Hepatoprotective Effects of Mushrooms

Author: mycolabadmin
2013-07-01
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Summary

This research examines how various mushrooms can help protect and heal the liver from damage. Scientists found that many edible and medicinal mushrooms contain natural compounds that can prevent and treat liver injury. These findings are important for developing new treatments for liver diseases using natural products instead of synthetic drugs. Impacts on everyday life: • Provides scientific support for using certain mushrooms as natural liver health supplements • Offers potential alternatives to conventional medications for liver problems • Validates traditional uses of medicinal mushrooms in various cultures • Suggests new ways to prevent liver damage through diet and nutrition • Opens possibilities for developing new liver medications with fewer side effects

Background

The liver plays a central role in carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism, and is responsible for detoxifying waste products and drugs. Liver damage is a widespread disease involving oxidative stress and can progress from steatosis to chronic hepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Mushrooms accumulate various secondary metabolites like phenolic compounds, polysaccharides, terpenes and steroids that have biological activities beneficial for liver protection.

Objective

This review aims to outline and discuss the available information about the protective effects of mushroom extracts against liver damage induced by exogenous compounds. While Ganoderma lucidum is the most widely studied species, this review emphasizes studies using other mushrooms, particularly those attributing hepatoprotective activities to specific chemical components present in mushroom extracts.

Results

Multiple mushroom species demonstrated significant hepatoprotective effects through various mechanisms including antioxidant activity, modulation of liver enzymes, and reduction of inflammatory responses. Key active compounds identified include anthraquinol from Antrodia cinnamomea, triterpenoids and polysaccharides from Ganoderma lucidum, polysaccharides from Pleurotus species, and various peptides and lectins. The protective effects were comparable to reference drugs in many cases.

Conclusion

Many mushroom extracts possess hepatoprotective properties against chemical-induced liver injury, validating their use in traditional medicine. Phenolics, triterpenes, polysaccharides and peptides appear to be the main classes of protective compounds. However, more research is needed to precisely identify specific molecules responsible for hepatoprotection. Clinical trials are required to confirm safety and efficacy as alternatives to conventional drugs for treating liver diseases.

Published in:Molecules,
Study Type:Review,
Source: 10.3390/molecules18077609