Reishi Mushrooms Offer A Natural Breakthrough in Hormone Replacement Therapy
- jiaxin chen
- Jul 29
- 2 min read
Researchers from Beni-Suef University in Egypt and Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University in Saudi Arabia may have found a natural way to improve hormone therapy. Their study, published in RSC Advances, explores how encapsulating progesterone within Ganoderma lucidum, more commonly know as Reishi mushroom, could address persistent challenges in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and hormone-dependent cancer treatments.
Progesterone is a cornerstone of HRT, widely prescribed for menopausal symptoms and hormone-dependent cancers like breast cancer. However, its clinical use is hampered by poor bioavailability, rapid breakdown in the body, and side effects such as bloating, weight gain, and increased cardiovascular risks. With millions of women relying on hormone therapy and the global burden of breast cancer continuing to rise, finding better ways to deliver progesterone safely and effectively is critical.
Reishi mushrooms are celebrated in traditional medicine for their bioactive compounds, including triterpenoids and polysaccharides, which exhibit anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties. The researchers leveraged these natural benefits to create a composite by embedding progesterone into the porous structure of the mushroom matrix.
This approach offered key advantages:
High efficiency: The composite achieved a 98.1% loading of progesterone into the mushroom matrix.
Sustained release: The composite released 88.25% of the hormone gradually over 48 hours. In contrast, free progesterone dissolved completely in just 2 to 4 hours.
Enhanced effectiveness: The composite demonstrated stronger anticancer activity against MCF-7 breast cancer cells.
Research Methodology
The researchers used advanced techniques like Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy to confirm that progesterone was successfully encapsulated within the mushroom’s structure. The porous matrix of reishi not only stabilized the hormone but also allowed for controlled release.
Molecular docking studies further revealed that ganoderic acid A, a key compound in reishi mushrooms, synergises with progesterone. This combination enhances binding to hormone receptors such as estrogen receptor alpha and progesterone receptor, which play critical roles in cancer progression.
Antimicrobial Benefits
Beyond its anticancer properties, the composite also showed antimicrobial activity, particularly against Gram-positive bacteria. For instance, it was effective against Streptococcus agalactiae and Staphylococcus aureus. This dual functionality could make the composite valuable in preventing infections often associated with cancer treatments.
Accelerated stability testing found that the composite retained 94% of its progesterone content after six months under simulated storage conditions. Importantly, its antimicrobial and structural integrity remained intact. Since reishi mushrooms are already known for their safety in traditional medicine, this approach could offer a biocompatible alternative to synthetic drug carriers.
More Steps Needed to Go Beyond Lab Studies
While the results are promising, some challenges remain. The study highlighted the variability in mushroom batches, which could affect the consistency of the composite. Additionally, the research is currently limited to lab studies. Testing in animal models and clinical trials will be crucial to evaluate the composite’s safety, efficacy, and scalability.
The team also plans to investigate the composite’s potential for broader applications, including other hormone-dependent cancers and chronic conditions requiring sustained drug delivery.
The reishi mushroom-progesterone composite represents a significant step forward in combining natural and synthetic therapies. By improving drug delivery, reducing side effects, and adding antimicrobial benefits, this innovation could pave the way for safer, more effective treatments in women’s health and cancer care.