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Current and Future Research Trends on Medicinal Mushrooms
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Current and Future Research Trends on Medicinal Mushrooms

A special issue of Journal of Fungi (ISSN 2309-608X). This special issue belongs to the section "Fungi in Agriculture and Biotechnology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (1 December 2023) | Viewed by 15150

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Giuseppe Venturella

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Palermo, Italy
Interests: fungal and plant taxonomy; biodiversity; medicinal mushrooms; forest and urban diversity
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Medicinal mushrooms have been used throughout the world for centuries. Research, initially carried out only in the East until the 1990s, has since spread to other parts of the world and today represents an important branch of applied mycological studies. Medicinal mushrooms are credited with countless beneficial properties and exhibit a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities, including antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, cytotoxic, immunomodulating, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antiallergic, antidepressive, antihyperlipidemic, antidiabetic, digestive, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, nephroprotective, osteoprotective, and hypotensive. Despite the presence of ca. 5777 publications on medicinal mushrooms in the archives of the biomedical and life sciences literature, research in this area is still insufficient, especially with regard to evidence-based medicine. Medicinal mushrooms are used in the form of extracts or powder to prevent, relieve, or heal diseases and/or for nutritional reasons. The wide range of mushroom-based products on the market are not always of established origin and are sometimes of dubious taxonomic identification, and therefore, they do not meet the required quality criteria. For the reasons stated above, the proposal for a Special Issue on medicinal mushrooms is certainly timely and is intended to assemble contributions from experts around the world on the biodiversity of medicinal mushrooms; new trends in the cultivation, industrial production and fermentation of medicinal mushrooms; biochemistry and pharmacology of medicinal mushroom active compounds; the use of medicinal mushrooms in veterinary science and agriculture and in clinical practice; and the production of new mushroom-based products.

