MGN-3

Purported Benefits, Side Effects & More
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This information describes the common uses of MGN-3, how it works, and its possible side effects.
Tell your healthcare providers about any dietary supplements you’re taking, such as herbs, vitamins, minerals, and natural or home remedies. This will help them manage your care and keep you safe.

What is it?

MGN-3 has not been shown to prevent cancer, HIV or any other medical condition.

MGN-3 is a complex sugar derived from rice bran treated with extracts from three mushrooms: Shiitake, Coriolus versicolor, and Suehirotake. The manufacturer claims that it stimulates several aspects of the immune system, causing overall immune stimulation. Lab studies suggest that MGN-3 can cause cell death in some cancer cells and increase their susceptibility to chemotherapy drugs.

Only a few short-term studies have been conducted in humans. Preliminary data suggest it may improve response and reduce side effects of standard therapies in liver cancer patients, but larger studies are needed to confirm these observations.

What are the potential uses and benefits?

  • To treat cancer
    A small study suggests MGN-3 may improve response to standard therapies in liver cancer patients. However, there is no evidence that it can be used as a treatment alone, and larger studies are needed.
  • To prevent and treat chemotherapy side effects
    MGN-3 reduced the side effects of standard therapies in liver cancer patients, but additional studies confirming such effects are needed.
  • To stimulate the immune system
    MGN-3 stimulated immune cells in lab studies and small studies of cancer patients, but additional studies are needed.
  • To treat chronic fatigue syndrome
    A clinical study did not find MGN-3 effective in treating chronic fatigue syndrome.

What are the side effects?

  • No side effects have been reported.