LifeSource Vitamins Mushroom Defense Mix - Max Mushroom Wellness - Immune Defense Scientific Immunity Formula - Fungi Wellness!

Scientific research is proving that some of the most powerful immune-supportive nutrients are found in mushrooms. People who realize the critical importance of optimizing immune function should seriously consider adding our advanced mushroom complex to their daily regimen.

Unparalleled Immune Support

A focus on immune support can pay tremendous dividends for your entire life. If you are dedicated to good health, you want a powerful formula on your side. LifeSource Vitamins is proud to bring you an unparalleled immune formula: Mushroom Defense Mix -Max Mushroom Wellness - Immune Defense!

LifeSource Vitamins Mushroom Defense Mix - Max Mushroom Wellness is a unique combination of 8 different mushroom grown organically to provide a wide spectrum of health benefits. The mushrooms are specifically selected to complement each other in supporting the immune system, cell function and endurance.

Our Formula: 8 Mushrooms in one Formula including:

• Reishi
• King Trumpet
• Cordyceps
• Turkey Tail
• Maitake
• Himematsutake
• Lions Mane
• Antrodia Camphorata

A Clean and Pure Mushroom Complex

What have Mushrooms been reported and shown to do?

• Promotes Normalized Cellular Growth*
• Supports Immune Function*
• Supports the Body’s Normal Detoxification Processes*
• Promotes Optimal Digestion*
• Supports a Healthy Gut Flora*
• Protects your Body Against Environmental Stresses*

Mushrooms have been valued for their medicinal properties for five millennia, and the ability of mushrooms to modulate immune functions has been scientifically researched for about 50 years. Numerous studies have shown that mushrooms possess potent immune-stimulating properties. And unlike many immune support ingredients, mushrooms are ideal for everyday immune support. The beta-glucans from mushrooms bind to receptors on immune cells such as macrophages. The beta-glucans are recognized by the immune system as “foreign” molecules thus stimulating and activating the immune system by their presence. The different structures of the various beta-glucans have different affinities to different receptor sites, and thus generate markedly different results. This creates a broad-based immune response.*

How do Mushroom Supplements work?
Mushroom Supplements belong to a class of immunomodulators known as biological response modifiers which are capable of stimulating immune functions. Mushrooms enhance the cellular immune function and stimulate immunity in the body generally, to help maintain a correct balance between cellular and humoral immunity.

Mushroom Supplements have been used in China for about 3,000 years, and the purified extract of Mushroom Supplements has been widely used in Japan for nearly 40 years. There have been over 300 studies conducted worldwide with numerous published clinical trials. This mushroom is listed as a dietary supplement in American Herbal Pharmacopoeia.

King Trumpet – King Oyster Mushrooms

King Trumpet - (Pleurotus eryngii), also known as king oyster, is an edible mushroom native to regions of Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa but also commercially grown in Japan and the United States. The largest species of the oyster mushroom, it has a thick white stem and a small tan cap and is known for its robust, somewhat earthy flavor and more meaty texture.

King Trumpet - contains high amounts of ergothioneine, a naturally occurring antioxidant amino acid. L-ergothioneine has a very high Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity value and is concentrated in organs exposed to high oxidative stress (eg, kidneys, liver, eyes).1 Antioxidants such as L-ergothioneine may help reduce the risk of chronic disease by providing cellular protection against free radical damage. Investigations with supplemental L-ergothioneine in rats demonstrated protection against induced lipid peroxidation of the liver and kidneys and also conserved the consumption of endogenous glutathione and alpha-tocopherol.2*

King Trumpet - While all mushrooms contain some ergothioneine, specialty mushrooms such as king trumpet and maitake contain higher amounts than shiitake or white button varieties; a standard 3-oz serving can contain up to 13 mg. As with most phytochemicals, ergothioneine levels do not decrease during cooking.

