Biologically active polysaccharide from edible mushrooms: A review

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry and Medicinal Chemistry
• Immunology and Pharmacology
• Natural Product Chemistry

Background:

• Mushrooms are recognized for their unique taste, flavor, and medicinal properties.
• Mushroom polysaccharides have garnered significant research interest due to their wide-ranging biological activities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the structural and biological properties of mushroom polysaccharides.
• To explore the potential of mushroom polysaccharides in developing therapeutic materials.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on mushroom polysaccharide structure and function.
• Analysis of factors influencing biological activities, such as molecular mass and chemical modification.
• Examination of the mechanisms of action, including immune cell stimulation and receptor binding.

Main Results:

• Mushroom polysaccharides exhibit immunomodulating, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, and antitumor properties.
• Key structural features (molecular mass, branching, conformation) significantly impact biological activities.
• Mechanisms involve stimulating immune responses via T-cells, B-cells, NK cells, and macrophages through receptors like TLR-2 and dectin-1.

Conclusions:

• Mushroom polysaccharides possess diverse and valuable biological properties.
• Understanding their structure-activity relationships is crucial for therapeutic applications.
• These compounds hold significant promise for the development of novel therapeutic agents.