Antioxidant Activity of Mushroom Extracts/Polysaccharides—Their Antiviral Properties and Plausible AntiCOVID-19 Properties

Author: mycolabadmin
2021-11-26
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Summary

This research examines how mushrooms and their compounds could help fight diseases through their antioxidant and antiviral properties, with potential applications against COVID-19. Mushrooms contain natural substances that can boost immunity and fight harmful viruses, making them promising candidates for developing natural medicines. Impacts on everyday life: • Mushrooms can be incorporated into daily diet as natural immune boosters • Natural mushroom compounds could provide alternatives to synthetic medications • Understanding mushroom benefits could lead to better COVID-19 treatments • Increased awareness could promote cultivation of medicinal mushrooms • Development of mushroom-based supplements for better health protection

Background

Mushrooms have long been recognized for their medicinal properties and bioactivity, with benefits known even before their culinary aspects were fully understood. They belong to the Basidiomycetes group of macrofungi and can grow either above or below soil. Of the 2000 existing mushroom species, 25 are accepted as food and few are commercialized. Mushrooms are rich in essential amino acids, minerals, proteins, and biologically active polysaccharides.

Objective

This review aims to address the benefits of mushrooms and specifically examine the positive attributes of mushroom polysaccharides. It seeks to highlight the antioxidant properties and mechanisms of mushroom polysaccharides while consolidating their various antioxidant applications. Additionally, it aims to review the antiviral properties of mushrooms and their polysaccharides, with particular emphasis on potential antiCOVID-19 applications.

Results

The review found that mushroom polysaccharides exhibit significant antioxidant properties through various mechanisms including free radical scavenging, reduction properties, and ability to chelate Fe2+. Multiple studies confirmed antiviral activities against various viruses including HIV, HSV, and influenza. Several mushroom species showed potential antiCOVID-19 properties through their immunomodulatory and antiviral effects. Beta-glucans and other polysaccharides were identified as key compounds responsible for many of the therapeutic effects.

Conclusion

While mushrooms and their polysaccharides show significant promise in antioxidant and antiviral applications, including potential antiCOVID-19 properties, there remains a need for more clinical validation and broader implementation. The review highlights the need for expanded cultivation of medicinal mushrooms globally and further research into mechanisms of action. Additionally, there is potential for improving polysaccharide production through genetic engineering and modern cultivation techniques.

Published in:Antioxidants,
Study Type:Review,
Source: 10.3390/antiox10121899