Current trends in health-promoting potential and biomaterial applications of edible mushrooms for human wellness

Edible mushrooms are ubiquitous around the world due to their enormous health benefits. Mushrooms have been used as folk medicine and healthy food from ancient times but their health-promoting effects have not been explored. As a superfood, mushroom powder is an essential component of the human diet for improving health and immunity. Bioactive components present in them such as proteins, polysaccharides, terpenes, and lipids have recently sparked much attention to exhibit therapeutic properties such as anti-cancer, immunomodulatory, antihypercholesterolemia, antiviral, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory effects. Moreover, these isolated compounds have the potentiality to be used in dietary supplements and medicines. In addition, numerous bioactive compounds such as ergosterol, gallic acid, and cordycepin proved to be essential in preventing or reducing the severity of COVID-19. This review unveils a comprehensive understanding of the nutraceutical as well as the medicinal potential of mushrooms and their applications in food products for human wellness.

Automated summary

Edible mushrooms are widely distributed worldwide and have enormous health benefits. They have been used as both folk medicine and healthy food since ancient times, but their health-promoting effects have not been fully explored. As a superfood, mushroom powder is an essential part of the human diet for improving health and immunity. Various bioactive components found in mushrooms, such as proteins, polysaccharides, terpenes, and lipids, have recently garnered attention for their therapeutic properties including anti-cancer, immunomodulatory, antihypercholesterolemia, antiviral, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory effects. Moreover, these isolated compounds have the potential for use in dietary supplements and medicines. A number of bioactive compounds such as ergosterol, gallic acid, and cordycepin have also been found to play a role in preventing or reducing the severity of COVID-19.