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Immunomodulatory effect of mushrooms and their bioactive compounds in cancer: A comprehensive review
Manash Pratim Pathak1, Kalyani Pathak2, Riya Saikia2
1Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Assam down town University, Panikhaiti, Guwahati 781026, Assam, India.
Abstract:
Despite enormous development in the field of drug development, cancer still remains elusive. Compromised immunity stands as a roadblock to the successful pharmacological execution of anti-cancer drugs used clinically currently. Recently some breakthrough cancer treatment strategy like nano-formulation, extracellular vesicles treatment, natural antioxidant therapy, targeted immunotherapy, gene therapy, thermal ablation and magnetic hyperthermia, and pathomics and radiomics has been developed and tested pre-clinically as well as clinically. However, clinical efficacy of such therapies is yet to establish and some are too costly to be utilized by patients from poor and developing countries. At this juncture, researchers are heading towards the search of medicines from natural sources that is higher safety margin and multitarget pharmacological efficacy compared to conventional treatments. Mushroom is used traditionally as food as well as drug since time immemorial due to its immunomodulatory effect which is loaded with proteins, low fat content and cholesterol. Mushrooms are recommended as one of the best vegetarian diets for immunosuppressed cancer and HIV/AIDS patients. Mushrooms are well-known for their anti-cancer activity that impacts hematopoietic stem cells, lymphocytes, macrophages, T cells, dendritic cells (DCs), and natural killer (NK) cells in the immune system. This comprehensive review article emphasizes on the molecular mechanisms of cancer genesis, conventional anti-cancer therapy as well as reported some significant breakthrough in anti-cancer drug development, anti-cancer activity of some selected species of mushrooms and their bioactive phytoconstituents followed by a brief discussion of recent anti-cancer efficacy of some metallic nanoparticles loaded with mushrooms.
Insights
Mushrooms, rich in bioactive compounds, show promising immunomodulatory and anti-cancer effects, offering a safer, natural alternative to conventional therapies for cancer patients. This review explores their mechanisms and potential in drug development.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Natural Product Chemistry
Background:
- Cancer remains a significant global health challenge, with current treatments facing limitations due to compromised immunity and high costs.
- Emerging therapies like nano-formulations and immunotherapy show promise but require further clinical validation and accessibility improvements.
- Natural sources are increasingly explored for cancer treatments due to their potential for higher safety margins and multitarget efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the molecular mechanisms of cancer development and conventional treatment strategies.
- To highlight recent breakthroughs in anti-cancer drug development, including novel therapeutic approaches.
- To comprehensively examine the anti-cancer properties of selected mushroom species and their bioactive compounds.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific databases focusing on cancer genesis, pharmacology, and natural product research.
- Analysis of studies on mushroom's immunomodulatory and anti-cancer activities.
- Investigation of research on mushroom-derived bioactive compounds and their mechanisms of action.
- Review of studies on metallic nanoparticles loaded with mushroom extracts for cancer therapy.
Main Results:
- Mushrooms possess significant immunomodulatory effects, impacting various immune cells crucial for cancer defense.
- Selected mushroom species exhibit potent anti-cancer activities through diverse molecular mechanisms.
- Bioactive phytoconstituents from mushrooms demonstrate therapeutic potential against cancer.
- Metallic nanoparticles loaded with mushroom extracts show enhanced anti-cancer efficacy in preclinical studies.
Conclusions:
- Mushrooms represent a valuable natural resource for developing novel, safe, and effective anti-cancer therapies.
- Their multitarget pharmacological actions and immunomodulatory properties make them promising candidates for cancer treatment, especially for immunocompromised patients.
- Further research into mushroom-derived compounds and nano-formulations could lead to innovative cancer drug development.
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