Can White Button Mushroom Extract Slow the Growth of Prostate Cancer?
Posted: Monday, March 29, 2021
Xiaoqiang Wang, MD, PhD, of the City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California, and colleagues conducted a study to analyze the mechanism and efficacy of the white button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) in the potential chemoprevention and treatment of prostate cancer. These researchers discovered that this extract suppressed the growth of prostate tumors with minimal side effects. Their findings were recently presented virtually at the 2021 Endocrine Society Annual Meeting.
“We found that white button mushrooms contain chemicals that can block the activity of the androgen receptor in mouse models, indicating this fungus can reduce prostate-specific antigen levels,” stated Dr. Wang in an Endocrine Society press release. “While more research is needed, it’s possible that white button mushrooms could one day contribute to the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer.”
This reverse translational study was conducted utilizing androgen-sensitive prostate cancer cell lines and patient-derived-xenografts of prostate tumors treated with 6 ~ 30 mg/mL of white button mushroom extract. Additionally, mice implanted with human prostate tumors were studied, creating an animal model for translation to human trials.
Both cell lines exhibited suppressed cell proliferation and dihydrotestosterone-induced prostate-specific antigen expression in a dose-dependent manner. The investigators found that the nuclear localization of androgen receptors was reduced through a promoter-luciferase assay and immunofluorescence, suggesting this extract may inhibit dihydrotestosterone-induced luciferase activity and cell-cycle control pathways. Oral intake of 200 mg/kg/day also suppressed tumor growth and prostate-specific antigen levels.
The conjugated linoleic acid isomer (CLA)-9Z11E was identified as an active component in white button mushroom extract; the investigators reported that it is a strong antagonist of the accumulation of an androgen receptor coactivator peptide. Compared with a known antagonist, cyproterone acetate, the inhibitory effect of CLA-9Z11E was almost two times stronger.
Disclosure: No disclosure information was provided.
