Laura Smith
Mushrooms have been consumed by humans for centuries due to their ease of cultivation and functional activities. They are a good source of nutrition and possess therapeutic properties. Mushrooms contain active metabolites such as polysaccharides, proteins, peptides, terpenes, phenolic compounds, polyunsaturated fatty acids, carbohydrates, and lipids. They also contain valuable minerals like copper, phosphorus, iron, potassium, and calcium. The presence of these metabolites makes mushrooms beneficial for human health and they have been used in folk medicines for thousands of years. Mushrooms have also been studied for their potential medicinal properties, including antitumor, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulating activities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of water | 93-95% |
| Contain minerals | Copper, phosphorus, iron, potassium, calcium |
| Contain | Polysaccharides, proteins, peptides, terpenes, phenolic compounds, polyunsaturated fatty acids, carbohydrates, lipids |
| Health benefits | Antitumor, antibacterial, antioxidant, antiallergic, immunomodulating, cardiovascular protector, detoxification, antiviral, antifungal, antiparasitic, immune function enhancement, antioxidant, anti-inflammation, hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic, antithrombotic, antidiabetic, hypotensive, antiproliferative, anti-HIV, hypo-cholesterolemic, anticancer, cytotoxic, anticoagulant |
| Nutritional value | High protein, low-calorie |
| Nutraceuticals | Bioactive compounds |
| Therapeutic values | Immunity and cellular protection |
| Medicinal qualities | Folk medicines, modern medicines |
| Industrial production | Genetic engineering, chemical synthesis |
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What You'll Learn
- Mushrooms have been used in folk medicines for thousands of years
- Mushrooms contain active metabolites like polysaccharides, proteins, terpenes, and phenolic compounds
- They have therapeutic and health benefits like anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties
- Mushrooms are a source of valuable minerals like copper, phosphorus, and potassium
- Genetic engineering can improve the production of mushroom metabolites
Mushrooms have been used in folk medicines for thousands of years
In North America, the First Peoples used puffball mushrooms (Calvatia genus) as wound healers. Mesoamerican civilisations such as the Aztecs also incorporated mushrooms into their rituals, with some academics suggesting that these rituals bore similarities to modern-day group therapy. The Ojibwa community in the Great Lakes region between Canada and the United States still use the psychoactive mushroom Amanita muscaria in their practices.
In recent years, there has been a surge of interest in the therapeutic and health benefits of mushrooms. Mushrooms contain active metabolites such as polysaccharides, proteins, peptides, terpenes, phenolic compounds, polyunsaturated fatty acids, carbohydrates, and lipids. They also contain valuable minerals like copper, phosphorus, iron, potassium, and calcium. Due to their high protein and low-calorie content, they are recommended to heart patients.
Medicinal mushrooms are used for a wide range of purposes, including boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation, improving cognitive function, and fighting cancer cells. Some of the most commonly used medicinal mushrooms include reishi, shiitake, and maitake. However, despite the many potential benefits of medicinal mushrooms, more research is needed to fully understand their effects and determine the best ways to use them.
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Mushrooms contain active metabolites like polysaccharides, proteins, terpenes, and phenolic compounds
Mushrooms have been consumed by humans for centuries due to their ease of cultivation and multiple functional activities. They are a potential source of active metabolites and medicines. Mushrooms contain active metabolites like polysaccharides, proteins, terpenes, and phenolic compounds.
Polysaccharides, for example, β-glucan, are extremely important for modern medicine and have a wide spectrum of biological activity. Mushrooms also have a high percentage of water (93-95%) and contain valuable minerals like copper, phosphorus, iron, potassium, and calcium. They are recommended to heart patients due to their high protein and low-calorie values.
Terpenoids, also known as terpenes, are another class of active metabolites found in mushrooms. Terpenoids have various biological activities and therapeutic benefits. They are also present in other organisms and play a role in their unique aroma and flavour.
Phenolic compounds are also present in mushrooms and have been identified as bioactive nutraceuticals. These compounds possess antioxidant properties and provide preventive and therapeutic benefits.
In addition to these metabolites, mushrooms also contain peptides, polyunsaturated fatty acids, carbohydrates, and lipids. Some mushrooms also contain unknown metabolites that can be beneficial to human health. These unknown metabolites are being studied to understand their potential medicinal value.
Overall, the presence of these active metabolites in mushrooms contributes to their therapeutic and health benefits, making them an important area of study for potential medicinal applications.
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They have therapeutic and health benefits like anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties
Mushrooms have been used as medicine for thousands of years, with records of their medicinal use dating back to ancient times in traditional Chinese medicine. They have been used to promote well-being and longevity and are now recognised for their therapeutic and health benefits.