Prof. Dr. Giuseppe Venturella
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Fungi is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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21 pages, 4460 KiB  
Article
Mid-Infrared Spectroscopic Study of Cultivating Medicinal Fungi Ganoderma: Composition, Development, and Strain Variability of Basidiocarps
by Andriy Synytsya, Roman Bleha, Anastasia Skrynnikova, Tamilla Babayeva, Jana Čopíková, František Kvasnička, Ivan Jablonsky and Pavel Klouček
J. Fungi 2024, 10(1), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10010023 - 28 Dec 2023
Viewed by 849
Abstract
Attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy was proposed for rapid, versatile, and non-invasive screening of Ganoderma basidiocarps to assess their potential for specific applications. Fifteen species and strains of this fungus were selected for analysis, and fine sections at different parts of [...] Read more.
Attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy was proposed for rapid, versatile, and non-invasive screening of Ganoderma basidiocarps to assess their potential for specific applications. Fifteen species and strains of this fungus were selected for analysis, and fine sections at different parts of young and mature basidiocarps were obtained. The spectra of fungal samples showed significant differences interpreted in terms of biochemical composition using characteristic bands of proteins, polysaccharides, lipids, and triterpenoids. Obviously, for the transverse sections in trama, especially in the basal part, the most intense bands at 950–1200 cm−1 corresponded to polysaccharide vibrations, while for the superficial sections, the bands of carbonyl and aliphatic groups of triterpenoids at 1310–1470, 1550–1740, and 2850–2980 cm−1 predominated. The pilei, especially hymenium tubes, apparently contained more proteins than the bases and stipes, as evidenced by the intense bands of amide vibrations at 1648 and 1545–1550 cm−1. The specificity of the Ganoderma basidiocarp is a densely pigmented surface layer rich in triterpenoids, as proved by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. The spectral differences corresponding to the specificity of the triterpenoid composition may indicate the prospects of individual strains and species of this genus for cultivation and further use in food, cosmetics, or medicine. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current and Future Research Trends on Medicinal Mushrooms)
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12 pages, 990 KiB  
Article
Polyporenic Acids from the Mushroom Buglossoporus quercinus Possess Chemosensitizing and Efflux Pump Inhibitory Activities on Colo 320 Adenocarcinoma Cells
by Kristóf Felegyi, Zsófia Garádi, Bálint Rácz, Gábor Tóth, Viktor Papp, Imre Boldizsár, András Dancsó, Gabriella Spengler, Szabolcs Béni and Attila Ványolós
J. Fungi 2023, 9(9), 923; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof9090923 - 13 Sep 2023
Viewed by 1128
Abstract
Polyporenic acids N-R (1–5), five novel 24-methylene lanostane triterpenes along with seven known polyporenic acids (6–12), were identified from the fruiting bodies of Buglossoporus quercinus. The isolation of compounds 1–12 was performed [...] Read more.
Polyporenic acids N-R (1–5), five novel 24-methylene lanostane triterpenes along with seven known polyporenic acids (6–12), were identified from the fruiting bodies of Buglossoporus quercinus. The isolation of compounds 1–12 was performed by a combination of multistep flash chromatography and reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The structure determination was carried out by extensive spectroscopic analysis, including 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS) experiments. The isolated fungal metabolites were investigated for their antiproliferative activity in vitro by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay on the resistant Colo 320 human colon adenocarcinoma cell line expressing P-glycoprotein (ABCB1). The lanostane triterpenes exerted moderate antiproliferative activity with IC50 values in the range of 20.7–106.2 μM. A P-glycoprotein efflux pump modulatory test on resistant Colo 320 cells highlighted that fungal metabolites 3, 5, 8, and 10–12 have the ability to inhibit the efflux pump activity of cancer cells. Moreover, the drug interactions of triterpenes with doxorubicin were studied by the checkerboard method. Compounds 3–4, and 7–12 interacted in a synergistic manner, while an outstanding potency was detected for compound 9, which was defined as strong synergism (CI = 0.276). The current study reveals that B. quercinus is a remarkable source of fungal steroids with considerable chemosensitizing activity on cancer cells. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current and Future Research Trends on Medicinal Mushrooms)
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17 pages, 8033 KiB  
Article
Hydrocolloids from the Mushroom Auricularia heimuer: Composition and Properties
by Liudmila Kalitukha, Roman Bleha, Andriy Synytsya, Janina Kraska and Miriam Sari
J. Fungi 2023, 9(6), 681; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof9060681 - 16 Jun 2023
Viewed by 1055
Abstract
The ear- to shell-shaped fruiting bodies of the genus Auricularia are widely used as food and in traditional medicinal remedies. This study was primarily focused on the composition, properties and potential use of the gel-forming extract from Auricularia heimuer. The dried extract contained [...] Read more.
The ear- to shell-shaped fruiting bodies of the genus Auricularia are widely used as food and in traditional medicinal remedies. This study was primarily focused on the composition, properties and potential use of the gel-forming extract from Auricularia heimuer. The dried extract contained 50% soluble homo- and heteropolysaccharides, which were mainly composed of mannose and glucose, acetyl residues, glucuronic acid and a small amount of xylose, galactose, glucosamine, fucose, arabinose and rhamnose. The minerals observed in the extract included approximately 70% potassium followed by calcium. Among the fatty and amino acids, 60% unsaturated fatty acids and 35% essential amino acids could be calculated. At both acidic (pH 4) and alkaline (pH 10) conditions, the thickness of the 5 mg/mL extract did not change in a temperature range from −24 °C to room temperature, but decreased statistically significantly after storage at elevated temperature. At neutral pH, the studied extract demonstrated good thermal and storage stability, as well as a moisture retention capacity comparable to the high molecular weight sodium hyaluronate, a well-known moisturizer. Hydrocolloids that can be sustainably produced from Auricularia fruiting bodies offer great application potential in the food and cosmetic industries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current and Future Research Trends on Medicinal Mushrooms)
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Review

