Flammulina velutipes (enokitake) is an edible mushroom recognized for both its nutritional and medicinal properties. It exhibits a broad spectrum of biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, immunomodulatory, and gut microbiota-regulating effects. These effects are primarily attributed to bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides, phenolic compounds, and sterols, and are mediated through the modulation of multiple signaling pathways, including NF-κB, MAPK, and PI3K/Akt. Collectively, the available evidence indicates that F. velutipes represents a promising candidate for the development of functional foods and pharmaceutical formulations. This review emphasizes its therapeutic potential and provides valuable insights to guide future medicinal research. © 2026 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Keywords: Flammulina velutipes; enoki; enokitake; functional foods; polysaccharides.
© 2026 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.