Category Archives: PSK

CIMER – Coriolus versicolor (mushroom) – MD Anderson Cancer Center Page 1

Mushrooms have traditionally been valued in Asia for their nutritional and medicinal qualities. The Coriolus versicolor or “Turkey Tail” mushroom has been investigated in numerous laboratory, animal and human clinical studies. Most of these studies have demonstrated that it does appear to have significant antimicrobial, antiviral and antitumor properties when used as a supplement to chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Human trials have included randomization, a process that decreases bias, but only one has used blinding, which would make them even more protected against biases.

The anti-cancer and immune stimulating properties of Coriolus versicolor have been attributed to two extracts from its cultured mycelium (thread-like extensions). These extracts are both protein-bound polysaccharides known as polysaccharide K (PSK) and polysaccharide-peptide (PSP).  Hot water is required to extract these active components.

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Chinese Herb List – Coriolus versicolor (Yunzhi)

Cloud mushroom contains several saccharides including polysaccharide peptide (PSP) and polysaccharide-K (PSK, krestin). The protein bound polysaccharides have been found to be immune-modulating and anti-tumor, and their polypeptide moieties are rich in aspartic acid and glutamic acid. By gas chromatography and HPLC, PSP has proved that in addition to glucose, it also contains five other monosaccharides – mannose, xylose, galactose, rhamnose and arabinose. The polysaccharide peptides can be found in the mycelium, while the fruiting body mainly contains polysaccharides

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NCI Drug Dictionary

Coriolus versicolor extract
An extract derived from the mushroom Coriolus versicolor, containing polysaccharide K (PSK) and polysaccharidepeptide (PSP), with potential immunomodulating and antineoplastic activities. Coriolus versicolor extract has been shown to stimulate the production of lymphocytes and cytokines, such as interferons and interleukins, and may exhibit antioxidant activities. However, the precise mechanism of action(s) of this agent is unknown. Check for active clinical trials or closed clinical trials using this agent. (NCI Thesaurus)

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Anticancer effects and mechanisms of polysaccharide?K (PSK): implications of cancer immunotherapy.

Abstract
Polysaccharide-K (polysaccharide-Kureha; PSK), also known as krestin, is a unique protein-bound polysaccharide, which has been used as a chemoimmunotherapy agent in the treatment of cancer in Asia for over 30 years. PSK and Polysaccharopeptide (PSP) are both protein-bound polysaccharides which are derived from the CM-101 and COV-1 strains of the fungus Coriolus versicolor by Japanese and Chinese researchers, respectively. Both polysaccharide preparations have documented anticancer activity in vitro, in vivo and in human clinical trials, though PSK has been researched longer and has therefore undergone more thorough laboratory, animal and clinical testing. Several randomized clinical trials have demonstrated that PSK has great potential as an adjuvant cancer therapy agent, with positive results seen in the adjuvant
treatment of gastric, esophageal, colorectal, breast and lung cancers. These studies have suggested the efficacy of PSK as an immunotherapy or biological response modifier (BRM). BRMs potentially have the ability to improve the “host versus tumor response,” thereby increasing the ability of the host to defend itself from tumor progression. The mechanisms of biological response modification by PSK have yet to be clearly and completely elucidated. Some studies suggest that PSK may act to increase leukocyte activation and response through up-regulation of key cytokines. Indeed, natural killer (NK) and lymphocyte-activated killer (LAK) cell activation has been demonstrated in vivo and in vitro, and recent genetic studies reveal increased expression of key immune cytokines in response to treatment with PSK. An antimetastatic action of PSK has also been demonstrated and is perhaps attributed to its potential to inhibit metalloproteinases and other enzymes involved in metastatic activity. PSK has also been shown to cause differentiation of leukemic cells in vitro, and this effect has been attributed to induction of differentiation cytokines. PSK has further been shown to have antioxidant capacity which may allow it to play a role as a normal tissue chemo- and radio-protector when used in combination with adjuvant or definitive chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy in the treatment of cancer, while it may also enable it to defend the host from oxidative stress. Interestingly, studies have also shown that PSK may actually inhibit carcinogenesis by inhibiting the action of various carcinogens on vulnerable cell lines. This action of PSK may play a role in preventing second primary tumors when an inducing agent, such as tobacco or asbestos, is suspected and may also prevent second malignancies due to the carcinogenic effects of radiotherapy and cytotoxic chemotherapy. Another very important aspect of chemoimmunotherapy, in general is that it may be used on debilitated patients such as those with AIDS and the elderly who might otherwise be denied potentially helpful adjuvant cytotoxic chemotherapy. Further determination of the mechanisms of these anti-cancer, immunostimulating and biological response modifying effects of PSK as well as of other protein-bound polysaccharides is certainly warranted. Indeed, with modern cellular and molecular biology techniques, a better understanding of the specific molecular effects of PSK on tumor cells as well as leukocytes may be determined. Much of the research that has been done on PSK is outlined in this paper and may serve as a foundation toward determining the mechanisms of action of this and other protein-bound polysaccharides in the treatment of cancer. This information may open new doors in the development of novel strategies for the treatment of malignancies using adjuvant immunotherapy in combination with surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy.

