Recent advances in the bioactive polysaccharides and other key components from Morchella spp. and biological...

Morchella spp., also known as delicious morel mushroom, is a general term for the phylum Ascomycota, Pezizomycetes, Pezizales, Morchelllaceae, and Morchella fungi. For thousands of years, Morchella spp. have been considered a precious food supplement and medicinal ingredient. Numerous pharmacologically active chemical components such as polysaccharides, amino acids, sterols, vitamins, and trace elements have been found in Morchella spp. Pharmacological studies have confirmed that bioactive polysaccharides and other important secondary metabolites of the Morchella spp. have various health promoting effects, including antioxidant, immune regulatory, anticancer, antibacterial and other biological characteristics. However, comprehensive evaluations on the preparation and structural characteristics, bioactivities, and toxicology of these functional components (e.g., polysaccharides, sterols, vitamins, trace elements) from various Morchella spp. species are very limited, which may restrict the practical application of Morchella spp. This review summarizes the physicochemical characteristics, pharmacological activities, and possible mechanisms of bioactive components from Morchella spp., and emphasizes the research progress on the extraction, purification, structural characteristics, and pharmacological activity of Morchella polysaccharides (MPs). To provide useful references and promising directions for the comprehensive development and utilization of Morchella spp. in functional foods, and pharmaceuticals. Additionally, the review examines and highlights applications, potential developments, and future research directions. This review helps to fill the knowledge gap between theoretical insights and practical applications, guiding future research and industrial applications of Morchella spp.