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A Review of Development and Utilization for Edible Fungal Polysaccharides: Extraction, Chemical Characteristics, and Bioactivities

Summary

This research examines beneficial compounds called polysaccharides found in edible mushrooms and their potential health benefits. These natural compounds have shown promise in supporting immune function, fighting cancer cells, reducing inflammation, and helping regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Key impacts on everyday life: – Mushroom supplements containing these compounds may help boost immune system function – Regular consumption could help prevent or manage chronic conditions like diabetes and obesity – These natural compounds offer potential alternatives to synthetic pharmaceuticals with fewer side effects – Understanding optimal extraction methods helps make these beneficial compounds more available in supplements and functional foods – The research supports the traditional use of medicinal mushrooms in promoting health and wellness

Background

Edible fungi, commonly known as mushrooms, are precious medicinal and edible homologous gifts from nature. They have distinctive flavor and exceptional nutritional and medicinal value, making them popular in healthcare, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics industries. Edible fungal polysaccharides (EFPs) are essential nutrients that exert bioactivity and have attracted attention for their antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antitumor, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic properties.

Objective

This review aims to thoroughly examine different extraction methods of EFPs and their advantages and disadvantages. Additionally, it describes in detail the molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, glycosidic bond types and backbone structures of EFPs. The review also summarizes the in vitro and in vivo bioactivities of EFPs extracted by different methods and their potential regulatory mechanisms.

Results

The review found that different extraction methods primarily affect polysaccharide molecular weight, glycosidic bond type, surface appearance, and helical conformation but generally do not change monosaccharide composition. EFPs demonstrated significant antitumor, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-obesity and intestinal homeostasis-regulating activities. The bioactivity was found to be closely related to molecular weight and monosaccharide composition.

Conclusion

EFPs exhibit diverse bioactivities that are influenced by extraction methods and structural characteristics. Enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE) may be optimal for preserving structural integrity and bioactivity. The relationship between molecular weight, structure and bioactivity needs further investigation. Beta-glucans show particular promise as biological response modifiers but require additional research into their mechanisms of action.
  • Published in:Polymers,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: 10.3390/polym14204454
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