Current state of scientific research and prospects for using basidiomycetes in veterinary medicine: A literature review

The relevance of the study is conditioned upon the need to summarise current data on the pharmacological properties of Basidiomycota and to provide scientific justification for their use in veterinary medicine. The purpose of the research was to analyse the results of recent experimental studies on the pharmacological and toxicological properties of basidiomycetes and the possibilities of their use in veterinary medicine. The research uses theoretical methods of analysis and comparison of literature data with the development of substantiated conclusions and recommendations for the future. Basidiomycetes belong to the higher fungi, their vegetative body is represented by a branched cellular mycelium. They are a healthy food and rich in biologically active substances. Analysis of the literature demonstrates a high degree of scientific interest in the research of their pharmacological properties. Consequently, scientific research is designed to establish new data on the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of biologically active substances of basidiomycetes. For example, the mushroom Inonotus obliquus (I. obliquus) has been commonly used to treat patients with various gastrointestinal diseases. In recent years, there has been a growing body of scientific evidence indicating the effectiveness of its extracts in treating infections and infestations, cancer, and diabetes. It was established that the biologically active substances of I. obiquus stimulate the immune system, show hypoglycaemic potential, are sensitive to insulin, and have an antioxidant effect. In the current scientific discourse, researchers are trying to identify the molecular mechanism of action of I. obliquus extracts. The presented review of the literature demonstrates that basidiomycetes exhibit pharmacological properties in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, diseases of the digestive, respiratory and cardiovascular systems, metabolic disorders, antimicrobial, antiviral, immunomodulatory effects, etc. Currently, using basidiomycetes in the world, considering their scientifically proven and experimentally proven pharmacological properties, is extremely promising. The material of the research is of practical value for expanding the possibilities of using fungotherapy in veterinary medicine