Fomitopsis officinalis mushroom: ancient gold mine of functional components and biological activities for modern medicine

Abstract

Polypore mushrooms have been used medicinally for thousands of years. Agarikon (<i>Fomitopsis officinalis</i>) is a medicinal polypore mushroom containing a host of pharmacologically active compounds that beneficially affect human health. Agarikon is known for its capability of producing various biologically active compounds with medical applications such as antiviral, antibacterial, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory agents. This review describes the importance of medicinal mushrooms, with a specific focus on Agarikon as an example of a globally commercialized medicinal mushroom.<br>