Nutraceuticals are products derived from food sources that provide health benefits beyond basic Nutrition

Fungi such as mushrooms, are a rich source of various nutraceuticals, These include:

1. Polysaccharides

β-glucans: Found in the cell walls of fungi,

Chitin: Provides dietary fiber benefits.

2. Proteins and Amino Acids

Mushrooms contain a high-quality protein with all essential amino acids.

Specific proteins, like lectins.

3. Vitamins

Vitamin D: Especially ergocalciferol (D2), when exposed to sunlight or UV light.

B-complex vitamins: Such as riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), and biotin (B7).

4. Minerals

Potassium:

Selenium:

Copper, Zinc, Iron, Phosphorus:

5. Phenolic Compounds

gallic acid, catechins, and protocatechuic acid

6. Sterols and Triterpenoids

Ergosterol: A precursor to Vitamin D2.

Triterpenoids: Found in some fungi like Ganoderma (reishi),are of great interest (pubmed).

7. Lipids

Essential fatty acids, including linoleic acid,

8. Enzymes

Such as laccase and peroxidases,

9. Secondary Metabolites

Alkaloids:

Terpenes:

10. Dietary Fiber

Examples of Functional Fungi and Their Neutraceuticals:

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum): Triterpenoids, polysaccharides, and sterols.

Shiitake (Lentinula edodes): Lentinan

Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus): Erinacines and hericenones

Cordyceps: Cordycepin

Please use pubmed to research

Cordyceps , renowned for its diverse bioactive compounds .

1. Cordycepin (3’-deoxyadenosine)

Description: A nucleoside analog unique to Cordyceps species, cordycepin is a standout bioactive compound.