‘Potential of mushroom compounds as Immunomodulators in Cancer Immunotherapy’ sponsored by Hifas da Terra
14 November 2018To download a PDF of the presentation, click here.
Please find answers to questions below:
Question: Which product for autoimmune diseases?
We have devised specific protocols for specific autoimmune diseases. They have different underlying triggers/drivers that we need to take into considerations. However most commonly used mushrooms in autoimmunity are reishi ( Mico-Rei Extract) and Sun agaricus ( Mico- Sol extract). Both are potent and effective immune modulators. We would advise practitioners to contact health@hifasdaterra.com for advice on specific autoimmune protocols.
Question: Can you buy them in the US?
Not yet! But hopefully we should be in the USA next year.
Barley though has gluten which promotes intestinal permeability leading to LPS infiltration – what’s your take on that?
Dr. Rountree : It is true that barley contains gluten, which can promote excessive intestinal permeability in susceptible individuals. Excessive intestinal permeability can then lead to translocation of LPS into the bloodstream, resulting in metabolic endotoxemia.
Romina from Hifas da Terra: Hifas da Terra mushrooms do not contain barley, wheat or gluten. Our mushrooms are cultivated using natural wood and saw dust only this is why they can be taken by those with gluten and digestive sensitivities.
What are actual or potential (commonly noted) side effects of using medicinal mushrooms in cancer?
Medicinal mushrooms are tolerated well by most. The Medina studies done by an external laboratory shown unlikely side effects as our mushrooms do not follow the CYP450 liver pathway (being clean food supplements). In some rare cases, intestinal upset ( this could also be due to not taking mushrooms with antioxidants for better absorption), nausea and very rarely diarrhoea have been reported. These symptoms are generally short lived. As the doses recommended for cancer support are high, our suggestion is to build up the dosages (i.e. 1 dose of oncology support product for the first week, increase to 2 doses week 2).
In rare cases we see intolerances to particular mushrooms, these would have to be discontinued. Of course we do not recommend mushrooms be taken by anyone with known allergy to mushrooms.
Can you use them with prednisone?
Yes mushrooms can be safely used with prednisone again as they do not follow the CYP450 Liver pathway for medication.
Question: Is it safe to use the medicinal mushrooms for patients who are on anti tnf medication for ankylosing spondylitis?
Romina from Hifas da Terra: Our mushrooms are considered to be immune modulators, they work together with the body to create or lower an immune response. Beta glucans present in Sun agaricus and Reishi mushrooms have shown to modulate TNF levels modulating inflammatory responses. Again our mushrooms have an unlikely interaction with medication but we recommend clients to consult with their GP’s and practitioners to monitor their TNF levels when taking medication alongside mushrooms. Please email us on health@hifasdaterra.com for further support.
Dr. Robert Rountree: I agree with your response: As I mentioned in my talk, most mushroom extracts primarily act as immunomodulators, rather than immunostimulants. In other words, they “prime” the immune system and make it work more efficiently, but they do not cause pathological elevations in TNFalpha or other inflammatory cytokines. For that reason, I don’t expect to see any problems taking mushroom extracts along with TNFalpha inhibitors. In fact, many practitioners do use Reishi mushroom in particular for treating autoimmune diseases.
When you say it is super concentrated compared to a mushroom powder (20 capsules). What is the Beta Glucan content of the Super concentrated extract compared to a mushroom powder product?
To illustrate it takes 150kg of reishi to make 15kg of dried reishi powder. This will further yield 1kg of extract – this process achieves maximum concentration of bioactive compounds. Therefore the extract is 15x stronger than the dried powder. For example, one capsule of our Mico-Rei extract contains 184 mg of betaglucans , 69 mg of alpha glucans and 27 mg of triterpenes. All of our products have the amount of beta glucans stated on the packaging.
I have a client who had stem cell therapy for multiple myeloma 6 months ago- would the use of medicinal mushrooms be safe for this person?
With any new types of therapies, we request to receive more information to be able to support you accurately and recommend the correct mushroom protocol. Kindly email us on health@hifasdaterra.com with regarding the stem cell therapy.
Can you measure B-Glucan in mushrooms?
Yes we measure beta and alpha glucan content in all of our products. We work with a specific betaglucan testing company to be able to accurately measure these. 1 capsule of our Mico-Sol product ( containing Agaricus Mushroom extract) for example contains 179 mg of B-glucans among other beneficial compounds.
Do Medicinal mushrooms have any interactions with medications such as tamoxifien given for breast cancer?
Taking mushrooms alongside tamoxifen has been shown to enhance the effect of the drug in studies. Mushrooms, therefore are safe as an adjuvant therapy to tamoxifen and other hormone therapies. Furthermore they support the immune system and reduce side effects of the conventional therapy.
