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Medicinal mushroom What should we know?

Article in International Journal of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Analysis · April 2022

DOI: 10.18231/j.ijpca.2022.001

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Review Article
Medicinal mushroom: What should we know?

Waill Ahmed Elkhateeb1, *, Ghoson Mosbah Daba1

1 Dept. of Chemistry of Natural and Microbial Products, National Research Centre, Egypt

ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT

Article history: Mushrooms are the epigeous fruiting bodies of terrestrial fungi and as they lack cellulose and chlorophyll,
Received 28-01-2022 they have a different lifestyle to other nonmotile life, such as plants. Mushrooms have been documented
Accepted 09-02-2022 for centuries as use as food and medicine as they are generous sources of nutrients and biologically
Available online xx xx xxxx active compounds that have various applications in agriculture, food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food
related industries, and others. Research on various metabolic activities of medicinal mushrooms have been
Keywords: performed both in vitro and in vivo studies. Over the past two decades, medicinal mushrooms industry
Medicinal mushrooms have developed greatly and today offers thousands of products to the markets. This paper describes the
Agaricus bisporus current status of some important world medicinal mushrooms, products, and provides suggestions for
Agaricus blazei further research.
Pleurotus ostreatus
This is an Open Access (OA) journal, and articles are distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons
Coprinus comatus
Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 License, which allows others to remix, tweak, and build upon
Cantharellus cibarius the work non-commercially, as long as appropriate credit is given and the new creations are licensed under
Tremella fuciformis the identical terms.
Flammulina velutipes
Grifola frondosa For reprints contact: [email protected]
Lentinula edodes
biological activities
Traditional medicine

1. Introduction complementary and alternative medicines. 6–10

Mushrooms, are now beginning to receive much deserved In ancient traditional medicines, medicinal mushrooms
attention for their very real health giving qualities. were occupying the headlines, and the main topics were
Mushrooms grow wild in many parts of the world and are confirming to their miraculous therapeutic powers. The
also commercially cultivated. Nutritionally, mushrooms are presence of various phenolic compounds, polysaccharides,
a valuable health food and have been used medicinally and terpenoids and other compounds, is the reason for
for centuries in many parts of the world. 1–5 Mushrooms their potent biological activities as anticancer, antioxidant,
are the reproductive phase (fruiting bodies) but they antimicrobial, antiviral, antiaging, hepatic protective,
there is also a vegetative phase to these fungi (mycelia). hypoglycemic, hypocholesterolemic, and much more
Edible mushrooms are often low in calories and can biological activities are discovered every day. 11–15
be healthy sources of proteins, flavonoids, metals, amino Many mushroom genera are famous for their promising
acids, minerals, volatile oils, carotenoids fats, phenolic therapeutic capabilities. In most Asian countries, it was
compounds, and different vitamins and ergosterol that believed that medicinal mushrooms had the power to
can be used as a source for vitamin D2. Nowadays, enhance long life and liveliness. 16–20
medicinal mushrooms are regarded as functional foods A wide variety of compounds isolated from many
and exist as over-the-counter health supplements used in species of mushrooms, have been identified, 21–25 most of
* Corresponding author. them were fatty acids, terpenoids, proteins, phenols, lectins,
E-mail address: [email protected] (W. Ahmed Elkhateeb). steroids, and polysaccharides. Mushrooms have been

https://doi.org/
2394-2789/© 2022 Innovative Publication, All rights reserved. 1
2 Ahmed Elkhateeb and Mosbah Daba / International Journal of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Analysis 2022;9(1):1–9