PMID: 12168863 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]
PubMed
U.S. National Library of Medicine
National Institutes of Health
Publication Types, MeSH Terms, Substances
LinkOut – more resources

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Effect of Krestin as adjuvant treatment following radical radiotherapy in non?small cell lung cancer patients.

Hayakawa K, Mitsuhashi N, Saito Y, Nakayama Y, Furuta M, Nakamoto S, Kawashima M, Niibe H.
Department of Radiology and Radiation Oncology, Gunma University School of Medicine, Japan.

Abstract
To evaluate the efficacy of Krestin (PSK) as adjuvant treatment after radical radiation therapy (RT) for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), treatment results of 225 patients with NSCLC treated with RT followed by adjuvant administration of PSK between 1976 and 1989 were analyzed. Of these patients, 170 (76%) had squamous cell carcinoma. In the patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the lung, PSK was given only when the tumor showed satisfactory shrinkage (complete or partial response) after completion of RT. The treatment outcomes were compared with those of the responders to RT not receiving PSK. The 5-year survival rates of patients with stages I-II and stage III disease were 39 and 26%, respectively, while the non-administered responder group’s were 17 and 8%. These differences are statistically significant. An improvement in the treatment results with combined use of appropriate immuno-modulating drugs is anticipated in the future. When clinical trials of the efficacy of these drugs are conducted, the agents should be given to the patients with satisfactory tumor regression after RT, although they still take much time and cost.

PMID: 9043766 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]
PubMed
U.S. National Library of Medicine
National Institutes of Health
Publication Types, MeSH Terms, Substances

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The immunomodulator PSK induces in vitro cytotoxic activity in tumor cell lines via arrest of cell cycle and induction of apoptosis

Protein-bound polysaccharide (PSK) is derived from the CM-101 strain of the fungus Coriolus versicolor and has shown anticancer activity in vitro and in in vivo experimental models and human cancers. Several randomized clinical trials have demonstrated that PSK has great potential in adjuvant cancer therapy, with positive results in the adjuvant treatment of gastric, esophageal, colorectal, breast and lung cancers. These studies have suggested the efficacy of PSK as an immunomodulator of biological responses. The precise molecular mechanisms responsible for its biological activity have yet to be fully elucidated.

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THE HISTORY OF YUN ZHI PSP (Polysaccharide Peptide) & China Herbals International.

THE HISTORY OF YUN ZHI PSP (Polysaccharide Peptide) & China Herbals International.

HISTORY – 1368 A.D. – Ming Dynasty boils the Yun Zhi mushroom for its health and energy (CHI) giving properties (earliest record).

1960 – Japanese doctors create an extract (PSK – Polysaccharide Krestin).

1965 – PSK is used in human trials for various cancer treatments with successful results.

1977 – Japanese Ministry of Health & Welfare approves PSK as the first polysaccharide antitumor drug from mushroom (Class IV Medicine) and an adjuvant treatment for cancer regimens.

1984 – Chinese, with more modern technology and scientific testing methods make a more effective and more potent extract (PSP – Polysaccharide Peptide). PSP is used in similar trials as PSK with even more outstanding results.

