Search Results (621)

Pregnancy involves profound metabolic, hormonal, and immunological adaptations essential for fetal development; however, disturbances may lead to complications such as preeclampsia (PE), pre-gestational diabetes, and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). These conditions are closely linked to oxidative stress, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, impaired placentation, and metabolic dysregulation. Consequently, dietary strategies capable of modulating these pathways are of increasing interest. Edible and medicinal mushrooms are widely studied as functional food due to the content of bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and metabolic regulatory effects. This review summarizes the nutritional composition of mushrooms and highlights key bioactive constituents with antioxidant and metabolic regulatory properties. Among them, ergothioneine has emerged as a key molecule due to its potent redox-buffering capacity and its potential involvement in the activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway, a master regulator of cellular antioxidant defense. Through modulation of Nrf2-dependent gene expression, mushroom-derived compounds may contribute to improved cellular resilience against oxidative damage relevant to PE and GDM pathophysiology. Mushroom consumption has additionally been associated with improved glycemic control and enhanced antioxidant defenses in experimental and limited clinical studies, although evidence regarding the prevention or management of hypertensive and metabolic pregnancy complications remains insufficient. Although preclinical findings are promising, clinical evidence remains limited. Further well-designed prospective studies and randomized controlled trials are required to determine efficacy, safety, optimal intake, and active compounds responsible for these effects. Nevertheless, current evidence supports the biological plausibility that edible and medicinal mushrooms are promising dietary modulators of the ergothioneine–Nrf2 axis with potential relevance for maternal–fetal health. Full article

Edible and medicinal mushrooms, including cultivated and wild species, are increasingly recognized as valuable functional foods and nutraceutical resources due to their high nutritional value, abundance of bioactive compounds, and documented health-promoting properties. However, their high perishability results in substantial postharvest quality losses and limits commercial shelf life. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in mushroom preservation technologies, with particular emphasis on emerging non-thermal approaches such as cold plasma treatment, active packaging systems, and electrostatic field technologies. Conventional and advanced drying methods, edible coatings, biopreservation, fermentation and irradiation are also critically evaluated. Cold plasma treatment effectively reduces microbial contamination and enzymatic browning while maintaining firmness and nutritional quality, whereas active packaging systems based on chitosan films, nanocomposites, and modified atmospheres help reduce moisture loss, delay senescence, and preserve physicochemical properties during storage. Electrostatic field treatment combined with modified atmosphere packaging has shown additional potential for extending refrigerated shelf life. Among drying technologies, freeze-drying generally provides the highest retention of colour, texture and bioactive compounds, although its industrial application remains constrained by high energy consumption and operational costs. Overall, current evidence suggests that integrated preservation approaches offer the greatest potential for improving shelf-life extension and quality retention. Nevertheless, further research is required to address challenges related to industrial scalability, process standardization, economic feasibility and long-term quality assessment. Full article

Background/Objectives: Mushroom-derived phenolic compounds are gaining attention as bioactive molecules with potential roles in gut microbiota modulation, intestinal health, and metabolic regulation. Although mushroom polysaccharides are well established as fermentable substrates, the contribution of fungal phenolics to microbiota–host interactions remains less defined. This review aimed to critically analyse the evidence supporting mushroom-derived phenolic compounds as emerging prebiotic-like modulators of gut microbiota, intestinal function, and host metabolism. Methods: A narrative critical review was conducted using scientific literature retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Studies addressing phenolic profiling in edible and medicinal mushrooms, gastrointestinal digestion, colonic fermentation, microbial biotransformation, gut microbiota modulation, intestinal barrier function, inflammation, and metabolic outcomes were considered. Particular attention was given to chromatographic and mass spectrometry-based studies, in vitro digestion/fermentation models, mechanistic studies, animal experiments, clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. Results: Current evidence shows that mushrooms contain diverse phenolic compounds, mainly phenolic acids such as gallic, protocatechuic, caffeic, p-coumaric, ferulic, vanillic, syringic, and cinnamic acids. Due to limited small intestine absorption, a substantial fraction of these compounds may reach the colon, where they undergo microbial biotransformation into smaller phenolic metabolites. These metabolites may influence microbial ecology, support beneficial taxa, modulate short-chain fatty acid production indirectly, attenuate oxidative stress and inflammatory signaling, and contribute to intestinal barrier integrity. However, most evidence derives from in vitro and preclinical studies, while human data remain limited and are mainly based on whole-mushroom interventions. Conclusions: Mushroom-derived phenolic compounds are promising prebiotic-like modulators within the microbiota–metabolite–host axis. Nevertheless, their specific contribution cannot yet be quantitatively distinguished from that of other mushroom constituents, particularly β-glucans, chitin, and other fungal polysaccharides, because most available evidence derives from whole-mushroom matrices, crude extracts, or polysaccharide-rich preparations rather than isolated phenolic fractions. Future studies should compare whole mushroom preparations, polysaccharide-rich fractions, and standardized phenolic-rich extracts, integrating metabolomics, microbiome profiling, and well-designed clinical trials to clarify the relative mechanistic and therapeutic relevance of mushroom phenolics. Future studies should use standardized phenolic-rich extracts, metabolomics, microbiome analysis, and well-designed clinical trials to clarify their mechanistic relevance, clinical significance, and translational potential. Full article

