White Button Mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus)
Boosts Immune System and Inhibits Breast Cancer
Jul 25, 2009
Mushrooms are reported to have antitumor, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. These effects are attributed to their ability to modulate immune cell function. Most of these studies however, employed the administration of exotic mushroom extracts, and not the effects of consuming the common white button mushroom (WBM) - the most widely consumed variety in North America.
White Mushrooms' Effect on the Immune System
To determine white button mushrooms' effect on immunity, researchers led by Dayong Wu, fed experimental mice a diet enriched with powdered WBM for 10 weeks at varying strengths. Then they examined the indices of natural and cell-mediated immunity. Results: Mushroom powder enhanced natural killer (NK) cell activity, IFN7 and tumor-necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) production. Interferon Gamma (IFN-7) is a substance produced by NK cells and natural killer T (NKT) cells. It helps maintain the body's natural and adaptive immune systems against viruses, bacteria, and tumors by preventing viral replication and growth. Tumor Necrosis Factor -a (TNF-a) is a cytokine - an inflammatory substance - involved in the regulation of immune cells. It triggers apoptosis (cell suicide) to induce inflammation and prevent replication by viruses and tumors.
This study suggests that high intake of WBM may enhance natural immunity against tumors and viruses through the enhancement of natural killer cell activities brought about by IFN7 and TNF-a. Their study was published in the 2007 issue of Journal of Nutrition.
Agaricus bisporus and Breast Cancer
Cancer remains the leading cause of death in many developed countries. Studies show that people with diets rich in fruits and vegetables have a lower risk for this disease. In addition, increasing evidence suggests that consumption of dietary mushrooms can protect against many forms of human cancer, most notably, breast cancer in women.
To determine the ability of different types of mushrooms - maitake (MT), crimini (CRIM), portobella (PORT), king oyster (OYS), and white button mushroom (WBM) - extracts were added to MCF-7 human breast cancer cells.
Results showed that mitogenesis (new cell formation) was significantly reduced by all mushroom extracts with MT and OYS being the most powerful deterrent. Apoptosis ( cancer cell suicide) was also significantly increased by MT at 40%, and at 20% by all the other mushrooms. These outcomes indicates that edible mushrooms reduced the development of new cancer cells and triggered cell death in human breast cancer cells. The study led by KR Martin and S Brophy was presented at Experimental Biology, April 2009.
Active Compounds in Mushrooms
White button mushrooms may prevent breast cancer because they contain antioxidants and anticarcinogenic substances such as ergothioneine, selenium, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, and conjugated linoleic acid. These compounds suppress the activity of aromatase - an enzyme required in estrogen production. Estrogen is a major factor in the development of breast cancer.Cancer Research 2006, Chen S et al. Ergothioneine a naturally occurring amino acid, selenium ( a mineral antioxidant), the essential fatty acids:linoleic acid and linolenic acid, and conjugated fatty acid - are powerful aromatase inhibitors. They interfere with the body's ability to produce estrogen.
Before menopause, ovarian aromatase is responsible for most of the circulating estrogen. After menopause, aromatase in fat and muscle may be responsible for circulating estrogen. Aromatase is abundant in highly-estrogen sensitive tissues such as breast, uterus, vagina, bone, brain, heart, and blood vessels. Breast aromatase activity is high in proliferative breast diseases including cancer. International Journal of Clinical Practice, 2007.
References
Dayung Wu et al. " Dietary Supplementation with White Button Mushroom Enhances Natural Killer Cell Activity in C57BL/6 Mice" Journal of Nutrition June 2007; 137:1472-1477
Martin KR & Brophy S " Dietary Mushroom reduce mutagenesis and induce apoptosis and cytotoxicity in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells" Experimental Biology April 2009
Grube BJ et al. "White Button Mushroom Phytochemicals Inhibit Aromatase Activity and Breast Cancer Cell Proliferation" Journal of Nutrition 2001;131:3288-3293
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