April 2004 – China Herbals International begins negotiations and arrangements to bring PSP into the U.S.A. in tea crystals? form.

May 2004 – April 2005 – Mini shipments of PSP arrive in Los Angeles, many people are helped with the use of PSP.

April 30 to May 2, 2005 – International Esthetics, Cosmetics and Spas Trade Show – Las Vegas. Many people purchase, feel great and come back to buy more PSP TEA?.

May 2005 – First major shipment of PSP arrives in Los Angeles, California. Independent laboratory tests it for China Herbals International and provides FDA with results.

May 7, 2005 – Harborside Events Center – Ft. Myers, Florida. Global Health & Healing Expo. Offering a tremendous profit center for resellers such as Day & Med Spas, Salons, Naturopaths, Alternative medicine practitioners, Chiropractors and miscellaneous resellers. FUTURE – PSP recommended pre-operation for immune system building then prescribed postoperation

to prevent viral or bacterial infections and overall good health.

Inclusion in Cereals, Pet foods, Cold drinks, Pasta sauce, Stand-alone single packs in Liquor Stores, Bars and Restaurants for hangovers (gone in 20-30 minutes). Contact: Harry Tosado – 1-877-2-PSPTEA – or go to PSPTEA.COM & download a flyer. Read the testimonials and what doctors have to say about PSP. More data coming soon….

Jackie Ans Testimony

My name is Jackie Ans, I’m 44 years old, and have been battling several health problems for many years.  I also suffer from allergy and sinus conditions. After taking several medications for years and years my immune system was next to nothing. I also had been taking five different medications all at the same time to help fight my allergy and sinus issues.  Advair, Albuteral, Allegra-D, Astelin, and Mucinex.  I was constantly getting sick and had to use a lot of sick time at work due to these conditions!  If I worked overtime or did anything that required stamina for any period of time I paid for it.  I was constantly getting sinus and respiratory infections a long with the fighting the asthma.  I was at my wits end, and just felt miserable all the time.

One day at work, Mike Mackovjak, suggested that I should try this new product his wife was just getting involved in.  He stated that his nephew was having several issues with allergies and they started him on this new research drug called Inforce. It is suppose to help people with allergies and decreased immune issues.  So I talked to Paula regarding the research drug.  She explained to me how it came about, and what she believed it could do to help me out with my situation.  I told her “I have nothing to lose!  I’ll try it!”

I was a little hesitant to say anything to anyone about it because it was a brand new drug that nobody had heard anything about.  I do have several people in my family that have allergy and asthma problems. I knew my family would say, “That’s no good, there’s no proof that it helped anyone and you are just wasting your money!”  But, I had faith in Paula; I have known her for several years and she has helped me out in so many ways in the past.  I know she is a good hearted person and I totally trusted her opinion, so I signed up for it.

I was anxious to see what the results would be.  I wanted to be able to say to my family, “Look what this product has done for me!”  I wanted to see if this may be able to help them as well!

Within the first month of taking this drug, I was able to stop taking the Mucinex and the Astelin.  The next month I stopped the Allegra-D, and by the third month I stopped taking the Advair and Albuteral too! I felt fantastic!!! For the first time in I can’t remember when I did not have to use any sick time at work. My energy level was up and I didn’t have to deal with any of this!!!  My family was wondering why I started feeling better all of a sudden.  So I took that next step and told my family about taking the medicine. My Mom couldn’t believe it and was still a little bit worry about the whole thing. My step-father has been dealing with the same condition I have and I wanted him to start taking it.  I even gave them a bottle, so as to push them along.  After three weeks I asked my Mom if it was working.  She said she was still not sure about it and wanted their doctor to take a look at it.  To see what was actually in this bottle!  The doctor was amazed by the medication and gave my Mom the seal of approval! Right away he called his intern in and had her start doing some research on Inforce.  He is a doctor for senior citizens and thought that this may be able to help his other patients as well!  So you may be getting a big client!

