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Modern Pro-Health Applications of Medicinal Mushrooms: Insights into the Polyporaceae Family, with a Focus on Cerrena unicolor

Summary

This research explores how medicinal mushrooms, especially a species called Cerrena unicolor, could be used to improve human health through functional foods and dietary supplements. These mushrooms contain natural compounds that fight cancer, bacteria, viruses, and free radicals that damage our cells. Scientists have found that incorporating these mushroom extracts into foods, particularly dairy products, could create powerful health-promoting foods that help with cancer treatment, diabetes management, and wound healing.

Background

Medicinal mushrooms have been used in traditional Eastern medicine for centuries to treat various diseases. The Polyporaceae family, particularly Cerrena unicolor, contains diverse bioactive compounds with potential health-promoting properties. Despite extensive research on their biochemical profiles, their application in food science and biotechnology remains underutilized.

Objective

This review explores the bioactive composition, technological potential, and functional applications of Cerrena unicolor and other Polyporaceae mushrooms in innovative food systems. The study analyzes antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer effects, with focus on interactions with dairy-based matrices to enhance bioavailability and therapeutic potential.

Results

Cerrena unicolor demonstrated significant antioxidant activity through enzymatic and non-enzymatic mechanisms. Multiple studies confirmed anticancer effects against various cancer cell lines (cervical, colon, breast, ovarian). Strong antimicrobial activity was observed against bacterial pathogens and viruses. Additional benefits included hypoglycemic effects, wound-healing properties, and detoxification capabilities.

Conclusion

Cerrena unicolor represents a valuable source of bioactive compounds with multi-faceted health-promoting properties suitable for functional food development. Further research is needed to optimize formulation, improve bioavailability, and establish regulatory pathways for market implementation, with emphasis on in vivo and clinical studies.
  • Published in:Molecules,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: PMID: 41157106
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