Medicinal mushrooms: Bioactive compounds, use, and clinical trials
This 2021 review covers clinical studies on medicinal mushrooms, the characteristics of their bioactive components, and the mechanisms by which these compounds induce their effects. Medicinal mushrooms can exhibit a broad range of pharmacological activities, including anti-allergic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antidepressant-like, digestive, and antidiabetic effects. Some of the compounds in medicinal mushrooms can inhibit oxidation, a chemical reaction that may produce free radicals and chain reactions that may damage the cells of organisms. Some components may be toxic to cells too (cytotoxic). But medicinal mushrooms can potentially protect the liver, bones, neuronal structure and function from damage, help reduce blood pressure, and preserve kidney function. Thus, the study of mushroom compound and extract use in medicine (mycotherapy) has been growing. The scientific community needs to continue conducting robust clinical studies and to propose safe and genetically pure supplements. [NPID: mushrooms, medicinal mushrooms, edible mushrooms, mycotherapy, supplements, alternative medicine, antioxidants, antibacterial, antifungal, blood pressure]
Year: 2021