Cordyceps militaris is a high-value medicinal mushroom with growing demand in functional-food and nutraceutical markets, yet practical frameworks for small-scale, family-operated cultivation remain limited. This study presents an integrated technical and economic feasibility analysis of small-scale Cordyceps production under two scenarios: a one-room setup (Scenario 1) and a two-room configuration with a shared processing area and staggered scheduling (Scenario 2). Both use consistent biological, operational, and market assumptions with no hired labor, and the analysis covers capital expenditure (CapEx), operating costs (OpEx), profitability, payback, and break-even thresholds, complemented by sensitivity analysis of parameters such as biological efficiency and contamination rates. Both scenarios were technically and financially viable. Scenario 1 achieved a net present value (NPV) of $1761, an internal rate of return (IRR) of 10%, a 4.7-year discounted payback, and a 133% five-year return on investment (ROI); Scenario 2 attained an NPV of $85,437, a 66% IRR, a 1.6-year payback, and a 366% ROI. Because gross margins were consistent across scales, the expansion’s advantage stemmed from more efficient CapEx amortization rather than improved unit profitability. Cordyceps cultivation emerges as a viable family-operated, small-scale enterprise that can diversify family income, generate supplementary or primary earnings, and support urban and rural livelihoods. Full article

Background: Ganoderma lucidum is a medicinal mushroom widely recognized for its high content of bioactive polysaccharides, particularly β-glucans with immunomodulatory properties. This study aimed to optimize polysaccharide extraction conditions to maximize yield and glucan content, and to evaluate the biological activity of the obtained fractions in an experimental model of intestinal mucositis. Methods: Polysaccharides were extracted using a combination of hot-water extraction and ethanol precipitation, optimized by response surface methodology. Optimal conditions (121 °C for 120 min followed by 90% ethanol precipitation) yielded a crude polysaccharide fraction (Poli-GL). A subsequent freeze–thaw process generated a soluble fraction (S-Poli-GL). Structural and compositional characterization was performed using enzymatic assays, monosaccharide profiling, and NMR spectroscopy. The biological effects of Poli-GL and S-Poli-GL were evaluated in a 5-fluorouracil-induced intestinal mucositis model following oral administration at doses of 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg. Results: The optimized extraction protocol enabled efficient recovery of polysaccharides enriched in glucans. S-Poli-GL exhibited a high total glucan content, including 43.3% β-glucans and 3.45% α-glucans, along with minor amounts of galactose and mannose. Structural analysis confirmed the predominance of branched β-(1→3),(1→6)-D-glucans. While Poli-GL did not prevent mucositis development, S-Poli-GL significantly reduced the disease activity index and attenuated intestinal inflammation, indicating enhanced biological activity associated with the soluble glucan-rich fraction. Conclusions: Optimization of extraction and fractionation improves the functional properties of G. lucidum polysaccharides. The soluble glucan-enriched fraction (S-Poli-GL) demonstrated significant protective effects in intestinal mucositis, supporting its potential as a therapeutic candidate and warranting further investigation for clinical application. Full article

