Can Mushrooms Help Fight Lung Cancer? Here's What the Science Says
For centuries, mushrooms have played a role in traditional healing systems—but only recently has modern science begun to catch up. A growing body of evidence is exploring how medicinal mushrooms could aid in the prevention and treatment of diseases like cancer, particularly lung cancer, which remains one of the deadliest forms globally.
Lung Cancer: A Quick Overview
Lung cancer accounts for over 18% of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The two main types are non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC), which makes up about 85% of cases, and small-cell lung carcinoma (SCLC). Standard treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted drugs often come with high toxicity, limited specificity, and diminishing effectiveness over time.
This is where medicinal mushrooms come in—offering low-toxicity, multi-targeted options that may enhance or complement conventional treatments.
How Mushrooms Work Against Lung Cancer
According to a comprehensive review of over 50 studies on 26 different mushroom species, many mushrooms exhibit the following anticancer actions:
Inhibiting tumor growth
Inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death)
Blocking angiogenesis (blood supply to tumors)
Arresting the cancer cell cycle
Enhancing immune system response
Reducing oxidative stress and inflammation
These effects are driven by bioactive compounds like polysaccharides, triterpenoids, phenolics, and peptides that interact with cancer-related pathways at a cellular and molecular level.
5 Mushrooms with Strong Anti-Lung Cancer Potential
Here are some standouts from the study, which you might recognize as key ingredients in our Total Mind & Body Tincture:
1. Cordyceps militaris
Cordyceps induces apoptosis in lung cancer cells by activating both the mitochondrial and death receptor pathways, while also suppressing telomerase activity—a hallmark of cancer cell immortality.
Key Mechanism: Downregulates hTERT, upregulates caspase-3, Bax
Model Tested: A549 lung cancer cells
2. Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi)
Reishi contains triterpenes and polysaccharides that inhibit lung tumor growth, reduce cell migration, and modulate key pathways like MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT.
Key Mechanism: Downregulates EGFR & TGFβR via proteasome degradation
Model Tested: In vitro and in vivo (mice with lung tumors)
3. Trametes versicolor (Turkey Tail)
Best known for PSK (Polysaccharide-K), Turkey Tail stimulates the immune system while also directly inducing apoptosis in lung cancer cells. It's been used in Japan as an approved adjuvant cancer therapy for decades.
Key Mechanism: Boosts NK cell activity, activates caspase-3
Model Tested: A549 cells
4. Hericium erinaceus (Lion’s Mane)
Beyond brain health, Lion’s Mane may also support apoptosis in lung cancer cells by increasing caspase activity and showing strong anti-proliferative effects.
Key Mechanism: Increases caspases 3, 8, 9; low toxicity to normal cells
Model Tested: Chago-K1 lung cancer cells
5. Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)
While not specifically highlighted in this review, previous studies show Chaga’s strong antioxidant and anti-mutagenic properties, which may contribute to lowering cancer risk and enhancing DNA protection. It's often included in broader mushroom formulations for overall immune support.
Why This Matters for You
This research offers a compelling look into how mushrooms could complement modern cancer care—not as a replacement for standard treatment, but as a potential supportive therapy that enhances immune function, reduces side effects, and may even inhibit tumor progression.
For everyday wellness, incorporating mushrooms like Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Cordyceps, Turkey Tail, and Chaga in your daily regimen might offer more than just immune support—they might be planting the seeds for long-term resilience.
Science Meets Daily Ritual
Our Total Mind & Body Tincture is inspired by studies like these. By blending five of the most studied medicinal mushrooms, we aim to support not just day-to-day wellness, but also your body’s deeper, long-term defenses. Whether you’re managing stress, boosting immunity, or just looking for functional support, mushrooms are proving to be more than just a trend—they’re a therapeutic treasure.
Sources:
Khunoana, E.T., & Nkadimeng, S.M. (2025). Current Advances in the Use of Mushrooms as Therapeutics for Lung Cancer: A Review. Molecules, 30(6), 1322. DOI link