One of the most well-known benefits of mushrooms is their anticancer property, which is attributed to their high amounts of antioxidants and distinctive chemicals that engage with malignant tissues and cells. Studies have shown that consuming just 18 grams of mushrooms daily may lower the risk of cancer by up to 45%. Turkey tail mushrooms, in particular, contain a compound called polysaccharide-K (PSK), which stimulates the immune system and is an approved anticancer prescription drug in Japan. Additionally, mushrooms can act as anti-inflammatory agents, helping to prevent and treat chronic inflammation associated with various diseases, including heart disease and arthritis.
Mushrooms are also a source of ergothioneine, an amino acid and antioxidant that prevents or slows cellular damage. They contain vitamins such as thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin, as well as essential minerals like manganese, zinc, and potassium. Lion's mane mushrooms, for example, are known to have neuroprotective properties, fostering the production of nerve growth factor and myelin, which are crucial for brain health. They have also been studied for their potential in preventing cognitive decline and treating conditions such as Alzheimer's disease.
Furthermore, mushrooms are the only produce that provides vitamin D when exposed to UV light or sunlight. Vitamin D aids in calcium absorption, maintaining and building strong bones. They are also a good substitute for red meat, helping to minimise calories, fat, and cholesterol. Shiitake mushrooms, in particular, are known to keep cholesterol levels low by inhibiting their production and absorption.
Overall, mushrooms exhibit a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities, including antimicrobial, antibacterial, antiviral, immunomodulating, antidepressive, and antihyperlipidemic properties. While research into the specific mechanisms and metabolites responsible for these effects is ongoing, mushrooms have a long history of beneficial health effects and continue to be studied for their therapeutic potential.
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Mushrooms are a source of valuable minerals like copper, phosphorus, and potassium
Mushrooms are a good source of nutrients and have been consumed by humans for centuries. They are known to be a good source of protein and are often used as a vegetarian substitute for meat. They are low in calories and contain lots of fibre, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Mushrooms contain several valuable minerals, including copper, phosphorus, and potassium. They are also a source of iron, calcium, and selenium. The mineral content in mushrooms varies depending on the species and the environment in which they are grown, including factors such as the soil, pH, and local pollution levels.
Copper is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in energy production and the formation of blood cells. Phosphorus, in combination with calcium, is crucial for the development and maintenance of strong teeth and bones. Potassium is important for maintaining fluid balance and controlling blood pressure.
In addition to these minerals, mushrooms also contain other essential nutrients such as vitamin B, C, and D. Vitamin B helps maintain healthy skin and prevents heart disease, while vitamin D strengthens the immune system and is important for cell division.
The health benefits of mushrooms are well-established, and they are known to possess antitumor, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulating properties. They are also a source of choline, which assists in muscle movement, learning, and memory retention.
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Genetic engineering can improve the production of mushroom metabolites
Mushrooms are a type of macro fungi that have been consumed by humans for centuries due to their ease of cultivation and multiple functional activities. They are a rich source of valuable minerals like copper, phosphorus, iron, potassium, and calcium, and are recommended for heart patients due to their high protein and low-calorie content. Mushrooms also contain essential amino acids required by adults to stay healthy.
Mushrooms have been used in folk medicines for thousands of years, with specific bioactive nutraceuticals that have therapeutic and health benefits. These include antitumor, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticoagulant activities, among others. They also have the ability to attenuate health hazards induced by obesity and impaired functions caused by aging.
Genetic engineering has been applied to mushrooms to improve the production of metabolites. The CRISPR-Cas9 system, for example, has been used to manipulate genes involved in the synthesis of secondary metabolites. This technology has facilitated the activation of silent gene clusters, leading to the discovery of new bioactive compounds. This is particularly beneficial for industries that rely on fungal metabolites, such as pharmaceuticals and agriculture.
The use of CRISPR/Cas9 technology has also facilitated targeted gene editing in mushrooms, allowing for the precise modification of genes involved in enzyme biosynthesis pathways. This has resulted in increased enzyme yields and improved enzyme characteristics, such as stability and activity under industrial conditions.
In addition to enzyme production, mushrooms are known for their ability to synthesize a diverse array of secondary metabolites, which have significant pharmaceutical and agricultural applications. Genetic engineering in mushrooms can enhance the production of these metabolites, making them even more valuable in various industries.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms are fungi and they do have metabolism. They are a source of active metabolites such as polysaccharides, proteins, peptides, terpenes, phenolic compounds, polyunsaturated fatty acids, carbohydrates, and lipids.
Mushrooms have been used in folk medicines for thousands of years. They have been found to have therapeutic and health benefits such as antitumor, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-allergic, immunomodulating, and cardiovascular protection.
Mushrooms have high protein and low-calorie values, which make them a good option for heart patients. They also contain essential amino acids required by adults to stay healthy.
Some examples of mushroom metabolites include ergosterol, glutathione, tocopherols, and ganoderenic acid.
