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Nutrients Apr 2020For millennia, naturopaths and physicians have used (reishi mushroom) for its diverse therapeutic properties, as recorded in the oldest Chinese herbal encyclopedia.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
For millennia, naturopaths and physicians have used (reishi mushroom) for its diverse therapeutic properties, as recorded in the oldest Chinese herbal encyclopedia. Indeed, a radioprotective effect has been reported in the isolated components of its extracts. A systematic review and meta-analyses (PRISMA) was conducted in March 2020, searching databases including PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar, along with Clinical Trials. The inclusion criteria were ex vivo, in vitro, and in vivo studies, with full texts in English, conducted to determine the radioprotective benefits of , or reports in which ionizing radiation was used. From a total number of 1109 records identified, 15 full text articles were eligible, none of them were clinical trials. In vivo studies reveal the efficiency of aqueous extracts of polysaccharides and triterpenes in mice exposed to -rays. In plasmid, they can reduce radiation damage as an increment of the open circular form, as well as increase the DNA extension, as shown in vitro studies. Ex vivo studies conducted in human blood cells show the radioprotective effect of β-glucan of aqueous extract of , nevertheless, its implementation as radioprotector to humans is in need of further clinical research studies.
Topics: Animals; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Fungal Polysaccharides; Humans; In Vitro Techniques; Mice; Phytotherapy; Radiation Injuries; Radiation-Protective Agents; Reishi; Triterpenes
PubMed: 32325828
DOI: 10.3390/nu12041143 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Nov 2022Radiotherapy and chemotherapy are used to improve survival in colorectal cancer but adverse effects can be a problem. Severe adverse effects may result in dose reduction... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Radiotherapy and chemotherapy are used to improve survival in colorectal cancer but adverse effects can be a problem. Severe adverse effects may result in dose reduction or cessation of treatment, which have an impact on survival. Coriolus versicolor (Trametes versicolor or 'Turkey Tail') mushroom and its extracts have been used by cancer patients to help with adverse effects.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effects of adjunctive Coriolus versicolor (Trametes versicolor) and its extracts on adverse effects and on survival during colorectal cancer treatment (chemotherapy and radiotherapy) compared with no adjunctive treatment.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched databases including CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, AMED and CINAHL, Chinese and Japanese databases, and trials registers to 12th April 2022 without restriction of language or publication status. We screened reference lists and attempted to contact researchers in the field to identify additional studies.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the efficacy and safety of Coriolus versicolor and its extracts in adult participants with a confirmed diagnosis of colorectal cancer, in addition to conventional treatment. Interventions included any preparation of Coriolus versicolor (raw, decoction, capsule, tablet, tincture, extract, injection), any part of the fungus (cap, stem, mycelium or whole), in any dose or regimen. Outcomes included adverse events rates, survival, disease progression and recurrence, response rates and quality of life.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently screened and selected studies, extracted outcome data, and assessed risk of bias. We evaluated the overall certainty of evidence using the GRADE approach.
MAIN RESULTS
We included seven parallel RCTs (1569 participants). Six studies (1516 participants) were conducted in Japan and one study (53 participants) in China. Studies included both male and female participants with colorectal cancer (five studies), colon cancer (one study) or rectal cancer (one study). Participants were diagnosed with cancer ranging from stage II to stage IV. Coriolus was used in the form of an extract in all seven studies and was generally used after curative resection, although in one study it was used preoperatively. Duration of treatment with the extract varied between four weeks and three years. Chemotherapeutic regimens in six studies consisted of an oral fluoropyrimidine which was preceded by weekly intravenous 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) in one study, by mitomycin C in two studies, and which was combined with folinic acid (Leucovorin) in two studies and with radiotherapy preoperatively in one study. XELOX (oxaliplatin intravenous infusion and capecitabine) was used in the remaining study. We found very low-certainty evidence of little to no effect of adjunctive treatment with Coriolus (in the form of an extract, polysaccharide-Krestin, PSK) on withdrawal from treatment due to adverse events (risk ratio (RR) 1.