extract did not show cell death
after infection with influenza virus.
with influenza virus - cell death.
Clinical trials of the anti-cancer mushroom, immune enhancing and other medicinal properties
R&D is a substantial activity of our business and is also fundamental
to our success. We undertake research and clinical trials of anti-cancer,
immune enhancing and other medicinal properties of the Shiitake and other
mushrooms. We have collaborated with various tertiary institutions for
joint research in the areas of fungi findings. In addition, recent studies
have shown that Shiitake contains bioactive components that boost the
human immune system, are active against cancer, heart disease, the HIV
virus and help to lower cholesterol.
We specialize in the study of Shiitake mushrooms, otherwise known as the
Chinese Black Mushrooms. Shiitake is the second most commonly produced
mushroom in the world according to S.T. Chang in Mushroom Biology (1993).
Shiitake are gourmet mushrooms which are appreciated for heir medicinal
values. They contain many nutritional values like protein (26% dry weight),
lipids (primarily linoleic acid), carbohydrate, fiber, minerals, vitamins
B-1, B-2, C, ergosterol and the D provitamin. In addition,recent studies
have shown that Shiitake contain medicinal values that are believed to
help boost the human immune system, are active against cancer and help
to lower cholesterol.
American studies have shown that the plysaccharides in Shiitake are helpful
in boosting the human immune system. The active compounds that have been
isolated from their immunomodulatory, lipid-lowering, and antimicrobial
properties include lentinan, Lentinula edolodes mycelium (‘LEM’), KS-2,
ergosterol and eritadenine. Lentinan derived from Shiitake polysaccharide
is an approved drug in Japan and is commercially available for clinical
use.
Lentinan increases post-operative survival rates for cancer patients.
It has also been shown that lentinan prevents further metastasis (spreading).
However, it does not completely eradicate cancer in humans. In addition,
lentinan have also been shown to exhibit anti-tumor properties. ‘Research
on Medicinal Properties of Shiitake’
In the United States, lentinan is also used by patients with Chronic Fatigue
Syndrome. It is also believed that lentinan can help to fight against
the HIV virus. Studies have shown that the lentinan appears to block the
entrance of the HIV Virus into cells by affecting the cell’s receptors.
In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of
lentinan for clinical trials related to AIDS/HIV.
In 1990, we collaborated with the department of Bioscience & Biotechnology
of the University of Strathclyde to study the effect of growing Shiitake
mycelia in fermenter culture. A suitable medium has been found which will
have yield high biomass concentration, and the physiological parameters
for fermenter culture have been worked out. Bioactive polysaccharides
(ß glucan) extracted from fermentation media, the mycelia and mushrooms
were tested to study the effectiveness of anti-body IG stimulation in
mice. The results show the greatest stimulation of anti body production
occurred when the mice were injected with polysaccharides extracted from
the fermenter media. In all cases where ß glucan were used, the stimulation
of anti-body production was considerable.
Since 1990, the Company has also collaborated with the Department of Microbiology,
National University of Singapore in the extraction of bioactive components
from the Shiitake mushrooms. A mycoviral fraction (polyethylene glycol
extractable) and a polysaccharide fraction (ß glucan) have been demonstrated
to be anti-tumor in mice. Tumor inhibition of up to 95% was demonstrated
for the ß glucan fraction. Increase in production of interferon (gamma)
IFNy, Interleukin-2 (IL-2L) and tumor neurosis factor-alpha (TNF-)
was also observed in these studies demonstrating the body’s immune system
response had been activated.
Anti-cancer trials
We have initiated clinical trials of the anti-cancer properties of lentinan
on cancer patients. Lentinan has shown anti-tumor properties. The studies
are to determine the optimal biological dose of oral lentinan in patients
with refractory solid cancer, the evaluation of the toxicity profile of
oral lentinan and the immune stimulatory function of various doses of
oral lentinan.
The studies of are collaboration between our subsidiary, MycoPharma, the
Oncology Department and the Department of Microbiology of the National
University of Singapore and PharmaLinks and alliance of biomedical and
pharmaceutical capabilities of the University of Glasgow and the University
of Strathclyde. The anti-cancer trials will also involve the Human Nutraceutical
Research Unit of the University of Guelph, Canada.
Immune Enhancing Trials
We are also looking into the study of the effect of Shiitake on the immune
competence of healthy humans. Discussions with the Human Nutraceutical
Research Unit, University of Guelph, and Canada have been initiated and
a proposal has been worked out for trials to assess the competence of
humans after eating Shiitake. The objective is to measure the effect of
Shiitake consumption on certain immune function parameters e.g. levels
of interferon (IFNß & IFN), interleukins (IL-1, IL-6), and Tumor
necrosis factor (TNF). If these levels are increased the immune system
will be enhanced.
Cholesterol Lowering Trials
We are currently in discussions with the National University of Singapore,
the Royal Infirmary UK and the Toronto Hospital, Canada, on the proposal
to study the effect of Shiitake and Oyster mushrooms on the lipid content
of humans.
The positive finding of each one of these three research projects once
publicized may impact on the sales of not only the fresh mushroom but
also our biomedical, nutraceuticals and functional food products. Results
of such studies will be published in international scientific journals
and reports in the conferences will publicize the awareness of the medicinal
mushroom studies. Press conferences will be organized to release certain
measurable results. Reporters and editors will be invited to attend such
conferences to enable them to publish the results in the mass media. All
this will be coupled with our products to translate into increased sales
of not only mushrooms but also our nutraceuticals and functional foods.