Preface
Page: ii-ii (1)
Author: Mohan Prasad Singh and Sachchida Nand Rai
DOI: 10.2174/9789815080568123010002
List of Contributors
Page: iii-iv (2)
Author: Mohan Prasad Singh and Sachchida Nand Rai
DOI: 10.2174/9789815080568123010003
Nutritional and Medicinal Values of Mushroom
Page: 1-8 (8)
Author: Nazish Tabassum and Mohan Prasad Singh*
DOI: 10.2174/9789815080568123010004
PDF Price: $15
Abstract
Humans have ingested both wild and farmed mushrooms for their nutritional
and therapeutic properties. Mushrooms are a good source of protein, carbohydrates,
and dietary fiber compared to energy and fat. They are rich in vitamins like riboflavin,
niacin, and folates, as well as minerals and trace elements like potassium and copper.
Due to their distinct flavor, they have been eaten as food for ages. Aside from being a
nutrient-dense diet, certain mushrooms are also considered a rich source of
physiologically active chemicals with potential therapeutic value in Chinese medicine.
Phenolic chemicals, sterols, and triterpenes are examples of bioactive secondary
metabolites that occur in mushrooms. Mushrooms are essential in traditional medicine
for their healing powers and characteristics, as well as their long history as a food
source. It has been shown to have positive benefits on health and the treatment of
certain ailments. Mushrooms have a variety of nutraceutical qualities, including the
prevention or treatment of Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, hypertension, and
stroke risk. Due to their antitumoral properties, they are also used to lower the
likelihood of cancer invasion and metastasis. Mushrooms are antimicrobial,
antioxidant, immune system boosters, and cholesterol-lowering agents, and essential
bioactive compounds. Mushrooms and mushroom derivatives may have health benefits
if included in our daily diet.
Mushrooms Against Malignancies: from Chemosensitization to Immunopotentiation
Page: 9-34 (26)
Author: Vivek Kumar Soni, Yashwant Kumar Ratre, Arundhati Mehta, Subash Chandra Sonkar, Santosh Kumar Prajapati, Navaneet Chaturvedi, Dhananjay Shukla and Naveen Kumar Vishvakarma*
DOI: 10.2174/9789815080568123010005
PDF Price: $15
Abstract
Malignancies have been among the diseases which claim most of the lives
around the globe. They also impact the socioeconomic level as well as emotional
detriments among the near and dear ones. Various strategies and interventions have
been devised to combat these life-threatening conditions. The ill effects associated with
synthetic drugs comprising most of the anticancer drugs enforce looking for an
alternative source for molecules with therapeutic potential. Mushrooms are one of the
most prominent sources of bioactive molecules with diverse medicinal properties.
Various mushrooms have shown their ability to inhibit the proliferation of neoplastic
cells both in in vitro and in vivo investigations. Mushrooms and their active
constituents can affect the various Hallmarks of Cancer. Mushrooms are not only able
to inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells, but they also prevent the onset of
carcinogenesis. The anti-angiogenic property of various mushrooms is indicated in
several research investigations. The immunomodulatory potential and ability to avert
metastasis also aid in the anticancer potential of this wonderful food item. Due to the
high nutritive values of edible mushrooms, they have been suggested as nutraceuticals
and contribute to nutritional management in diseases including cancer. The active
constituents are also proven to have chemosensitizing ability. Preventive management
of cancer and reverting chemoresistance have been sought as promising achievements
in the clinical management of malignant conditions. Moreover, the nutritional values of
mushrooms, along with their therapeutic potential at various fronts against cancer,
make them a strong candidate for clinical application. This also warrants the careful exploration of mushrooms, their nutritive potential, and bioactive constituents against
malignant disorders in laboratory and clinical settings.