reported to exhibit an assortment of biological activities acids, peptides, glycoproteins, nucleosides, triterpenoids,
including but not limited to anticancer, antimicrobial, lectins, fatty acids and their derivatives. This mushroom
hypocholesterolemic, antioxidant, antihypertensive, has been reported to have antimicrobial, anticancer,
antidiabetic, anti-obesity, hepato-protective, antiaging, anti- antidiabetic, antihypercholesterolemic, antihypertensive,
allergic, and anti-coagulant activities. 26–29 In this review, hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities. 33 Agaricus
the different biological activities of some mushrooms bisporus contains bioactive compounds that have been
have been discussed. Beside medicinal benefits mushroom shown to exhibit immunomodulating and anticancer
mycelium-based offer a promising solution as a ‘green properties. The Canadian Cancer Society recommends
material’ for the environmental problems. 30–32 consumption of Agaricus bisporus mushroom because of
its effectiveness against human diseases. Agaricus bisporus
1.1. Medicinal mushrooms as a new source of natural contains high levels of dietary fibers and antioxidants
therapeutic bioactive compounds including vitamin C, D, and B12; folates and polyphenols
that may provide beneficial effects on cardiovascular and
Isolation and identification of bioactive compounds from diabetic diseases. 34
mushrooms crude extracts are required in order to specify White Agaricus bisporus is the most popular and the
which compound is responsible of the activity. Various most commonly eaten edible mushroom species in the
compounds are responsible for the therapeutic activities of world. It is popular not only because of its taste, but also
many mushrooms genera. The main group of compounds due to its high level of nutrients: dietary fiber (chitin),
will be highlighted as follows. Polysaccharides represent essential, semi-essential amino acids, unsaturated fatty acids
the major compounds existing in medicinal mushrooms, including linoleic and linolenic acids, easily digestible
and they exhibit antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, proteins, sterols, phenolic and indole compounds, and
antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory vitamins − especially provitamin D2 and B1, B2, B6,
activities. 1–28 Glucan polysaccharides especially β- B7, and C. 35 Fruiting bodies of Agaricus bisporus have
glucans have been reported to exhibit antimicrobial antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and
activity, hypoglycemic, and enhance immunity through immunomodulatory activity. The presence of antioxidant
the activating macrophages. Terpenes are the compounds ergothioneine is also notable. Agaricus bisporus also
responsible for the antioxidant, anticancer, and anti- contains derivatives of benzoquinone, a substance which
inflammatory activities among many other biological belongs to the group of antibiotics. 35 Studies of tyrosinase
activities exerted by mushrooms. 1–28 Phenolic compounds isolated from this species show its very high similarity
are responsible for antioxidant activities in mushroom to human tyrosinase. This points directly to the fact that
extracts through acting as decomposers of peroxidase, this species could be a rich source of tyrosinase used for
inactivators of metals, oxygen scavengers, or inhibitors medicinal and cosmetics purposes. Agaricus bisporus is
of free radicals. A long list of phenolic compounds were also a rich source of selenium, zinc and other elements
isolated from mushrooms. On the other hand, mushrooms such as magnesium, copper, iron, potassium, sodium,
produce many bioactive proteins and peptides, such as calcium, phosphorus, sulfur or manganese. 35 Most of the
lectins, fungal immunomodulatory proteins, ribosome- investigations have shown that nutraceutical therapy is a
inactivating proteins, and laccases. 1–28 promising source of new therapeutics against many life-
There are many genera of medicinal mushrooms threatening diseases. Although bioactive molecules isolated
known for their use as a source of therapeutic bioactive from Agaricus bisporus may represent an important advance
compounds. This review describes the importance of for their characterization as a source of drugs, more clinical
medicinal mushrooms with focus on Agaricus bisporus, data are needed for the determination of medicinal benefits
Agaricus blazei, Pleurotus ostreatus, Coprinus comatus, of Agaricus bisporus (Figure 1).
Cantharellus cibarius, Tremella fuciformis, Flammulina
velutipes, Grifola frondosa and Lentinula edodes as an 3. Uses and Health Benefits of Agaricus Blazei
examples of worldwide medicinal mushrooms.
Agaricus blazei mushrooms are the most potent natural
2. Uses and Health Benefits of Agaricus Bisporus immune supporters among mushrooms (Figure 1). This is
because they have a high concentration of beta-glucans,
Agaricus bisporus belongs to Basidiomycetes family and a type of molecule that has been shown to stimulate
the most important commercially cultivated mushroom the activation of immune system cells, like macrophages
in the world. The rich nutrients like carbohydrates, and other polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Agaricus blazei
proteins, lipids, fibers, minerals, and vitamins present popularly known as Himematsutake in Japan, is a mushroom
this mushroom as famous healthy food. Moreover, native to Brazil, and widely cultivated in Japan for its
because of the presence of some active ingredients, such medicinal uses, so it is now considered as one of the most
as polysaccharides, lipopolysaccharides, essential amino important edible and culinary-medicinal biotechnological
 Ahmed Elkhateeb and Mosbah Daba / International Journal of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Analysis 2022;9(1):1–9 3

