A MUSHROOM USED in ancient Chinese remedies successfully battles colorectal cancer, the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths across the world, scientists at a traditional Chinese medicine conference in Hong Kong said this week.
It has long been believed that a Chinese mushroom with the scientific name of Amauroderma rugosum has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and antimicrobial properties.
Scientists from the University of Hong Kong found ways to evaluate the anti-colon cancer effects of a water extract of the mushrooms in both test tube settings and inside live mammals.
In one experiment, they took the extract of the mushroom and gave it to mice suffering from tumors. They observed positive effects, including the destruction of harmful cells.
At the same time, there was low toxicity to other cells.
This confirmed that the water extract of the mushroom, and mushroom components called polysaccharides, clearly “have anti-colon cancer properties”.
The results were published as an academic poster in connection with the major Chinese medicine gathering in Hong Kong this week.
Research was carried out by Chengwen Zhenga and George Pak Heng Leung at the Department of Pharmacology & Pharmacy.
There have now been more than 200 cases in which traditional Chinese remedies have been studied scientifically and made the cross-over to international scientific validation.
Hong Kong is hosting a major annual event this week – the International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine & Health Products.
The event includes live speakers and academic “posters”.
Scientists in Hong Kong are working hard to legitimise Chinese medicine by putting the substances through rigorous testing protocols – and are enjoying a lot of success in the process. Regular evidence is being produced that shows traditional remedies have measurable success rates.