Here’s what the University of California San Diego Medical Center has to say about Coriolus versicolor.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies For Cancer Patients
Coriolus Versicolor
This treatment modality is used in place of conventional therapies to treat cancer. Seek advice from a qualified physician before replacing standard cancer therapy with coriolus versicolor treatment.
What does coriolus versicolor treatment involve? Coriolus versicolor is a mushroom used in Asian cultures to treat cancer. Its active ingredient can be administered as a tea or in capsules.
How is coriolus versicolor thought to treat cancer? The coriolus versicolor mushroom has shown antimicrobial, antiviral and antitumor properties, which have been attributed to a protein-bound polysaccharide called Polysaccharide K (PSK), also known as Krestin. In Japan, PSK is currently used as a cancer treatment, in conjunction with surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation.
What has been proven about the benefit of coriolus versicolor? Animal studies have reported that PSK prevents the induction of tumors by chemicals, radiation and other mutagens. The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center performed an extensive human studies literature review of coriolus versicolor and found twenty-four studies relevant to cancer. After an in-depth review of the available literature, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center reported that PSK is a “promising candidate for chemoprevention due to the multiple effects on the malignant process, limited side effects and safety of daily oral doses for extended periods of time.”
(Source: http://cancer.ucsd.edu/outreach/PublicEducation/CAMs/coriolusversicolor.asp)

Extract of article about evidence v opinion.

A world-renowned specialist in the treatment of breast cancer has been publicly warning women that immune-boosting supplements increase the risk of breast cancer, citing as evidence the relatively low rate of breast cancer among women with AIDS and the fact that certain TH-2 related cytokines may enhance tumor progression. This type of warning ignores the large body of research that enhancement of natural killer cell activity or of TH-1 driven cellular immunity is of benefit for cancer treatment and prevention both. Extracts of the fungus Coriolus versicolor have been widely used and extensively researched in Asia as an aid to cancer chemotherapy, with benefits established in human clinical trials. (14-16) Coriolus extracts enhance TH-1 activity.

14. Fisher & Yang, Anticancer effects and mechanisms of polysaccharide-K (PSK): implications of cancer immunotherapy. Anticancer Res. 2002; 22: 1737-54.

15. Torisu et al, Significant prolongation of disease-free period gained by oral polysaccharide K (PSK) administration after curative surgical operation of colorectal cancer. Cancer Immunol Immunother. 1990; 31: 261-68.

16. Tsang et al, Coriolus versicolor polysaccharide peptide slows progression of advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Respir Med. 2003; 97: 618-24.

Leo Galland, MD

Foundation for Integrated Medicine

(source www.mdheal.org)

In our series of what major institutions have to say about Coriolus versicolor, here is the low down from Beth Israel Deaconess, the teaching hospital of Harvard.

What is Coriolus versicolor Used for Today?  |  Dosage  |  Safety Issues
Coriolus versicolor is a common tree fungus, often seen by hikers as a stiff, rounded, horizontal protuberance from tree trunks, with concentric lines of varying color. In  traditional Chinese herbal medicine  , this fungus is used to strengthen overall vitality and treat lung and liver problems as well as other conditions.
What is Coriolus versicolor Used for Today?
Currently, extracts of Coriolus versicolor called polysaccharide-K (PSK) and polysaccharopeptide (PSP) are under study as immune stimulants for use alongside  chemotherapy  in the treatment of cancer. These two related substances, made from slightly different strains of the fungus, are thought to act as “biological response modifiers,” meaning that they affect the body’s response to cancer.
According to most but not all reported trials, most of which were performed in Asia, both PSK and PSP can enhance the effects of various forms of standard cancer treatment. 1-9
For example, in a 28-day  double-blind  , placebo-controlled study of 34 people with advanced non–small-cell lung cancer, use of Coriolus extracts along with conventional treatment significantly slowed the progression of the disease. 2
It is thought that Coriolus extracts work by stimulating the body’s own cancer-fighting cells. 3 PSK and PSP may also have  cancer-preventive  effects.
In addition, very weak evidence hints that extracts of Coriolus versicolor might be helpful for  HIV infection  . 10
Dosage
A typical dosage of PSK or PSP as an adjunct to standard cancer treatment is 2 to 6 grams daily. For prevention of cancer, some experts recommend 500 mg daily, but there is no real scientific basis for this recommendation.
Safety Issues
According to Chinese studies, PSP and PSK appear to be relatively nontoxic, both in the short and long term. 9,11,12
Few side effects have been reported in clinical trials. However, safety in young children, pregnant or nursing

(Source: www.bidmc.org)

Here’s a study showing increased survival rates using PSK in association with chemotherapy.

