Researchers at the University of Haifa found molecules in the fungus Ganoderma lucidum disrupt androgen receptors and impede the proliferation of cancerous cells.

"The results of this research are particularly interesting from a commercial aspect. Potential possibilities exist to establish research and development of bioactive metabolites from Ganoderma lucidum that could yield an anti-prostate cancer drug," Ben-Zion Zaidman said in a statement.

Zaidman -- under the direction of professors Eviatar Nevo and Solomon Wasser at the University of Haifa, and Dr. Jamal Mahajna of the Migal Galilee Technology Center -- focused on finding how fungi fight cancer within cells.

More than 200 organic extracts from 68 types of fungi were produced with solvents to select molecules small enough to act from within the cells.

Eleven were found to deter androgen receptor activity by more than 40 percent. Fourteen extracts were found to be active in inhibiting prostate cancer cells, but those from Ganoderma lucidum were found to be the most effective in controlling cancer cell development.