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Breast Cancer Information

Coriolus Mushroom

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What is it?

Coriolus is a type of mushroom. Substances obtained from coriolus mushroom are used as medicines. Two of these substances are polysaccharide peptide (PSP) and polysaccharide krestin (PSK).

Coriolus mushroom, PSP, or PSK are taken by mouth to improve response to cancer medicines and radiation. But there is limited scientific evidence to support this or other uses.

It is effective?
Natural Medicines rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.

Possibly Effective for …

  • Cancer. Taking polysaccharide krestin (PSK), a substance found in coriolus mushroom, by mouth may improve the response to chemotherapy by a small amount in some people with certain types of cancer.

Insufficient Evidence to Make a Determination for …

  • Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).
  • Genital herpes.
  • Infections of the kidney, bladder, or urethra (urinary tract infections or UTIs).
  • Muscle strength.
  • Ringworm (tinea corporis).
  • Swelling (inflammation) of the liver (hepatitis).
  • Upper airway infection.
  • Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of coriolus mushroom for these uses.

How does it work?
Coriolus mushroom contains polysaccharide peptide (PSP) and polysaccharide krestin (PSK). These might help slow cancer growth and boost the immune system.

Is there concern for the safety of its use?
When taken by mouth: Coriolus mushroom is LIKELY SAFE for most people when taken appropriately. For most healthy adults, it does not cause any side effects. Some people who are receiving chemotherapy and a substance extracted from coriolus mushroom (PSK) have reported nausea, vomiting, low white blood cell counts, and liver problems. But it is unclear if these side effects were due to the chemotherapy or PSK.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if coriolus mushroom is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Are there any drug interactions?
There are no known interactions with medications. Before taking this product, talk with your health professional if you take any medications.

Are there any interactions with herbs and supplements?
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

Are there any interactions with food?
There are no known interactions with foods.

What dose is used?
The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

BY MOUTH:

  • For cancer: 3 grams of polysaccharide krestin (PSK), an extract of coriolus mushroom, taken by mouth every day, in combination with chemotherapy is the most commonly used dose.

By what other names is the product known?
Bolet à Couleurs Variées, Bolet Versicolore, Boletus versicolor, Champignon Coriolus, Champignon de Queue de Dinde, Cloud Mushroom, Coriolus, Coriolus versicolor, Hongo Coriolus, Kawaratake, Krestin, Polypore à Couleurs Variées, Polypore Versicolor, Polyporus Versicolor, Polysaccharide-K, Polysaccharide Krestin, Polysaccharide Peptide, Polysaccharopeptide, Polystictus versicolor, PSK, PSP, Trametes versicolor, Turkey Tail Mushroom, Yun Chi, Yun Zhi, Yun-Zhi, Yunzhi.

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