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Edible Mushrooms and Beta-Glucans: Impact on Human Health

Summary

Mushrooms contain compounds called β-glucans that can help boost your immune system and reduce inflammation. These compounds show promise in cancer treatment when combined with conventional therapies and may help fight infections. While mushrooms have long been used in traditional medicine, modern research is confirming their health benefits and understanding how they work in the body.

Background

Mushrooms have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. β-glucans are polysaccharide constituents of mushroom cell walls with potential immunomodulatory and health-promoting properties. Recent scientific interest in understanding the biological mechanisms underlying mushroom health benefits has increased substantially.

Objective

This review examines β-glucans from edible mushrooms as important health-promoting constituents, focusing on their chemical structure, pharmacokinetics, biological effects, and potential clinical applications. The review synthesizes evidence on immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic effects of mushroom β-glucans.

Results

β-glucans demonstrate immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects through dectin-1 and TLR receptors. Evidence supports potential applications in respiratory infections, cancer adjuvant therapy, and cardiometabolic health. However, human studies on mushroom β-glucans show fewer confirmed cardiometabolic benefits compared to cereal β-glucans.

Conclusion

β-glucans are promising bioactive compounds with multiple health applications, particularly in immune modulation and cancer treatment. Further human intervention studies are needed to confirm cardiometabolic benefits and establish optimal dosing. Mushrooms may contribute to health through multiple components beyond β-glucans.
  • Published in:Nutrients,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: PMID: 34202377, DOI: 10.3390/nu13072195
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