Natural Products from Agaricales Medicinal Mushrooms: Biology, Nutritional Properties, and Pharmacological Effects on Cancer

Abstract

Various studies have focused on adjuvant treatment alternatives for cancer patients to improve their quality of life with minimum adverse reactions. The current study aims to evaluate the nutritional activity and pharmacological effects of nutrients present in Agaricales mushrooms, using a systematic review of articles indexed in Medline, Database, NCBI, Lilacs, and Cochrane. Studies on the nutritional and pharmaceutical effects of dietary supplementation with Agaricales mushrooms have shown improved prognosis for cancer patients. Data involving extensive review of action mechanisms, in particular beta-glucans, ergosterol, terpenes, lectin, arginine, and proteinglucans, have shown effects on immune system modulation, tumor growth inhibition, and the ability to elicit cellular response, in particular cytokine expression and production. In a significant number of cases these substances can have positive effects on patients' quality of life, if specific parameters are considered, such as immune system stimulation, tumor growth inhibition, and metastasis. Randomized controlled clinical trials are needed to establish criteria for administering the proper doses of Agaricales mushrooms as complementary therapy in cancer patients.