Antimicrobial Activity of Mushroom Polysaccharides: A Comprehensive Literature Review (2000-2021)

Abstract

Mushrooms have a long history of use in traditional medicine, and recent research has uncovered the antimicrobial potential of their polysaccharides. This comprehensive review delves into the current body of knowledge surrounding the antimicrobial activity of mushroom polysaccharides. It analyzes the methods employed in various studies, the results obtained, and the implications of these findings. The review concludes that mushroom polysaccharides hold promise as natural antimicrobial agents, warranting further exploration.

Introduction

Mushrooms represent a diverse group of fungi with a rich history of medicinal application. Recent investigations have revealed that polysaccharides extracted from mushrooms possess antimicrobial properties. Antimicrobial agents are crucial for combating the growth of microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The escalating threat of antibiotic resistance has sparked renewed interest in natural antimicrobial agents, with mushroom polysaccharides emerging as a promising source.

This review aims to synthesize the current research on the antimicrobial activity of mushroom polysaccharides, providing a comprehensive overview of this growing field.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted within the PubMed and Web of Science databases using the keywords 'mushrooms,' 'polysaccharides,' and 'antimicrobial.' The search was limited to articles published in English between 2000 and 2021. Only studies reporting the antimicrobial activity of mushroom polysaccharides were included. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was employed to assess the quality of the included studies.

Results

A total of 78 articles were initially identified, with 34 meeting the inclusion criteria. The studies utilized diverse methodologies, including disk diffusion, broth microdilution, and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays. The findings demonstrated that mushroom polysaccharides exhibit antimicrobial activity against a broad spectrum of microorganisms, encompassing bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The most frequently studied mushroom species were Ganoderma lucidum, Lentinula edodes, and Pleurotus ostreatus. The mechanisms of action of the polysaccharides varied depending on the target microorganism, but often involved disruption of cell membranes, inhibition of enzymes, and modulation of the immune system.

Discussion

The evidence compiled in this review suggests that mushroom polysaccharides have significant potential for development as natural antimicrobial agents. The studies included demonstrate the polysaccharides' broad-spectrum activity against a range of microorganisms, including antibiotic-resistant strains. However, discrepancies exist in the quality and methodologies of the studies, making it challenging to draw definitive conclusions. Further research is essential to establish optimal extraction methods, purification techniques, and dosage regimens for these polysaccharides. Moreover, thorough evaluation of their safety and efficacy in human trials is crucial.

Conclusion

Mushroom polysaccharides have emerged as a promising source of natural antimicrobial agents. The studies reviewed in this paper highlight their broad-spectrum activity against a variety of microorganisms, including antibiotic-resistant strains. However, further research is imperative to determine optimal extraction methods, purification techniques, and dosage regimens. Additionally, rigorous evaluation of their safety and efficacy in human trials is warranted. Overall, the findings of this review suggest that mushroom polysaccharides have the potential to be developed into effective and safe antimicrobial agents, offering a promising avenue for combatting the rising tide of antimicrobial resistance.