A rare mushroom that grows only in Taiwan and is related to an endangered tree species has long been used in traditional herbal medicine. Now, scientists have discovered its anti-cancer effect.
The Antrodia cinnamomea mushroom (also known as Taiwanofungus camphoratus) is found only in Taiwan and is associated with a particular type of endangered tree. It has been used for centuries in herbal preparations, and recent studies show that this mushroom has the ability to fight cancer through a specific class of sugar molecules.
According to research, Antrodia cinnamomea has the effect of destroying cancer cells and reducing inflammation. Scientists from National Taiwan University and National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University discovered that this is related to a group of substances that the mushroom itself produces - sulfated polysaccharides (SPS). These are complex sugar molecules, composed of glucose, galactose and sulfate, which have previously been linked to anti-cancer properties, but the exact mechanism was not fully understood, reports Telegraph.
A powerful molecule: N50 F2
Through laboratory cultivation, the A. cinnamomea mushroom has been studied without having to be collected from the wild. To better understand its effects, researchers developed methods that forced the fungus to produce more sulfated polysaccharides. This led to the identification of a specific molecule, N50 F2, which in experiments showed the ability to reduce inflammatory markers and block or destroy lung cancer cells.
Of course, these findings are still in the laboratory stage and need to be verified in humans, but they pave the way for the development of new anticancer therapies. In an article published in the scientific journal Carbohydrate Polymers, the authors emphasize that SPS polysaccharides of Antrodia cinnamomea have great potential in future treatments.
The value of nature in pharmaceutical research
This discovery highlights the importance of searching for new medicinal substances in nature. Previous studies have shown that plant life, microorganisms, and even scorpion venom can provide valuable substances in the fight against disease. Now, the mushroom A. cinnamomea is added to this list.
Scientists emphasize that although promising molecules have been identified, much work will be needed to transform them into safe and effective drugs for clinical use.
"Our study shows the potential of natural mushroom compounds for pharmaceutical development. With a controlled cultivation and extraction process, we are optimistic that in the future these substances can be used as health supplements, but also as part of clinical treatments," said Chia-Chuan Chang, a pharmacist from National Taiwan University. /Telegraph/
