Medicinal Value of the Genus Pleurotus (Fr.) P.Karst. (Agaricales s.l., Basidiomycetes)

Abstract

Species of the genus Pleurotus are widespread in hardwood forests around the world. Since the beginning of their commercial cultivation, their popularity has mainly increased because of their ease of cultivation and nutritional value. Traditional medicine attributed medicinal properties to Pleurotus spp. Scientific evidence supports their importance as producers of substances with antibiotic, antiviral, anticarcinogenic, antiinflammatory, and hypocholesterolemic activities.