Giant Puffballs: Can They Really Reduce the Risk of Cancer?

We were intrigued to learn that Giant Puffballs might have the potential to reduce cancer risk, prompting April to dive into some research. Though she’s no biology major, she spent several hours deciphering a study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information. Here’s what she discovered.

The researchers used an extract from Calvatia gigantea, commonly known as Giant Puffball, to treat human alveolar basal epithelial cells—often utilized in studies of non-small-cell lung carcinoma. The treatment involved a time- and dose-dependent procedure lasting a total of 72 hours. They determined that the effective dose for inhibiting specific biological functions was 500 micrograms per milliliter. Notably, they observed changes in eight out of nine protein groups associated with cell death processes.

Specifically, they found a decrease in three DNA proteins that drive cell cycle progression, as well as in proteins responsible for glucose metabolism, cell reproduction, DNA-to-RNA conversion, and cell migration. They also noted a reduction in proteins that regulate cell death. Conversely, there was an increase in proteins crucial for regulating essential cell death, including a tumor suppressor protein and additional proteins involved in cell execution and tissue degeneration. However, no changes were observed in the protein responsible for regulating the cell cycle after DNA damage.

From this experiment, we gather that while Giant Puffball extracts may slow the progression of cancer-related cell functions—like metabolism, reproduction, migration, and cell death regulation—they also enhance mechanisms that suppress tumors and promote necessary cell death. Importantly, there was no effect on the cell cycle regulation post-DNA damage.

In conclusion, Giant Puffballs show potential in reducing cancer risk, but they cannot guarantee the cure of existing cancer or negate hereditary factors. Their effectiveness may vary, but we look forward to keeping them on the menu

Savor, Flourish, Enjoy the ride—and remember to close the gate!

Trevor Moller, April Johnson

And the team at stock and steeds