Cordyceps and Breast Cancer

OK, I checked around and apparently cordyceps stimulates testosterone production in mice:

"Cordyceps also stimulated testosterone production in mice ⁽⁹⁾. Whether it exerts similar effects in humans is not known." http://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/herb/cordyceps

In women, testosterone is converted to estrogen, so that would presumably be why this supplement might not be great in ER+ BC.

Cordyceps, like all medicinal mushrooms, is a Biological Response Modifier. It can balance your immune system.

It can increase the production of testosterone, but only when it's too low - it will push it to the normal level and stop there. That is why Cordyceps is also a popular supplement for athletes who do not want the risk of being tested positive for doping, like what happens when you use (illegal) chemical testosterone boosters. Cordyceps is not on the doping list.

A lot of background on Cordyceps can be found here: http://www.oriveda.com/cordyceps_details.php and that same site has a section with links to downloadable research publications. 

I don't think Cordyceps has a direct/indirect effect on breast cancer, but it might improve your quality of life, your renal and liver function and neutralize the side effects of immune affecting medication like chemo and radiation. So still worthwhile investigating, just like the Chaga and the Turkey Tail, which are discussed elsewhere on this forum.

I also gave this link in one of those discussions: http://supplement-facts.org/2012-6.php. It shows you what to look for when you are considering purchasing mushroom supplements. Most of the cheap stuff on the shelf has a bioavailability of zero and is therefore useless.

Cordyceps is very popular in Europe,and I had friends suggest it during my treatment.  It is widely understood there to be an anti-cancer intervention.

I am wary of treatments that suggest cancer is a monolith.  Any research on this treatment seems to pre-date knowledge of genetic assays or hormone and HER2 receptors.  Because of that, I am uninclined to try it.  I work with fish oil and D, as they seem to have a longer, proven track record of positive benefit for cancer.

Also, my oncologist told me to think twice about any supplements over US RDA while I'm on Tamoxifen.  She said they will never have the research needed on all the contraindications.  I made the choice for myself to take Tamoxifen, and incorporate holistic/naturopathic interventions as well, but I have been more conservative after my talk with her.  She is at a major research hospital, and I do find their advice tends to be more cutting edge up to the minute.

In a little wander through Dr. Google, what does seem to be clear (ish) about Cordyceps research is it is a hormone modulator of some kind.  I can't imagine any practitioner, holistic or otherwise, would recommend this treatment to ER/PR+ patients.  The hormone modulations are just way, way too complicated and not understood fully.

Hmmm, I too am taking tamoxifen. I am also taking tumeric/curcumin and about 4000 IUs of Vit D daily among others.  I'm interested specifically in what LtotheK and Momine have to say about those.  I've seen your posts on these boards for so long and trust your reasonable, logical voices.

In a week I'm meeting with a naturopathic oncologist. I'm curious to see what he has to say about what to take with tamoxifen, too.

Claire

My MO was "iffy" about Vitamin D.  She said that the studies linking Vitamin D deficiency to initial breast cancer diagnosis suggested a possible link between those issues only and that increasing one's intake of Vitamin D in hopes of preventing a recurrence was hypothetical, at best.  That said, she agreed that Vitamin D was essential to good health and, if someone was deficient (there is a blood test), then increasing one's Vitamin D daily dosage was wise to get one's Vitamin D levels up-to-snuff.  Otherwise, if one was not Vitamin D deficient, then the daily recommended dose of 400iu was more than adequate.

My pharmacist, on the other hand, suggested 1000iu daily.  He said that that was not going to cause any problems with the medications that I was taking.

Claire, what a compliment!  I feel like a total idiot on these boards sometimes, SO SO grateful to the many brilliant voices here.  Whatever I know has been mostly guided by folks here. What a light you've all put in my tunnel.

I am traveling so haven't been on board, but what I know about D and curcumin, both have been okayed by my oncologist. There seems to be some question about ideal blood levels of D--too much and it could be harmful. That just seems logical to me: treatments and preventions have repercussions, too. And, I usually subscribe to the "if it sounds too good..." model of thinking. For me, getting the D up a bit higher (I can't maintain it on 1000 mgs, unfortunately) really improved my overall health. I feel so much better now, and that's after aggressive cancer treatment!

The curcumin from what I've heard is less promising as a preventative.  I had a practioner who told me you'd have to eat the equivalent of a brick worth for it to have effect.  And, that probably wouldn't be smart with Tamoxifen.  I also was an indian food chef before diagnosis.  Had more turmeric in my diet than most! 

To the point about soil, my colleagues and I are convinced the US food really is problematic.  How is it when I work in SE Europe I eat whatever I want, have no stomach issues, and lose weight?  I walk less than I do at home!  I really think there are issues with soil, monocultures, and a host of other things.

I agree again about the food quality/soil...We live in Lancaster County, PA which is abounding with wonderful Amish farmlands!  So, I am able to get fresh, local organic produce and grassfed meats etc..So, we are lucky in that sense!

I have recently run across some info concerning vitamin D and magnesium..http://drcarolyndean.com/natural-health-books-by-dr-dean/

Supposedly, taking higher levels of vitamin D will deplete our magnesium levels...magnesium is so important.  I use magnesium transdermally...would love to also take magnesium drops, but i am very concerned with the bromine/bromide in the drops which is a haligen and displaces the much needed iodine in our bodies...

You can visit http://www.ancient-minerals.com/

In my opinion, this is the best spray product for magnesium...you can also buy the flakes and make your own spray cheaper.  whenever i have heart palps or restless leg syndrom, this always helps!  I use it every day now when I get out of the shower and b4 i am off to bed...i think it's one of the most important minerals!

Yep!  For general wellness....awesome for aches and pains/migrains...BUT, I am also finding out it is very good for cancer.

Awesome, HLB! Would love to meet you some time!

HLB, I live 5 minutes from Roots!  But, I have an in-home daycare and would not be able to take off...LOL

Maybe we could meet for coffee sometime?  My parents live off of Rt 39 near Hersheypark so I am in your territory often!  xxoo