As explained by pioneer mycologist Jeff Chilton, the key active compounds of medicinal mushrooms are:
- Beta-glucans, which support immunity, and are considered to be antibiotic and antiviral.
- Triterpenoids, which are found to be liver protective, lipid lowering, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and inhibit histamine release.
- Ergosterol, which has antitumor and antioxidant properties, and is a precursor to Vitamin D2.
- Statins, which, in high doses, have the ability to lower cholesterol.
And this is just what we know so far. More biologically active compounds are constantly being discovered, opening up a wide realm of possible therapeutic uses for medicinal mushrooms.