Classification, Structure and Mechanism of Antiviral Polysaccharides Derived from Edible and Medicinal Fungus

Author: mycolabadmin
2021-05-25
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Summary

This research examines how certain compounds found in edible and medicinal mushrooms can help fight viral infections through multiple mechanisms. These natural compounds, called polysaccharides, work by directly attacking viruses, boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation, and improving gut health. The findings are significant for developing new antiviral treatments from natural sources. Impacts on everyday life: • Provides natural alternatives to synthetic antiviral drugs with fewer side effects • Offers potential treatments for emerging viral diseases like COVID-19 • Supports the use of medicinal mushrooms in traditional and modern medicine • Suggests ways to boost immunity through dietary mushroom consumption • Could lead to development of new antiviral supplements and medications

Background

Chemical-synthesized antiviral drugs have limitations when used in clinical therapy, such as drug resistance, and there is a lack of effective antiviral drugs to treat some newly emerging virus infections like COVID-19. This has increased demand for novel and safe anti-viral drug candidates from natural functional ingredients. Studies have shown that polysaccharides from edible and medicinal fungi (EMFs) exhibit direct or indirect anti-viral capabilities.

Objective

This review aims to examine two key aspects: 1) The types of anti-viral EMFs and structural characteristics of their polysaccharides to clarify structure-activity relationships, and 2) The direct and indirect antiviral mechanisms of EMF polysaccharides, including virus function suppression, immune-modulatory activity, anti-inflammatory activity, and regulation of gut microbiota balance.

Results

Only 15 EMF polysaccharides showed direct antiviral effects, while others exhibited indirect antiviral activity through immune enhancement, inflammation reduction, and gut microbiota regulation. Sulfated polysaccharides and those containing β-glycosidic bonds showed enhanced antiviral activity. The mechanisms involve suppressing virus function, modulating immune responses, reducing inflammation, and improving gut health. Structure-activity relationships varied significantly between different EMF species.

Conclusion

EMF polysaccharides show promise as antiviral agents through multiple mechanisms but face challenges in industrial production and quality control. More research is needed on structure-activity relationships and clinical applications. Current limitations include crude extraction methods, variable product quality, slow onset of action, and limited clinical studies. Further investigation of constitutive relationships and mechanisms of action is required for therapeutic development.

Published in:International Journal of Biological Macromolecules,
Study Type:Review,
Source: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.05.139