Abstract

Medicinal mushrooms have been used for centuries in traditional medicine systems and are increasingly 
recognized in modern biomedical research for their diverse therapeutic potential. Their bioactive constituents, 
particularly polysaccharides, triterpenoids, and phenolic compounds, exert significant pharmacological effects, 
including immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities. Species 
such as Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi), Lentinula edodes (Shiitake), Grifola frondosa (Maitake), and Cordyceps 
sinensis have demonstrated notable efficacy in preclinical and clinical studies, acting through mechanisms that 
regulate immune responses, inhibit tumor proliferation, modulate oxidative stress, and support metabolic health. 
The growing body of evidence positions medicinal mushrooms as promising complementary agents in the 
prevention and management of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, and 
neurodegenerative conditions. However, despite their therapeutic promise, limitations such as variability in 
bioactive compound content, lack of standardized formulations, and insufficient large-scale clinical trials hinder 
their integration into mainstream medical practice. This review highlights the pharmacological mechanisms, 
therapeutic applications, and future prospects of medicinal mushrooms, emphasizing the need for rigorous 
scientific validation and regulatory oversight to ensure their safe and effective clinical use.