Anti-proliferative, Anti-angiogenic, Anti-apoptotic, and Anti-metastatic Effects of Mushroom
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Author: Vartika Mishra, Priyanka Yadav, Aprajita Tiwari Pandey and Mohan Prasad Singh*
DOI: 10.2174/9789815080568123010006
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Abstract
Cancer is the second leading cause of mortality globally after cardiovascular
diseases. It is attributed to various genetic and epigenetic changes in the genome, while
lifestyle and environmental factors have a say in its rate of progression. Conventional
agents like chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical interventions though successful to
some extent, are always associated with toxic side effects. A promising alternative
could be herbs that form a part of our daily consumption. Mushrooms consumed
worldwide have been found to be a treasure of macromolecules like β-glucan, α-glucan,
resveratrol, concanavalin A, cibacron blue affinity protein, p-hydroxybenzoic acid,
ergosterol, linoleic acid, etc. that are responsible for mediating anti-tumor,
immunomodulatory, antioxidant and anti-diabetic roles. Various experiments have
demonstrated the potential of mushrooms as an anti-cancer agent. This chapter
summarizes the effect of mushroom extracts and bioactive constituents against various
hallmarks of cancer like sustained proliferation, evading apoptosis, angiogenesis,
immune evasion and metastasis, along with underlying mechanisms. At the end of the
chapter, we also talked about what still can be done and where we need to focus so that
future studies can add to the already existing knowledge about this natural reservoir of
anti-cancer compounds.
Antidiabetic Attributes of Mushrooms
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Author: Sushil Kumar Dubey, Vinay Kumar Singh, Rahul Shyam and Mohan Prasad Singh*
DOI: 10.2174/9789815080568123010007
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Abstract
Mushrooms are macrofungi, with distinct mycelia structure, and fruiting
bodies, divided into stalk and cap that contains spores in most of the species. These
mushrooms are edible with diverse therapeutic applications. Old civilizations from
India, China, and Korea used these mushrooms to cure diseases, especially diabetes.
Diabetes is now a newly emerging pandemic, affecting people worldwide, with special
reference to developing countries. There are several medications available for the
management of diabetes, but their permanent treatment is still to be explored. Due to
synthetic medicines and their adverse effect, people are searching for natural
therapeutic agents. Many mushroom species have shown their potential to control
diabetes and its related complications, such as weight loss, lipidemia, hypertension, etc.
In this chapter, we have discussed five different mushroom species, i.e., Auricularia
auricula-judae, Agaricus bisporus, Ophiocordycep sinensis, Ganoderma lucidum, and
Pleurotus species with their potential therapeutic application against diabetes and its
related complications.
Antimicrobial Potential of Mushrooms: Emergence of Mycotherapy
Page: 67-79 (13)
Author: Aprajita Tiwari Pandey, Ishan Pandey, Prashasti Tripathi, Vartika Mishra, Priyanka Yadav and Mohan Prasad Singh*
DOI: 10.2174/9789815080568123010008
PDF Price: $15
Abstract
The 21st century enters a “post-antibiotic world,” with just a few alternatives
for combating antibiotic-resistant microbial strains. The search for new antimicrobials
which could overcome the situation of antimicrobial resistance is of prime importance
and the need of hour. Herbal antimicrobials pose a plethora of new antimicrobial drug
discoveries. Mushrooms give rise to a number of bioactive chemicals that are known to
have anti-pathogenic qualities as well as safer and more effective therapeutic effects in
the treatment of human diseases. As a result, this chapter emphasises that
mycoconstituents might be an alternate treatment regimen and could play a role in
novel drug discovery against various infections. This chapter contains information
about the potential use of mycoconstituents in the management and treatment of
infectious diseases. The approaches illustrate the importance of primary screening of
bioactive molecules from mushrooms as a potential step by offering new possibilities
for clinical and pharmacological research and development. Traditional antibiotics can
now be substituted with newer and more effective natural antimicrobials derived from
mushroom extracts to treat a variety of fatal and multi-drug resistant infectious
diseases. As a result, this functional food extract might play a significant role in
naturally combating infections and offering a comprehensive approach to treatments.
Finally, we will go through the mechanics of mushroom antimicrobial potentials and
presents an insight into “Mycotherapy”.
In silico Interactions of the Biomolecules of Edible Mushrooms Against Lifestyle Diseases
Page: 80-95 (16)
Author: Nidhi Singh, Veer Singh and Mohan Prasad Singh*
DOI: 10.2174/9789815080568123010009
PDF Price: $15
Abstract
Mushrooms are fungi that are consumed all over the world and contain
bioactive nutritive components with nutritional and therapeutic qualities. Protein,
minerals, vitamins and antioxidants are all found in edible mushrooms. Selenium,
vitamin C, and choline are antioxidants that help the human body remove free radicals.
