Within the framework of the research project Fungitechnco, Hifas da Terra, in collaboration with the Oncology Research Group of the Hospital of A Coruña (Inibic-Sergas), has analyzed the Anticancer activity of different fungi groceries. The conclusions of the study conducted evidence that Reishi strains (Ganoderma lucidum) and Maitake (Frondosa tap) cultivated by Hifas da Terra have a significant cytotoxic effect on colon cancer cells. Specifically, the extracts analyzed have demonstrated reduce the activity and growth of cells of this type of cancer, the second with the highest incidence in western countries, according to data from the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM).
He Study of toxicity produced by treatment with edible fungus extracts in colon carcinoma, carried out by the research group that directs the Dr. Angélica Figueroa, he is a pioneer in Spain. According to the data available by HDT researchers, it is one of the "first made with fungi in Spain in collaboration with a national reference oncology group." The precursor character of this study is extensible to the R&D project in which it is framed (Fungitechnco) and that will take place until 2017 in collaboration of CZ Veterinary. However, these first results are already work material for the HDT R&D team, which "investigates in the cultivation of these native strains in bioreactors," one of the objectives of the Framework program.
The results of the study will occur at the III Biomedical Research Day of Cancer in Galicia, organized by the Biomedical Research Institute of A Coruña (Inibic).
The effectiveness of extracts in colon cancer
In addition to the qualitative results regarding the strains of Reishi and Maitake, the study offers relevant quantitative data on the effectiveness of HDT extracts. In this sense, it has been possible Establish average maximum inhibitory concentration (IC50), which specifies the Inhibition power of tumor cell activity In vitro of the extracts of the Reishi and Maitake strains analyzed. As explained by the R&D department, this information is an added value for patients and options since multiple extracts are currently marketed without knowing their effectiveness.
Identification of new fungi strains
Thanks to the project FungitechncoHifas da Terra has also been able to isolate and characterize native strains of medicinal species in Europe (currently most identified strains come from Asia). The characterization will have repercussions in future investigations and will allow to determine the most appropriate strains in the treatment of certain pathologies.
III Biomedical Research Day of Cancer in Galicia
The results of Study of toxicity produced by treatment with edible fungus extracts in colon carcinoma They appeared at the YoII Biomedical Cancer Research Day in Galicia, organized by the Biomedical Research Institute of A Coruña (Inibic).
This multidisciplinary event was attended by researchers (Ángel Carracedo and Mabel Loza, among others) and oncologists (Manuel Valladares and Xosé Puentes, among others) of international relevance, as well as representatives of the Spanish Association against Cancer (AECC) and specialists from various areas involved in the study of cancer.