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) remains a significant pathogen, particularly in immunocompromised patients. The emergence of drug-resistant strains necessitates alternative therapeutic agents. Lentinula edodes (LE), Hypsizygus marmoreus, and Pleurotus eryngii are edible mushrooms with recognized medicinal properties. However, their effects on drug-resistant HSV-1 remain unclear. This study characterized metabolites from high-temperature/high-pressure (121 °C) water extracts of fresh and dried fruiting bodies and evaluated anti-HSV-1 activities using in vitro and in silico approaches. Metabolic profiles were analyzed by electrospray ionization–quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Antiviral activity against HSV-1 KOS (wild-type) and HSV-1 dxpiii (drug-resistant) strains was assessed by plaque assays and qPCR. Molecular docking and network pharmacology were performed on candidate compounds. LE extract from dried mushroom tended to show the highest levels of selected major bioactive constituents, along with greater antioxidant activities. All extracts significantly inhibited viral infection and gene expression in both strains. LE extract from dried mushroom modulated the expression of NFKB1 and IL6. Molecular docking analysis revealed that eritanidine showed a predicted binding affinity to HSV-1 DNA polymerase (−7.95 kcal/mol). Additionally, eritanidine, 5′-methylthioadenosine, and 3-indoleacrylic acid were predicted to interact with TNF and MAPK1. Several compounds also demonstrated favorable drug-likeness properties. Overall, these mushroom extracts are promising natural sources of antiviral agents against HSV-1, including drug-resistant variants. Full article

Edible and medicinal mushrooms are widely studied for their bioactive compounds, yet their role as sources of essential vitamins remains inadequately defined and often overestimated. This review provides a critical assessment of vitamin composition in edible and medicinal mushrooms, with an emphasis on B-group vitamins and vitamin D₂, focusing on variability, bioavailability, and limitations for nutritional applications. Current evidence indicates that mushrooms can contribute to the intake of selected B vitamins, particularly riboflavin (B₂) and thiamine (B₁), at levels comparable to common plant foods. However, their relevance as a source of vitamin B₁₂ is highly uncertain due to pronounced compositional variability, the frequent occurrence of inactive corrinoid analogues, and limited evidence of physiological bioavailability. In contrast, vitamin D₂ represents a distinctive and technologically controllable feature of mushrooms, formed via the ultraviolet-induced conversion of ergosterol. Post-harvest UV exposure can substantially enhance vitamin D₂ content, enabling targeted biofortification strategies. Nevertheless, the nutritional significance of mushroom-derived vitamins is constrained by inconsistencies in reported concentrations, lack of standardized analytical methodologies, and insufficient clinical evidence. Overall, edible and medicinal mushrooms should not be regarded as universal natural sources of vitamins; rather, their nutritional relevance depends on species, cultivation conditions, post-harvest processing, analytical verification, and, particularly in the case of vitamin D₂, controlled UV-induced biofortification. Future research should prioritize standardized analytical approaches and well-designed human studies to support evidence-based nutritional applications. Full article

Cordyceps militaris, a medicinal and edible mushroom, is renowned for its bioactive constituents and health-promoting effects. This study investigated the effects of vacuum freeze drying (VF), vacuum drying (VD), oven drying (OV), and sun drying (SU) on the metabolite profiles and antioxidant activities of C. militaris. VF showed the highest levels of total phenolics, total carotenoids, cordycepin, and N⁶-(2-hydroxyethyl)-adenosine, whereas VD better preserved total flavonoids. VF- and VD-treated samples also exhibited stronger antioxidant capacities than those processed by OV and SU in 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH•), 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical (ABTS^•+), hydroxyl radical (•OH), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Metabolomics analysis identified 193 significantly altered metabolites after drying treatments. VF, VD, and SU increased carbohydrates, vitamins, and phenolic acids, while leading to reductions in amino acids, nucleotides, and fatty acids. KEGG analysis revealed that drying significantly affected pathways related to purine and pyrimidine metabolism, amino acid biosynthesis, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. Network pharmacology further identified 8 key compounds potentially associated with antioxidant effects through interactions with 37 core targets. These findings highlight the importance of selecting appropriate drying methods to preserve the bioactive compounds and functional quality of C. militaris. Full article

Green synthesis of nanoparticles using biological extracts has emerged as a sustainable alternative to conventional physicochemical methods, as it provides eco-friendly reducing and stabilizing agents. In this study, silver–copper bimetallic nanoparticles (Ag/Cu-BNPs) were biosynthesized using an aqueous extract of the medicinal mushroom Hericium erinaceus, and their biological properties were evaluated. Three nanoparticle formulations (M1–M3), differing only in the proportion of H. erinaceus extract, were analyzed and selected based on their optical response in UV–Vis spectroscopy. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, TEM, and EDS. Antibacterial activity was assessed against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus using standard methods, while cytotoxicity was evaluated in cancer cell lines (Caco-2, HT-29, A549, MCF-7) and a normal fibroblast line (HDFn). The synthesized Ag/Cu-BNPs were quasi-spherical with an average size of 9.3 ± 3.4 nm, calculated from TEM image analysis of over 900 particles. They exhibited significant antibacterial activity, particularly against S. aureus, and showed dose-dependent cytotoxicity, with Caco-2 cells being the most sensitive. Notably, the nanoparticles displayed greater selectivity toward cancer cells compared to normal fibroblasts, suggesting potential biomedical applications in antimicrobial and antitumor therapies. These results suggest that H. erinaceus extract is an effective biogenic agent for Ag/Cu-BNP synthesis, and that the resulting nanoparticles possess antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties that warrant further investigation for potential biomedical applications. Full article

