Medicinal uses of fungi

Medicinal fungi are fungi that contain metabolites or can be induced to produce metabolites through biotechnology to develop prescription drugs. Compounds successfully developed into drugs or under research include those treating infection with amoeba, bacteria, fungus, virus, inhibitors of cholesterol and ergosterol synthesis, and psychotropics.

Some species are included in traditional medicine, but lack evidence as to any health benefit. Similarly, mushroom dietary supplements, commonly made from powdered or extracted fruit bodies or mycelium, are marketed for various health benefits but lack sufficient scientific evidence for their safety or effectiveness, and their quality can vary due to inconsistent processing and labeling.

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