Chemoimmunotherapy with Krestin in acute leukemia. Tokai Journal of Experimental and Clinical Medicine 1981;6(2):141-6.

Purpose: Disease response and survival Type of Study: RCT Methods: (Leukemia) (n=28) Patients were placed at random in the chemotherapy and chemo-immunotherapy groups with 14 patients each. Remission had been induced by combination therapy (neocarzinostatin, cytosine arabinoside, prednisolone or vinicristine, daunorubicin, prednisolone). After complete remission, two to three courses of consolidation therapy consisting of mercaptopurine chemotherapy with or without Krestin (PSK) daily until relapse. Results: The median duration for complete remission and survival were longer in the chemoimmunotherapy (PSK) than the chemotherapy group. The complete remission rate was higher in the chemoimmunotherapy group (36 weeks; range 17 – 128) than the chemotherapy group (25 weeks; range 9 to 66+). The average survival time of the PSK group was 21 months (range 8 to 37+) while that of the control group was 12 months (range four to 26). The cell-mediated immunity was somewhat enhanced in the chemoimmunotherapy group, while it was not enhanced in the chemotherapy group. No subjective or objective side effects due to PSK were observed for over one year.

Here is what the New york Institution Memorial Sloan-Kettering has to say about Coriolus.

Scientific Name
Coriolus versicolor, Trametes versicolor, Polyporus versicolor, Polystictus versicolor

Common Name
PSK, PSP, VPS, Trametes versicolor, Turkey Tai, Yun Zhi, Kawaratake, Krestin
top

Brand Name
Krestin
top

Clinical Summary
Coriolus versicolor is a mushroom of the Basidiomycetes class. It was used initially in Traditional Chinese medicine as a tonic, but recent studies suggest that it has immunostimulant and anti-tumor properties. Polysaccharide-K (PSK), a proprietary product derived from Coriolus, was developed for cancer treatment in Japan. When used as an adjuvant, PSK appears to improve survival rates in patients with gastric () 1 () 2 and colorectal () 3 () 4 () 5 cancers. Other Coriolus extracts, such as polysaccharide-peptide (PSP) and VPS, are available as dietary supplements. When used in conjunction with chemotherapy, PSP may benefit patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer () 7. Other clinical studies using Coriolus extract alone or in combination with other botanicals also suggest positive immunomodulatory effects () 8 () 9. However, studies on breast cancer () 10, hepatocellular carcinoma () 11, and leukemia () 12 produced mixed results. A hot water extract of Coriolus, VPS, was found to enhance development of large intestinal tumors in mice () 21. Coriolus extracts are generally well tolerated but minor adverse effects have been reported.   Many over-the-counter Coriolus products are not standardized, making it difficult to compare potency between brands. It is also unclear if PSK, PSP and other Coriolus extracts have comparable effects.
top

Purported uses
˜  Cancer prevention
˜  Cancer treatment
˜  Chemotherapy side effects
˜  Hepatitis
˜  Herpes
˜  Immunostimulation
˜  Infections
˜  Radiation therapy side effects
˜  Strength and stamina
top

Constituents
Proteoglycans: Polysaccharide-K (PSK), a beta-1,4-glucan (isolated from the CM-101 strain), polysaccharide-P (PSP), isolated from the COV-1 strain
top