Mushrooms have been used for centuries in traditional folk medicine for the treatment of various diseases and are valued for their health-promoting properties. This long-standing use has sparked growing scientific interest in mushrooms as a source of bioactive compounds. While mushrooms contain a wide range of biologically active substances, including terpenoids, alkaloids, and glycoproteins, this review focuses specifically on polysaccharides derived from mushroom and their potential anti-aging effects at the cellular level. The evidence presented here summarizes current knowledge based on both in vitro and in vivo studies. Additionally, this review highlights the emerging potential of mushroom-derived polysaccharides as natural carriers in advanced drug delivery systems. Although several studies have investigated the use of fungal polysaccharides in combination with therapeutic agents—such as bovine serum albumin, resveratrol, paclitaxel, and quercetin—the potential of combining fungal polysaccharides with senotherapeutics remains unexplored. To fully realize the potential of mushroom-derived polysaccharides in promoting everyday health, combating cellular aging and obtaining synergistic anti-ageing effect via using mushroom polysaccharides as carriers for senolytics, further research is needed. Full article

Oxidative stress and inflammation play a key role in many diseases. This study evaluated the potential of bioactive compounds from Red-belted Bracket and Artist’s Bracket mushrooms to mitigate these processes. Multistep extraction yielded fractions with diversified composition (triterpenoids, polysaccharides) and bioactivities, including antioxidant properties and inhibition of pro-inflammatory enzymes. Both species were rich in triterpenoids: ethanolic extracts from Artist’s Bracket contained mainly ganoderenic and ganoderic acids (≈31 μg/g d.w.), while Red-belted Bracket extracts contained phenolic acids (≈20 μg/g d.w., mainly vanillic and chebulic acids) and triterpenoids (≈73 μg/g d.w., mainly forpinic and formipinic acids). The alkaline and ethanolic extracts exhibited the highest radical scavenging and reducing activities. Lipoxygenase was inhibited only by ethanolic extracts, with IC₅₀ values of 0.93 mg d.w./mL for Artist’s Bracket (mixed inhibition) and 0.62 mg d.w./mL for Red-belted Bracket (noncompetitive). Artist’s Bracket was also a potent source of xanthine oxidase inhibitors acting uncompetitively (IC₅₀ = 0.71, 1.39, and 2.06 mg d.w./mL for ethanolic, methanolic, and aqueous extracts, respectively). In contrast, Red-belted Bracket was less active (IC₅₀ = 3.84 mg d.w./mL, noncompetitive). In conclusion, these mushrooms, particularly their ethanolic extracts, are promising sources of compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, acting as effective inhibitors of lipoxygenase and xanthine oxidase. Full article

Agaricus subrufescens (AS) is a medicinal mushroom with notable bioactivity and the capacity to accumulate trace elements. In this study, selenium-enriched A. subrufescens (SAS) was cultivated, and its protective effects against alcoholic liver disease (ALD) were investigated, with an emphasis on clarifying the underlying mechanisms. The results showed that the yield and antioxidant capacity of mushrooms in a 10 mg·kg⁻¹ Se treatment group were increased. Nutritional analysis revealed that SAS contained considerable levels of crude protein (350.00 g·kg⁻¹), crude fiber (7.8%), free amino acids (250.20 g·kg⁻¹), and other bioactive constituents. Furthermore, the hepatoprotective effects of AS/SAS were studied in male Kunming mice with alcohol-induced liver injury. The body growth, liver index, serum and liver biochemical parameters, histopathological features of liver, hepatic mRNA levels and liver metabolomics were investigated. The results demonstrated that SAS significantly reduced hepatic lipid accumulation, enhanced antioxidant capacity, regulated the mRNA expression of key genes involved in lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses, and modulated liver metabolic characteristics. These findings provide theoretical evidence for the potential of SAS as a functional food against alcohol-induced liver injury. Full article

