The Role of Mushroom Polysaccharides in Cancer Prevention and Therapy

Cancer remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide, with millions of deaths each year. One emerging area of interest in cancer prevention and treatment is the effect of gut microbiota and how dietary interventions can modulate its composition to exert anti-tumor effects. The gastrointestinal tract hosts a diverse community of microorganisms, collectively known as the gut microbiota, which is vital for human health maintenance. When dysbiosis occurs, it can contribute to diseases such as colorectal cancer (CRC). Recent studies have identified mushroom polysaccharides as promising agents with potent anti-tumor properties. Mushroom polysaccharides act as indigestible polysaccharides that can serve as prebiotics to maintain gut health and regulate the immune system. In this article, we review and record studies about the effects of mushroom polysaccharides in anti-tumor. They stimulate and activate immune responses and induce tumor cell death through apoptosis and necrosis. They also affect angiogenesis, thereby inhibiting the nutrient absorption of cancer cells. This paper describes the structure of polysaccharides that can influence bioactivity and anti-tumor effects and summarizes the functions of mushroom polysaccharides in clinical settings.