Mechanism of Action
Coriolus versicolor is thought to be a biological response modifier. The proteoglycan constituents are thought to be responsible for its immunostimulant and anticancer activities. Many different mechanisms of action have been proposed. PSK induces cytokine expression in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells in vitro. TNF-alpha and IL-8 gene expression are significantly induced after PSK administration in healthy volunteers and gastric cancer patients, although individual response varies () 13.   Several animal studies report of synergism between PSK and biologic therapies, including a concanavalin A-bound L1210 vaccine and the IgG2a monoclonal antibody against human colon cancer cells () 14. PSP induces cytokine production and T-cell proliferation and prevents immune suppression due to cyclophosphamide in animal models. Peritoneal macrophages isolated from mice that were fed PSP show increased production of reactive nitrogen intermediates, superoxide anions, and tumor necrosis factor () 15. PSP selectively induced apoptosis of human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells () 16. In vitro, PSP inhibits the interaction between HIV-1 gp120 and CD4 receptor, HIV-1 transcriptase activity, and glycohydrolase enzyme activity associated with viral glycosylation () 17.   PSP also shows analgesic activity in mouse models () 18. Non-small cell lung cancer patients have increased leukocyte and neutrophil counts, and increased serum IgG and IgM after consumption of PSP () 7. Healthy volunteers as well as breast cancer
patients who used a formula containing Coriolus and Salvia were found to have elevated counts of T-helper lymphocytes (CD4+), high ratio of CD4+/CD8+), and elevated absolute counts of B-lymphocytes () 8 () 9.
top

Pharmacokinetics
Absorption Animal studies with radiolabeled PSK show that it is partially decomposed to small molecular products in the digestive tract. The full molecular spectrum of labeled PSK is absorbed within 24 hours following oral administration in mice. Peak plasma levels of low molecular weight substances occur at 0.5-1 h in rats and 1-2 h in rabbits, while molecules the size of PSK appear in serum after 4, 10, and 24 h. Distribution Radiolabeled PSK or its metabolites are detected in the digestive tract, bone marrow, salivary glands, thymus, adrenal gland, brain, liver, spleen, pancreas, and tumor tissue in sarcoma-bearing mice. Activity remains high longest in the liver and bone marrow. Excretion Approximately 70% of radiolabeled PSK is excreted in expired air, 20% in feces, 10% in urine, and 0.8% in bile. Approximately 86% is excreted within 24 h. () 4
top

Adverse Reactions
Adverse reactions from Coriolus are rare. However, passage of dark colored stools (not originating from occult blood) () 19, darkening of fingernails () 20, and low-grade hematological and gastrointestinal toxicities have been reported when used in conjunction with chemotherapy agents () 3. However, such effects may be caused by the chemo agents themselves.
top

Herb-Drug Interactions
None known
top

Lab Interactions
None known
Literature Summary and Critique
Wong CK, et al. Immunomodulatory effects of Yun Zhi and Danshen capsules in health subjects—a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Int Immunopharmacology 2004;4:201-211. One hundred healthy subjects were given a combination of Yun Zhi (Coriolus versicolor, 50 mg/kg body weight) and Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza, 20mg/kg body weight) capsules or placebo for four months. After a 2-month washout period, subjects who received Coriolus and Salvia capsules were given placebo while those on placebo received Coriolus and Salvia capsules for another four months. Researchers used flow cytometry and cDNA expression arrays to assess immune functions and gene expression. Results indicated that oral consumption of Coriolus-Salvia capsules significantly increased the peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) gene expression of interleukin (IL-2) receptor, increased the percentage and absolute counts of T helper cell and ratio of Thelper/Tsuppressor cells, and also the production of interferon-gamma from PBMC. Since T helper cells participate in both cell mediated and humoral immunities, Coriolus-Salvia combination may be used to enhance immune function. Studies are being conducted in cancer patients to determine the immunomodulating potential of these agents.
Nakazato H, et al. Efficacy of immunochemotherapy as adjuvant treatment after curative resection of gastric cancer. Lancet 1994;343:1122-6.
A randomized, controlled, multicenter evaluation of chemotherapy with or without PSK in 262 patients after curative gastrectomy. Chemotherapy consisted of intravenous mitomycin C on postoperative days 1 and 7 plus 150 mg/d oral fluorouracil. The PSK group received 3 g/d oral PSK for 4 weeks alternating with 4 weeks fluorouracil, while control patients received only fluorouracil alternated with 4 weeks without treatment. Ten courses were given to both groups. PSK patients experienced a greater 5-year disease-free rate (70.7% vs. 59.4%) and 5-year survival rate (73% vs 60%) than the control group. Because eligibility criteria included a positive PPD, this trial only represents the benefits of PSK in patients with a preserved immune response.
top