Antimicrobial, antiviral, anticancer, anti-allergic, immunomodulation, anti-inflammatory, anti-atherogenic, hypoglycemic, hepatoprotective, and antioxidant properties
of mushrooms. Primary and secondary metabolites can be found in mushrooms. The
primary metabolites are energy-producing, but the secondary metabolites have
therapeutic qualities. As the bioactive molecule has a pharmacological effect,
researchers have recently focused on extracting it. As a result, the mushroom has the
potential to be a recipe for human health and play a key role in the battle against
COVID-19 pandemics and other infectious illnesses. Mushrooms and their
biomolecules have therapeutic properties in a variety of diseases, including
cardiovascular, diabetes, reproductive problems, cancer, and neurological disorders. A
computer method, or in silico technology, is promising early evidence for drug
development. Molecular docking studies have discovered bioactive chemicals from
natural items like mushrooms as possible inhibitors against various diseases.
An Eco-friendly Practice of Decontamination of Toxicants using Fungi
Page: 96-113 (18)
Author: Abdur Rouf Samim and Huma Vaseem*
DOI: 10.2174/9789815080568123010010
PDF Price: $15
Abstract
The advent of industrialization and urbanization has caused rapid
production of various types of domestic, agricultural, medical and technological goods,
such as different types of pesticides, herbicides, cyanotoxin, heavy metals, antibiotics,
dyes, phthalates, etc. Production of these substances has led to the production of
enormous amount of waste materials. Inappropriate discharge and uncontrolled
drainage of these waste materials into the environment have caused their accumulation
in the surrounding environment, causing serious health problems and destroying our
ecosystem. Different methods such as physical, chemical and biological have been
adopted to eliminate these waste materials. However, these methods are cost-effective
and have some side effects. Hence, in this chapter, efforts have been made to
understand the fungal enzymes involved in remediation processes, and their role and
the mechanism of action of fungi have been depicted. Besides that, we have also
discussed different categories of waste and their remediation using fungi, which is an
eco-friendly biological approach to remediate toxic materials.
Application of Mushroom in Bioremediation of Toxic Heavy Metal Ions
Page: 114-127 (14)
Author: Ghufran Ahmed, Ritesh Kumar Tiwari, Gaurav Kumar Pandit, Shanvi, Manisha Verma, Veer Singh, Mohan Prasad Singh and Meenakshi Singh*
DOI: 10.2174/9789815080568123010011
PDF Price: $15
Abstract
Heavy metals have economic importance in industrial applications and are
presently becoming a significant environmental concern. Components of heavy metals
like As, Cd, Cr, Pb, Se, and Hg are considered systemic toxicants and induce various
organ damage even at lower levels of exposure. Natural sources include metallurgy of
metal-bearing rocks and volcanic eruptions, whereas mining and different industrial
and agricultural operations are human sources to release them into the environment. In
recent times, remediation of toxic metal pollution has been a major environmental and
technological challenge all over the world. Several physiochemical strategies have been
used in the past to remove heavy metals from the environment. But, it has adverse
repercussions, including power dissipation, incompetence for inherently dangerous
ions, pernicious by-products, and high cost; hence, alternative strategies are necessary.
Biosorption and its operational processes have been very effective in the removal of
hazardous heavy metals and display features like eco-friendly, high efficiency, and
economic viability, and can be used repeatedly, showing selective metal binding,
effective desorption, and recycling of adsorbents. Different biological agents like algae,
bacteria, fungi, and yeast can be employed to carry out bioremediation, especially
mycoremediation. The potential of fungal biomass (Mushrooms) as a biosorbent is well
accepted for the removal of toxic heavy metals and radionuclides from the environment
because of its excellent metal-binding characteristics and tolerance towards metals and
unfavourable environmental conditions like diverse pH and temperature conditions.
Mushrooms, macro-fungi, have fruiting bodies that grow out of a mass of mycelium
and can build up heavy metals in high concentrations in their bodies above maximum
permissible concentrations and may also act as an effective biosorption tool. High accumulation potential and shorter life span are some of the advantages of using
mushrooms as biosorbents and exhibiting excellent mycoremediation potential.
