Polysaccharide-K
Polysaccharide-K (Krestin, PSK) is a protein-bound polysaccharide isolated from the mycelium[1][2] of Trametes versicolor.
Research
PSK is one of the most commonly used medicinal mushroom extracts with a long history as an additive in cancer therapy in Asia, especially in Japan. PSK has adjuvant anti-tumor activity in vitro in various types of cancers, including colorectal, gastric, breast, liver, pancreatic, and lung cancer.[3]
Preliminary studies examining PSK include its use in conjunction with chemotherapy for colorectal cancer,[4][5] non-small cell lung carcinoma,[6] breast cancer,[7] liver cancer,[8] and leukemia.[9]
Chemistry
PSK is a protein polysaccharide consisting of a
PSP, is derived from the "COV-1" strain of Trametes versicolor.[11]
See also
- Medicinal mushrooms
- Polysaccharide peptide
References
External links
- American Cancer Society's page for Trametes versicolor and Polysaccharide-K.
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center's page for Trametes versicolor and Polysaccharide-K.
- A "Detailed Scientific Review of Trametes versicolor and Polysaccharide-K" by the MD Anderson Cancer Center.
- Trametes versicolor and Polysaccharide-K information from Drugs.com.