#24 Nature's Pharmacy: The Science of Medicinal Mushrooms in Cancer Care with Catalina Fernández de Ana Portela
Dr Elizabeth Thompson sits down with Dr Catalina Fernández de Ana Portela, founder of Hifas da Terra, a science-led medicinal mushroom company spun out of the University of Santiago de Compostela, for a fascinating and wide-ranging conversation about the emerging role of mycotherapy in Integrative Oncology. Drawing on her extraordinary background, growing up immersed in mycology through her father, one of Europe’s leading mycologists, Catalina explains how medicinal mushrooms work as biological response modifiers, capable of modulating the immune system, supporting gut health, reducing inflammation and protecting the body against the side effects of chemotherapy. She shares findings from two landmark clinical trials conducted within the Spanish healthcare system, in colorectal and breast cancer, which demonstrate that carefully formulated mushroom extracts can improve quality of life, protect the microbiome, reduce toxic side effects and even enhance the effectiveness of conventional cancer treatments. The conversation weaves together cutting-edge science, ancient wisdom and a deeply humanistic philosophy of care, closing with a powerful call to reflect on why cancer rates are rising so dramatically and to reconnect, quite literally, with the natural world beneath our feet.
Key Topics Discussed:
- Medicinal mushrooms are biological response modulators, meaning they can both activate and inhibit biological responses depending on what the body needs, making them uniquely safe and gentle.
- Unlike pharmaceutical drugs which work with a single purified molecule, medicinal mushroom extracts contain up to 2,000 molecules that work together in a balanced, synergistic way.
- Mushrooms follow the Hippocratic principle of “do no harm”, unless someone has a specific allergy, they are extremely safe to work with.
- Different mushrooms have distinct therapeutic properties: lion’s mane supports the brain-gut axis, reishi supports cardiovascular and immune health, cordyceps boosts energy and oxygen uptake, and maitake helps manage chemotherapy side effects.
- Combining mushrooms in carefully researched formulas, mycotherapy, allows practitioners to target multiple aspects of health simultaneously.
- Clinical trial evidence from the Spanish NHS shows that medicinal mushroom extracts used alongside chemotherapy can improve microbiota profiles, reduce the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and support better survival markers.
- Mushrooms may enhance the effectiveness of certain chemotherapy agents such as 5-fluorouracil while simultaneously reducing their toxic side effects.
- Peripheral neuropathy — nerve damage causing pain and numbness in hands and feet — is one of the debilitating side effects of chemotherapy that lion’s mane and reishi show promise in preventing.
- Not all commercially available mushroom products are safe for cancer patients, only extracts tested for cytochrome P450 interactions should be used alongside chemotherapy.
- Starting medicinal mushroom support as early as possible, ideally before treatment begins in the prehabilitation phase, gives the body the strongest foundation for tolerating and responding to treatment.
- The psychology of treatment matters enormously, embracing conventional treatment wholeheartedly, rather than fearing it, can activate a positive placebo response alongside all other integrative interventions.
- Only around 3% of cancer risk is determined by genetics, meaning lifestyle and environmental factors are driving the dramatic global rise in cancer rates and urgently need to be addressed.
- Reconnecting with nature including something as simple as walking barefoot on the earth, is both a symbolic and genuinely restorative act that reflects the deeper philosophy of integrative medicine.
- Integrative oncology brings multiple specialities together to treat the whole person, not just the tumour or the disease.
About our guest:
Catalina F. de Ana Portela is a leading expert in integrative oncology, combining scientific excellence with a commitment to advancing patient-centred care. She holds a PhD in Medicine in new research in Clinical Oncology, bringing a rigorous academic foundation to her work at the forefront of cancer care innovation. As the founder of Hifas da Terra, Europe’s leading mycotherapy laboratory, she has been instrumental in pioneering the use of medicinal mushrooms as evidence-based supportive therapies in oncology. With a background in biology and extensive research experience, Catalina bridges the gap between conventional medicine and integrative approaches, driving forward new possibilities in cancer treatment. At this event, she will share her expertise on the role of mycotherapy and integrative strategies in enhancing patient outcomes.
If you’re interested in learning more about Integrative Medicine, you can:
👉 Sign up for our free newsletter Integrative Medicine Matters
👉 Sign up for our NCIM Membership, just £4.99 per month
👉 Sign up for our free Introduction to Integrative Medicine course
👉 Explore our 10 CPD Point Discovery Course in Integrative Medicine
👉 Find out more about our master’s Level 7 Diploma, including single modules you can enrol in today!
NCIM also offers an Integrative Medicine Clinic, where our expert team of Integrative Medicine Doctors and Integrative Clinical Team work collaboratively to support your health and wellbeing. Learn more and book an appointment.
We would love to get your feedback on the topics and conversations we feature. Follow and connect with us on social media – Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn – and let us know your thoughts.
Don’t forget to subscribe and share if you enjoyed this episode!
Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or treatment plan.