Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties of polysaccharides in mushrooms.

ABSTRACT

Mushrooms are distinguished as important food-containing polysaccharides possessing potent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating properties. These compounds belong mostly to polysaccharides that are mostly ß-D-glucans. Among them, ß-1,3-glucan with ß-1,6 side chains of glucose residues, has more important roles in their properties. In this review, we have introduced polysaccharides mainly from Lentinula edodes and Pleurotus citrinopileatus with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating properties. In addition, the mechanisms of activation of their physiological properties and signal cascade are also reviewed.