Mushrooms - A Promising Candidate for the Biosorption of Heavy Metals from the Environment
Page: 128-141 (14)
Author: Priyanka Yadav, Vartika Mishra, Aprajita Tiwari Pandey and Mohan Prasad Singh*
DOI: 10.2174/9789815080568123010012
PDF Price: $15
Abstract
Heavy metal pollution has become an emerging issue worldwide owing to
its high toxicity, non-biodegradability and persisting nature. Thus, it shows high
bioaccumulative ability in the living system that may lead to carcinogenicities and
several health complications in humans, even at trace concentrations. Their genesis
occurs via both natural as well as anthropogenic activities that have contributed to an
unusual increase in the concentration of toxic heavy metals across the globe. Several
conventional methods, namely chemical precipitation, ion exchange, and membrane
filtration, are being implied for the elimination of recalcitrant metals persisting in the
ecosystem. But these methods have their own shortcomings and offer many limitations
when applied to large volumes and fewer metal concentrations. In this regard, an
alternative treatment method is needed that will overcome major demerits while
remediating pollutants at a large scale without generating any secondary pollutants.
Hence, a variant of the sorption technique, i.e., biosorption, appeared as economical
and eco-friendly alternative treatment technology which is characterized by utilizing a
material of biological origin. Further, in this process, the binding of passive cations
might occur through living or nonliving biomass and aid in the elimination of
contaminants from the aquatic system. The origin of biosorbents may vary in terms of
the different microorganisms used. However, the biomass of macrofungi or mushrooms
has been apprehended as a reassuring class of low-cost adsorbents in effacing toxic
ions. This is because the cell walls of macrofungi are enriched with several functional
groups that provide key aspects in the biosorption process. In this chapter, the
biosorptive propensity of different mushrooms toward metal ions has been accented,
and also insights into mechanisms of biosorption are discussed.
Application of Fungal Xylanase Enzymes
Page: 142-166 (25)
Author: Harit Jha* and Ragini Arora
DOI: 10.2174/9789815080568123010013
PDF Price: $15
Abstract
The enzyme xylanase breaks down the linear polysaccharide β-1,4-xylan
into xylose, therefore breaking down hemicellulose, one of the primary components of
plant cell walls. It is essential for the breakdown of plant materials into usable nutrients
by microorganisms that thrive on plant sources. Fungi, bacteria, yeast, marine algae,
protozoans, snails, crustaceans, insects, seeds, and other organisms generate xylanases.
However, the amount of xylanase produced by fungal cultures is generally significantly
larger than that produced by yeasts or bacteria. There is a growing demand for low-cost
microbial xylanolytic enzymes that have industrial uses and are commercially
manufactured. The chlorine-free whitening of wood pulp preparatory to the
papermaking process and the enhanced digestibility of silage are two commercial
applications for xylanase. Aside from the pulp and paper industry, xylanases are used
in wheat flour for ethanol production, improving dough handling and quality of baked
products, as food additives in poultry, clarification of fruit juices, biofuel production,
textiles, pharmaceuticals, and chemical industries. Improved knowledge of the
biological characteristics and genetics of fungal xylanase will allow these enzymes to
be used in a variety of novel biotechnological and commercial applications.
Subject Index
Page: 167-171 (5)
Author: Mohan Prasad Singh and Sachchida Nand Rai
DOI: 10.2174/9789815080568123010014
Introduction
Mushrooms: A Wealth of Nutraceuticals and An Agent of Bioremediation informs readers about the growing role of mycotherapy and fungal biotechnology for a sustainable future. It presents reviews of efficient treatment strategies for different diseases with the help of mushrooms and derived nutraceuticals. This book also highlights efficient bioremediation strategies exhibited by common mushrooms. Starting with topics on the nutritional and medicinal values of various edible and non-edible mushrooms, the contributors explore their bioactive components. The book progressively covers the antidiabetic, anticancer and antimcrobial potential of mushrooms. The contents are rounded up by reviews of the application of fungal xylanase enzymes and bioremediation of heavy metals from the environment. This is a comprehensive reference for researchers interested in working in the field of applied mycology for nutraceuticals and environmental bioremediation for pollution control.