**8.2 Edible mushrooms and obesity**

Since time immemorial, mushrooms have been widely utilized as meals, nutraceuticals, and medications [112]. Mushrooms have low energy properties in it, which is very crucial in weight loss. Mushrooms also contain a high vitamin-D and B-complex content, as well as high mineral content and a considerable amount of numerous trace elements, including selenium, which is a strong antioxidant [113]. Aside from their nutritional importance, mushrooms have unique qualities in terms of taste color, flavor, texture, and odor that are more fascinating for mankind's utilization. Many studies have advised that particular mushrooms be consumed on a regular basis, in food, or as an extracted substance. Some of these polysaccharides have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties [114]. The beneficial benefits

*Edible Mushrooms, a Sustainable Source of Nutrition, Biochemically Active Compounds and Its… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.102694*

of mushroom and polysaccharides on the gut microbiome, which has been related to diabetes and obesity, are currently being studied in a vibrant niche research field [115]. Because mushrooms have a high concentration of bioactive chemicals, they help to reduce obesity [63]. Numerous research has been carried out to study the polysaccharides produced from different mushrooms that have anti-obesity effects. Polysaccharides derived from Coriolus Versicolor stimulated splenocytes in mice via the MAPK-NF-B signaling pathway, resulting in an immunomodulatory result [116]. A polysaccharide from Tremella fuciformis decreased 3 T3-L1 adipocyte variation by reducing mRNA expression, indicating the carbohydrate's potential usefulness as an anti-obesity prebiotic [54]. G. lucidum consumption decreased adipogenic transcription factor expression, which enhances glucose and lipid transport and storage, and enables AMPK signaling pathways, demonstrating the polysaccharide's potential as an anti-obesity and antidiabetic drug [117]. Eating white mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) may have anti-diabetic and anti-obesity properties. Similarly, this research has been broadened to include more mushroom species that are extremely useful such as Lentinus edodes (shiitake) and Hericium erinaceus (Lion's mane) [118, 119].

#### **8.3 Effect of mushroom on cancer**

The cell cycle was arrested at the G0/G1 phase, according to flow cytometry data. Methanol extract inhibited cell proliferation and growth in breast cancer patients by upregulating p21, p19, p53, and p27genes and downregulating E2f transcription factor 1, PCNA, CDK4, CDK6, and Transcription factor DP-1 expression. Polysaccharides from Pleurotus ostreatus suppressed angiogenesis in MCF-7 cells by downregulating VEGF factor expression. Polysaccharides also increased the production of caspase-3, Bax, caspase-9, and phospho-JNK, as well as reducing mitochondrial membrane potential, resulting in cell death [120]. Supplementing rats with glucan produced from oyster mushrooms with breast cancer was associated with a decrease in tumor recurrence, tumor volume, and total tumor nodules [121].

**Figure 5** shows a possible molecular signaling cascade implicated in Pleurotus species' anti-cancerous activity:


#### **Figure 5.**

*Pleurotus extracts induced the activation and modulation of several signaling pathways in cancer cells, resulting in the prevention of cancer cell development, procreation, angiogenesis, and metastasis, as well as cell death.*

After 72 hours of exposure, because of its potential to elicit humoral and cellular immune responses against cancer cells, HeLa cells were suppressed by 60% by Pleurotus sajor-caju extracellular polysaccharide which is a sulfated derivative and HPV16E7 vaccines derived from β-glucan produce from the same species can be used for cervical cancer therapy [122, 123]. The anti-proliferative impact of gold nanoparticles generated by photo-irradiation from Pleurotus Florida was dosedependent against human chronic myelogenous leukemia cell lines K-562 [124]. Immunomodulation is a method that uses immune cell activation can aid in the targeting and destruction of tumor cells while also imbuing the encounter with long-term memory. The activities include lymphoid cell stimulation, cellular immune function enhancement phagocytosis stimulation [125, 126].