King Trumpet - also contains statins such as lovastatin, which has been shown to significantly reduce cholesterol levels in rats.3. In a small clinical study, 30 subjects with diabetes ingested oyster mushrooms over a 21-day rotation period.4 Subjects demonstrated significant reductions in total cholesterol, triglyceride, and glucose levels. Beta-glucans found in many mushrooms may also have a lipid-lowering effect.*

King Trumpet - In the produce aisle, mushrooms are the leading source of the essential antioxidant selenium. The king trumpet mushroom has the ability to extract and concentrate high levels of selenium from its environment.5 The selenium in mushroom tissue is organically bound and much easier to absorb than inorganic selenium in most dietary supplements.*

Cordyceps Mushrooms

What Are the Health Benefits of Cordyceps?

The evidence that Cordyceps can boost exercise performance is somewhat limited. Researchers at Brigham Young University studied the effects of Cordyceps on endurance-trained cyclists. They concluded that the fungus does not increase aerobic capacity or exercise performance.

However, there are several other health claims linked to Cordyceps. Let’s look at a few of the most common.

Cordyceps - Reduces Inflammation

Scientists at the University of Nottingham in Britain have been researching the potential of Cordyceps to reduce inflammation. While their research shows the fungus is effective at reducing inflammation at the cellular level, it has not been tested on humans or animals.*

Cordyceps - Protects the Heart

A number of research studies show that Cordyceps has potential for treating heart disease. It is approved in China to treat arrhythmia. Talk to your doctor before you consider taking a supplement for any condition.*

Cordyceps - Slows Kidney Disease

In a 2011 study, researchers at Zhejiang University found that Cordyceps cicadae “may inhibit renal fibrosis” in rats. Renal fibrosis is a condition found in the later stages of kidney disease. Further study is needed.

Cordyceps - Slows Tumor Growth

A number of studies on animals indicate that Cordyceps may slow the growth of tumors from certain types of cancer. One theory is that it can stimulate the immune system to fight the cancer. No human testing has been done.*

Cordyceps - Revs Up Libido

Several studies show that Cordyceps increases testosterone in rats, but there are no credible human trials that indicate the fungus enhances libido or sexual performance.*

Turkey Tail Mushrooms

Powerful Immune System Booster

Of course, Turkey Tail mushrooms can do wonders for anyone’s immune system, even individuals who are already in good health. Some of the many conditions Turkey Tail mushrooms can improve and eliminate are . . .

• Infections and inflammations of the upper respiratory tract*
• Infections of the urinary tract*
• Infections and irritations of the digestive tract*
• Pulmonary diseases*
• Chronic congestion*
• General lack of energy and malaise*

These properties have been attributed to two polysaccharides, polysaccharide-K (PSK), also known as krestin, and polysaccharide-P (PSP). The Japanese government approved the use of PSK in the 1980s for treating several types of cancers, and it is currently used along with surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. PSK was shown to significantly extend survival at five years or beyond in cancers of the stomach, colon/rectum, esophagus, nasopharynx and lung (non-small cell types) in Japanese trials since 1970.*

Polysaccharide-P (PSP) was discovered more recently and has been studied mainly in China. In double-blind trials, PSP significantly extended five-year survival in esophageal cancer patients. PSP significantly improved quality of life, provided substantial pain relief and enhanced immune status in 70-97 percent of patients with cancers of the stomach, esophagus, lung, ovaries and cervix.*

Both PSK and PSP boosted immune cell production and alleviated chemotherapy symptoms. Research indicates that PSP may slow the growth of certain tumors and help protect the immune system, particularly from the effects of cancer treatment.*

Undoubtedly the most well-known and highly valued fungi-derived medicine is the life-saving antibiotic penicillin. But other fungi are highly medicinal as well, as Paul Stamets learned firsthand.*

In June of 2009, Stamets received shocking and distressing news from his mother: her right breast was 5 times the size of her left, due to 6 walnut-sized lymph nodes. The swelling and the enlarged nodes turned out to be caused by cancer. By the time of her examination and diagnosis, Stamets’ mother already had stage IV breast cancer, and it had already metastasized to her liver.*

The oncologist at the Swedish Breast Cancer Clinic at the University of Washington said that Stamets’ mother had the second worst case of breast cancer she’d seen in 20 years of practice. After predicting that Stamets’ mother had only 3 to 6 months to live, the oncologist told both mother and son about an intriguing new study using Turkey Tail mushrooms to cure cancer.*

Stamets’ mother tried the mushrooms (along with the drug Ariceptin). Fast forward 7 months later… Paul declared, “As of February 2010, she was virtually cancer-free”.

