Scientists have revealed the maitake mushroom can shrink tumours by as much as 75 per cent.
The breakthrough could have major implications for two of Britain’s biggest cancer killers and lead to new treatments.
Experts found the giant edible mushroom – which can grow to eight inches across – can help combat bladder and prostate cancer.
These two cancers claim the lives of 15,000 victims every year in the UK.
Last night, Dr Sensuke Konno, who carried out the research, hailed the discovery as “very significant” and said it would improve the quality of life of cancer sufferers.
A number of studies have already revealed the incredible cancer-fighting and health benefits of mushrooms.
Some research has even suggested that they can slash the risk of breast cancer by two thirds.
Now this latest study has found that maitake mushrooms can also shrink cells in bladder and prostate cancer victims.
Maitakes are common in Chinese and Japanese cooking and have also been used to treat blood pressure and liver disease.
The latest study is published in the British Journal of Urology.
The amazing breakthrough came when it was found that if a tiny extract of the maitake mushroom was used in combination with earlier research using the same amount of maitake mushroom extract but this time mixed with interferons – proteins used to boost patients’ immune system – was also found to reduce cancer cell growth in prostate cancer sufferers.
Scientists in the Department of Urology at the New York Medical College used a concentrated extract of maitake in both studies.
They knew that both the maitake and interferons could suppress the growth of cancer cells when used separately at a high dose but not at a low dose.
However, when the two were combined at the low doses, they discovered that growth of bladder cancer cells was suppressed by 75 per cent.
Researchers believe that the combination therapy may activate an enzyme that controls cancer cell growth and stop the spread of the disease.
Dr Konno, head of urology at the NYMC, said: “It is very significant because the synergy not only enhances the efficacy of the treatment but also improves the quality of life of the patients by reducing the dose of conventional therapies significantly.”
Dr Alison Ross, Cancer Research UK’s senior science information officer, said: “Many chemotherapy drugs currently in use have been derived from natural substances found in plants so it is not too far-fetched to think that mushrooms could be a valuable source of potential new cancer drugs.”
Bladder cancer is diagnosed in more than 10,000 people each year in Britain and kills almost 5,000.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK, with more than 35,000 diagnosed each year and 10,000 dying from it.
Laboratory tests on animals have previously shown that fungi have anti-tumour properties and can stimulate the immune system’s defences.
In February, scientists in California began a trial to see if eating a mushroom extract twice a day for a month helped breast cancer survivors remain free of the disease.
The fungi acts in a similar way to cancer drugs which block the body’s production of the cancer-feeding hormone oestrogen,
A recent study also revealed that mushrooms could be the key to huge weight loss.
Studies have also shown that mushrooms may help reduce the risk of heart disease. They contain virtually no fat, sugar or salt and are a valuable source of dietary fibre as well as the five important B vitamins.
They also contain minerals potassium, copper, phosphorous and iron, all essential for good health.