Abstract

MUSHROOMS: MEDICINAL BENEFITS AND TOXICITIES

Meagan Thompson, Yogini Jaiswal, Ilya Wang and Leonard Williams*

ABSTRACT

Mycology constitutes the study of fungi with diverse phytochemicals that either impart benefit to human health or contribute to toxicities, as reported in literature until date. Ancient Greeks and Romans cultivated mushrooms for medicinal use, initiating a myriad of research into the medicinal value and toxic effects of certain mushrooms. Modern techniques coupled with advanced instrumentation have imparted knowledge of phytoconstituents present in mushrooms, and their respective mechanisms. Researchers have identified secondary metabolites, such as carbohydrates, proteins, fatty acids, and phenolic compounds present in mushrooms, in conjunction with their mechanisms of actions and pharmacological effects. Particular mushrooms exhibit beneficial pharmacological effects, while some contain toxins such as amatoxins, gyromitrin, coprine, psilocybin, choline, and orellanine that cause undesirable toxic effects. Global production, sales, and export of mushroom containing products have contributed to a growing economy for mushrooms. Increasing knowledge of bioactivity and current instrumentation will impart to researchers‘ evidence of medicinal mushrooms as pharmaceutical agents. The current review discusses the historical practices, global market value, microbiological composition, pharmacological constituents, and their scientific classification.

Keywords: Mushrooms, Metabolites, Phytopharmaceuticals, Fungi, Therapeutic Activities, Toxicity.