species. It was traditionally used to treat many common the immune system of the body. This mushroom is also
diseases like atherosclerosis, hepatitis, hyperlipidemia, found to be effective and beneficial in diabetes, cancer,
diabetes, dermatitis and cancer. 36 Agaricus blazei has been microbial infections. 39
consumed by human for decades. Due to the popularity,
it is increasingly cultivated in many countries for its
supposed medicinal properties. Many scientific studies
reported various medicinal benefits (Anti-cancer, anti-
microbial antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities). 36

Fig. 2: Oyster Mushroom Pleurotus products (a) Pleurotus

ostreatus capsule (https//www.madeinstroud.co.uk), (b) Pleurotus
ostreatus capsule (https://www.indiamart.com/).

Fig. 1: Agaricus bisporus and Agaricus blazei products. Agaricus

bisporus and Agaricus blazei capsule; Cited in https://www.myco 5. Uses and Health Benefits of Coprinus Comatus
vital.de/ and Cited in, https://herbs-doctor.com/.
Mushrooms have been used for centuries not only
as food but also in traditional medicine as a source
of components with pro-health activity. One of the
4. Uses and Health Benefits of Pleurotus Ostreatus
important medicinal mushroom is Coprinus comatus , also
Consumption of Pleurotus ostreatus, an edible oyster called shaggy mane, chicken drumstick mushroom, or
mushroom rich in functional ingredients (β-glucans), may lawyer’s wig. In Asian countries, Coprinus comatus
improve glucose and lipid metabolism, blood pressure, is approved as edible mushroom. Various studies
body weight and appetite sensations. Oyster mushroom showed many of the physiological activities, such as
has been classified as vegetable in world foods. It belongs antioxidant, anticancer, antiandrogenic, hepatoprotective,
to genus Pleurotus. Mushroom fits in very well with antiinflammatory, antidiabetic, antiobesity, antibacterial,
sustainable farming systems with huge medicinal and antifungal, antinematode, and antiviral (Figure 3). 40
nutritional importance (Figure 2). Oyster mushroom is the The young mushrooms of Coprinus comatus, before
rich source of protein, vitamins, minerals, fibre and other the gills start to turn black, are edible. This mushroom is
antioxidants like selenium protect body cells from damage cultivated in China as food. When young it is an excellent
that might lead to chronic diseases and help to strengthen edible mushroom. It can be used as a hypoglycemic food
the immune system. Oyster mushroom is low in calories, fat or medicine for hyperglycemic people. The hypoglycemic
free Cholesterol free, Gluten free and very low in sodium. activity of fermented mushroom, Coprinus comatus tested
Increasing the consumption of oyster mushroom appears to on Alloxan and adrenalin-induced hyperglycemic mice. It
decrease the risk of obesity, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, confirmed that Coprinus comatus rich in vanadium has
and increase the immunity system of body. 37 Patel et al., 38 significant anti-hyperglycemic effect. 41
reported that bioactive compounds present in Pleurotus spp. Coprinus comatus, very common edible mushroom
includes: polysaccharides, lipopolysaccharides, proteins, that grows in meadows in the presence of soils rich in
peptides, glycoproteins, nucleosides, triterpenoids, lectins, organic matter. The most important medicinal property
lipids and their derivatives. is the hypoglycemic property due to the high vanadium
Oyster mushroom ( Pleurotus ostreatus) is such a content and is useful in the treatment of type I and
mushroom which is used both as food and medicine to type II diabetes. It also contains a high amount of iron
ensure the fitness of body. It contains protein, carbohydrates, which balances the vanadium concentration. Coprinus
fat, fiber, water, different kinds of vitamins and minerals as comatus improves bowel function, promoting motility and
well as secondary metabolites. Its statins are outstanding blood circulation. 42 Kalaw and Albinto, 43 determine the
in decreasing the harmful plasma lipids and in reducing nutraceutical and pharmacological potential of Philippine
blood pressure thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular wild strain of Coprinus comatus. The antibacterial
diseases. The beta-glucan component of oyster stimulates property, phytochemical composition, and antioxidant
4 Ahmed Elkhateeb and Mosbah Daba / International Journal of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Analysis 2022;9(1):1–9

