Components of Mushroom (Fungus) could slow prostate cancer

A new phase in the fight against cancer: Recent research at the University of Haifa found that molecules found in common fungus Ganoderma lucidum and helps to eliminate some of the mechanisms involved in the progression of prostate cancer. The main action of the fungus: disrupting the activity of the androgen receptor and prevent proliferation of cancer cells.

During the past 3-4 decades much scientific research has dealt with the medicinal properties of different fungi (fungi). One of the most important characteristics of fungi is the ability to fight in different ways, cancer, however, most research focused on the extent fungi affect the immune system. This research was conducted by Dr. Ben-Zion Zaidman, under the direction of Prof. Eviatar Nevo and Prof. Solomon Wasser from the Institute of Evolution at the University of Haifa and Dr. Jamal Majan of Migdal Galilee Technology Center, the researchers examined how the Fudgie fight cancer from within cells. "Until now, research had been based on increasing the immune system with high molecular weight polysaccharides that act through specific membrane receptors on celulares.Nosotros concentrate our research in a low molecular weight secondary metabolites that can penetrate cells and act at the molecular level within the same cell, "Dr. According Zaidman, prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers found among men in the Western World, is controlled by androgen receptors, especially in the early stages of development of the disease.

Therefore, all current medications with which they used to treat prostate cancer were effective in reducing androgen production or interfere with their function via the androgen receptor.

In the first stage of the research, 201 organic extracts from 68 types of fungi (fungi) were produced with solvents such as ether, ethyl acetate and ethanol. These solvents are used to select molecules that are small enough to act from within the cells. Of the 201 extracts, 11 inhibit androgen receptor activity in more than 40%. In further testing, 169 extracts were tested for growth inhibition of cancer cells. In this study, 14 extracts were found active in inhibiting prostate cancer cells.

Of the active extracts, those from Ganoderma lucidum were found to be most effective in the inhibition of androgen receptor function and control the development of cancer cells. "The results of this research are particularly interesting from a commercial aspect. There are potential opportunities to conduct research and development of bioactive metabolites from Ganoderma lucidum that could produce a medicine to cure prostate cancer," said Dr. Zaidman.

Source: University of Haifa and http://www.elreloj.com