Advances on Sporisorium reilianum: microbiology along with chemistry, bioactivity, and application

Sporisorium reilianum (S. reilianum) is a phytopathogenic fungus that infects Poaceae plants such as sorghum and maize. The sclerotium formed on sorghum, known as "Sphacelotheca sorghi(Link) Clint(S. sorghi)", is a traditional resource with both medicinal and edible applications, valued for its purported effects in regulating menstruation, stopping bleeding, and protecting the liver. Although research on this fungus has increased significantly in recent years, a comprehensive academic review remains lacking. The limited number of existing reviews primarily focus on the perspective of plant pathology, missing an interdisciplinary integration encompassing microbiology, chemistry, and bioactivity. Therefore, this study provides a cross-disciplinary systematic review. At the microbiological level, it elaborates on six key areas: host specialization and adaptation, life cycle and infection process, pathogenic symptoms, effector proteins and molecular mechanisms, host defense, and genomic evolution. Chemically, it summarizes the major identified active components, including polysaccharides, steroids, alkaloids, melanin, and benzoic acid derivatives, amounting to a total of nine compounds. Regarding bioactivity, it reviews experimental evidence for its antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and anti-enteritis effects, alongside potential applications in areas such as anti-obesity and the development of functional foods and health products. This work aims to provide a foundational reference and forward-looking perspective to facilitate further research, resource development, and comprehensive utilization of this fungus.