Phellinus igniarius: A Pharmacologically Active Polypore Mushroom

Abstract

Mushrooms have been widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases. Today, their therapeutic value is scientifically studied and appreciated. Research indicates that polypores-a large group of fungi of the phylum Basdiomycota-exhibit antiviral, antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-allergic, anti-atherogenic, hypoglycemic, hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory activities. Phellinus igniarius, a polypore mushroom, is one of the most used in traditional Asian medicine. Its potent anticancer activity has been repeatedly reported. In the past two decades, numerous pharmacologically active metabolites have been isolated and identified from P. igniarius. Among the large number of compounds, the most active group are polysaccharides. They modulate immune responses and inhibit tumor growth.

Anti-HIV-1 reverse transcriptase property of some edible mushrooms in Asia

“…Mushroom terpenes also show antiviral properties. A number of terpenes have been isolated from both medicinal and edible mushrooms, including G. lucidum , I. obliquus , P. igniarius , F. veltipes , H. erinaceus and P. eryngii ( Duru and Cayan, 2015 , Zapora et al, 2016 , Dasgupta and Acharya, 2019 ). To date, only terpenes from the mushroom genus Ganoderma have been investigated for anti-HIV properties.…”

Anti-feline immunodeficiency virus reverse transcriptase properties of some medicinal and edible mushrooms

“…The water extract also showed good anti-FIV-RT activity. It has been reported that some proteins and polysaccharides extracted from mushrooms showed antiviral potential [ 12 , 24 , 25 , 27 , 29 , 31 , 32 , 35 , 37 , 38 ] ( Table-2 ). Thus, the experimental design to obtain the anti-FIV compounds (e.g., type of inhibitor, solvent used, and purification method) should be taken into account in further studies and clinical applications.…”

Recent Developments in Inonotus obliquus (Chaga mushroom) Polysaccharides: Isolation, Structural Characteristics, Biological Activities and Application

“…Unfortunately, existing chemical and biological drugs for cancers and diabetes have many drawbacks, such as large side effects and high prices [ 4 , 5 , 6 ]. Therefore, natural products that possess hypoglycemic, anti-oxidation, and anticancer properties is of great significance and drew the researchers’ attention [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ].…”