Turkey Tail - Cancer-Killing PSK

Stamets is not the only one interested in discovering what Turkey Tail mushrooms can bring to the fight against cancer. Turkey Tail mushrooms are actually one of the most researched and highly regarded medicinal mushrooms. They have a very long history of curative and medicinal use in China and Japan, where they are known as Yun Zhi or Kawaratake.

Turkey Tail mushrooms offer a long list of medicinal properties and health benefits, but they are most prized as a natural source of the anti-cancer polysaccharide PSK.*

PSK is said to fight cancer and halt tumors by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells and “stimulating a host mediated response.” PSK also promotes the body’s own “Natural Killer Cells” to strengthen and kick start the immune system .*

PSK is frequently combined with chemotherapy to increase cancer survival rates.*

Turkey Tail - A $2.25 Million NIH Study Confirms Turkey Tail Mushrooms’ Power Against Breast Cancer

Recently, the National Institute of Health (NIH) approved a $2.25 million-dollar study conducted jointly with Bastyr University, the University of Minnesota, and the University of Washington. Researchers analyzed the impact of Turkey Tail mushrooms on the immune systems of patients with breast cancer.

Dr. Cynthia Wenner is one of the principal investigators on the NIH study. In an interview with Bastyr University’s Bastyr Magazine, she said, “As an overall goal, we’re trying to discover if this mushroom will help stimulate the human immune response to breast and prostate cancers.”

The study — which used mushrooms provided by Stamets’ company, Fungi Perfecti, LLC — confirmed that the mushrooms definitely stimulate the immune system and can even correct deficits in the immune systems of patients, all without the toxicity and side effects that are so common with more traditional treatments.*

Maitake Mushrooms

The maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa) grows in clusters at the base of trees (particularly oaks) and is native to the northeastern part of Japan and North America. Valued in traditional Chinese and Japanese botanical medicine as an aid to balance organ function, the mushroom is commonly known as “hen of the woods” in English; in the Asian market, its Japanese name maitake means “dancing mushroom.”

Maitake - is especially high in antioxidants such as ascorbic acid, tocopherols, phenolic compounds, carotenoids, and L-ergothioneine. It contains complex polysaccharides, which act as immunomodulators and possess antitumor activity. In 2009, a phase 1/2 clinical trial conducted by Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center showed that maitake could stimulate the immune systems of patients with breast cancer. The beta-D-glucan polysaccharides present in maitake have been studied as a potential aid for preventing and treating cancer and as an adjunctive treatment for HIV infection.6 Preliminary research suggests that maitake mushroom extracts can prevent the metastasis of experimentally induced tumors as well as prevent tumor occurrence in normal cells.7*

Additionally, preliminary clinical evidence suggests that maitake mushroom polysaccharides may lower blood glucose in people with type 2 diabetes, possibly by activating insulin receptors.8 Research in rats suggests that maitake mushroom can lower blood pressure and improve lipid profiles in experimental hyperlipidemia.9,10*

Maitake - also known as hen of the woods, is a large mushroom native to Japan, North America and Europe. Often found growing in clumps around the base of oak trees, maitake can reach a weight of 50 pounds. Scientific study shows the extract of this highly prized edible mushroom may have potential benefits for cholesterol and blood sugar levels, immune function and cancer treatment and prevention.*

Maitake - Cholesterol

Preliminary evidence shows that maitake may help lower cholesterol levels, notes CoxHealth Medical Center. A study on laboratory animals published in the October 2011 issue of the "Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry" found that four weeks of supplementation with maitake mushroom extract lowered liver cholesterol levels. Researchers concluded that maitake exerted its effects at the genetic level by increasing activity of genes in the liver that promote lipid transport. By contrast, Hypsizigus marmoreus, or beech mushroom, another mushroom tested in the study, did not show cholesterol-lowering effects.*