References
1. Nakazato H, et al. Efficacy of immunochemotherapy as adjuvant treatment after curative resection of gastric cancer. Study Group of Immunochemotherapy with PSK for Gastric Cancer. Lancet 1994; 343(8906): 1122-6.
2. Niimoto M, et al. Postoperative adjuvant immunochemotherapy with mitomycin C, futraful and PSK for gastric cancer. An analysis of data on 579 patients followed for five years. Jpn J Surg 1988; 18(6): 681-6.
3. Ohwada S, et al. Adjuvant immunochemotherapy with oral Tegafur/Uracil plus PSK in patients with stage II or III colorectal cancer: a randomised controlled study. Br J Cancer 2004; 90(5): 1003-10.
4. Mitomi T, et al. Randomized, controlled study on adjuvant immunochemotherapy with PSK in curatively resected colorectal cancer. The Cooperative Study Group of Surgical Adjuvant Immunochemotherapy for Cancer of Colon and Rectum (Kanagawa). Dis Colon Rectum 1992; 35(2): 123-30.
5. Torisu M, et al. Significant prolongation of disease-free period gained by oral polysaccharide K (PSK) administration after curative surgical operation of colorectal cancer. Cancer Immunol Immunother 1990; 31(5): 261-8.
6. Lau CB, et al. Cytotoxic activities of Coriolus versicolor (Yunzhi) extract on human leukemia and lymphoma cells by induction of apoptosis. Life Sci 2004; 75(7): 797-808.
7. Tsang KW, et al. Coriolus versicolor polysaccharide peptide slows progression of advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Respir Med 2003; 97(6): 618-24.
8. Wong CK, et al. Immunomodulatory effects of yun zhi and danshen capsules in health subjects–a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Int Immunopharmacol 2004; 4(2): 201-11.
9. Wong CK, et al. Immunomodulatory activities of Yunzhi and Danshen in post-treatment breast cancer patients. Am J Chin Med 2005; 33(3): 381-95.
10. Iino Y, et al. Immunochemotherapies versus chemotherapy as adjuvant treatment after curative resection of operable breast cancer. Anticancer Res 1995; 15(6B): 2907-11.
11. Suto T, et al. Clinical study of biological response modifiers as maintenance therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 1994; 33: S145-8.
12. Ohno R, et al. A randomized trial of chemoimmunotherapy of acute nonlymphocytic leukemia in adults using a protein-bound polysaccharide preparation. Cancer Immunol Immunother 1984; 18(3): 149-54.
13. Kato M, et al. Induction of gene expression for immunomodulating cytokines in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in response to orally administered PSK, an immunomodulating protein-bound polysaccharide. Cancer Immunol Immunother 1995; 40(3): 152-6.
14. Tsukagoshi S, et al. Krestin (PSK). Cancer Treat Rev 1984; 11(2): 131-55.
15. Liu WK, et al. Activation of peritoneal macrophages by polysaccharopeptide from the mushroom, Coriolus versicolor. Immunopharmacology 1993; 26(2): 139-46.
16. Yang X, et al. The cell death process of the anticancer agent polysaccharide-peptide (PSP) in human promyelocytic leukemic HL-60 cells. Oncol Rep 2005; 13(6): 1201-10.
17. Collins RA, Ng TB. Polysaccharopeptide from Coriolus versicolor has Potential for Use Against Human Immunodeficiency Virus type I Infection. Pharmcology Letters 1997; 60(25): 387-387.
18. Ng TB, Chan WY. Polysaccharopeptide from the mushroom Coriolus versicolor possesses analgesic activity but does not produce adverse effects on female reproductive or embryonic development in mice. Gen Pharmacol 1997; 29(2): 269-73.
19. Shiu WCT, et al. A Clinical Study of PSP on Peripheral Blood Counts during Chemotherapy. Phytotherapy Research 1992; (6): 217-218.
20. Kidd, PM. The use of mushroom glucans and proteoglycans in cancer treatment. Altern Med Rev 2000 5(1): 4-27.
21. Toth B, Coles M, Lynch J. Effects of VPS extract of Coriolus versicolor on cancer of the large interstine using a serial sacrifice technique. In Vivo 2006;20(3):341-6
(Source: http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/69194.cfm)