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.45 to 2.34; 703 participants; 3 studies;). We are uncertain whether adjunctive Coriolus versicolor and its extracts compared to usual care alone resulted in a difference in adverse events including neutropenia (RR 0.41, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.71; 133 participants; 3 studies; very low certainty), oral cavity disorders such as oral dryness and mucositis (RR 0.37, 95% CI 0.13 to 1.03; 1022 participants; 5 studies; very low certainty), nausea (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.44 to 1.22; 969 participants; 4 studies; very low certainty), diarrhoea (RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.32 to 1.86; 1022 participants; 5 studies; very low certainty), and fatigue (RR 0.76; 95% CI 0.33 to 1.78; 133 participants; 3 studies; very low certainty). We found low-certainty evidence of a small effect of adjunctive Coriolus on improved survival at five years compared with no adjunctive care (RR 1.08, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.15; 1094 participants; 3 studies; number needed to benefit (NNTB) = 16 (95% Cl 9 to 70). The effect at earlier time points was unclear.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Due to the very low certainty of evidence, we were uncertain about the effect of adjunctive Coriolus (in the form of an extract PSK) on adverse events resulting from conventional chemotherapy for colorectal cancer. This includes effects on withdrawal of treatment due to adverse events and on specific adverse outcomes such as neutropenia and nausea. The uncertainty in the evidence also means that it was unclear whether any adverse events were due to the chemotherapy or to the extract itself. While there was low-certainty evidence of a small effect on overall survival at five years, the influence of reduced adverse effects on this could not be determined. In addition, chemotherapy regimens used in assessing this outcome do not reflect current preferred practice.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Male; Agaricales; Colorectal Neoplasms; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; Nausea; Neutropenia; Trametes; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 36445793
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD012053.pub2 -
Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy =... Mar 2022Mushroom consumption has grown extraordinarily owing to their high nutritional value, desirable taste, and aroma. Mushrooms continue generating lots of interest chiefly...
Mushroom consumption has grown extraordinarily owing to their high nutritional value, desirable taste, and aroma. Mushrooms continue generating lots of interest chiefly in their consumption as food, as a cure for different ailments, as well as important goods for commerce throughout the globe owing to their dietary, antioxidant, and therapeutic values. Higher Ascomycetes and Basidiomycetes mushrooms have different properties with anticancer and immunological potential. They as well provide vital health benefits and display a wide-ranging continuum of pharmacological effects. The antioxidant activity of different mushrooms was reviewed for different radicals including DPPH, ABTS, OH, Nitrite, metals, and lipid peroxidation. The present review presents pharmacological activities of different species of edible and medicinal mushrooms. This review provides tangible evidence that these mushrooms are an excellent source of natural constituents and antioxidants with potential application in pharmaceuticals and in treating and managing different diseases.
Topics: Agaricales; Antioxidants; Functional Food; Humans
PubMed: 35026489
DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112621 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Aug 2023Fruits and vegetables are used not only for nutritional purposes but also as therapeutics to treat various diseases and ailments. These food items are prominent sources... (Review)
Review
Fruits and vegetables are used not only for nutritional purposes but also as therapeutics to treat various diseases and ailments. These food items are prominent sources of phytochemicals that exhibit chemopreventive and therapeutic effects against several diseases. Hirsutine (HSN) is a naturally occurring indole alkaloid found in various Uncaria species and has a multitude of therapeutic benefits. It is found in foodstuffs such as fish, seafood, meat, poultry, dairy, and some grain products among other things. In addition, it is present in fruits and vegetables including corn, cauliflower, mushrooms, potatoes, bamboo shoots, bananas, cantaloupe, and citrus fruits. The primary emphasis of this study is to summarize the pharmacological activities and the underlying mechanisms of HSN against different diseases, as well as the biopharmaceutical features. For this, data were collected (up to date as of 1 July 2023) from various reliable and authentic literature by searching different academic search engines, including PubMed, Springer Link, Scopus, Wiley Online, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Findings indicated that HSN exerts several effects in various preclinical and pharmacological experimental systems. It exhibits anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anti-diabetic, and antioxidant activities with beneficial effects in neurological and cardiovascular diseases. Our findings also indicate that HSN exerts promising anticancer potentials via several molecular mechanisms, including apoptotic cell death, induction of oxidative stress, cytotoxic effect, anti-proliferative effect, genotoxic effect, and inhibition of cancer cell migration and invasion against various cancers such as lung, breast, and antitumor effects in human T-cell leukemia. Taken all together, findings from this study show that HSN can be a promising therapeutic agent to treat various diseases including cancer.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Biological Products; Alkaloids; Vegetables; Agaricales
PubMed: 37630393
DOI: 10.3390/molecules28166141 -