Maitake - Blood Sugar

Maitake may help manage blood sugar levels and prevent diabetes, according to a study published in the April 2007 issue of the "Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology." A polysaccharide molecule in maitake, called MT-alpha-glucan, decreased fasting blood sugar and insulin levels and increased levels of glycogen, a short-term storage form of glucose, in the liver. Maitake also increased the ability of insulin to bind to liver cells and improved pancreatic function. Researchers concluded that maitake may be useful for prevention and management of diabetes by decreasing insulin resistance.*

Maitake - Immune Function

Immune benefits of maitake extract include modulation of cytokines, molecules produced by white blood cells that activate the immune response, according to the University of Wisconsin Botany Department. Maitake exerts its effects by binding to the cell membranes of white blood cells known as macrophages and either activating or inhibiting release of cytokines. A study published in the summer of 2004 issue of the "Journal of Medicinal Food" found that D-fraction, a polysaccharide extract of maitake, activated several types of immune cells and molecules, including T-helper cells, macrophages and interleukins. Researchers concluded that maitake may offer immune benefits that help protect against infection.*

Maitake - Cancer

Maitake D-fraction may inhibit cancer development and spread and also make chemotherapy drugs more effective, according to Dr. Shari Lieberman, author of the book "Maitake Mushroom and D-Fraction." A study published in the June 2011 issue of the "Journal of Medicinal Food" found that maitake D-fraction promotes apoptosis -- programmed cell death -- in breast cancer cells. Maitake extract interfered with energy production in cancer cells, a discovery which, researchers note, will help scientists target potential cancer prevention and treatment approaches.*

Reishi

Native to North America, China, and Japan, the reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) has a purple-brown color with a long stalk and distinctive shiny cap shaped like a fan. Prized for its purported health benefits rather than its strong flavor, it grows on plum and oak trees. The reishi mushroom has traditionally been used for enhancing the immune system and addressing hypertension, hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular disease, and asthma and bronchial diseases.*

Reishi occurs in six different colors, but the red variety is most commonly used and commercially cultivated in East Asia and North America. In vivo and in vitro studies have identified the active components of reishi mushrooms are primarily polysaccharides, including beta-glucans and triterpenes, and seem to have a variety of pharmacological effects, including antioxidant, antitumor, immune-modulating, cardiovascular, antiviral, and antibacterial.*

Here is a list of the benefits that reishi mushrooms have as a daily dietary supplement or in helping to treat certain medical conditions:

• Reishi - These mushrooms are very strong antioxidants. Antioxidants protect the body from the negative effects of free radicals that are formed inside the body by daily exposure to the sun, chemicals, and pollutants. Reishi’s are proven to boost the immune system, especially when taken with other antioxidant supplements.*
• Reishi - It is believed that reishi mushrooms can suppress the growth of tumors in people with cancer. It can reinforce the membranes in cancerous cells to keep the tumor from spreading. For this reason, they are often used in efforts to prevent cancers.*

• Reishi’s - are also beneficial for people suffering from asthma and other respiratory conditions because it seems to have a healing effect on the lungs. They are good for building respiratory strength and curbing a cough.*
• Reishi mushrooms have anti-inflammatory properties and are therefore used sometimes for patients who have Alzheimer’s and heart disease. This is based on the idea that inflammation plays a part in each of these conditions. The pain that accompanies other inflammatory conditions like neuralgia and arthritis may also be lessened by reishi mushroom supplements.*
• Reishi - As far as benefits for the heart, reishi mushrooms can improve the flow of blood to the heart and reduce the amount of oxygen the heart consumes. It can help to lower cholesterol and some of the ingredients may help combat high blood pressure.*

Himematsutake (Agaricus Blazei) Mushrooms

The Many Health Benefits of Himematsutake Mushrooms

It is believed that Himematsutake (Agaricus Blazei) and most specifically H1X1 will be able to help a very wide range of health concerns. The following is a partial list of the health concerns that H1X1 is likely to help:

• The organs in the circulatory system*
• The digestive system and various gastric problems*
• The endocrine system*
• Various heart conditions*
• The respiratory system disorders, allergies, asthma etc*
• A wide variety of types of cancer*
• Skin disorders*
• Acquired immunity deficiency syndrome (AIDS), and much more*

