Terpenes in Mushrooms: Natural Products with Diverse Therapeutic Activities

This study provides a comprehensive review of the terpenes found in mushrooms and their potential therapeutic applications. Mushrooms are rich sources of various terpenes, including monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, and triterpenes, which possess antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiparasitic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and cytotoxic activities. Notable examples include pleuromutilin, a precursor of the antibiotic retapamulin; ganoderic acids from Ganoderma lucidum with anti-HIV effects; sesquiterpenes from Albatrellus dispansus that are effective against phytopathogenic fungi; and lanostane triterpenes from G. lucidum and G. leucocontextum with neuroprotective effects. The present findings highlight the therapeutic potential of mushroom terpenes. However, the authors underscore the necessity for further in vitro studies to elucidate the mechanisms of action, along with in vivo studies, toxicity investigations, and clinical trials.