Medicinal mushroom science: Current perspectives, advances, evidences, and challenges

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Pharmacology
• Immunology

Background:

• Medicinal mushrooms, particularly Basidiomycetes, contain bioactive compounds with diverse therapeutic properties.
• These compounds include polysaccharides and secondary metabolites found in fruit bodies, mycelium, and broth.
• Over 700 species have been studied for their potential medicinal functions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current perspectives, advances, and challenges in medicinal mushroom science.
• To highlight the therapeutic potential of mushroom-derived compounds, especially polysaccharides.
• To discuss future research directions and unsolved problems in the field.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific data on medicinal mushrooms and their bioactive compounds.
• Summary of research on polysaccharides and secondary metabolites from approximately 700 mushroom species.
• Analysis of clinical trial data and traditional uses in Asia.

Main Results:

• Medicinal mushrooms exhibit around 130 medicinal functions, including antitumor, immunomodulating, and antioxidant effects.
• Bioactive polysaccharides and polysaccharide-protein complexes enhance immune responses and show antitumor activity.
• Several mushroom compounds have undergone clinical trials and are used in cancer treatment, particularly in Asia.

Conclusions:

• Mushroom polysaccharides and secondary metabolites are crucial for their antitumor and immunostimulating properties.
• Stimulation and modulation of host immune responses are central to the antitumor mechanisms of these compounds.
• Despite significant progress, challenges remain in understanding the full potential and application of medicinal mushrooms.