Himematsutake - Researchers are in the process of increasing the list of conditions that these mushroom extracts can help. Here are just a few results to illustrate the potential of the Agaricus Blazei extract and the more powerful H1X1. One of the top health concerns is a variety of cancers, so here are results on research pertaining to cancer cell growth. The studies showed Abnormal Tissue Formation/Cellular Health Growth Inhibited in vitro and in vivo for each of the following types of cancer.*

Himematsutake - The animal and cellular research that has been done over the years shows an ability of the Agaricus Blazei Mushroom to stimulate the body’s immune system so that it can fight disease. The 2008 research by Hetland G, Johnson E, Lyberg T, Bernardshaw S, Tryggestad AM, and Grinde B in "Effects of the medicinal mushroom Agaricusblazei Murill on immunity, infection and cancer" do confirm this observation.

Himematsutake - Further research confirms the ability of the Agaricus Blazei mushroom to lower blood cholesterol, inhibit the negative effects of pathogens and also deter angiogenesis. Other animal and clinical research indicates that the mushroom can lower blood sugar and control insulin.

Himematsutake - A lot of animal and cellular research has been done on Agaricus Blazei to see its effect on cancer cells. For colorectal and Gynecological cancers, clinical results were positive. This means there were signs of improvement in quality of life. In cases of Sarcoma, Ovarian cancer, Lung cancer, Leukemia, Hepatocarcinoma, Stomach cancer and prostate cancer, metastasis was inhibited. So whereas cancer was not entirely wiped out, at least its growth was impeded.*

Himematsutake - The October 2008 report by Yu CH, Kan SF, Shu CH, Lu TJ, Sun-Hwang L and Wang PS: "Inhibitory mechanisms of Agaricusblazei Murill on the growth of prostate cancer in vitro and in vivo" affirms these powers of the Agaricus Blazei Mushroom.

Himematsutake - This species has been popularly known to have healing properties. What has not been shown empirically is the composition of the mushroom and what it can specifically do medically. The authorities below show the results of extensive research as reported by the Brazilian Journal of Microbiology.

Himematsutake - The main body of the Agaricus Blazei Mushroom which is the fructification body of the mushroom has 85-87% of water. Once the water is gone and the mushroom is dry, what remains is a protein rich fungus with 40-45% of protein. The carbohydrates form 38-45%. The fibers are 6-8% and the plant fats make up 3-4%. This mushroom also contains vitamins B1, B2 and niacin. It also contains a fungal sterol, ergosterol, which is convertible to vitamin D2. This mushroom also contains minerals but the most significant one is Potassium.

Himematsutake - Research has shown that the richness in the Agaricus Blazei Mushroom makes it capable of curbing stress-physical and mental; slow down the advancement of osteoporosis; cure gastric ulcers; as it stimulates the immunity of the body and lowers cholesterol. The mushroom is able to curtail the cytopathic impact of the Western Equine Encephalitis Virus because of its antioxidant, anti-mutagenic and anti-carcinogenic properties.

Lion's Mane Mushroom

LifeSource Vitamins Hericium erinaceus Capsules, also known as Lion's Mane and Monkey’s Head mushrooms, has a long history of use throughout Asia and is one of the staples of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). LifeSource now produces the pure and most potent Hericium erinaceus, using only certified organic growth medium in a state of the art 21st century proprietary solid state fermentation process.*

This results in Hericium that is pure, with no heavy metals, pesticides or herbicides or other contamination, as can be found in wild or farm grown Hericium. LifeSource Vitamins Hericium is 100% Pure Hericium erinaceus, with no fillers or additives, Made with Organic Hericium erinaceus, 100% Made in America in an FDA registered facility with only American Ingredients, and it contains NO Chinese or other imported ingredients.

