BIOACTIVE CONSTITUENTS OF MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS AND THEIR MULTIFUNCTIONAL APPLICATIONS IN MEDICINE, NUTRITION AND COSMECEUTICALS- A REVIEW

Abstract

Medicinal mushrooms have been recognized for centuries in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Asia, for their remarkable health-promoting properties. In recent years, growing scientific evidence has validated many of these claims, revealing that mushrooms contain a diverse array of bioactive compounds with therapeutic effects, including anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and Cholesterol-lowering activity. This review highlights the major bioactive components of medicinal mushrooms and discusses their pharmacological activities and potential applications in modern medicine. Mushrooms contain a very high abundance of protein, minerals, vitamins, and fibres, and are also rich in essential amino acids. They are also used to treat various diseases, such as cancer, hepatitis, digestive disorders, and skin conditions. This review takes a broad and integrative look at the nutritional qualities, bioactive compounds, and therapeutic importance of widely consumed edible and medicinal mushrooms, such as Agaricus bisporus, Lentinula edodes, Pleurotus ostreatus, Ganoderma lucidum, Volvariella volvacea, Flammulina velutipes, Tremella fuciformis, and Calocybe indica. It highlights growing evidence of their potential roles in the prevention and management of chronic conditions, including cancer, diabetes, inflammatory disorders, infectious diseases, and cardiovascular complications. The review also explores the increasing use of mushroom-derived compounds in the cosmetics and nutraceutical industries. Taken together, these findings position medicinal mushrooms as valuable natural sources for developing functional foods, pharmaceuticals, and cosmeceuticals, while underscoring the need for more in-depth clinical and molecular research to better understand and validate their health benefits.