Bioscience Reports Aug 2020Huaier Granule, a type of traditional Chinese biomedical preparation (TCBP), is considered to be a promising adjuvant therapy for breast cancer. Although an analysis of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Huaier Granule, a type of traditional Chinese biomedical preparation (TCBP), is considered to be a promising adjuvant therapy for breast cancer. Although an analysis of the published literature has been performed, the exact effects and safety of Huaier Granule remains controversial. Therefore, a wide-ranging systematic search of electronic databases from which to draw conclusions was performed. Data from 27 trials, including 2562 patients with breast cancer were analyzed. The results indicated that, compared with conventional treatment alone, the combination of conventional treatment and Huaier Granule markedly improved patients' overall response (P=0.02) and quality of life (P<0.00001), and significantly prolonged 2-year (P=0.02), 3-year (P<0.0001) and 5-year (P=0.004) overall survival rates, and 1-year (P=0.003), 2-year (P<0.00001), 3-year (P<0.00001) and 5-year (P=0.03) disease-free survival. The immune function of patients was also significantly enhanced after combined intervention treatment, indicated by clearly increased percentages of CD3+ (P=0.05), CD4+ (P<0.00001) and natural killer cells (P<0.0001), and CD4+/CD8+ ratio (P<0.00001). The incidence of myelosuppression (P=0.001) and hepatotoxicity (P=0.05) was lower in breast cancer patients treated with Huaier Granule, whereas other adverse events did not differ significantly between the two groups (P>0.05). In summary, results of this meta-analysis suggest that the combination of conventional treatment and Huaier Granule is more effective for the treatment of breast cancer than conventional treatment alone.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Breast Neoplasms; Complex Mixtures; Controlled Clinical Trials as Topic; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Time Factors; Trametes; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 32789470
DOI: 10.1042/BSR20202509 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2022Guizhi Fuling (GZFL) pill, a traditional Chinese herbal formula including , , , , and , has been widely applied in the management of gynecological diseases. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Add-on effect of the Guizhi Fuling formula for management of reduced fertility potential in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
BACKGROUND
Guizhi Fuling (GZFL) pill, a traditional Chinese herbal formula including , , , , and , has been widely applied in the management of gynecological diseases.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the add-on effect of the GZFL formula for treating reduced fertility potential in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS
Two reviewers independently searched the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Wanfang, SinoMed, and CKNI databases until 09/11/2022. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of the GZFL formula plus Western medicine versus the Western medicine for treating PCOS. The primary endpoint was the ovulation, pregnancy, and miscarriage rate. The secondary endpoints included the serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), total testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, and homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR).
RESULTS
There were 16 RCTs with 1,385 patients identified. The GZFL formula plus Western medicine significantly improved the ovulation rate (risk ratios [RR] 1.24; 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.15-1.34) and pregnancy rate (RR 1.53; 95% CI 1.38 to 1.69) than the Western medicine alone. Adjuvant treatment with the GZFL formula also significantly decreased the serum FSH (mean difference [MD] -0.48 U/l; 95% CI -0.80 to -0.15), total testosterone (standard mean difference [SMD] -1.07; 95% CI -1.71 to -0.44), LH level (MD -2.19 U/l; 95% CI -3.04 to -1.34), and HOMA-IR (MD -0.47; 95% CI -0.60 to -0.34). However, there was no significant difference in the miscarriage rate (RR 0.89; 95% CI 0.36-2.20) and serum estradiol level (SMD 0.34; 95% CI -0.25 to 0.94) between two groups.
CONCLUSIONS
The GZFL formula as adjuvant therapy can improve the ovulation and pregnancy rates in women with PCOS. Its beneficial effects may correlate with reducing FSH, total testosterone, and LH and ameliorating insulin resistance. However, more well-designed RCTs with larger samples and multicenter trials are required to confirm the current findings due to uncertainty of the evidence.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
PROSPERO identifier, CRD42022354530.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Wolfiporia; Abortion, Spontaneous; Insulin Resistance; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Follicle Stimulating Hormone; Fertility; Luteinizing Hormone; Estradiol; Testosterone
PubMed: 37143960
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.995106 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Mar 2021This is a updated version of our Cochrane Review published in Issue 6, 2012. Sexually-transmitted infections (STIs) continue to rise worldwide, imposing an enormous... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
This is a updated version of our Cochrane Review published in Issue 6, 2012. Sexually-transmitted infections (STIs) continue to rise worldwide, imposing an enormous morbidity and mortality burden. Effective prevention strategies, including microbicides, are needed to achieve the goals of the World Heath Organization (WHO) global strategy for the prevention and control of these infections.
