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Mushroom Bioactive Molecules as Anticancerous Agents: An Overview

Summary

Mushrooms contain natural compounds that show promise in fighting cancer by triggering cancer cell death and boosting immune function. Different mushroom species like oyster, shiitake, and button mushrooms contain substances such as beta-glucans and other polysaccharides that have demonstrated anticancer properties in laboratory and animal studies. While these mushroom compounds work through multiple mechanisms including preventing new blood vessel formation to tumors and stopping cancer cell division, more human clinical trials are needed to confirm their effectiveness as cancer treatments.

Background

Mushrooms have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Southeast Asian traditional medicine for promoting health and well-being. Cancer remains a leading cause of death globally, and conventional chemotherapeutic agents often cause immunosuppression and increase tumor recurrence risk. Mushrooms contain various bioactive macromolecules with potential anticancer properties.

Objective

This review examines mushroom bioactive molecules as potential anticancerous agents, their pharmacological properties, and underlying mechanisms of biological activity. The study aims to provide comprehensive information on anti-tumor compounds from medicinal mushrooms and their potential therapeutic applications in cancer treatment.

Results

Multiple mushroom genera including Pleurotus, Agaricus, Ganoderma, Lentinula, Coriolus, and others contain bioactive substances with demonstrated anticancer activity. Key compounds include β-glucans, polysaccharides, lentinan, ergosterol, and various phenolic acids that induce apoptosis, inhibit cell proliferation, create reactive oxygen species, and suppress angiogenesis and topoisomerase activity.

Conclusion

Mushroom-derived bioactive compounds demonstrate significant potential as adjunctive anticancer agents through multiple mechanisms. While promising in vitro and animal studies exist, further clinical trials are needed to establish efficacy and safety profiles for human cancer treatment applications.
  • Published in:Food Science & Nutrition,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: 40661813
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