Golden Needle Mushroom: A Culinary Medicine with Evidenced-Based Biological Activities and Health Promoting Properties

Author: mycolabadmin
2016-12-07
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Summary

The golden needle mushroom (Flammulina velutipes) is both a nutritious food and a potential medicine. Research shows it contains numerous compounds that can benefit human health. This mushroom is low in calories but rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. It also contains bioactive substances that may help fight cancer, reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol, and boost immunity. Impacts on everyday life: • Can be easily incorporated into daily diet as a healthy, low-calorie food source • May help prevent chronic diseases through its antioxidant properties • Could provide natural alternatives to synthetic medicines with fewer side effects • Shows potential for development into supplements for immune system support • Offers possible natural solutions for memory enhancement and cognitive health

Background

Flammulina velutipes (enoki, velvet shank, golden needle mushroom or winter mushroom) is one of the main edible mushrooms on the market, recognized for its nutritional value and taste. Beyond nutrition, research has expanded into investigating its biological activities and potential health benefits. The mushroom has been cultivated for consumption and medicinal use in China since 800 AD and is currently among the four most widely cultivated mushrooms globally.

Objective

This review aims to consolidate information concerning the phytochemistry and biological activities of various compounds isolated from F. velutipes to demonstrate that this mushroom is not only a great source of nutrients but also possesses tremendous potential in pharmaceutical drug development.

Results

The review found F. velutipes contains numerous bioactive compounds exhibiting antitumor, anticancer, anti-atherosclerotic, antihypertensive, cholesterol lowering, anti-aging, antioxidant, memory restoration, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anti-bacterial, and melanosis inhibition properties. Key compounds include polysaccharides, fungal immunomodulating proteins (FIP-fve), sterols, phenolic compounds, and various sesquiterpenes.

Conclusion

F. velutipes has excellent nutritional value and remarkable potential for medicinal applications. The mushroom contains various bioactive compounds with therapeutic properties, showing promise for development as nutraceuticals, functional foods, and pharmaceutical drugs. However, more clinical trials are needed to determine proper dosage, efficacy and safety of these compounds.

Published in:Frontiers in Pharmacology,
Study Type:Review,
Source: 10.3389/fphar.2016.00474