Medicinal mushrooms have become an important component of modern dietary supplementation and functional nutrition due to their diverse biological activities and long-standing use in traditional medicine. Among the most widely studied and utilized species are Ganoderma lucidum, Lentinula edodes, Grifola frondosa, Cordyceps militaris, Cordyceps sinensis, Trametes versicolor, and Inonotus obliquus. Their therapeutic potential is associated with a wide range of biologically active constituents, including polysaccharides, triterpenoids, phenolic compounds, and other secondary metabolites. Experimental and clinical studies indicate that extracts derived from these species may support immune function, modulate inflammatory responses, and exhibit antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. In addition to extensive in vitro and in vivo investigations, a growing number of clinical studies have evaluated the safety and potential therapeutic benefits of medicinal mushroom preparations in humans. In recent years, increasing attention has been directed toward their incorporation into nutraceutical formulations and functional foods aimed at supporting health and preventing chronic diseases. Advances in cultivation technologies and extraction methods have also contributed to improved availability and standardization of mushroom-derived products. This review provides a comprehensive overview of selected medicinal mushroom species commonly used in dietary supplements, focusing on their bioactive constituents, reported biological activities, and potential applications in contemporary medicine. Full article

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major global health challenge that has intensified interest in multi-target nutraceuticals with potential adjunctive benefits. Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi/Reishi) is a medicinal mushroom traditionally used in East Asia and is increasingly investigated for its role in glycemic regulation and metabolic disturbances. This review critically synthesizes current evidence on its hypoglycemic effects, focusing on bioactive compounds, molecular mechanisms, and translational limitations. Unlike broader reviews on Ganoderma bioactivity and health-related benefits, this review specifically evaluates the alignment between taxonomic authentication, chemical standardization, preclinical mechanisms, and human clinical evidence in the context of glycemic regulation. This narrative review was based on a targeted literature search conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus for studies published up to October 2025, supplemented by Google Scholar. The included studies comprised in vitro experiments, in vivo animal models, and human clinical trials evaluating glycemic and metabolic outcomes of Ganoderma preparations. In vitro and animal studies indicate that polysaccharides, including β-(1→3)/(1→6)-glucans and proteoglycans such as FYGL, may improve insulin sensitivity via AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) and PI3K/Akt pathways, promote GLUT4 (glucose transporter type 4) translocation, suppress hepatic gluconeogenesis, protect pancreatic β-cells, and modulate gut microbiota. In enzyme assays and preclinical models, lanostane-type triterpenoids act primarily by inhibiting α-glucosidase and α-amylase, thereby potentially reducing postprandial glucose excursions. Despite consistent preclinical evidence, clinical findings remain heterogeneous, with the largest randomized controlled trial reporting no significant glycemic benefit. Overall, Ganoderma lucidum shows strong mechanistic plausibility but insufficient clinical evidence for antidiabetic efficacy. Future research should prioritize species authentication, chemical standardization, and adequately powered clinical trials. Full article

Lentinula edodes (L. edodes) is a significant edible and medicinal mushroom with essential nutrient elements for its growth, including Fe²⁺, K⁺, and Mn²⁺. However, the molecular mechanisms by which these metal ions regulate the mycelial growth of L. edodes have been poorly elucidated at the transcriptomic level. In this study, plate culture was performed using concentration gradients to screen for optimal concentrations. Based on the plate culture assay results, L. edodes strain 1303 was treated with 40 μg/mL Fe²⁺, 1200 μg/mL K⁺, and 50 μg/mL Mn²⁺, with a control group (CK) without additional metal ion supplementation. Three biological replicates were set for each treatment, and the mycelia were collected for transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq). The results showed that Fe²⁺ at concentrations above 20 µg/mL significantly inhibited mycelial growth; K⁺ at 1200 µg/mL and Mn²⁺ at 50 µg/mL significantly promoted mycelial growth, with increases in mycelial growth radius on day 7 of 21.22% and 10.77%, respectively, compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Transcriptomic analysis revealed that Fe²⁺ was associated with impaired protein folding-related functions and suppressed material and energy metabolism, which may contribute to the inhibition of mycelial growth. Mycelial growth promotion by K⁺ was associated with enhanced detoxification and secondary metabolism, as well as suggested enrichment of mitochondrial function and the oxidative phosphorylation pathway. Mn²⁺ may contribute to mycelial growth via mechanisms related to DNA repair and recombination, cell cycle progression, and detoxification. This study elucidates the differential gene expression patterns and regulatory effects of the three exogenous metal ions on the mycelial growth of L. edodes at the transcriptomic level, offering a rationale basis for mineral nutrition optimization during the mycelial stage. However, these interpretations are based on transcriptomic data only and lack direct evidence from ion uptake, proteomic, or metabolomic validation. Future studies will focus on validating these results through multilevel omics and functional experiments. Full article