Emma Wilson
Mushrooms have been used for their health and medicinal properties for centuries. They are considered a valuable health food due to their significant dietary fibre content and low-calorie and fat content. Mushrooms also possess anti-inflammatory properties, which have been demonstrated in various studies. They are rich in anti-inflammatory components such as polysaccharides, phenolic compounds, and fatty acids. Modern research confirms the therapeutic effects of mushrooms, which have been traditionally used in folk medicine in different parts of the world.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Medicinal value | Anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic, antioxidative, antitumor |
| Nutritional value | Carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, minerals, dietary fiber |
| Anti-inflammatory compounds | Polysaccharides, terpenoids, phenolic compounds, low molecular weight molecules |
| Health benefits | Improve health, modulate immunity, reduce inflammation, improve quality of life, reduce adverse effects of cancer treatments |
| Side effects | None reported |
| Examples | White button, crimini, maitake, oyster, shiitake, lion's mane, reishi, cordyceps, Agaricus sylvaticus, Antrodia cinnamomea, Coriolus versicolor, Ganoderma lucidum |
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What You'll Learn
Mushrooms as a superfood
Mushrooms have been used for their health and medicinal benefits for thousands of years. They are a valuable health food due to their significant dietary fibre content and low-calorie and fat content. Mushrooms are also distinguished as an important food source containing polysaccharides, which have potent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating properties.
The anti-inflammatory properties of mushrooms have been supported by numerous studies. For example, a study on mice found that oral administration of lentinan, a polysaccharide isolated from shiitake mushrooms, inhibited necroptosis and suppressed colitis. Another study found that extracts of various mushrooms showed a significant decrease in the activities of inflammatory mediators, thus reducing cell inflammations.
Mushrooms have also been found to have anti-cancer properties. Extracts of multiple mushroom varieties have been shown to be protective in experimental cancer models, possibly due to their ability to boost anti-tumour immunity. Additionally, a 2020 review suggested that mushrooms may improve the quality of life and reduce adverse effects when taken in combination with conventional cancer treatments.
The therapeutic effects of mushrooms are further supported by their use in traditional folk medicine in many parts of the world, including Africa, the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
Overall, mushrooms can be considered a superfood due to their high nutritional value, low toxicity, and potential therapeutic benefits, particularly their anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. However, it is important to note that while mushroom supplements may offer health benefits, they should not be a substitute for a healthy and balanced diet.
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Anti-inflammatory compounds in mushrooms
Mushrooms have been used for their nutritional and medicinal value for thousands of years. They are a potential natural source of anti-inflammatory compounds and have been used to treat inflammatory diseases such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, gastritis, bronchitis, and atherosclerosis.
The anti-inflammatory compounds in mushrooms include polysaccharides, terpenoids, phenolic compounds, and many other low molecular weight molecules. The Basidiomycota taxon possesses antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. The anti-inflammatory activities of mushrooms on macrophages are mediated through the inhibition of signaling pathways, such as nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), pro-inflammatory cytokines, prostaglandins release, and reactive oxygen species.
The white button (WB) extracts of mushrooms readily stimulated macrophage production of TNF-α. The crimini, maitake, oyster, and shiitake extracts also stimulated TNF-α production in macrophage but at lower levels than WB stimulation. Primary cultures of murine macrophage and ovalbumin (OVA)-specific T cells showed that whole mushroom extracts alone had no effect on cytokine production. However, co-stimulation with either lipopolysacharide or OVA induced TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-1β while decreasing IL-10.
The anti-inflammatory properties of mushrooms have been demonstrated in numerous animal model studies. For example, lentinan, a polysaccharide isolated from the Shiitake mushroom, has been shown to possess intestinal anti-inflammatory effects in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mouse models. Additionally, the combination of lentinan and probiotics (Lactobacillus reuteri and Bacillus coagulans) alleviated inflammation and oxidative stress caused by ulcerative colitis better than each treatment alone.
Mushrooms are also being investigated for their potential in cancer treatment. Extracts of multiple varieties of mushrooms have been shown to be protective in experimental cancer models, possibly due to their ability to boost anti-tumor immunity. A 2020 review suggested that mushrooms taken orally in combination with chemotherapy might improve quality of life and reduce some adverse effects of cancer therapies.
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Folk medicine and mushroom extracts
Mushrooms have been used for their nutritional and medicinal value for thousands of years. They are a source of carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, and minerals. They also contain bioactive metabolites, which make them common components in folk medicine. Folk medicine has used mushrooms in the form of aqueous extracts in many African, Middle Eastern, European, Asian, and native Australian cultures for the treatment and prevention of different diseases.
Mushrooms have anti-inflammatory properties, which have been demonstrated in numerous studies. For example, water, methanolic, ethanolic, and ethyl acetate extracts of different mushrooms showed significant decreases in the activities of inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO), cytokines, and prostaglandins, thus inhibiting some macrophage functions and reducing cell inflammations. The anti-inflammatory activities of mushrooms on macrophages are mediated through the inhibition of some signaling pathways, such as nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), pro-inflammatory cytokines, prostaglandins release, and reactive oxygen species.
The Agaricus blazei Murill mushroom, an edible mushroom used as folk medicine in Brazil, Japan, and China, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. Oral administration of A. blazei extracts inhibited the edema induced by nystatin and the inflammatory process induced by complete Freund's adjuvant. These extracts were also able to decrease ulcer wounds induced by stress and inhibit neutrophil migration to the exudates present in the peritoneal cavity after carrageenin injection.
Another example is the Chaga mushroom, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties in human cancer cells and in Balbc/cmice bearing sarcoma-180 cells. The Lion's Mane mushroom is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties, as it fosters the production of the bioprotein nerve growth factor (NFG) and myelin, which are crucial to brain health.
