THOUSANDS of people in Bahrain are turning to a "miracle" mushroom said to help combat potentially deadly diseases, including cancer. But it should be taken only as an aid and not instead of normal medical treatment, its importers said yesterday.

Indian microbiologist Dr K K Janardhanan said research he has conducted over several years at the Amala Cancer Research Institute in Thrissur, Kerala, had proved beyond doubt that the mushroom powder, consumed regularly as a food supplement, had actually helped patients who were suffering from potentially fatal diseases.

"Tests on animals, on whom tumours had been induced, and reports we have received from patients whose side effects of drugs were greatly reduced, have led us to publish studies in several international medical journals of repute," Dr Janardhanan said at a Press conference in Manama.

It was held at the offices of Daehsan Trading, who represent manufacturers DXN, a Malaysian company that cultivates the mushroom and markets products containing it as beverages and food supplements.

The Press conference was also attended by Daehsan Trading branch manager P V Satish Kumar.

"DXN already has more than 8,000 members in Bahrain and numbers are increasing," said Dr Janardhanan.

"While we encourage people to try out what we offer, we have never and will not tell anyone to stop their own regular medications."

This could have disastrous consequences, said Dr Janardhanan.

"What we offer is just a supplement that helps people fight disease and also helps them lead better lives.

"This is for everyone and not only for people with a medical problem - there are coffees, teas, toothpastes, juices, syrups and jams that people could have regularly.

"These help build up body resistance that in turn helps combat problems."

The Ganoderma mushroom has been cultivated for centuries in China, Korea and Greece and has been well-known for its medicinal qualities.

"DXN cultivates it at its 33 hectares facility in Malaysia and markets products worldwide," said Dr Janardhanan.

Mr Kumar said DXN was a multi-level marketing company founded by Dr Lim Siow Jin in 1993.

"The company is well known for its Ganoderma mushroom business and its product lines include dietary supplements, food and beverages, personal care products, household products and water treatment systems," he said. mandeep@gdn.com.bh