacchin says 5 years ago

Questions. The best and safest turkey tail mushroom supplement and hemp protein is safe for multiple myeloma. Thanks very much

Maria

Reply
    David Emerson says 5 years ago

    Hi Maria,

    I’m afraid to say that I don’t have an answer to your question. Sorry.

    David Emerson

    Reply
Glutathione Integrates W/ Myeloma Chemo - PeopleBeatingCancer says 6 years ago

[…] Mushrooms- Non-toxic, Complementary Multiple Myeloma Therapy […]

Reply
Vitamin K2 Pro Bone, Anti-Myeloma twofer - PeopleBeatingCancer says 6 years ago

[…] Mushrooms- Non-toxic, Complementary Multiple Myeloma Therapy […]

Reply
Add Your Reply

Popular posts

Multiple Myeloma Diet
 Multiple Myeloma Multiple Myeloma Diet
Feb 15, 2022
Multiple Myeloma Survivor- A Different kind of Second Opinion-
 Multiple Myeloma
Nov 04, 2022
C-B-D Enhances Velcade (BORT)
 integrative therapy Multiple Myeloma
Aug 07, 2022
Are Endometrial Polyps Overtreated?
 non-conventional therapies side effects ID and prevention
Nov 14, 2021