Colorectal cancer cell development is inhibited by methanolic extracts of Ganoderma dried fruiting bodies induce by cell growth in the G2–M cell cycle phase, which is caused by cell proliferation. Methanol extract promotes sp. 21 and p 27 while downregulating cyclin A and B kinase proteins [127]. Pleurotus ostreatus, an edible fungus, has antiapoptotic action due to the presence of β-glucan, a therapeutic carbohydrate with a low molecular weight. Lectin derived from the extract of the therapeutic fungus Clitocybene bularis has anti-proliferative action against human leukemic T cells. Most lectins have several carbohydrate-binding sites, which attach to a glycosylated cellular receptor of T cells, triggering the antileukemic signaling cascade [128]. The impact of triterpenes derived from Ganoderma lucidum mycelial extract on human leukemia cancer cell lines HT-29 exhibits cell cycle arrest in the G2–M phase [129]. Stomach cancer is caused by smoked meat, a high-salt diet, while

complex carbohydrate, fruits & vegetables, consumption of high dietary fiber, a lowfat diet, and dairy products lowers the incidence of gastric cancer [130]. Ganoderma lucidum is one of the most extensively used medicinal fungus species for combating stomach cancer [131].

### **8.4 Role of mushroom in diabetes**

Hyperglycemia (abnormally high fasting and postprandial glucose levels in the blood) refers to a group of illnesses with various etiologies that are a serious public health concern globally. Mushrooms, which have historically been used as diabetic treatments, constitute an attractive topic for the development of novel forms of therapies for diabetes and its after-effects. Many mushrooms have been shown to manage blood glucose levels clinically and/or experimentally and to alter the course of diabetes problems without causing negative effects [41, 132]. Aside from improving hyperglycemia, β-glucan treatment in diabetes settings has been demonstrated to produce a systemic enhancement that may improve the body's resilience against the development of diabetic complications [133–135]. Mushroom-glucans are polysaccharides that do not include starch and have a core of glucose polymer chain with extra beta-(1–6) branch points. The length of the β-glucan main chains varies, as do the kinds and degree of complication of side-chain branching. High molecular weight glucans with more structural complexity are thought to outperform low molecular weight glucans in terms of efficacy. Mushrooms also include heteropolysaccharides D-glucans with xylose, mannose, galactose, and uronic acid chains, as well as glycoproteins D-glucanprotein complexes [136].

Mushrooms have a high fiber content of roughly 3 g. per cup, which can assist persons having type 1 diabetes control their blood glucose. Blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and insulin levels in patients with type 2 diabetes can all be improved. However, having diabetes is not a requirement for eating a high-fiber diet. According to usual eating standards, the female should eat 25 g of fiber per day while an adult man should take 38 g. In 100 g dried powder of Pleurotus florida, phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids 1.92 mg, flavonoids 2.78 mg, saponins 0.05 mg, phenols (61.85 mg catechol equivalent), tannins 0.52 mg, glycosides 0.12 mg, and terpenoids 0.08 mg, which show anti-diabetic characteristics by lowering blood glucose levels [128]. Mushrooms, particularly *â* - glucans and polysaccharides have the ability to improve the secretion of insulin by *â* -cells, improving pancreatic cellular functions, which reduces blood glucose levels. It has been demonstrated to increase insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues [137]. In the pancreatic tissues of rats, lectins isolated from Agaricus campestris and Agaricus bisporus stimulated the release of the hormone insulin from islets of Langerhans [138].

