Rationalization of Mushroom-Based Preventive and Therapeutic Approaches to COVID-19: Review

Int J Med Mushrooms. 2021;23(5):1-11. doi: 10.1615/IntJMedMushrooms.2021038285.

Abstract

Since December 2019, a de novo pattern of pneumonia, later named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has caused grave upset throughout the global population. COVID-19 is associated with several comorbidities; thus, preventive and therapeutic strategies targeting those comorbidities along with the causative agent, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), seem imperative. In this state-of-the-art review, edible and medicinal mushrooms are featured in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19 pathomanifestations, and comorbid issues. Because this is not an original research article, we admit our shortcomings in inferences. Yet we are hopeful that mushroom-based therapeutic approaches can be used to achieve a COVID-free world. Among various mushroom species, reishi or lingzhi (Ganoderma lucidum) seem most suitable as anti-COVID agents for the global population.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Agaricales / chemistry*
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / administration & dosage
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Animals
  • Antiviral Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Biological Products / administration & dosage
  • Biological Products / therapeutic use*
  • COVID-19 / immunology
  • COVID-19 / physiopathology
  • COVID-19 / prevention & control*
  • COVID-19 / therapy*
  • Cytokine Release Syndrome / prevention & control
  • Cytokine Release Syndrome / therapy
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Factors / administration & dosage
  • Immunologic Factors / therapeutic use
  • Mice
  • Reishi / chemistry
  • SARS-CoV-2 / immunology
  • SARS-CoV-2 / pathogenicity

Substances

  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Antiviral Agents
  • Biological Products
  • Immunologic Factors