Lion's Mane Mushroom Facts:

• This species has many names including the bearded tooth mushroom and the pom pom mushroom. It is sometimes called the hedgehog mushroom, although that name usually refers to a different species altogether, Hydnum repandum.
• All species of Hericium are considered saprotrophs, meaning they feed on dead material. Hericium erinaceus is also a parasite, meaning it attacks and kills living trees.
• They're found in late summer to fall on dead or dying hardwood trees, especially oak and beech. They grow in North America, China, Japan, and Europe.
• This doesn't look like your typical mushroom. It has no real cap and no stem. Instead it sports long spines (greater than 1 cm) coming out from a single clump.
• Their color is mainly white, although they become brown or yellow with age. Their spore print is white as well.
• This is not a common species of mushroom, so finding one may be a rare treat. They grow higher up on trees rather than at the base, which means that they're also often missed during a mushroom hunt.
• There are several species in the Hericium genus that are referred to as "lion's mane" in North America. This article is specifically about Hericium erinaceus, but you may also hear about these types of mushrooms:

Antrodia Camphorata - Niu Chang Chih

Known Active Constituents:

• Antroquinonol

• Polysaccharides

• Triterpenoids

Indication & Purported Uses:

• Anti-cancer*

• Anti-bacterial*

• Anti-oxidant*

• Anti-inflammation*

• Anti-allergenic*

• Anti-fatigue*

• Blood circulation improvement*

• Hepato-protection (liver protection)*

• Immunity enhancement*

• Treatment of alcohol induced hepatitis*

Antrodia Camphorata - Niu Chang Chih - This native Taiwanese mushroom is becoming better known in the West due to its exceptionally high concentration of its triterpenoid compounds. Other important bioactive compounds include polysaccharides, maleic/succinic acid derivatives, benzenoids and benzoquinone derivatives.

Antrodia Camphorata - Niu Chang Chih - In the wild A. camphorata only grows the tree "Cinnamomum Kanehirai", a species of cinnamon that grows at between 450m and 2,000m in the mountains of Taiwan. Due to over farming of the trees, they are now protected by the Taiwanese government.

Antrodia Camphorata - Niu Chang Chih - has a wide range of traditional indications, including alcohol intoxication, cancer, hypertension, fatigue, viral infection and liver disease.

Antrodia Camphorata - Niu Chang Chih - Experts in Pharmacology and Medical Sciences have studied anti-oxidative and hepato-protective (liver protecting) effects of Antrodia Camphorata extract, and clinical application of Antrodia Camphorata Carpophore Extract in cancer patients, asthma sufferers, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and cardiovascular disease, with promising results.

Antrodia Camphorata - Niu Chang Chih - In Traditional Taiwanese Medicine, Antrodia Camphorata is commonly used as an anti-cancer, anti-itching, anti-allergy, and liver protective drug. Scientific research has also shown that the mushroom can be useful in the treatment of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, hepatitis, and many types of cancers including liver, lung, cervical, colon, and breast cancers and also leukemia and adenoma.

Antrodia Camphorata - Niu Chang Chih - has a wide range of traditional indications, including alcohol intoxication, cancer, hypertension, fatigue, viral infection and liver disease.

Antrodia Camphorata - Niu Chang Chih - Experts in Pharmacology and Medical Sciences have studied anti-oxidative and hepato-protective effects of Antrodia camphorata extract, clinical application of Antrodia camphorata Carpophore Extract in cancer patients, asthma, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and cardiovascular disease.

Antrodia Camphorata - Niu Chang Chih - In Traditional Taiwanese Medicine, Antrodia is commonly used as an anti-cancer, anti-itching, anti-allergy, and liver protective drug. Scientific research has also shown that the mushroom can be useful in the treatment of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, hepatitis, and many types of cancers including liver, lung, cervical, colon, and breast cancers and also leukemia and adenoma.

Antrodia Camphorata - Niu Chang Chih - Recent research from Taiwan has shown that Antrodia camphorata crude extract (ACCE) does indeed have strong activity against prostate, breast and bladder cancer. Kuan-Chou Chen et al. (2007) found that it inhibits prostate cancer cells and concluded that Antrodia camphorata due to its nontoxicity, might be used as a good adjuvant anticancer therapy for prostate cancers. Chiumg-Chi Peng et al. (2007) found that ACCE showed rather significant inhibitory effects on the growth and proliferation of invasive transitional bladder cell carcinomas cells. You-Cheng Hsu et al. (2006) reported that Antrodia exerts growth inhibition on highly-invasive estrogen-nonresponsive human breast cancer cells through apoptosis induction associated with COX-2 inhibition. Chen, Kuan-Chou et al. 2007. Unique Formosan mushroom Antrodia camphorata differentially inhibits androgen-responsive LNCaP and independent PC-3 prostate cancer cell. Nutrition and Cancer 57(1): 111-121.

