Fungi have long been recognized in traditional medicine for their healing properties, and contemporary research increasingly points to their significant potential in cancer prevention and treatment. Despite advancements in conventional cancer therapies, severe side effects and limited efficacy in advanced stages necessitate the discovery of novel, less toxic therapeutic agents. This manuscript reviews the diverse array
of bioactive compounds in fungi, including polysaccharides, terpenoids, phenolic compounds, lectins, and sterols, highlighting their anticancer mechanisms such as immune modulation, direct cytotoxicity, apoptosis induction, and inhibition of metastasis. Notably, β-glucans from Lentinula edodes (lentinan) and Coriolus
versicolor (PSK) have demonstrated promising immunomodulatory and survival-enhancing effects in clinical settings. Other compounds like ganoderic acids from Ganoderma lucidum exhibit direct proapoptotic activity. The multi-pathway action of fungal compounds, often selectively targeting malignant cells while sparing normal tissues, presents a distinct advantage over single-target conventional drugs.
Furthermore, fungal extracts show potential in mitigating chemotherapy side effects and improving patient quality of life. While significant preclinical evidence supports the anticancer potential of numerous edible and wild mushroom species, challenges remain in standardization, long-term safety, and large-scale clinical validation. Biotechnological advancements offer solutions for consistent production and enhanced delivery of these compounds. This review underscores fungi as a rich and underexplored natural resource for anticancer drug discovery, advocating for further interdisciplinary research to translate these promising bioactives into effective and safe oncological therapies.
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