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This literature review offers an extensive exploration of Chaga mushrooms (Inonotus obliquus), focusing on their phytochemical composition, health-promoting attributes, and mechanisms of action. The aim was to provide an up-to-date overview of Chaga's significance in the medicinal sector, emphasizing its potential role in diverse health benefits. The review highlights Chaga's remarkable anticancer, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immunomodulating properties. By synthesizing recent findings, this work underscores Chaga's importance in the medicinal industries and provides valuable insights into its pharmacological potential.
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This literature review provides an up-to-date exploration of the multifaceted attributes of maitake mushrooms (Grifola frondosa), elucidating their bioactive phytochemicals and diverse health advantages, including their substantial role in supporting human health and potential incorporation into the medicinal industry. Carbohydrates and protein are the major constituents contributing to the dry weight of G. frondosa, taking up around 70-80 % and 13-21 %, respectively, with emerging research linking these constituents to various health benefits. By synthesising current research findings, this review emphasises the substantial role of maitake mushrooms in supporting human health and underscores their potential incorporation into the medicinal industry. To further advance our understanding, future research should delve into the mechanisms underlying their health-promoting effects, with a focus on conducting quantitative studies to elucidate physiological pathways and potential drug interactions. Additionally, exploring their integration into functional foods or nutraceuticals through quantitative assessments of bioavailability and efficacy will be crucial for maximising their therapeutic benefits. This review aims to provide comprehensive insights, catalysing further research and innovation in utilising maitake mushrooms for improved well-being and industry advancement.
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Moringa oleifera has emerged as a subject of increasing interest, drawing attention for its diverse phytochemical composition and potential health benefits. This review delves into Moringa oleifera's phytochemical constituents, including but not limited to flavonoids, alkaloids, and carotenoids. Expanding beyond its chemical intricacies, the spectrum of health advantages attributed to it are explored, encompassing its remarkable anticancer, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and cardioprotective effect. Throughout this review, the underlying physiological mechanisms attributed to these properties by its phytochemicals are explored. Concurrently, the review addresses its pharmacological safety, ensuring a nuanced understanding of its applications in medicinal industries. In summary, this literature review presents a comprehensive exploration of Moringa oleifera, focusing on its phytochemical composition, health benefits, physiological mechanisms, pharmacological safety and nutritional importance.
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Moringa oleifera (MO), has been studied extensively, and has numerous medicinal and socioeconomic benefits. Emerging research has investigated the efficacy of MO extract and/or its phytochemical derivatives against ischemic stroke in-vivo. To date, no studies comprehensively reviewing the effects of MO extract and/or its phytochemical derivatives against ischemic stroke have been published. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to assess the effects of MO extract and/or its phytochemical derivatives against focal ischemic stroke, modeled in-vivo. Compared with control groups, significant reduction in infarct volume and malondialdehyde levels, and signficant increase in antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase. The primary mechanism of action of MO extract and its phytochemical derivatives which confers neuroprotection is reduction in oxidative stress by increasing antioxidant enzymes. On the whole, the present systematic review critically assessed evidence which demonstrated that MO extract may confer protective effect on experimental ischemic stroke. Although effect size may have been overestimated due to the limited number of included studies, small sample sizes and possible publication bias, results generated in this meta-analysis dmeonstrate that MO extract may be a promising neuroprotective agent against human ischemic stroke.
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The Ganoderma genus is known for its diverse use as a functional food and therapeutic agent. This fungus has over 428 species, with Ganoderma lucidum being the most studied. The Ganoderma species produce several secondary metabolites and bioactive compounds like polysaccharides, phenols, and triterpenes, which are largely responsible for their therapeutic properties. Throughout this review, several extracts obtained from Ganoderma species have been studied to delve into their therapeutic characteristics and mechanisms. Such properties like immunomodulation, antiaging, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities have been demonstrated by several Ganoderma species and are supported by a large body of evidence. Although its phytochemicals play a vital role in its therapeutic properties, identifying the therapeutic potentials of fungal-secreted metabolites for human health-promoting benefits is a challenging task. Identification of novel compounds with distinct chemical scaffolds and their mechanism of action could help suppress the spread of rising pathogens. Thus, this review provides an updated and comprehensive overview of the bioactive components in different Ganoderma species and the underlying physiological mechanisms.