Fungi and Algae as Sources of Medicinal and Other Biologically Active Compounds: A Review

Abstract

Many species of fungi including lichenized fungi (lichens) and algae have the ability to biosynthesize biologically active compounds. They produce, among others, polysaccharides with anticancer and immunostimulatory properties: (1) Background: This paper presents the characteristics of the most important bioactive compounds produced by fungi and algae; (2) Methods: Based on the example of the selected species of mushrooms, lichens and algae, the therapeutic properties of the secondary metabolites that they produce and the possibilities of their use are presented; (3) Results: The importance of fungi, especially large-fruited mushrooms, lichens and algae, in nature and human life is discussed, in particular, with regard to their use in the pharmaceutical industry and their nutritional value; (4) Conclusions: The natural organisms, such as fungi, lichenized fungi and algae, could be used as supplementary medicine, in the form of pharmaceutical preparations and food sources. Further advanced studies are required on the pharmacological properties and bioactive compounds of these organisms.

Global seaweed farming and processing in the past 20 years

“…Carrageenan, the primary algal group of red seaweed, has been extensively studied for its wide range of biological activities, including its antitumor, antiproliferation, antiviral and anticoagulant activities (Guo et al 2019;Cotas et al 2020aCotas et al , 2020bCotas et al , 2020cJazzara et al 2016;Gomaa & Elshoubaky et al 2016;Carlucci et al 1997). Agar is a mixture of polysaccharides with similar functional properties to carrageenan, exhibiting antiviral, anti-diabetic, anti-colon cancer and anti-inflammatory properties (Ślusarczyk & Czerwik-Marcinkowska 2021;Geetha & Tuvikene 2021;Hardoko et al 2015;Yun et al 2021;Lee et al 2018).…”

Medicinal Components in Edible Mushrooms on Diabetes Mellitus Treatment

“…and Calvatia spp. ), shaggy mane (Coprinus comatus), two oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus and Pleurotus cystidiosus), boletes (Boletaceae), sulfer shelf (Laetiporus sulphurous), hen of the woods (Grifora frondosa), button mushroom (Agricus bisporus), golden oyster mushroom (Pleurotus citrinopileatus) [2][3][4], morels (Morachella esculenta), bearded tooth (Hericium erinaceus), straw mushroom (Volvariella volvacea) [5,6], Eenoki (Flammulina velutipes) [7], shiitake (Lentinula edodes) [8], beech mushroom (Hypsizygus marmoreus) [9], french horn mushroom (Pleurotus eryngii) [10], dancing mushroom (Grifola frondosa) [11], and black poplar mushroom (Agrocybe aegerita) [12]. Wild edible mushrooms are not only superior for the chemical and nutritional characteristics but also the protein and vitamin contents, B vitamins, vitamin D, vitamin K, and rarely vitamin A and C [13][14][15].…”

Cocultivation of White-Rot Fungi and Microalgae in the Presence of Nanocellulose

“…We decided to continue investigating the fungi T. pubescens 220 and T. versicolor 159 as well as the algae C. vulgaris and S. vacuolatus because these fungi and algae appeared to grow quickly in 1:1 Sueoka-malt extract medium (1:1 SK:ME) and malt extract (ME) medium, facilitating growth experiments. In addition, species of Trametes are often found associated with freshwater algae in nature making them the most ideal samples to study ( 3 , 4 , 25 ). Of the fungal cocultures initially analyzed, T. pubescens 220, T. versicolor 159, and their algal partners C. vulgaris and S. vacuolatus grew rapidly in 1:1 SK:ME (1.3 cm/day and 1.4 cm/day, respectively) and ME conditions (1.7 cm/day and 1.3 cm/day) comparable to single cultures of T. versicolor 159 (1.6 cm/day) and T. pubescens 220 (1.3 cm/day) ( Fig.…”