Immunostimulatory and Anti-inflammatory Effect of Ganoderma Lucidum on Breast Cancer Patients

Authors: Nidhal AK. Mohammed Ali, Hakar Abdulkareem Saeed, Ramadhan T. Othman

Journal: Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Biology

Study Design:

• Intervention: Ganoderma Lucidum (GL) capsules (1000 mg twice daily) + chemotherapy or chemotherapy alone
• Participants: 40 female breast cancer patients
• Duration: 12 weeks (four cycles of chemotherapy)
• Outcome Measures:
  • Levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-\u03b3), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-\u03b1), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and adiponectin

Summary: This study investigated the effects of GL on immune and inflammatory markers in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. After 12 weeks, patients who received GL in addition to chemotherapy had significantly increased levels of IFN-\u03b3 (a marker of immune activation) and significantly decreased levels of TNF-\u03b1 and IL-8 (markers of inflammation) compared to those who received chemotherapy alone. There was no significant difference in adiponectin levels between the two groups. These findings suggest that GL may enhance the immune response and reduce inflammation in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.