Coriolus mushroom is a fungus. People have used the fruiting body and other parts as folk medicine for a long time. Recently, researchers have started to isolate and identify substances in coriolus that might act like pharmaceutical drugs. Two of these substances are polysaccharide peptide (PSP) and polysaccharide krestin (PSK). Scientists think these chemicals might be able to fight cancer and boost the immune system. Coriolus mushroom, PSP, and PSK are used for stimulating the immune system; treating herpes, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), hepatitis, and pulmonary disorders; reducing phlegm; improving bodybuilding results; increasing energy; curing ringworm and a skin condition called impetigo; treating upper respiratory, urinary, and digestive tract infections; curing liver disorders including hepatitis; reducing the toxic effects and pain of chemotherapy and radiation therapy; increasing the effectiveness of chemotherapy; prolonging life and raising the quality of life of cancer patients; and increasing appetite.
Category Archives: Chemotherapy
Clinical Trials in Hong Kong Yunzhi-PSP
PSP has been shown to manifest immunomodulatory and anticancer properties in both pre-clinical experiments and clinical trials. It has been
shown to reduce the side effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy and has been used as an adjunct medical modality to conventional cancer treatment. Experiments suggest that PSP can boost the immune system and alleviate the symptoms of chemotherapy.
Clinical trial China phase 2
Polysaccharide-peptide (PSP) is a protein bound polysaccharide isolated from the COV-1 strain of Yunzhi (Coriolous versicolor mushroom) and made from modern alcohol extraction techniques. Each capsule contains 0.34 grams of PSP. Experimental in-vitro and in-vivo studies have shown PSP inhibits the proliferation of cancer cells including P338 leukemia cells, S 180 cells, Ehrlich ascites, and stomach and lung cancer cells. It also inhibits the growth of some tumors such as the lymphatic tumor of human skin tissue cells. In addition, PSP affects the immune system of mice by stimulating the production of ?\interferons, increasing the phagocytic index and metabolic rate of the reticuloendothilial system and by raising the HC 50 (median hemolytic dose), IgG and PFC (plaque forming cell) values. Human in-vivo experiments have also shown PSP can modulate the immune system by helping to prevent and partly eliminate the side effects of radiation and chemotherapeutic agents used by cancer patients.
Anticancer effects and mechanisms of polysaccharide?K (PSK): implications of cancer immunotherapy.
Fisher M, Yang LX.
Radiobiology Laboratory, St. Mary’s Medical Center, California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute, San Francisco
94118, USA.
Abstract
Polysaccharide-K (polysaccharide-Kureha; PSK), also known as krestin, is a unique protein-bound polysaccharide, which
has been used as a chemoimmunotherapy agent in the treatment of cancer in Asia for over 30 years. PSK and
Polysaccharopeptide (PSP) are both protein-bound polysaccharides which are derived from the CM-101 and COV-1 strains
of the fungus Coriolus versicolor by Japanese and Chinese researchers, respectively. Both polysaccharide preparations
have documented anticancer activity in vitro, in vivo and in human clinical trials, though PSK has been researched longer
and has therefore undergone more thorough laboratory, animal and clinical testing. Several randomized clinical trials have
demonstrated that PSK has great potential as an adjuvant cancer therapy agent, with positive results seen in the adjuvant
treatment of gastric, esophageal, colorectal, breast and lung cancers. These studies have suggested the efficacy of PSK as
an immunotherapy or biological response modifier (BRM). BRMs potentially have the ability to improve the “host versus
tumor response,” thereby increasing the ability of the host to defend itself from tumor progression. The mechanisms of
biological response modification by PSK have yet to be clearly and completely elucidated. Some studies suggest that PSK
may act to increase leukocyte activation and response through up-regulation of key cytokines. Indeed, natural killer (NK)
and lymphocyte-activated killer (LAK) cell activation has been demonstrated in vivo and in vitro, and recent genetic studies
reveal increased expression of key immune cytokines in response to treatment with PSK. An antimetastatic action of PSK
has also been demonstrated and is perhaps attributed to its potential to inhibit metalloproteinases and other enzymes
involved in metastatic activity. PSK has also been shown to cause differentiation of leukemic cells in vitro, and this effect
has been attributed to induction of differentiation cytokines. PSK has further been shown to have antioxidant capacity which
may allow it to play a role as a normal tissue chemo- and radio-protector when used in combination with adjuvant or
definitive chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy in the treatment of cancer, while it may also enable it to defend the host from
oxidative stress. Interestingly, studies have also shown that PSK may actually inhibit carcinogenesis by inhibiting the action
of various carcinogens on vulnerable cell lines. This action of PSK may play a role in preventing second primary tumors
when an inducing agent, such as tobacco or asbestos, is suspected and may also prevent second malignancies due to the
carcinogenic effects of radiotherapy and cytotoxic chemotherapy. Another very important aspect of chemoimmunotherapy,
in general is that it may be used on debilitated patients such as those with AIDS and the elderly who might otherwise be
denied potentially helpful adjuvant cytotoxic chemotherapy. Further determination of the mechanisms of these anti-cancer,
immunostimulating and biological response modifying effects of PSK as well as of other protein-bound polysaccharides is
certainly warranted. Indeed, with modern cellular and molecular biology techniques, a better understanding of the specific
Molecular effects of PSK on tumor cells as well as leukocytes may be determined. Much of the research that has been done
on PSK is outlined in this paper and may serve as a foundation toward determining the mechanisms of action of this and
other protein-bound polysaccharides in the treatment of cancer. This information may open new doors in the development
of novel strategies for the treatment of malignancies using adjuvant immunotherapy in combination with surgery,
chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy.
