Medicinal Mushrooms and Their Bioactive Compounds: From Traditional Use to Therapeutic Potential

Medicinal mushrooms have become an important component of modern dietary supplementation and functional nutrition due to their diverse biological activities and long-standing use in traditional medicine. Among the most widely studied and utilized species are Ganoderma lucidum, Lentinula edodes, Grifola frondosa, Cordyceps militaris, Cordyceps sinensis, Trametes versicolor, and Inonotus obliquus. Their therapeutic potential is associated with a wide range of biologically active constituents, including polysaccharides, triterpenoids, phenolic compounds, and other secondary metabolites. Experimental and clinical studies indicate that extracts derived from these species may support immune function, modulate inflammatory responses, and exhibit antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. In addition to extensive in vitro and in vivo investigations, a growing number of clinical studies have evaluated the safety and potential therapeutic benefits of medicinal mushroom preparations in humans. In recent years, increasing attention has been directed toward their incorporation into nutraceutical formulations and functional foods aimed at supporting health and preventing chronic diseases. Advances in cultivation technologies and extraction methods have also contributed to improved availability and standardization of mushroom-derived products. This review provides a comprehensive overview of selected medicinal mushroom species commonly used in dietary supplements, focusing on their bioactive constituents, reported biological activities, and potential applications in contemporary medicine.