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Critical Review on the Anti-Tumor Activity of Bioactive Compounds from Edible and Medicinal Mushrooms over the Last
Sandra Górska-Jakubowska1, Yingzi Wu2,3, Jadwiga Turło1
1Department of Drug Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Medical University of Warsaw, 1 Banacha Str., 02-097 Warsaw, Poland.
Abstract:
In recent years, the incidence rate of cancer has been on the rise all over the world, and the age of cancer patients has shown a younger trend, which seriously endangers patients' health. Edible/medicinal mushrooms have not only become a new source of nutritional supplements but have also emerged as a promising adjunct to conventional medicine, either by directly or indirectly killing tumor cells and enhancing immunity, or through their use in conjunction with modern cancer therapies to enhance their efficacy or reduce their side-effects, improving patients' quality of life. Although the anti-cancer potential of edible and medicinal mushrooms has been widely studied in the past, this review focuses on the most recent literature from the last five years, providing an up-to-date and comprehensive summary of the current findings. In this review, we aim to analyze the anti-cancer effects of edible/medicinal mushrooms, including Schizophyllum commune, Trametes versicolor, Grifola frondosa, Ganoderma lucidum, Lentinula edodes, Laetiporus sulphureus, Boletus edulis, and Phellinus igniarius, as well as their potential anti-cancer mechanisms, providing strong theoretical support for the further development of edible/medicinal mushroom anti-cancer products.
Insights
Edible and medicinal mushrooms show promise as cancer treatments. Recent research highlights their potential to fight tumors and boost immunity, offering new hope for cancer patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Mycology
- Immunology
Background:
- Rising global cancer incidence and younger patient demographics necessitate novel therapeutic strategies.
- Edible and medicinal mushrooms are recognized for their nutritional value and emerging therapeutic properties.
- Mushrooms show potential as adjuncts to conventional cancer therapies, improving efficacy and reducing side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent (last five years) literature on the anti-cancer effects of edible and medicinal mushrooms.
- To analyze the anti-cancer mechanisms of specific mushroom species.
- To provide theoretical support for developing mushroom-based anti-cancer products.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of studies published within the last five years.
- Analysis of research on the anti-cancer properties of selected mushroom species.
- Examination of proposed anti-cancer mechanisms, including direct/indirect tumor cell killing and immune enhancement.
Main Results:
- Identified anti-cancer effects of *Schizophyllum commune*, *Trametes versicolor*, *Grifola frondosa*, *Ganoderma lucidum*, *Lentinula edodes*, *Laetiporus sulphureus*, *Boletus edulis*, and *Phellinus igniarius*.
- Summarized various mechanisms by which these mushrooms exert anti-cancer activity.
- Highlighted the potential of mushrooms to enhance conventional cancer treatments and improve patient quality of life.
Conclusions:
- Edible and medicinal mushrooms possess significant anti-cancer potential.
- Further research into mushroom-derived compounds and their mechanisms can support the development of novel cancer therapies.
- These natural products offer a promising avenue for adjunct cancer treatment and supportive care.
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