Title: Mushroom science in Cuba: towards new opportunities for developing functional foods/nutraceuticals.
Abstract: Mushroom science in Cuba allows the valorization of agricultural by-products into functional foods/nutraceuticals for human consumption to address objectives of sustainability and biotechnological development. Much research work done in Cuban eastern region has been performed on the Pleurotus genus, whose cultivation has increased greatly during the last few decades. Pleurotus species, like many edible and medicinal mushrooms, are a good source of immunomodulators and “host defense potentiators” (HDPs). In this context, dietetic supplements with a high therapeutic potential acting on the immune system and formulated from refined or partially refined mushroom extracts, or from dried mycelia/fruiting bodies biomass are referred as “mushroom immunoceuticals”. The present study examined the synergy exerted by the structural diversity of biomolecules found in Pleurotus crude extracts and powders on immune responses of both immunocompetent and immunodeficient Balb/c mice. Pleurotus derived-products could potentiate the host defense mechanisms in vivo and should be promising for further pharmacological studies. The effects on cell immunity are especially valuable in the prophylaxis of tumors, immunodeficiencies and as co-adjuvant in chemotherapy. The results also demonstrate that not only mushrooms but also their mycelia may be a good candidate for nutraceuticals production. Through this immunological “window” we are assisting to a revolution in mushroom science characterized by the diversity of compounds found in mushrooms and on the other hand, by the possibilities given by the abundance of specific molecular targets. An extended knowledge of the immuno-enhancing activity of Pleurotus nutraceuticals would be useful in understanding their potential applications for immunonutrition and immunotherapy.
Publication Year: 2014
Publication Date: 2014-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
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Cited By Count: 1
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