FDA Approves Bastyr Turkey Tail Trial for Cancer Patients

Researchers study how a traditional Chinese mushroom helps cancer patients strengthen their immune systems in a $5.4 million investigation.

It's been brewed for thousands of years as a Chinese medicinal tea. Now Bastyr University researchers are closer to discovering whether the turkey tail mushroom ( Trametes versicolor ) can help cancer patients boost their immune systems during chemotherapy.

Turkey tail, named for its colorful stripes, is the humble fungus at the center of a $5.4 million collaboration between Bastyr, the University of Washington and others, funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The mushroom grows widely in forests around the world, but its health potential has never been fully measured in scientific trials.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved a clinical trial for a turkey tail extract, allowing patients with advanced prostate cancer to take it in combination with conventional chemotherapy. Another trial pending FDA approval will test the effects of taking the extract along with a vaccine treatment in women with breast cancer. These will help researchers gather safety data and continue their development of potentially transformative cancer therapy.

"We didn't discover turkey tail," says lead investigator Leanna J. Standish, PhD, ND , LAc, FABNO, medical director of the Bastyr Integrative Oncology Research Center . "It's been used in Asia for thousands and thousands of years, and it turns out to be a really potent immune therapy. The significance, I think, is that we're bringing a new medicine to cancer patients in the U.S."

Previous research by Bastyr and the University of Minnesota found a turkey tail supplement may support conventional breast cancer therapies by strengthening a patient's immune system. That study was published recently in the peer-reviewed journal ISRN Oncology.

Now that researchers have approval from the FDA, they plan to begin prostate cancer clinical trials in early 2013. The ultimate goal is to develop a cancer therapy without the debilitating side effects of pharmaceutical drugs.

"One of the things chemotherapy does is suppress the immune system, so our question is whether patients taking the extract can maintain healthier immune function," says Masa Sasagawa, ND, a senior project manager at the Bastyr University Research Institute.

Strengthening Immunity

Study participants recruited at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance will take oral doses of a Japanese turkey tail extract along with docetaxel chemotherapy. Others will take a placebo and chemotherapy. Along with determining safety, lab researchers will measure the levels and activity of natural killer (NK) cells and other immune cells, which protect the body from tumors and viruses. NK cell counts and activity typically plummet after chemotherapy, leaving the body vulnerable to new diseases.

"Our hope is that docetaxel plus the turkey tail extract can create a strong enough immune response to lead to significant tumor regression," says lead investigator Cynthia A. Wenner, PhD, a Bastyr research associate professor. "That's what happened in our previous mouse trial."

Huffington Post: Turkey Tail Mushrooms Help Immune System Fight Cancer

Posted: 06/05/2012 8:13 am EDT Updated: 10/26/2012 3:07 pm EDT

LifeSource Vitamins Mushroom Defense Mix -Max Mushroom. Scientific research is proving that some of the most powerful immune-supportive nutrients are found in mushrooms. is a unique combination of 8 different mushrooms grown organically to provide a wide spectrum of health.

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*Disclaimer: None of the above statements have been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. As always, consult your physician before taking any and all supplements. LifeSource Vitamins. Individual results may vary.

Disclaimer: All the information contained throughout this website is based upon the opinions of the founder of LifeSource Vitamins, Bruce Brightman, and the entire team at LifeSource Vitamins whose relentless research and studies have been ongoing since 1992. Other articles and information are based on the opinions of the authors, who retain the copyright as marked in the article. The information on this site is not intended to replace your health care professional, but to enhance your relationship with them. Doing your own studying and research and taking your health care into your own hands is always best, especially in partnership with your health care professional.

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