Indian scientists have assessed the roles and mechanisms of action of mushroom-derived bioactive compounds

Natural anti-infective, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and anti-coagulation products derived from a wide range of easily obtained mushrooms and their bioactive molecules have the potential to combat COVID, according to a new research paper. . The COVID-19 pandemic has focused attention on bioactive ingredients that boost the immune system. As a result, scientists around the world resumed intensive studies on bioactive compounds that could boost the immune system to protect against SARS-CoV-2 and limit the rapid transmission of the virus. As a result, bioactive compounds obtained from herbal sources and edible mushrooms have gained increasing commercial interest due to their easy availability, high antioxidant activity, nutritional value and low side effects.

Mushrooms are a popular source of food and north-east India is home to a diverse group of edible mushrooms. The growing popularity of mushrooms has prompted researchers at IASST, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), to critically analyze the importance of edible mushrooms and natural compounds derived from mushrooms in reducing complications against COVID-19 and other viral infections. Inspired for.

The research group led by Professor Ashish K Mukherjee, Director, IASST, included Dr. Aparup Patra, Dr. M.R. Khan, Dr. Sagar R. Berge and Mr. Paran Barua of IASST, Guwahati on natural anti-infective, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory agents derived from a wide range of easily obtained mushrooms and their bioactive molecules versus current treatments against COVID-19. and analyzed the efficacy of anticoagulation products.

In the review article, these scientists described the roles of 13 different mushroom-derived bioactive compounds in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection and its infection-associated pathophysiology, such as lung infection, inflammation, cytokine storm, and thrombotic and cardiovascular effects. Method of action has been assessed.

Studies by these scientists state that mushrooms contain bioactive polysaccharides and compounds with immunomodulating, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and other medicinal properties. The study also said that mushroom-based drugs are being tested in human trials, with promising results against SARS-CoV-2.

The main benefits of using edible mushrooms against viral infections are – they can be used as nutraceutical supplements without any side effects and they can also help in strengthening the body's immune system. The study in the Journal of Fungi also shows that there is huge opportunity to better understand the role of mushroom-derived bioactive compounds through intensive pre-clinical and clinical studies. In this regard, there is a need to establish coordination between researchers, health professionals and policy makers.
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