Biotechnological, nutritional and therapeutic uses of Pleurotus spp. (Oyster mushroom) related with its chemical composition: A review on the past decade findings

• Pleurotus sp. are considered as nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals.
• Among more than 200 species, Pleurotus ostreatus and Pleurotus pulmonarius are the most consumed.
• Basidiomata and mycelia of Pleurotus are rich in bioactives.
• Polysaccharides, phenolics, terpenes and sterols are some of their bioactives.
• As other β-glucans, Pleurotus β-glucan presents antitumoral activity.

BackgroundThe particular characteristics of growth and development of mushrooms in nature result in the accumulation of a variety of secondary metabolites, several of them with biological activities. The genus Pleurotus is a cosmopolitan group of mushrooms with high nutritional value and therapeutic properties, besides a wide array of biotechnological and environmental applications.Scope and approachThe present report aims to provide a critical review on aspects related to chemical compounds isolated from the genus Pleurotus with possible biotechnological, nutritional and therapeutic uses. Investigations on the genus have immensely accelerated during the last ten years, so that only reports published after 2005 have been considered.Key findings and conclusionsThe most important Pleurotus species cultivated in large scale are Pleurotus ostreatus and Pleurotus pulmonarius. However, more than 200 species have already been investigated to various degrees. Both basidiomata and mycelia of Pleurotus are a great renewable and easily accessible source of functional foods/nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals with antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antitumor and immunomodulatory effects. A series of compounds have already been precisely defined including several polysaccharides, phenolics, terpenes and sterols. However, intensification of structure determination is highly desirable and demands considerable efforts. Further studies including clinical trials need to be carried out to ascertain the safety of these compounds as adequate alternatives to conventional drugs. Not less important is to extend the search for novel bioactives to less explored Pleurotus species.