"The time has come to put major emphasis on the soil." i.e., change the underlying food, eating and drinking habits of humans to improve your own immune system! 2004 Isaiah Fidler, MD, Univ. of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Adjuvant Therapy with Polysaccharide-K (PSK)

Trametes versicolor, the mushroom from which PSK was isolated.
Polysaccharide-K (International brand name: Krestin, PSK) is a protein-bound polysaccharide, which is used as an immune system boosting agent in the treatment of cancer in some countries in Europe as well as China and Japan. In Japan, PSK is approved as an adjuvant for cancer therapy and is covered by government health insurance.
PSK is isolated from the mushroom Trametes versicolor. Preliminary evidence indicates PSK may have anticancer activity in vitro and in vivo and in human clinical trials. Preliminary research has also demonstrated that PSK may inhibit various cancer onset mechanisms.]Preliminary evidence indicates PSK may have use as an adjuvant in the treatment of gastric, esophageal, colorectal, breast and lung cancers. Human clinical trials suggest PSK may affect cancer recurrence when used as an adjuvant, and basic research has demonstrated it inhibited certain human cancer cell lines in vitro.
The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center reported that it 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."
At present, Brava Nutrition is developing relationships to provide professional brand PSK to our clients. Check back at a later date for product selections.
Check out
American Cancer Society PSK
MD Anderson Cancer Center
Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center PSK
PSK and PSP, polysaccharide compounds isolated from Coriolus, were shown to improve immune function in patients with certain cancers when used in conjuction with chemotherapy.
Purported Uses
To prevent and treat cancer
When used in combination with certain chemotherapy regimens, PSK has been shown to benefit patients who have undergone surgical removal of stomach and colorectal cancers. Clinical trials in patients with breast cancer, leukemias, and liver cancer do not show beneficial results.
To reduce the side effects of chemotherapy
Animal studies suggest that PSK can prevent chemotherapy-induced immune suppression, but no clinical trials have been performed to confirm this effect in humans.
To stimulate the immune system
Studies in animals and human volunteers suggest that PSK might stimulate the immune system. Whether this stimulation results in improved fighting of disease has not been determined.
To treat infections
Coriolus' effects against infections have not been studied in the laboratory or in clinical trials.
To reduce the side effects of radiation therapy
Studies in mice and rats suggest that PSK can prevent radiation therapy-induced immune suppression, but this is yet to be proven in clinical trials.
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