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A concise review of mushrooms antiviral and immunomodulatory properties that may combat against COVID-19

Summary

This review explores how medicinal mushrooms have compounds that could help fight COVID-19 and boost immune function. Various mushroom species contain natural substances like beta-glucans and polysaccharides that have shown antiviral properties and can strengthen the body’s immune response. The research suggests these mushrooms could potentially be used alongside conventional treatments to help patients recover from COVID-19 more effectively.

Background

COVID-19 emerged in December 2019 and rapidly spread globally, becoming a major pandemic. Natural products, particularly medicinal mushrooms, have been traditionally used in various medical systems for their antiviral and immunomodulatory properties. This review examines the potential of mushroom compounds to provide therapeutic and prophylactic interventions against COVID-19.

Objective

To review the antiviral and immunomodulatory properties of commonly used medicinal mushrooms and evaluate their potential therapeutic applications against COVID-19. The study focuses on how mushroom bioactive compounds may help suppress viral replication and modulate immune responses in COVID-19 patients.

Results

Multiple mushroom species including Ganoderma lucidum, Lentinula edodes, Trametes versicolor, and Inonotus obliquus demonstrated antiviral activity against various viruses. Key bioactive compounds such as β-glucans, polysaccharides, terpenoids, lectins, and glycoproteins showed promise in suppressing viral replication and modulating immune responses including enhancement of NK cells, T cells, and macrophages.

Conclusion

Medicinal mushrooms possess significant antiviral and immunomodulatory properties that warrant further investigation as potential prophylactic or therapeutic agents against COVID-19. The review suggests that mushroom-derived compounds, particularly β-glucans and polysaccharides, could be developed as complementary therapies to enhance immune function and reduce inflammatory responses in COVID-19 patients.
  • Published in:Food Chemistry Advances,
  • Study Type:Literature Review,
  • Source: PMID: 36686330, PMCID: PMC8887958
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