Tinder Fungus (Fomes Fomentarius) as a Nutraceutical and Immunoceutical

Nutraceuticals are nutrients powerful enough to treat disease. Nutraceuticals can be as effective as pharmaceuticals and sometimes more so. Nutraceuticals are always better tolerated than drugs and have far fewer adverse side effects. The term "immunonutraceutical" well describes nutraceuticals capable of strengthening the immune system.

The immune system is the body's primary defense against all agents that threaten survival. A healthy immune system is a highly integrated network in which cells, tissues, and all organs work together in close coordination.

Immunonutraceuticals strengthen the immune system—that is, raise its function to a higher level—thereby mobilizing the body with a life-saving response against cancer. Glucans, mannans, galactans, and fructans are widely studied for their immunostimulatory and anticancer effects. Among these, glucans are the most promising immune-stimulating and anticancer polysaccharides. Among proven immunonutraceuticals, mushroom glucans rank foremost. Mushrooms have a long history of traditional use for general health and treatment of various ailments. Their application as nutraceuticals is well documented. Literature reports more than 12,000 wild mushroom species.

Approximately 2,000 edible mushroom species exist worldwide. Two hundred wild mushroom species are used for medicinal purposes.

Mushrooms have been used medicinally for thousands of years, particularly in Japan and China. Substances derived from mushrooms are under serious clinical investigation as anticancer immune-boosters. In recent years, significant advances have been made in understanding the chemical structures of mushroom polysaccharides and their bioactivities—such as antioxidant, immunostimulatory, and anti-proliferative properties—as well as their use as immunochemotherapeutic agents.

Today, due to increased interest in vital mushrooms and their beneficial properties, previously unknown or forgotten species are being examined more closely. Kav mushroom, also called Amadou mushroom or Fomes fomentarius (L.) Fr., is among these mushrooms (Figure 1).

Today, numerous scientific investigations and clinical studies show that isolated Fomes fomentarius cell wall and extracts positively affect the immune system, blood glucose levels, and cholesterol levels, and also exhibit anti-bacterial, anti-viral, fungicidal, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects. Additionally, they absorb gastrointestinal infections, exhibit anticancer effects, and bind heavy metals, radionuclides, and free radicals. In Fomes fomentarius, mostly insoluble, high molecular weight 1,3/1,6-ß-D-glucans comprise the portion showing the highest bioactivity. Beyond molecular weight, conformation—whether single, double, or triple helix structure—is important in glucans. To date, single helix or slightly relaxed triple helix structures have been reported to lead to high macrophage activity.

Figure 1. Fomes fomentarius in its natural state.

      Dr., Lecturer Gülşah Gedik Trakya University Faculty of Pharmacy Department of Pharmaceutical Technology        

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