OBJECTIVES
To determine the effectiveness and safety of topical microbicides for preventing acquisition of STIs, including HIV.
SEARCH METHODS
We undertook a comprehensive search of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS, CLIB, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov, WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and reference lists of relevant articles up to August 2020. In addition, we contacted relevant organisations and experts.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised controlled trials of vaginal microbicides compared to placebo (except for nonoxynol-9 because it is covered in related Cochrane Reviews). Eligible participants were sexually-active non-pregnant, WSM and MSM, who had no laboratory confirmed STIs.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently screened and selected studies, extracted data, and assessed risks of bias in duplicate, resolving differences by consensus. We conducted a fixed-effect meta-analysis, stratified by type of microbicide, and assessed the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach.
MAIN RESULTS
We included eight trials from the earlier version of the review and four new trials, i.e. a total of 12 trials with 32,464 participants (all WSM). We did not find any eligible study that enrolled MSM or reported fungal STI as an outcome. We have no study awaiting assessment. All 12 trials were conducted in sub-Saharan Africa, with one having a study site in the USA, and another having a site in India. Vaginal microbicides tested were BufferGel and PRO 2000 (1 trial, 3101 women), Carraguard (1 trial, 6202 women), cellulose sulphate (2 trials, 3069 women), dapivirine (2 trials, 4588 women), PRO 2000 (1 trial, 9385 women), C31G (SAVVY) (2 trials, 4295 women), and tenofovir (3 trials, 4958 women). All microbicides were compared to placebo and all trials had low risk of bias. Dapivirine probably reduces the risk of acquiring HIV infection: risk ratio (RR) 0.71, (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.57 to 0.89, I = 0%, 2 trials, 4588 women; moderate-certainty evidence). The other microbicides may result in little to no difference in the risk of acquiring HIV (low-certainty evidence); including tenofovir (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.68 to 1.02, cellulose sulphate (RR 1.20, 95% CI 0.74 to 1.95, BufferGel (RR 1.05, 95% CI 0.73 to 1.52), Carraguard (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.71 to 1.11), PRO 2000 (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.14), and SAVVY (RR 1.38, 95% CI 0.79 to 2.41). Existing evidence suggests that cellulose sulphate (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.37 to 2.62, 1 trial, 1425 women), and PRO 2000 (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.73 to 1.23) may result in little to no difference in the risk of getting herpes simplex virus type 2 infection (low-certainty evidence). Two studies reported data on tenofovir's effect on this virus. One suggested that tenofovir may reduce the risk (RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.36 to 0.82; 224 participants) while the other did not find evidence of an effect (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.03; 1003 participants). We have not reported the pooled result because of substantial heterogeneity of effect between the two studies (l = 85%). The evidence also suggests that dapivirine (RR 1.70, 95% CI 0.63 to 4.59), tenofovir (RR 1.27, 95% CI 0.58 to 2.78), cellulose sulphate (RR 0.69, 95% CI 0.26 to 1.81), and (Carraguard (RR 1.07, 95% CI 0.75 to 1.52) may have little or no effect on the risk of acquiring syphilis (low-certainty evidence). In addition, dapivirine (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.07), tenofovir (RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.71 to 1.13), cellulose sulphate (RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.99), BufferGel (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.65 to 1.45), Carraguard (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.12), and PRO 2000 (RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.22) may result in little to no difference in the risk of acquiring chlamydia infection (low-certainty evidence). The evidence also suggests that current topical microbicides may not have an effect on the risk of acquiring gonorrhoea, condyloma acuminatum, trichomoniasis, or human papillomavirus infection (low-certainty evidence). Microbicide use in the 12 trials, compared to placebo, did not lead to any difference in adverse event rates. No study reported on acceptability of the intervention. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Current evidence shows that vaginal dapivirine microbicide probably reduces HIV acquisition in women who have sex with men. Other types of vaginal microbicides have not shown evidence of an effect on acquisition of STIs, including HIV. Further research should continue on the development and testing of new microbicides.
