Pleurotus Mushrooms in Nutrition and Health: Clinical and Preclinical Insights for Nutraceutical Development

Pleurotus mushrooms are fungi widely consumed due to their high nutritional value and potential applications as nutraceuticals. Their sustainable cultivation and rich composition of bioactive compounds provide significant health benefits. This review examines the scientific evidence regarding the safety, efficacy, and nutraceutical potential of Pleurotus species, focusing on their effects on various human diseases. The review incorporates findings from preclinical, clinical studies, and nutraceutical formulations related to innovative Pleurotus-based products. Preclinical studies have shown that Pleurotus species can reduce inflammatory markers, modulate gut microbiota, and improve lipid and glucose metabolism. As a result, these mushrooms exhibit potential hypoglycemic, anti-obesity, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, anti-atherogenic, and anticancer properties, along with possible benefits for preventing Alzheimer's disease. Clinical trials suggest that consuming Pleurotus has a positive effect on metabolic parameters in healthy individuals and patients with chronic conditions. However, the variability among studies and the absence of standardized nutraceutical formulations hinder definitive conclusions about their therapeutic efficacy. Despite the promising potential of Pleurotus mushrooms in the nutraceutical sector, future research should focus on developing standardized formulations, optimizing bioavailability, expanding clinical trials, exploring the diversity of native species, and uncovering the underlying mechanisms of action to establish their practical application as nutraceuticals.