Unlocking the therapeutic potential of edible mushrooms: <i>Ganoderma</i> and their secondary metabolites as novel antiviral agents for combating COVID-19

The global COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has created an urgent need for novel antiviral agents, as it has led to a devastating loss of lives worldwide. In response, numerous vaccines were developed in 2022, with ongoing efforts for more candidates. Despite significant progress, reports of vaccine-related issues and side effects have emerged. The effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines has been challenged by new viral variants, a lack of well-designed in vivo experiments, and randomised controlled trials. Currently, no clinically approved antiviral medications exist for treating COVID-19. However, a few broad-spectrum antiviral drugs have shown promising outcomes in clinical studies. Many scientists believe that natural compounds derived from herbal medicines and mushrooms could offer substantial benefits to COVID-19 patients. Ganoderma, known for its traditional use in promoting health and longevity, has a rich history of therapeutic applications and dietary supplementation. Numerous epidemiological and clinical studies have demonstrated that Ganoderma and its derivatives can enhance innate and adaptive immune responses against various pathogens, including viruses, in laboratory settings and living organisms. Therefore, the secondary metabolites in Ganoderma, such as triterpenoids, polysaccharides, and glycoproteins, hold significant potential for developing novel antiviral drugs. These compounds have demonstrated various antiviral mechanisms, including inhibition of viral replication, modulation of immune responses, and direct virucidal effects. Given the ongoing search for effective treatments against COVID-19, Ganoderma and its bioactive compounds stand out as promising candidates for further research and development. Their multifaceted antiviral mechanisms make them suitable for exploration as therapeutic agents against SARS-CoV-2, potentially contributing to developing novel antiviral drugs and enhancing the effectiveness of existing treatments.