PMID: 12168863 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]
The Preliminary Appraisal of Polysaccharide Peptide (PSP) in Malignant and Non-malignant Diseases
Z.Y. Sun et al Shanghai Medical University
Abstract
28 late cases of malignancy of all pathologically proven were evaluated. Among them are one case of melanoma, two cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), twenty cases of gastro-intestinal cancers, three cases of bronchogenic carcinoma, one case each of primary hepatocellular carcinoma and multiple peritoneal malignancies of unknown origin respectively.
Most of the cases had surgery, irradiation or anticancer chemotherapy in combination. PSP were taken orally in capsules, total dose ranged from 20g to more than 800g.
A case of malignant melanoma of back was operated for five times, she was operated for the first time in Jan 1982, lymphadenopathy of right iliac and inguired glands began, consequently wide dissections of the involved nodes were done. In August 1983, the disease metastatized to right chest wall and st. axillary glands and resected specimen showed one of three subseapular nodes and one of the eight axillary nodes were metastatic melanoma lesions, the estrogen receptor content of the specimen was 125F mol/mg. On September 10, the same year a total hysterectomy was done. She received 7 courses of CCNU, PCZ and VCR regime beginning from October 1983. Despite the stable condition of her disease, she had to give up further chemotherapy on account of distinct leucopenia. In April 1985, she was found to have GI bleeding, GI bladder, condition improved after Tamoxifen and symphomate treatments. Half year later melana reappeared and right hemicolectomy and partial resection of the jijunum were done. PSP was given postoperatively, and there was no chemotherapy for already more than 2 years. She is apparently well and can participate ordinary heavy work without difficulty.
Another case of multiple peritoneal metastasis of unknown origin was benefited by PSP also. She had mass of 5x5cm in RLQ of abdomen and quite massive ascites. Ager 100g
of PSP, ascites disappeared and the mass decreased to 3x3cm. White count went up to 5200 from 3800, lymphocytic mitosis increased from 28 to 36%.
Two cases of NHL were apparently benefited too by PSP in spite of the fact one each had received systemic chemotherapy and radiotherapy of waldegers ring respectively.
All the 28 cases except 2, the general conclitims of patients and appetite improved 2/3 of the cases showed an increase of white count of 1000 at least. Around half of the patients had an increased of function of cellular immunity. One case of liver cancer showed marked amelioration of abdominal pain 80 that he could abandon dolantin injection and one case of lung cancer had conspicuous decrease of the malignant pleural effusion.
Five cases of chronic gastrites and three cases of chronic active hepatitis showed remarkable improvement in symptoms and liver function test. HBsAg declined in two of three hepatitis patients.
So far no adverse drug reaction has been observed, there were no impairment of liver and renal functions after the long term administration of PSP even up to years.
Randomized adjuvant trial to evaluate the addition of tamoxifen and PSK to chemotherapy in patients with primary breast cancer. 5-Year results from the Nishi-Nippon Group of the Adjuvant Chemoendocrine Therapy for Breast Cancer Organization.
Display Settings: Abstract
Cancer. 1992 Nov 15;70(10):2475-83.
Toi M, Hattori T, Akagi M, Inokuchi K, Orita K, Sugimachi K, Dohi K, Nomura Y, Monden Y, Hamada Y, et al.
Department of Surgery, Hiroshima University, Japan.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: A randomized adjuvant trial was conducted from October 1982 to January 1985 to evaluate the addition
of tamoxifen (TAM) to combination chemotherapy with perioperative mitomycin C (MMC) and ftorafur (FT) for patients with
estrogen receptor (ER)-positive tumors and the addition of PSK, a biologic response modifier, to MMC+FT chemotherapy
for patients with ER-negative tumors in operable Stage IIA, IIB, and IIIA cancer. The doses used were 20 mg of oral TAM
daily, 600 mg of oral FT daily, and 3 g of oral PSK daily for 2 years. Intravenous MMC (13 mg/m2) was given on the day
of operation.
