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Medicinal Mushrooms: Bioactive Compounds, Use, and Clinical Trials

Summary

This comprehensive review examines how medicinal mushrooms contain natural compounds that can boost immune function, fight cancer cells, reduce inflammation, and protect nerve cells. Different mushroom species like reishi, shiitake, and maitake contain various active substances such as beta-glucans and triterpenes that work through multiple biological pathways. While laboratory and animal studies show promising results, more human clinical trials are needed to confirm effectiveness and establish safe dosing guidelines.

Background

Medicinal mushrooms have been used for thousands of years in Asian traditional medicine for promoting health and treating diseases. They exhibit diverse pharmacological activities and contain numerous bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential. Growing scientific interest in mycotherapy necessitates rigorous clinical validation and standardization of mushroom-based products.

Objective

To review bioactive compounds in medicinal mushrooms and their mechanisms of action as demonstrated in in vitro and in vivo preclinical studies. The review aims to discuss therapeutic uses, pharmacological activities, and clinical evidence for selected medicinal mushroom species.

Results

Multiple medicinal mushroom species demonstrated significant biological activities including anti-tumor, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and neuroprotective effects. Key bioactive compounds (PSP, PSK, lentinan, ganoderic acids, erinacines) acted through various signaling pathways including TLR, NF-κB, MAPK, and apoptotic cascades with effects on immune cell activation and tumor suppression.

Conclusion

Medicinal mushrooms contain diverse bioactive compounds with demonstrated pharmacological potential in preclinical studies. However, limited human clinical trials, lack of standardization, and regulatory gaps hinder widespread medical adoption in Western countries. Further clinical investigation with standardized preparations is essential to validate efficacy and establish safe therapeutic protocols.
  • Published in:International Journal of Molecular Sciences,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: PMID: 33435246, DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020634
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