#### **8.5 Effect of mushroom on immune system**

Immunomodulatory mushrooms are the most often employed medicinal mushrooms in today's Korea, China, Japan, and Asian nations. Some polysaccharides or polysaccharide-protein complexes from different types of edible mushrooms have been proven to enhance the non-specific immune system and perform anticancer action by activating the host's defensive system [86]. These medications cause effector cells such as T lymphocytes, macrophages, and NK cells to release antiproliferative cytokines such as IL-1b, IFN-g, TNF-a, and others, which induce tumor cell death and differentiation [139]. β -glucans contained in edible mushrooms have been shown to have an immune-boosting impact [140]. Specific β-glucans receptors are preferentially expressed on the surface of neutrophils, dendritic, natural killer (NK) cells, and monocyte/macrophages, when β-glucans are consumed [141], The activation of the nuclear factor k-lightchain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB), generation of cytokines, transcription of inflammatory-immune genes, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) occurs after the receptor recognition stage (ROS) [142, 143]. Other pattern recognition receptors (PRR) have been linked to -glucan recognition, and they may work in tandem with dectin-1/TLR or perhaps independently [144]. -Glucan receptors may be inhibited after damage, but -glucans from a fungal pathogen, which produce large quantities of the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA), can activate a significant immunomodulatory response independent of these receptors [144]. One of the finest dietary sources of selenium is edible mushrooms [145]. Selenium is required for the immune system to operate properly. Selenoproteins are seleniumbound proteins that play a role in immune system cell differentiation, proliferation, and activation, regulating both the congenital and adaptive immunological responses. Selenium's immunoregulatory effect is further demonstrated by its impact on leukocyte activities such as migration, phagocytosis, adhesion, as well as cytokine release, which may be critical in chronic inflammation and autoimmune disorders. Furthermore, selenoproteins play important role in cellular antioxidative activities. Selenium is an important component in the fight against free radicals, thanks to its involvement in the architecture of Superoxide, or glutathione peroxidase, among other things.

Numerous mushroom species included ergosterol (vitamin D precursor) and ergocalciferol (vitamin D2), as well as other sterols. Ergosterol is abundant in the fruiting bodies of A. bisporus [146]. Vitamin D has a wide range of benefits for humans, according to current studies. Its scarcity has been linked to the onset of metabolic syndrome and hypertension, as well as intestinal inflammation, diabetes, and other health problems and certain types of malignancies, all of which are caused by chronic inflammation [147].

## **8.6 Mushrooms' effect on bone health**

Mushrooms include a variety of bioactive chemical ingredients that aid in bone metabolism and reduce the risk of osteoporosis in humans. Mushrooms increase the osteogenicity of cultured bone cells and induce bone formation and mineralization [148]. Edible Mushrooms are a rich source of vitamin D. Vitamin D's main function is to keep bones healthy by stimulating calcium absorption from the gut and maintaining calcium homeostasis. Vitamin D insufficiency is a worldwide problem that also affects regions with enough sunshine [149]. Vitamin D deficiency may exacerbate bone loss by lowering calcium absorption and raising parathyroid hormone levels [150]. Rheumatoid arthritis is a degenerative joint condition that causes impairment. Inflammation in joints resulted in the loss of form and function as people become older, about 35–45 years old. Women are more impacted than males when it comes to chronic inflammation, joint pain, and autoimmune illness, which is characterized by chronic inflammation, joint pain, and autoimmune disease. A poly-branched (1,3/1,6)-D-glucans from P. Ostreatus has been shown to have anti-arthritic action [151, 152].

#### **8.7 Neurodegenerative diseases and mushroom**

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are a type of neurological disorder that causes the brain or nervous system to deteriorate over time. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease and the most common cause of dementia.

*Edible Mushrooms, a Sustainable Source of Nutrition, Biochemically Active Compounds and Its… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.102694*

The two major mechanisms that contribute to its advancement are oxidative stress and neuroinflammation [153]. Edible mushrooms have high levels of polyphenols, polysaccharides, vitamins, carotenoids, and minerals, all of which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties [154]. Recent research has shown that mushrooms can help with some elements of neurodegenerative illness; nevertheless, human studies are inadequate to prove clinically significant consequences on brain health indicators. Although, it has been discovered that mushroom eating slows the onset of Alzheimer's disease and protects against -amyloid peptide toxicity in the brain and moderate intellectual disability [85]. Niacin-rich mushrooms have higher therapeutic effectiveness in the rehabilitation of Parkinson's disease [155]. Polyozellin, a bioactive substance found in edible mushrooms, might be used to test Huntington's disease sufferers [156]. Polysaccharides, hericenones and erinacines, Erinacine A, Psilocybin, Triterpenoids, nucleotides, sterols, steroids, Quercetin, −(1–3)-d-glucan, Ergothioneine, Selenium, vitamin D2, antioxidants, glutathione, and ergothioneine are examples of bioactive components present in edible mushrooms that have a protective effect against neurodegenerative disease [157].
