Anti-inflammatory properties of edible mushrooms: A review

Food Chem. 2018 Mar 15:243:373-381. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2017.09.149. Epub 2017 Sep 30.

Abstract

Mushrooms have been used extensively, owing to their nutritional and medicinal value, for thousands of years. Modern research confirms the therapeutic effect of traditionally used species. Inflammation is a natural response of the immune system to damaging factors, e.g. physical, chemical and pathogenic. Deficiencies of antioxidants, vitamins, and microelements, as well as physiological processes, such as aging, can affect the body's ability to resolve inflammation. Mushrooms are rich in anti-inflammatory components, such as polysaccharides, phenolic and indolic compounds, mycosteroids, fatty acids, carotenoids, vitamins, and biometals. Metabolites from mushrooms of the Basidiomycota taxon possess antioxidant, anticancer, and most significantly, anti-inflammatory properties. Recent reports indicate that edible mushroom extracts exhibit favourable therapeutic and health-promoting benefits, particularly in relation to diseases associated with inflammation. In all certainty, edible mushrooms can be referred to as a "superfood" and are recommended as a valuable constituent of the daily diet.

Keywords: Anti-inflammatory properties; Basidiomycota; Bioelements; Edible mushroom; Indole compounds; Phenolic compounds.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Agaricales / chemistry*
  • Agaricales / metabolism
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / chemistry*
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antioxidants / chemistry
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology
  • Basidiomycota / chemistry*
  • Basidiomycota / metabolism
  • Carotenoids / analysis
  • Carotenoids / metabolism
  • Fatty Acids / metabolism
  • Fatty Acids / pharmacology
  • Fungal Polysaccharides / metabolism
  • Fungal Polysaccharides / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Phenols / analysis
  • Phenols / pharmacology
  • Secondary Metabolism
  • Vitamins / metabolism
  • Vitamins / pharmacology

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antioxidants
  • Fatty Acids
  • Fungal Polysaccharides
  • Phenols
  • Vitamins
  • Carotenoids