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Natural Neuroinflammatory Modulators: Therapeutic Potential of Fungi-Derived Compounds in Selected Neurodegenerative Diseases

Summary

This comprehensive review explores how compounds found in mushrooms could help treat serious brain diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Mushrooms contain natural substances such as certain carbohydrates, proteins, and fats that can reduce harmful inflammation in the brain and protect nerve cells from damage. Scientists have tested these mushroom-derived compounds in laboratory and animal models, finding they can improve memory, movement, and overall brain function. This research suggests mushrooms could become an important part of new treatments for these currently incurable neurological conditions.

Background

Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are incurable conditions that represent a significant global health challenge with rising prevalence. Current therapeutic strategies primarily focus on symptom management and slowing disease progression. Fungi-derived compounds containing bioactive metabolites including polysaccharides, phenolic compounds, peptides, and lipids have shown promise as potential therapeutic resources.

Objective

This review examines the therapeutic potential of fungi-derived bioactive compounds in treating selected neurodegenerative diseases through their neuroinflammatory modulation properties. The study provides an overview of recent findings on fungal compounds that may have applications in treating neurodegenerative conditions and alleviating their symptoms.

Results

The review identified multiple fungal-derived compounds with therapeutic potential including phenolic compounds (hispidin, myricetin, catechin), carbohydrates (β-glucans, cordycepin), proteins and peptides (FIPs, lectins), and lipids (ergosterol, hericones, erinacines). These compounds demonstrated abilities to inhibit pro-inflammatory signaling pathways (NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasome), reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines, enhance antioxidant mechanisms, and promote neuroprotection in both in vitro and in vivo disease models.

Conclusion

Fungi-derived bioactive compounds represent a promising therapeutic resource for neurodegenerative diseases through their multifunctional anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. Further development and clinical validation of these compounds could provide effective adjunctive or alternative therapeutic agents for slowing disease progression and improving quality of life in patients with neurodegenerative conditions.
  • Published in:Molecules,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: PMC12348897, PMID: 40807333, doi: 10.3390/molecules30153158
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