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The Anticancer Potential of Edible Mushrooms: A Review of Selected Species from Roztocze, Poland

Summary

This review examines edible mushrooms found in Poland’s Roztocze region for their potential to fight cancer. These mushrooms contain natural compounds like polysaccharides and proteins that can kill cancer cells in laboratory studies through various mechanisms, including triggering cell death and boosting immune function. While promising, these findings from laboratory and animal studies need further development before becoming clinical treatments.

Background

Edible mushrooms have long been valued for culinary purposes and are increasingly recognized for their medicinal properties. They contain bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides, proteins, and terpenoids that may support human health. Several mushroom species have demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and immunomodulatory properties.

Objective

This review summarizes the potential anticancer properties of edible mushrooms popular in Poland, specifically those found in the Roztocze region. The authors compiled scientific findings on bioactive compounds and extracts from selected mushroom species with potential applications in cancer therapy.

Results

Multiple mushroom species demonstrated significant anticancer activity through various mechanisms including apoptosis, autophagy, cell cycle arrest, DNA damage, and immune activation. Compounds such as polysaccharide fractions, proteins, lectins, and secondary metabolites showed IC50 values ranging from micromolar to microgram per milliliter concentrations against various cancer cell lines.

Conclusion

Edible mushrooms from the Roztocze region represent promising sources of natural anticancer compounds with potential therapeutic applications. Further research is warranted to develop these findings into clinical treatments, particularly given the rising need for safer alternatives to conventional chemotherapy with reduced side effects.
  • Published in:Nutrients,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: PMID: 39275166; DOI: 10.3390/nu16172849
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