ANTIMICROBIAL PROMISE OF CULTIVATED MUSHROOMS: A REVIEW OF THE LAST DECADE’S FINDINGS

A literature analysis was conducted on the antimicrobial potential of cultivated mushroom species. The review focuses on peer-reviewed studies, primarily from the past decade, that evaluate antimicrobial activity in cultivated edible and medicinal mushrooms. Analysis shows that species from the genera Pleurotus, Agaricus, Hericium, Flammulina, and Cordyceps produce metabolites effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Particular attention is given to metabolites like plectasin and cordycepin, which have demonstrated activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis in experimental models. The findings underscore the promising role of cultivated mushrooms as a source of novel antimicrobial agents and reveal prospects for their practical use in pharmaceutical development.