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Abstract

Since ancient times, humans have always been captivated by nature and have explored natural products. To combat against novel emerging and reemerging diseases and tremendous side effects imposed by recent therapies, scientists have again taken an interest in natural resources. To date, plants have been the major source of natural bioactive compounds, but recently fungi have got more attention. Amongst fungi, edible and medicinal mushrooms have come out as a rich source of bioactive metabolites. Since long back, they are being consumed heavily because of their outstanding flavour, aroma, nutritional value, and medicinal properties. Both edible, as well as medicinal mushrooms, synthesize bioactive compounds known as secondary metabolites i.e., polysaccharides, steroids, terpenes as well as peptides. Such metabolites possess many medicinal properties like anti-oxidant, anti-tumor, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, antiageing, and also anti-obesity. Furthermore, mushroom secondary metabolites are prioritized over other natural compounds due to their non-toxic nature and low or no side effects. This review mainly covers sources and types of secondary mushroom metabolites and their therapeutic applications.

Metabolomics Profiling of White Button, Crimini, Portabella, Lion’s Mane, Maitake, Oyster, and Shiitake Mushrooms Using Untargeted Metabolomics and Targeted Amino Acid Analysis

“…In addition to essential nutrients, mushrooms have several bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, lectins, terpenoids, sterols, and alkaloids, among others, which may positively impact health [ 9 ]. The cell walls of mushrooms contain polysaccharides, including -glucans and chitin, which positively affect health, e.g., through the modulation of the immune system and protection of the cardiovascular system through improvements in glucose and lipid metabolism [ 10 ].…”