Mushrooms: A Wealth of Resource for Prospective Stem Cell-Based Therapies

Abstract

Mushrooms are rich in nutraceutical compounds, which provide outstanding health benefits. Mounting evidences have proved that consumption of mushrooms decreases health complications associated with obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. However, mushrooms are mostly consumed as dietary supplements rather than as medicines. Nowadays, research efforts are focused on bioactive compounds extracted from mushrooms and their usage in regenerative medicine. Regenerative medicine is an interdisciplinary approach which deals with the replacement, engineering, or the regeneration of damaged human cells, tissues, or organs to regain their usual functions. It comprises the production and usage of beneficial stem cells, tissue engineering, and also generating artificial organs. Stem cell therapy is a fascinating field of research which targets myriad of disorders. Stem cells are undifferentiated cells which ultimately divide (mitosis) and develop into specialized organs. Researches are now keen on the development of stem cell-based disease management especially for neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Numerous chemical compounds have been reported to precondition stem cells. Therapeutic agents derived from natural compounds are much preferred to prime or to regulate the activation of various types of stem cells. Although the medicinal properties of compounds extracted from mushrooms are well-documented, the comprehensive information on the compounds present in mushrooms which target different types of stem cells is still lacking. This chapter deals with various compounds present in mushrooms which mediate the activation of various stem cells, especially under pathological conditions.