ABSTRACT

Mushrooms belong to Fungi Kingdom although in the past, they were classified as plants. The fruiting bodies receive attention for their forms and colors when they are found in nature. The interest in mushrooms is old, Oriental countries use the mushrooms for the treatment and prevention of several diseases such as arthritis, rheumatism, bronchitis, gastritis, cancer, as well as in health and longevity maintenance. Scientists search answers about the action mechanism of mushrooms and about alternative treatments based on natural compounds. Many species are appreciated in culinary around the world because of their good taste and their nutritious potential. There are researches about bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides, proteo-glucans, phenol compounds, nucleotides and their action mechanism to treatment for several diseases. Studies have shown significant results in the immune system improvement, antimicrobial and anti-angiogenic activity and in the treatment of the cancer and high cholesterol. The aim of this chapter is describes any biological properties of mushrooms to the treatment of several diseases.