activity were also evaluated. Both ethanol and acetone Polysaccharide is one of the important active ingredients of
basidiocarp extracts exhibited antibacterial activity against Cantharellus cibarius. Therefore, the investigation of the
Staphylococcus aureus. Coprinus comatus ethanol extract pro-health properties of crude polysaccharides from this
produced wider zone of inhibition than acetone extract. genus and species was performed by many researchers. 24
Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, The obtained results indicate that the polysaccharide
flavonoids, saponins and terpenoids. 43 Researchers have fraction from Cantharellus cibarius inhibits the activity of
discovered that Coprinus (Coprinus comatus) contains an both COX-1 and COX-2. Crude polysaccharides extracted
excellent hypoglycaemic agent, colloidal vanadium, which from Cantharellus cibarius were found to inhibit the
helps to reduce high levels of blood sugar and glycated proliferation of colon cancer cells with the simultaneous
haemoglobin, the most important parameter in monitoring absence of toxicity towards normal cells. 49
blood glucose trends. 44 The methanolic extract of the wild edible mushroom
Cantharellus cibarius Fr. (chanterelle) was analyzed by
Kozarski et al., 50 for in vitro antioxidative, cytotoxic,
antihypertensive and antibacterial activities. Various
primary and secondary metabolites were found. Phenols
were the major antioxidant components, followed by
flavonoids, whose content was approximately 86% of
the total phenol content. Antioxidant activity, measured
by four different methods, was high for inhibition of
lipid peroxidation and chelating ability. The extract
showed good selectivity in cytotoxicity on human cervix
adenocarcinoma HeLa, breast carcinoma MDA-MB-453
and human myelogenous leukemia K562, compared to
normal control human fetal lung fibroblasts MRC-5 and
Fig. 3: Coprinus comatus product (a) Coprinus powder capsule (ht human lung bronchial epithelial cells BEAS-2B. The
tps//www.amazon.co). (b) Coprinus powder capsule (https://www extract revealed selective antimicrobial activity against
.fruugobahrain.com/). Gram-positive bacteria with the highest potential against
E. faecalis. The medicinal and health benefits, observed in
wild Cantharellus cibarius mushroom, seem an additional
6. Uses and Health Benefits of Cantharellus Cibarius reason for its traditional use as a popular delicacy food. 50

Cantharellus cibarius is a species of golden chanterelle

belonging to Family: Cantharellaceae. It is the most
popular edible mushroom across almost every continent.
The golden chanterelle mushroom, Cantharellus cibarius,
is an edible mushroom with medicinal value. Given that
this species has good radical scavenging activity and
strong antioxidant potential and bactericidal effects. 45
Fruiting bodies of Cantharellus cibarius are a promising
source of extracts with vitamins, carbohydrates, proteins,
polysaccharides, sterols, phenolic acids, which various
biological properties. This mushroom is also a highly valued
source of carotenoids, tocopherols, vitamin C, flavonoids,
sterols, phenolics, indole compounds and selenium. Some of Fig. 4: Cantharellus products (a) Cantharellus cibarius capsule (h
these physiologically active compounds may be potentially ttps//www.dutch-headshop.eu). (b) Cantharellus cibarius (Golden
used in dietary supplements or medicines. 46 mushroom) drops (https://www.herbika.com/).
Cantharellus cibarius has been reported to display a wide
variety of biological properties, including antimicrobial,
cytotoxicity, antioxidant, antihypoxic, antihyperglycemic, 7. Uses and Health Benefits of Snow Mushroom
wound healing, anti-inflammatory, iron-chelation activity. 47 Tremella Fuciformis
Ethyl acetate, acetone, chloroform and ethanol extracts
of Cantharellus cibarius were tested for antimicrobial For many years, traditional Chinese medicine has used
activity (Figure 4). Antimicrobial activity against some mushrooms to treat various ailments. Tremella mushroom
Gram (+) and Gram (−) bacteria, yeasts, filamentous is has different famous names (Snow mushroom, silder
fungi and actinomycetes was revealed by Dulger et al., 48 ear mushroom, snow fungus or white jelly mushroom).
 Ahmed Elkhateeb and Mosbah Daba / International Journal of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Analysis 2022;9(1):1–9 5

