Medicinal Mushrooms: Recent Progress in Research and Development

Presents the latest R & D information on medicinal mushroomsfrom diverse geographical locationsOffers comprehensive coverage of the most important applicationareas of medicinal mushroomsIncludes contributions by eminently experienced researchers in thefield of medicinal mushroomsMedicinal mushrooms are increasingly gaining attention worldwidebecause of their pharmacologically bioactive compounds, which havedemonstrated potent and unique clinical properties. Scientificstudies carried out during the last decade have confirmed theirefficacy in treating a wide range of diseases. Extracts andbioactive compounds obtained from mushrooms have been usedmedicinally as anticancer, immunomodulator, antibacterial,antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-atherosclerotic,neuroprotectant, cardioprotectant, antioxidant, andanti-hypoglycemic agents, and in stem cell-basedtherapies.Introducing readers to the latest developments in, andongoing research efforts on, medicinal mushrooms, this book gathersarticles contributed by eminent researchers in differentdisciplines and from around the globe. Highlighting the tremendouspotential of mushrooms for the development of new drugs, the topicscovered include but are not limited to: Recent progress in researchon the pharmaceutical potential of medicinal mushrooms andprospects for their clinicalapplicationEdible mushroom neuronutraceuticals: Basis of therapeuticsOverview of therapeutic efficacy of mushroomsMushrooms – a wealth of resources for prospective stem cell-basedtherapiesMushrooms as potential natural cytostatics