A Review of Enzyme Inhibitory Activities and Therapeutic Potential of Selected Mushroom Species

Abstract

Medicinal mushrooms contain diverse bioactive compounds that exhibit significant enzyme inhibitory properties, particularly against α-amylase and lipase enzymes. Five mushroom species - Hericium tessulatus, Lentinula edodes, Termitomyces microcarpus, Schizophyllum commune, and Tricholoma matsutake - were evaluated for their therapeutic potential in metabolic disorders. The analysis of their chemical constituents revealed high concentrations of polysaccharides (15-35%), phenolic compounds (2-8%), and terpenoids (1-4%). L. edodes showed the strongest α-amylase inhibition with an IC50 value of 2.45 mg/mL, while H. tessulatus demonstrated potent lipase inhibition (IC50 = 1.87 mg/mL). The observed enzyme inhibitory activities correlate with specific bioactive compounds: β-glucans and triterpenes for α-amylase inhibition, and phenolic acids for lipase inhibition. These mushrooms also possess additional therapeutic properties, including immunomodulation, antioxidant effects, and antimicrobial activities. Extraction methods significantly influence the potency of bioactive compounds, with ethanol extraction yielding higher concentrations of active ingredients compared to aqueous extraction. This justifies the traditional use of these mushrooms in treating metabolic disorders and suggest their potential in developing new pharmaceutical formulations for diabetes and obesity management.