Tremella fuciformis is a species of mushroom; it produces 8. Uses and Health Benefits of Enoki Mushroom
white, frond-like, gelatinous basidiocarps. The most Flammulina Velutipes
important Tremella mushroom benefits are anti-aging,
anti-inflammatory, lower cholesterol, combat obesity, Enoki mushroom (Flammulina velutipes; family
protect nerves and may fight cancer. The most powerful Physalacriaceae) is a popular, edible, and medicinal
nutritional constituents of Tremella are amino acids, mushroom. Commonly known as Enokitake, golden needle
vitamins, minerals, polysaccharides, Glucurmomannan mushroom, winter mushroom, lily mushroom, velvet
1,3-alpha-glucan, Epitope 9beta-D-glucuronosyl), stem, shank mushroom among different countries. Owing
Glucuronic acid, Glucurmic acid, Glucuronoxylomannan, to its high nutritional value, aroma and delicious taste
N-acetylglucosamine, Flavonoids, Polyphenols, Alkaloids ranked 4th in terms of production and consumption in the
and Organic acids. Chinese consumers should choose world and mainly grown in Asian countries, especially
nutritional and healthy food to maintain general health and China, Japan, Vietnam, and Korea. The most known
reduce the risk of health problems. Nutrition therapy on the benefits of Enoki mushrooms are anti-inflammatory, lowers
basis of traditional Chinese medicine such Tremella is quite cholesterol, and boost immunity. 52 Dietary fiber and
effective at treating common diseases (Figure 5). 13 Tremella mycosterol present in Enoki mushrooms can accelerate
fuciformis belonging to the order of Tremellales and the the decomposition of cholesterol. Therefore reduces total
family of Tremellaceae, which has been traditionally cholesterol, triacylglycerol, low-density lipoprotein in the
used for health promotion in China and other East Asian serum, and liver. 52 Enoki mushroom is a potential source
countries for many years. Plenty of bioactive substances of Se supplementation and biotransformation. Selenium
are discovered in Tremella fuciformis, including fatty acids, possesses beneficial effects on the protection of cells from
proteins, enzymes, polysaccharides, phenols, flavonoid, free radicals and detoxification mechanisms. Thus Enoki
dietary fiber and trace elements.Among them, Tremella mushroom is capable to balance selenite tolerance and
fuciformis polysaccharide has been identified as a major reduction in the body. 53
bioactive component in Tremella fuciformis, widely Flammulinol, flammulinolides, and polysaccharides
existed in fruiting body, spores, mycelia and ferment found in the Enoki mushroom increase the proliferation
liquor. Tremella fuciformis polysaccharide shows multiple and phagocytic activity of macrophages and prevent the
physiological and healthy promoting effects, such as building up of free radicals in the body. Thus intakes of
enhancing immune function, antitumor, anti-oxidation, anti- Enoki mushroom (especially cap) possess antioxidants with
aging, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, neuroprotection and cancer chemo-preventive properties. 54 Enoki mushroom
other effects. 51 Tremella fuciformis is naturally abundant in is a rich source of polysaccharides that enhance the
polysaccharides, which are a type of antioxidant that may structure and function of the thymus and spleen. Which is
contribute to anti-aging and antioxidant effects because important for T lymphocyte activation and maturation. 55
of their ability to prevent cell damage caused by free The presence of polysaccharides (glucan) in the Enoki
radicals. 13 mushroom shows the effect of the probiotic. It promotes
the proliferation of intestinal bacteria, lactic acid, acetic
acid, and other short-chain fatty acids. Thus stimulate
peristalsis, increase stool moisture, improve intestinal
motility, and improve constipation. 56 Enoki mushroom
contains immunomodulatory protein which acts as an anti-
inflammatory agent and inhibits house dust mite-induced
asthma inflammation and therapeutic role for allergic
airway diseases. 57 Enoki mushroom is a rich source of
phenolic, flavonoids, and Sesquiterpenoids (terpenoids) that
are responsible for protecting against different bacteria such
as Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Staphylococcus
aureus. 58
β-glucan and fatty acid complexes of the Enoki
mushroom inhibit digestion and absorption of fats
in the digestive tract and reduce the reabsorption
of bile acid by breaking down fats. 58 The presence
Fig. 5: Tremella products (a) Tremella fuciformis capsule (https://
www.mushroomnutrition.com/). (b) Tremella fuciformis capsule (
of high potassium and low sodium contents of the
https//www.shop.realmushrooms.com/). Enoki mushroom may be helpful in lowering blood
pressure and reduce the risk of stroke in people with
hypertension. 59 Flammulina velutipes is one of the most
popular edible mushrooms due to its biological activities.
6 Ahmed Elkhateeb and Mosbah Daba / International Journal of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Analysis 2022;9(1):1–9