Mushrooms are a potential natural source of anti-inflammatory compounds for medical applications. However, more research is needed to overcome some challenges, such as the seasonal availability of mushrooms and the lack of standardized testing protocols for mushroom products.
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Mushrooms and cancer treatment
Mushrooms have been used for thousands of years as food and medicine in different parts of the world. They are a potential source of anti-inflammatory compounds and have been used to treat inflammation-related diseases. Inflammation is the body's natural immune response to damaging factors, such as pathogens, allergens, infections, irritants, and ultraviolet light irradiation. It is also a critical component of tumour progression, with many cancers arising from sites of infection, chronic irritation, and inflammation.
Chronic inflammation increases the risk of various cancers, and long-term inflammation has been linked to the development of cancer. As a result, there is increased attention on efforts to discover bioactive compounds that can suppress the production of inflammatory mediators. Mushroom metabolites have been employed as potent, natural, and safe anti-inflammatory compounds due to their ability to reduce the production of inflammatory mediators. For example, water, methanolic, ethanolic, and ethyl acetate extracts of different mushrooms have shown significant decreases in the activities of inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO), cytokines, and prostaglandins, thus reducing cell inflammations.
Mushrooms have also been studied for their potential in cancer treatment. They possess anticancer activities and can minimize undesirable side effects of cancer treatment, such as nausea, bone marrow suppression, anemia, and insomnia. They can also help lower drug resistance after chemotherapy and radiation therapy. For example, in a study by Tsai et al., advanced adenocarcinoma patients treated with Antrodia cinnamomea alongside chemotherapy experienced less severe gastrointestinal symptoms than those in the placebo group. Additionally, Agaricus blazei Murill has been reported to decrease prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and regulate recurrent prostate cancer.
The tremendous therapeutic potential of edible and medicinal mushrooms is attributed to the bioactive substances present in them. These substances can help overcome multidrug resistance (MDR) and target signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT, Wnt-CTNNB1, and MAPK during cancer treatment. For instance, Ganoderma, commonly known as Lingzhi or Reishi, has been traditionally administered throughout Asia for centuries as a cancer treatment. Furthermore, a fungal immunomodulatory protein (FIP-fve), an activator of human T lymphocytes, has shown anti-tumor effects on oral administration in a murine hepatoma model.
In summary, mushrooms have been valued for their medicinal properties and nutritional value for thousands of years. Modern research confirms their therapeutic effects, including their anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. Mushrooms have the potential to be used as natural and safe anti-inflammatory agents and as part of cancer treatment to minimize side effects and lower drug resistance. However, further research and clinical studies are needed to fully understand the anticancer potential of mushrooms and their active compounds.
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The effect of mushrooms on the immune system
Mushrooms have been used extensively for their nutritional and medicinal value for thousands of years. They are considered a superfood and are recommended as a valuable constituent of a daily diet. Mushrooms are distinguished as important food-containing polysaccharides possessing potent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating properties. They are rich in numerous bioactive compounds of high medicinal value, notably polysaccharides, proteins, lectins, phenolics, polyphenolics, and ergosterols. The anti-inflammatory activities of mushrooms on macrophages are mediated through the inhibition of some signaling pathways, such as nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), pro-inflammatory cytokines, prostaglandins release, and reactive oxygen species.
The reported medicinal effects of mushrooms include anti-inflammatory effects, with anti-inflammatory compounds comprising a highly diversified group in terms of their chemical structure. These compounds include polysaccharides, terpenoids, phenolic compounds, and many other low molecular weight molecules. The recognition of TNF-α generated by colon inflammation was alleviated, IL-8 production through nuclear factor-kappa-B (NF-κB) activation was suppressed, and the inflammation was ultimately ameliorated.
Consumption of edible mushrooms has been shown to improve health and modulate immunity. White button (WB) extracts readily stimulated macrophage production of TNF-α. The crimini, maitake, oyster, and shiitake extracts also stimulated TNF-α production in macrophage but at lower levels than WB stimulation. Primary cultures of murine macrophage and ovalbumin (OVA)-specific T cells showed that whole mushroom extracts alone had no effect on cytokine production. However, co-stimulation with either lipopolysacharide or OVA induced TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-1β while decreasing IL-10.
Mushrooms have also been shown to have anti-tumor and immune-regulatory effects. Lentinan, a compound isolated from the Shiitake mushroom, can activate innate effector cells such as macrophages and natural killer (NK) cells directly. Additionally, lentinan exerted intestinal anti-inflammatory effects in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mice models when administered orally. Injection of extracts from various mushroom species has been shown to increase the lifespan of mice with different types of cancer. While the therapeutic properties of mushrooms are not fully understood, and more research is needed, they have been shown to benefit the immune system and improve quality of life.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, mushrooms have been used for their nutritional and medicinal value for thousands of years. They are rich in anti-inflammatory components, such as polysaccharides, phenolic and indolic compounds, mycosteroids, fatty acids, carotenoids, vitamins, and biometals.
Mushrooms are considered a valuable health food as they have a significant amount of dietary fiber and are poor in calories and fat. They are also believed to have anti-diabetic, antioxidative, antitumor, and anti-cancer properties.
Some commonly consumed edible mushrooms with anti-inflammatory properties are white button, crimini, maitake, oyster, and shiitake. Lion's mane, Reishi, and cordyceps are also known for their anti-aging and energy-boosting effects.
The anti-inflammatory activities of mushrooms are mediated through the inhibition of signaling pathways, such as nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), pro-inflammatory cytokines, and prostaglandins release.
While mushrooms have been used for their purported health benefits for centuries, they cannot replace a healthy diet. The therapeutic properties of mushrooms are not fully understood, and more research is needed to confirm their benefits and determine safe dosages.
