Antimicrobial and Hepatoprotective Activities of Edible Mushrooms

Abstract

The problem of the existence and prevalence of infectious diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms in human society is persisted. Many studies have endeavoured to highlight the therapeutic potential of mushrooms. They can produce notable primary and secondary metabolites and could be of great benefit for humans. The largest internal vital organ in the human body is liver. It is responsible for many biochemical molecular interactions that are necessary for humankind. The liver has multiple functions: (1) it is responsible for making important components of proteins: blood clotting factors and albumin; manufacturing cholesterol, triglycerides and bile that are used to help digest food; the liver is responsible for converting glucose into glycogen; (2) it has an important role in detoxification and allows breaking down medications, alcohols and drugs; (3) liver stores vitamines B12, A, D and K, folic acid and iron. Many diseases may have influence over liver functionality and its proper biological role. The possibilities of the edible mushroom as a general protective, potentionaly curative, antimicrobial and hepatoprotective therapeutic agent are presented in this chapter.