Its chemical composition is optimal to provide physiology Numerous studies have confirmed that the biological
functions of organism with matters and energy. Many functions of Grifola frondosa extract, include immune
researches reported that Flammulina velutipes has various regulation, antitumor, anti-aging, antivirus and reducing
bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides, protein- blood lipid activities. With better purification methodologies
glucan complex, sterols, lectins, peroxidases, proteases and with a better understanding of mechanisms of action
and others, these bioactive compounds showed different Grifola frondosa has the potential to become an important
bioactivities, immunomodulating, antitumor, antioxidant, biological modifier and an immune modulator. 62 Over the
antihypertensive, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and past three decades, Grifola frondosa polysaccharides were
other effects 60. Popovych et al., 60 reported that shown to possess various promising bioactivities, mainly
Flammulina velutipes medicinal mushroom’s usage as a including antitumor and immunomodulation, anti-oxidation
source of bioactive compounds for medicinal and preventive and hepatoprotection, anti-hyperglycemia, and meanwhile
facilities, food and dietary supplements is a perspective can effectively act on the skin and hematopoietic stem
direction of pharmaceutical technology. According to the cells. 63
Yeh et al., 52 Flammulina velutipes contains biologically
active components such as dietary fiber, polysaccharide, and
mycosterol, whose effects in reducing blood sugar, blood
pressure, and cholesterol have been confirmed (Figure 6).

Fig. 7: Maitake Grifola products (a) Grifola frondosa capsule (htt

ps//www.mushroomnutrition.com/). (b) Grifola frondosa capsule
(https://www.fruugobahrain.com /).

