Overview:
Pleurotus mushroom (Oyster Mushroom, Pleurotus estreatus), found in the tropical and temperate climates throughout the world, are one of the most commonly cultivated edible mushrooms. Traditionally used as a medicinal mushroom to help with a normal inflammatory response(1) and to modulate the immune system (2), the oyster mushrooms also have gained its fame by its application in bioremediation to treat petroleum and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons pollution(3).
Active Constituents:
The Pleurotus mushroom contains beta-D-glucan, B Vitamins, lectin which helps promote a healthy inflammatory response, maintain a normal cholesterol level (4), and support normal colon and intestinal health (5).
Pharmacological and Clinical Research: Original Research on Pleurotus mushroom
References:
1. Silvia et al., Anti-inflammatory activity of edible oyster mushroom is mediated through the inhibition of NF-?B and AP-1 signaling., Nutr J. 2011 May 16;10:52.
2. Majtan et al., Pleuran (?-glucan from Pleurotus ostreatus) supplementation, cellular immune response and respiratory tract infections in athletes., Eur J Appl Physiol. 2011 Jan 20.
3. Turkovskaia et al., Bioremediation of oil-polluted soil with an association including the fungus Pleurotus ostreatus and soil microflora., Prikl Biokhim Mikrobiol. 2008 Jan-Feb;44(1):69-75. Russian.
4. Jurikova et al., Beta-glucans in higher fungi and their health effects., Nutr Rev. 2009 Nov;67(11):624-31.
5. Cheung et al., Dietary fibers from mushroom Sclerotia: 2. In vitro mineral binding capacity under sequential simulated physiological conditions of the human gastrointestinal tract., J Agric Food Chem. 2005 Nov 30;53(24):9401-6.