METHODS: A total of 967 patients were entered and randomized by stratification based on ER status and
staging (1978 International Union Against Cancer [UICC] criteria at the time of trial execution). Of 967 patients, 914
(94.5%) were evaluable. At 5-year follow-up, significant prolonged overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS)
times were seen with the addition of TAM in patients with ER-positive and Stage IIIA T3N0 cancer (1987 UICC-American
Joint Committee on Cancer [AJCC] criteria); however, no significant survival benefit from TAM was seen in patients with
ER-positive and Stage IIA T2N1 cancer. There was no significant difference between regimens, with or without PSK, in
patients with ER-negative disease.
RESULTS: Results of subset analyses suggested a benefit from TAM in
postmenopausal patients with ER-positive and Stage IIA T2N1 cancer and a benefit from PSK in patients with
node-negative, ER-negative, and Stage IIA T2N1 cancer.
CONCLUSIONS: The 5-year results of the current trial showed a
survival advantage by the addition of TAM to chemotherapy in patients with ER-positive and Stage IIIA T3N0 cancer.
PMID: 1423177 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]
PubMed
U.S. National Library of Medicine
National Institutes of Health
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Using alternative herbal medicine instead of Chemotherapy.
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I had to go through chemotherapy in my early 30?s for breast cancer – if I had it to do over again I would only take the InForce and nothing else – in fact, if (God Forbid) I ever have the cancer again I will refuse taking horrible chemo and only take the InForce!! I totally believe in the InLife InForce Products and know that I am going to help people be saved from many auto-immune deficiency diseases!!
Clinical Experience in the Use of PSP
W.C. Xue and T.F. Liu Cancer Hospital, Shanghai Medical University
There is no really effective treatment for moderate and advanced stages of esophageal carcinoma. Although surgery for the earlier cases has been able to give a 5 years survival rate of 28.7%, such operable cases are relatively few. By far the greater majority are already in stage III to IV when first seen in the clinic, and radiotherapy alone in these cases has given a 5 years survival rate of only 8-14%. In order to improve treatment results, a variety of chemotherapeutic agents have been used in combination surgery, but so far no really effective drug has been found.
The drug PSP (polysaccharide-peptide of Coriolus versicolor) has been discovered and produced by Professor Qing-yao Yang of. It is a new anti-cancer and immuno-regulatory drug, similar to PSK (Krestin) but the effective component has been found to be larger than PSK. Experimental data has proved these properties of PSP, and in vitro as well as in vivo studies have all proved that PSP is superior to PSK. Of course, as is the case with all new drugs, the ultimate proof of its value will have to be shown by clinical application.
Clinical observation on alleviating chemotherapy side effects of psp in treating gastric careinoma
Clinical observation on alleviating chemotherapy side effects of psp in treating gastric carcinoma (in Chinese)
Immunomodulatory activities of Yunzhi and Danshen in post-treatment breast cancer patients.
CK Wong, YX Bao, EL Wong, PC Leung, KP Fung, CW Lam.
Department of Chemical Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong, PR. China.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. Discomfort and fatigue are usually arisen from anticancer therapy such as surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, or combination therapy, because of the suppressed immunological functions. Yunzhi (Coriolus versicolor) can modulate various immunological functions in vitro, in vivo, and in human clinical trials. Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) has been shown to benefit the circulatory system by its vasodilating and anti-dementia activity. The purpose of this clinical trial was to evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of Yunzhi-Danshen capsules in post-treatment breast cancer patients. Eighty-two patients with breast cancer were recruited to take Yunzhi [50 mg/kg body weight, 100% polysaccharopeptide (PSP)] and Danshen (20 mg/kg body weight) capsules every day for a total of 6 months. EDTA blood samples were collected every 2 months for the investigation of immunological functions. Flow cytometry was used to assess the percentages and absolute counts of human lymphocyte subsets in whole blood. Plasma level of soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results showed that the absolute counts of T-helper lymphocytes (CD4+), the ratio of T-helper (CD4+)/T suppressor and cytotoxic lymphocytes (CD8+), and the percentage and the absolute counts of B-lymphocytes were significantly elevated in patients with breast cancer after taking Yunzhi-Danshen capsules, while plasma slL-2R concentration was significantly decreased (all p < 0.05). Therefore, the regular oral consumption of Yunzhi-Danshen capsules could be beneficial for promoting immunological function in post-treatment of breast cancer patients.