Phytochemistry and Nutritional Composition of Significant Wild Medicinal and Edible Mushrooms: Traditional Uses and Pharmacology

Fungal natural products are a rich source of bioactive compounds, particularly antibiotics and antifungals. This book provides a comprehensive guide to important fungal species, their phytochemistry, potential sources of bioactive compounds, known chemistry, and toxicology. It is an essential resource for researchers and postgraduates in phytochemistry and natural product pharmacology, and mycologists.

Format: Hardback
Length: 414 pages
Publication date: 30 August 2023
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry

Fungal natural products have been recognized as some of the earliest sources of bioactive compounds, with basidiomycetes being a prolific source of these compounds, particularly in the form of antibiotics and antifungals. Despite advancements in target-based and synthetic methods for drug discovery, natural products remain an invaluable source of novel compounds. This comprehensive book provides a detailed exploration of numerous significant fungal species, focusing on their phytochemistry, potential sources of bioactive compounds, known chemistry, and toxicology. It serves as an essential guide for researchers and postgraduates in phytochemistry and natural product pharmacology, as well as mycologists.

Basidiomycetes, a diverse group of fungi, have been a rich source of bioactive compounds, particularly in the field of medicine. These fungi have produced a wide range of therapeutic agents, including antibiotics, antifungals, and immunosuppressants. One of the most notable examples of basidiomycete-derived drugs is penicillin, which was first isolated from a mold called Penicillium notatum in 1928. Since then, numerous other antibiotics, such as streptomycin, tetracycline, and erythromycin, have been derived from basidiomycetes.

Antifungal agents are also derived from basidiomycetes. The most commonly used antifungal drugs are azoles, which include fluconazole, itraconazole, and ketoconazole. These drugs are effective against a wide range of fungal infections, including candidiasis, cryptococcosis, and aspergillosis. Another class of antifungal drugs, the polyenes, includes amphotericin B and its derivatives. These drugs are used in severe cases of fungal infections that are resistant to other treatments.

In addition to their therapeutic applications, basidiomycetes have also been studied for their potential to produce bioactive compounds with other biological activities. For example, some compounds produced by these fungi have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, while others have been shown to have anticancer and antiviral activities.

Basidiomycetes are also important in the field of agriculture. Some species of these fungi are used as natural pesticides, while others are used to produce enzymes that are used in the production of various foods and beverages. For example, the enzyme xylanase is produced by several species of basidiomycetes and is used in the production of bioethanol, a renewable fuel.

Despite the many benefits of basidiomycetes, there are also concerns about the potential risks associated with their use. For example, some species of basidiomycetes can produce toxic compounds that can harm humans and animals. Additionally, the overuse of certain antibiotics and antifungals can lead to the development of drug-resistant strains of bacteria and fungi, which can be difficult to treat.

To address these concerns, researchers are continuing to study the biology and chemistry of basidiomycetes. They are exploring new ways to isolate and characterize bioactive compounds from these fungi, as well as developing new methods for drug discovery and development. Additionally, efforts are being made to promote the sustainable use of basidiomycetes in agriculture and medicine.

In conclusion, basidiomycetes have been a prolific source of bioactive compounds, particularly in the form of antibiotics and antifungals. These fungi have also been studied for their potential to produce bioactive compounds with other biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. While there are concerns about the potential risks associated with their use, researchers are continuing to study these fungi and develop new methods for drug discovery and development. The sustainable use of basidiomycetes in agriculture and medicine is also important to promote.

Weight: 776g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839166679