Topics: Acrylic Resins; Adenine; Administration, Intravaginal; Agaricales; Anti-HIV Agents; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Bias; Cellulose; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Naphthalenesulfonates; Placebos; Polymers; Pyrimidines; Seaweed; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Tenofovir
PubMed: 33719075
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD007961.pub3 -
Nutrients Feb 2023Mushrooms, unique edible fungi, contain several essential nutrients and bioactive compounds which may positively influence cardiometabolic health. Despite a long history... (Review)
Review
Mushrooms, unique edible fungi, contain several essential nutrients and bioactive compounds which may positively influence cardiometabolic health. Despite a long history of consumption, the health benefits of mushrooms are not well documented. We conducted a systematic review to assess the effects of and associations between mushroom consumption and cardiometabolic disease (CMD)-related risk factors and morbidities/mortality. We identified 22 articles (11 experimental and 11 observational) from five databases meeting our inclusion criteria. Limited evidence from experimental research suggests mushroom consumption improves serum/plasma triglycerides and hs-CRP, but not other lipids, lipoproteins, measures of glucose control (fasting glucose and HbA1c), or blood pressure. Limited evidence from observational research (seven of 11 articles with assessments) suggests no association between mushroom consumption and fasting blood total or LDL cholesterol, glucose, or morbidity/mortality from cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, or type 2 diabetes mellitus. Other CMD health outcomes were deemed either inconsistent (blood pressure, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides) or insufficient (HbA1c/hyperglycemia, hs-CRP, cerebrovascular disease, and stroke). The majority of the articles vetted were rated "poor" using the NHLBI study quality assessment tool due to study methodology and/or poor reporting issues. While new, high-quality experimental and observational research is warranted, limited experimental findings suggest greater mushroom consumption lowers blood triglycerides and hs-CRP, indices of cardiometabolic health.
Topics: Humans; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; C-Reactive Protein; Agaricales; Glycated Hemoglobin; Cardiovascular Diseases; Triglycerides; Risk Factors; Glucose
PubMed: 36904079
DOI: 10.3390/nu15051079 -
International Journal of Molecular... Mar 2023Significant scientific advances to elucidate the pathosystem have been achieved in recent years, but the molecular biology of this pathogen-host interaction is still a... (Review)
Review
Significant scientific advances to elucidate the pathosystem have been achieved in recent years, but the molecular biology of this pathogen-host interaction is still a field with many unanswered questions. In order to present insights at the molecular level, we present the first systematic review on the theme. All told, 1118 studies were extracted from public databases. Of these, 109 were eligible for the review, based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The results indicated that understanding the transition from the biotrophic-necrotrophic phase of the fungus is crucial for control of the disease. Proteins with strong biotechnological potential or that can be targets for pathosystem intervention were identified, but studies regarding possible applications are still limited. The studies identified revealed important genes in the -host interaction and efficient molecular markers in the search for genetic variability and sources of resistance, with being the most common host. An arsenal of effectors already identified and not explored in the pathosystem were highlighted. This systematic review contributes to the understanding of the pathosystem at the molecular level, offering new insights and proposing different paths for the development of new strategies to control witches' broom disease.
Topics: Cacao; Phytoplasma Disease; Plant Diseases; Molecular Biology; Host-Pathogen Interactions; Agaricales
PubMed: 36982760
DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065684 -
Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy =... Aug 2020Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among women across the world. Trametes robiniophila Murr (Huaier), a traditional herbal medicine, has been used in...
Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among women across the world. Trametes robiniophila Murr (Huaier), a traditional herbal medicine, has been used in China to protect human health for about 1600 years. Recent years, Huaier had been proven to be effective for multiple types of malignancies. This systematic review focused on breast cancer treatment, summarizing the curative function of Huaier aqueous extract and polysaccharides in preclinical researches. Huaier could markedly inhibit breast cancer progression with low toxicity, enhance immune response and increase the sensitivity to radiation and chemotherapy. The therapeutic effect of Huaier granule in clinical studies was also included. This review amalgamated the current studies and highlighted the promising role of Huaier and its polysaccharides as complementary alternative medicine in breast cancer treatment.
Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents; Breast Neoplasms; Complex Mixtures; Female; Fungal Polysaccharides; Humans; Polyporaceae; Trametes; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 32480220
DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110254