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14 pages, 951 KiB  
Review
Medicinal Mushrooms as Multicomponent Mixtures—Demonstrated with the Example of Lentinula edodes
by Ulrike Lindequist
J. Fungi 2024, 10(2), 153; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10020153 - 15 Feb 2024
Viewed by 1211
Abstract
Medicinal mushrooms are multicomponent mixtures (MOCSs). They consist of a large number of individual compounds, each with different chemical structures, functions, and possible pharmacological activities. In contrast to the activity of an isolated pure substance, the effects of the individual substances in a [...] Read more.
Medicinal mushrooms are multicomponent mixtures (MOCSs). They consist of a large number of individual compounds, each with different chemical structures, functions, and possible pharmacological activities. In contrast to the activity of an isolated pure substance, the effects of the individual substances in a mushroom or its extracts can influence each other; they can strengthen, weaken, or complement each other. This results in both advantages and disadvantages for the use of either a pure substance or a multicomponent mixture. The review describes the differences and challenges in the preparation, characterization, and application of complex mixtures compared to pure substances, both obtained from the same species. As an example, we use the medicinal and culinary mushroom Lentinula edodes, shiitake, and some of its isolated compounds, mainly lentinan and eritadenine. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current and Future Research Trends on Medicinal Mushrooms)
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22 pages, 3212 KiB  
Review
Therapeutic Potential of Bioactive Compounds from Edible Mushrooms to Attenuate SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Some Complications of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
by Paran Baruah, Aparup Patra, Sagar Barge, Mojibur R. Khan and Ashis K. Mukherjee
J. Fungi 2023, 9(9), 897; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof9090897 - 31 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2837
Abstract
The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a highly infectious positive RNA virus, has spread from its epicenter to other countries with increased mortality and morbidity. Its expansion has hampered humankind’s social, economic, and health realms to a large extent. Globally, [...] Read more.
The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a highly infectious positive RNA virus, has spread from its epicenter to other countries with increased mortality and morbidity. Its expansion has hampered humankind’s social, economic, and health realms to a large extent. Globally, investigations are underway to understand the complex pathophysiology of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) induced by SARS-CoV-2. Though numerous therapeutic strategies have been introduced to combat COVID-19, none are fully proven or comprehensive, as several key issues and challenges remain unresolved. At present, natural products have gained significant momentum in treating metabolic disorders. Mushrooms have often proved to be the precursor of various therapeutic molecules or drug prototypes. The plentiful bioactive macromolecules in edible mushrooms, like polysaccharides, proteins, and other secondary metabolites (such as flavonoids, polyphenols, etc.), have been used to treat multiple diseases, including viral infections, by traditional healers and the medical fraternity. Some edible mushrooms with a high proportion of therapeutic molecules are known as medicinal mushrooms. In this review, an attempt has been made to highlight the exploration of bioactive molecules in mushrooms to combat the various pathophysiological complications of COVID-19. This review presents an in-depth and critical analysis of the current therapies against COVID-19 versus the potential of natural anti-infective, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antithrombotic products derived from a wide range of easily sourced mushrooms and their bioactive molecules. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current and Future Research Trends on Medicinal Mushrooms)
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21 pages, 2021 KiB  
Review
Hericium erinaceus in Neurodegenerative Diseases: From Bench to Bedside and Beyond, How Far from the Shoreline?
by Federico Brandalise, Elisa Roda, Daniela Ratto, Lorenzo Goppa, Maria Letizia Gargano, Fortunato Cirlincione, Erica Cecilia Priori, Maria Teresa Venuti, Emanuela Pastorelli, Elena Savino and Paola Rossi
J. Fungi 2023, 9(5), 551; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof9050551 - 10 May 2023
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 7271
Abstract
A growing number of studies is focusing on the pharmacology and feasibility of bioactive compounds as a novel valuable approach to target a variety of human diseases related to neurological degeneration. Among the group of the so-called medicinal mushrooms (MMs), Hericium erinaceus has [...] Read more.
A growing number of studies is focusing on the pharmacology and feasibility of bioactive compounds as a novel valuable approach to target a variety of human diseases related to neurological degeneration. Among the group of the so-called medicinal mushrooms (MMs), Hericium erinaceus has become one of the most promising candidates. In fact, some of the bioactive compounds extracted from H. erinaceus have been shown to recover, or at least ameliorate, a wide range of pathological brain conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, depression, Parkinson’s disease, and spinal cord injury. In a large body of in vitro and in vivo preclinical studies on the central nervous system (CNS), the effects of erinacines have been correlated with a significant increase in the production of neurotrophic factors. Despite the promising outcome of preclinical investigations, only a limited number of clinical trials have been carried out so far in different neurological conditions. In this survey, we summarized the current state of knowledge on H. erinaceus dietary supplementation and its therapeutic potential in clinical settings. The bulk collected evidence underlies the urgent need to carry out further/wider clinical trials to prove the safety and efficacy of H. erinaceus supplementation, offering significant neuroprotective applications in brain pathologies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current and Future Research Trends on Medicinal Mushrooms)
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