Antifatigue Functions and Mechanisms of Edible and Medicinal Mushrooms

Abstract

Fatigue is the symptom of tiredness caused by physical and/or psychological stresses. As fatigue is becoming a serious problem in the modern society affecting human health, work efficiency, and quality of life, effective antifatigue remedies other than pharmacological drugs or therapies are highly needed. Mushrooms have been widely used as health foods, because of their various bioactive constituents such as polysaccharides, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. This paper reviews the major findings from previous studies on the antifatigue effects, the active components of mushrooms, and the possible mechanisms. Many studies have demonstrated the antifatigue effects of edible and medicinal mushrooms. These mushrooms probably mitigate human fatigue through effects on the functional systems, including the muscular, cardiovascular, hormone, and immune system. The bioactive constituents that contribute to the antifatigue effects of mushrooms may include polysaccharides, peptides, nucleosides, phenolic compounds, and triterpenoids. Further research is still needed to identify the active ingredients and to investigate their mechanism of action on the antifatigue effects. Since most previous studies have been carried out in animal models, more human trials should be performed to verify the antifatigue function of edible and medicinal mushrooms.

Extraction, isolation, characterisation, antioxidant and anti‐fatigue activities of Pleurotus eryngii polysaccharides

“…BUN was a metabolic product of protein and amino acid (Geng et al , ). When the body energy production from sugar and fat metabolism was insufficient to support the body, protein will be consumed and BUN level will increase in response to exercise fatigue (Wang et al , ).…”

“…Zhao et al () provided strong evidence that Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide (GL‐PS) supplementation possessed protective effects against exhaustive exercise‐induced oxidative stress. Geng et al () studied anti‐fatigue functions, and mechanisms of edible and medicinal mushrooms showed that polysaccharides contribute to the anti‐fatigue effects. Wei et al () further verified that P. eryngii polysaccharides (PEP) exerted effects on a zebrafish hyperlipidaemia model during the lipid absorption phase, suggesting that the PEP obtained from solid‐state fermentation potentially represents a valuable lipid‐lowering food additive or raw material for producing lipid‐lowering drugs.…”

Enzymatic hydrolysates obtained from Trametes versicolor polysaccharopeptides protect human skin keratinocyte against AAPH‑induced oxidative stress and inflammatory

“…These extracts are used in health foods and cosmetic products and in the development of natural medicines . Recent studies have identified the major active for the biological effects of edible and medicinal mushrooms, with polysaccharides being the most common and abundant …”

“…5 Recent studies have identified the major active for the biological effects of edible and medicinal mushrooms, with polysaccharides being the most common and abundant. 6 Trametes versicolor (T versicolor) is a white rot fungus that has been used as a traditional medicinal mushroom. The fungus can be grown in submerged fermentation as mycelial biomass.…”

Fungi in archaeological areas

“…Many populations used mushrooms in rituals since they believed in their properties able to produce super human strength and to mitigate human fatigue (Geng & al. 2017) while Chinese culture has treasured mushrooms as a health food, an "elixir of life" (Valverde & al.…”