Beta-Glucans from Fungi: Biological and Health-Promoting Potential in the COVID-19 Pandemic Era
- Author: mycolabadmin
- 11/6/2021
- View Source
Summary
This article reviews how beta-glucans, natural compounds found in mushrooms, can boost your immune system and help fight diseases including COVID-19. These compounds work by activating immune cells and reducing dangerous inflammatory responses in the body. Mushroom beta-glucans are safe, easy to take by mouth, and available in many edible mushroom varieties like shiitake and oyster mushrooms.
Background
Beta-glucans are polysaccharides found in bacteria, algae, plants, and fungi with immunomodulatory and health-promoting properties. Mushroom beta-glucans are characterized by β-1,3-glucans with β-1,6-side chains and have been recognized as biological response modifiers (BRM) due to their triple helix conformation.
Objective
This review summarizes the latest findings on biological and health-promoting potential of mushroom beta-glucans for treating civilization and viral diseases, with particular emphasis on COVID-19 prevention and treatment.
Results
Beta-glucans demonstrate immunomodulatory, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-allergic, antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Recent evidence suggests beta-glucans may reduce cytokine storm in COVID-19 through trained immunity mechanisms and enhanced immune cell function.
Conclusion
Beta-glucans from edible mushrooms show significant therapeutic potential for COVID-19 prevention and treatment due to their immunomodulatory properties and safety profile. Further standardized research on extraction methods, purification, and optimal dosing is needed to establish clinical applications.
- Published in:Nutrients,
- Study Type:Review,
- Source: PMC8623785, PMID: 34836215