I also have proof that this does help.  When I gave that bottle of medicine to my mother, I knew I was going to run out quicker, so I placed another order.  Unfortunately,  my timing was a little off and I did not get my order of new medicine in time.  The very first week I was without my medicine I got a severe sinus, respiratory, and mouth infection. I wound up on antibiotics and had to take three days off work because I could barely talk. For three weeks I have been battling this.  I started retaking inForce again about a week ago, but am still having some issues, so I called Paula yesterday to talk to her about it.  She advised me to double what I was taking and I should get better sooner.  It is nice to just be able to make a phone call to Paula about the product and she gladly answered my questions.  She is a great asset to your company and I’m proud to call her my friend!!!

Thank you,

Jackie Ans

Anticancer effects and mechanisms of polysaccharide?K (PSK): implications of cancer immunotherapy.

Fisher M, Yang LX.

Radiobiology Laboratory, St. Mary’s Medical Center, California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute, San Francisco

94118, USA.

Abstract

Polysaccharide-K (polysaccharide-Kureha; PSK), also known as krestin, is a unique protein-bound polysaccharide, which

has been used as a chemoimmunotherapy agent in the treatment of cancer in Asia for over 30 years. PSK and

Polysaccharopeptide (PSP) are both protein-bound polysaccharides which are derived from the CM-101 and COV-1 strains

of the fungus Coriolus versicolor by Japanese and Chinese researchers, respectively. Both polysaccharide preparations

have documented anticancer activity in vitro, in vivo and in human clinical trials, though PSK has been researched longer

and has therefore undergone more thorough laboratory, animal and clinical testing. Several randomized clinical trials have

demonstrated that PSK has great potential as an adjuvant cancer therapy agent, with positive results seen in the adjuvant

treatment of gastric, esophageal, colorectal, breast and lung cancers. These studies have suggested the efficacy of PSK as

an immunotherapy or biological response modifier (BRM). BRMs potentially have the ability to improve the “host versus

tumor response,” thereby increasing the ability of the host to defend itself from tumor progression. The mechanisms of

biological response modification by PSK have yet to be clearly and completely elucidated. Some studies suggest that PSK

may act to increase leukocyte activation and response through up-regulation of key cytokines. Indeed, natural killer (NK)

and lymphocyte-activated killer (LAK) cell activation has been demonstrated in vivo and in vitro, and recent genetic studies

reveal increased expression of key immune cytokines in response to treatment with PSK. An antimetastatic action of PSK

has also been demonstrated and is perhaps attributed to its potential to inhibit metalloproteinases and other enzymes

involved in metastatic activity. PSK has also been shown to cause differentiation of leukemic cells in vitro, and this effect

has been attributed to induction of differentiation cytokines. PSK has further been shown to have antioxidant capacity which

may allow it to play a role as a normal tissue chemo- and radio-protector when used in combination with adjuvant or

definitive chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy in the treatment of cancer, while it may also enable it to defend the host from

oxidative stress. Interestingly, studies have also shown that PSK may actually inhibit carcinogenesis by inhibiting the action

of various carcinogens on vulnerable cell lines. This action of PSK may play a role in preventing second primary tumors

when an inducing agent, such as tobacco or asbestos, is suspected and may also prevent second malignancies due to the

carcinogenic effects of radiotherapy and cytotoxic chemotherapy. Another very important aspect of chemoimmunotherapy,

in general is that it may be used on debilitated patients such as those with AIDS and the elderly who might otherwise be

denied potentially helpful adjuvant cytotoxic chemotherapy. Further determination of the mechanisms of these anti-cancer,

immunostimulating and biological response modifying effects of PSK as well as of other protein-bound polysaccharides is

certainly warranted. Indeed, with modern cellular and molecular biology techniques, a better understanding of the specific

Molecular effects of PSK on tumor cells as well as leukocytes may be determined. Much of the research that has been done

on PSK is outlined in this paper and may serve as a foundation toward determining the mechanisms of action of this and

other protein-bound polysaccharides in the treatment of cancer. This information may open new doors in the development

of novel strategies for the treatment of malignancies using adjuvant immunotherapy in combination with surgery,

chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy.

PMID: 12168863 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]

(Click Here for Detail)