Anti-Inflammatory and Anticancer Activities of Pleurotus spp

Abstract

The species of the genus Pleurotus are highly valued edible macromycetes with proven nutritional potential. Thanks to a very well-developed ligninolytic enzyme system, they have been successfully cultivated commercially for decades and account for about a quarter of the world’s total mushroom production. In addition to their nutritional value, the species of this genus have also demonstrated significant medicinal potential in numerous studies carried out over the last few decades. The fruiting bodies and mycelia of Pleurotus spp. are reservoirs of numerous bioactive nutraceuticals that have anticancer, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, antimicrobial, and many other effects. This is of great importance considering that many of the conventional drugs available not only have limited efficacy but also numerous negative side effects. The current trend is, therefore, the search for new natural sources of bioactive compounds. Polysaccharides (α- and β-glucans) have been identified as the main contributors to the bioactivity of Pleurotus spp. extracts, but also numerous proteoglucans, polypeptides, phenolic compounds, and other metabolites. These metabolites represent the basis for the development of new drugs and adjuvants as promising alternatives to conventional agents in the treatment of various types of cancer, the second leading cause of death in the world population.