The Possibility of Using Sulphur Shelf Fungus (Laetiporus sulphureus) in the Food Industry and in Medicine—A Review

Abstract

Sulphur shelf fungus (Laetiporus sulphureus) has so far been largely underestimated as a potential raw material for the food industry. Many studies have demonstrated that the extracts obtained from this mushroom and some of their components have positive effects on human health. They have antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer properties and regulate human metabolism and digestive processes. Water extracts also have this effect. In addition, the substances contained in this mushroom have the ability to preserve food by inhibiting the growth of undesirable microorganisms. These properties have led to the situation that in some countries, shelf sulphur fungus is legally recognized as a raw material that meets the requirements of the food and processing industries. This paper is a review of the latest information (mainly for the period 2016–2023) on the chemical composition and the possibility of using L. sulphureus in the food industry and in medicine.