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Emerging Antiviral Drugs from Medicinal Mushrooms

2006; Begell House; Volume: 8; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1615/intjmedmushr.v8.i2.20

1521-9437

Frank F. Pirano,

Phytochemical compounds biological activities

Medicinal mushroom antivirals are a diverse group of chemical structures ranging from relatively low molecular weight compounds to high molecular weight carbohydrates and proteins. There is a paucity of information on the manner in which these antivirals interfere with viral replication. Mushroom-derived triterpenes and ubiquitin-associated peptides are examples of novel structures with potentially unique mechanisms of antiviral activity. Studies on these mechanisms will lead to the identification of targets for future drug development. Mushroom antivirals not previously reviewed are examined with these considerations in mind. Also reported here are original observations on the characterization and antiviral properties of a novel antiviral protein, RC 28, isolated from the mushroom Rozites caperatus. Elucidation of the antiviral mechanisms of mushroom antiviral drags are certain to advance the knowledge of viral replication and enhance the contribution of mushroom antivirals for the treatment of viral disease.