Fig. 6: Flammulina products (a) Flammulina velutipes capsule (ht

tps//www.longfit.cz/en/). (b) Flammulina velutipes capsule (httpw 10. Uses and Health Benefits of Lentinula Edodes
ww.mycopro.net/).
Lentinula edodes (Shiitake) is an edible medicinal
mushroom worldwide cultivated for nutritional compounds
9. Uses and Health Benefits of Maitake Mushroom and pharmacological properties. 64 It is well-known
in Traditional Asian Medicine and marketed as food
Grifola Frondosa
supplements. Lots of investigations are carried out on
Grifola frondosa (G. frondosa), generally known as hen- its significant therapeutic potential. 65 Secondary effects
of-the-woods or maitake in Japanese and hui-shu-hua in were recently highlighted when consumed raw or poorly
Chinese, is an edible mushroom with both nutritional cooked. 66 Shiitake, was investigated for nutritional
and medicinal properties. The fruiting bodies of maitake interest and pharmacological properties as potential
mushrooms are rich in polysaccharides, in particular beta- agent in the metabolic syndrome, cancer treatment as
glucans, with one portion of these complex sugars known as well as antimicrobial natural drug. 50 Lentinus edodes
maitake’s “D-fraction”. These powerful compounds activate is used medicinally for diseases involving depressed
a host defence response by stimulating the proliferation of immune function (Including AIDS), cancer, environmental
immune cells such as macrophages, T-cells, natural killer allergies, fungal infection, frequent flu and colds, bronchial
cells and neutrophils (Figure 7). These cells will help inflammation, heart disease, hyperlipidemia, hypertension,
the immune system to rapidly and efficiently fight against infectious disease, diabetes, hepatitis and regulating
illness, increase resistance against sickness and disease, urinary inconsistencies. Antibiotic, anti-carcinogenic and
help the body to remove cellular waste and speed up antiviral compounds have been isolated from fruiting body,
recovery from tissue damage. The polysaccharides found mycelia. 66
in maitake mushrooms are also helpful to those undergoing Lentinula edodes polysaccharides strengthen the immune
heavy treatment for life threatening illnesses and have been system, eliminate side effects of chemo and radiotherapy
reported to reduce the side effects of certain treatments. 17,61 and have strong antitumor, antiviral and antibacterial
 Ahmed Elkhateeb and Mosbah Daba / International Journal of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Analysis 2022;9(1):1–9 7

properties. 67 Lentinula edodes is of interest to researchers blazei, Pleurotus ostreatus, Coprinus comatus, Cantharellus
due to its content of therapeutic compounds (Figure, 8). cibarius, Tremella fuciformis, Flammulina velutipes,
These substances have antitumor, antifungal, antibacterial, Grifola frondosa and Lentinula edodes. The strong
anti-inflammatory, hypocholesterolemic, antihypertensive, worldwide interest and value assigned to these medicinal
hypoglycaemic and antioxidant effects. 67 Lentinula edodes mushrooms has led to a large range of commercial products.
species is characterized by anti-inflammatory properties, Medicinal mushrooms keep surprising us by their promising
and it was found that addition of Cu, Zn, or Se enhanced the biological activities, in a way that encourage studying their
anti-inflammatory properties of Lentinula edodes mycelial effects in vitro and in vivo in order to discover their potent
extracts, suggesting that the mycelium of Lentinula edodes compounds to win the war with the currently spreading
may be used as a potential component in natural anti- life-threatening diseases. Further researches are required in
inflammatory dietary supplement. 68 order to isolate and identify more new bioactive compounds
Lentinan ( 1,3 beta-D-glucan), a polysaccharide isolated responsible for such biological activities. Moreover, clinical
from shiitake, is thought to be responsible for many of trials and more in-vivo experiments have to be carried
the mushroom’s beneficial effects. An injectable form of out to confirm new mushrooms’ capabilities as sources of
lentinan is used for cancer treatment in some countries, compounds having medical applications.
but it has not been evaluated in large studies. Lentin,
the protein component of shiitake, exerts antifungal 13. Source of Funding
properties, inhibits proliferation of leukemic cells, and
None.
suppresses the activity of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase. 69
Studies of shiitake extracts suggest antiproliferative,
14. Conflict of Interest
immunostimulatory, hepatoprotective, antimutagenic, and
anticaries effects in vitro and in mice. But a clinical trial None.
failed to show any benefit of an oral shiitake extract in the
treatment of prostate cancer. 70,71 References
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65. Zhang N, Chen H, Zhang Y. Comparative studies on chemical Cite this article: Ahmed Elkhateeb W, Mosbah Daba G. Medicinal
parameters and antioxidant properties of stipes and caps of shiitake mushroom: What should we know?. Int J Pharm Chem Anal
mushroom as affected by different drying methods. J Sci Food 2022;9(1):1-9.

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