Mushrooms have been widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases. Today, their therapeutic value is scientifically studied and appreciated. Research indicates that polypores - a large group of fungi of the phylum Basdioinycota - exhibit antiviral, antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-allergic, anti-atherogenic, hypoglycemic, hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory activities. Phellinus igniarius, a polypore mushroom, is one of the most used in traditional Asian medicine. Its potent anticancer activity has been repeatedly reported. In the past two decades, numerous pharmacologically active metabolites have been isolated and identified from P. igniarius. Among the large number of compounds, the most active group are polysaccharides. They modulate immune responses and inhibit tumor growth.