Lingzhi (Ganoderma Lucidum) as an adjuvant therapy for cancers
Clinical trial on patients with cancers of the esophagus, stomach, colon, lung, liver, bladder, kidney, prostate and uterus showed desirable effects when Lingzhi preparation were administered in combination with chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Observed therapeutic improvements associated with the side effects induced by chemotherapy or radiotherapy included (a) reduction of myelosuppression, such as leucopenia and thrombocytopenia, (b) attenuation of gastrointestional injury, such as anorexia, nausea and vomiting,(c) enhancenment of patients immunological functions of anti-infection and anti-cancer, and (d) improvement of cancer patient’s physical fitness and quality of life. The results clearly demonstrated Lingzhi’s adjuvant efficacy in treating cancer patients by strengthening the immunity and decreasing toxic side effects caused by drugs or radiotherapy.