Mushrooms Against Malignancies: from Chemosensitization to Immunopotentiation

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.