Antioxidant Properties of Antrodia cinnamomea: An Extremely Rare and Coveted Medicinal Mushroom Endemic to Taiwan

Abstract

Antrodia cinnamomea is an extremely rare and endemic fungal species native to forested regions of Taiwan. In modern Taiwanese culture, A. cinnamomea is believed to be a valuable gift from the heaven. Thereby, it is claimed as the “National Treasure of Taiwan” and “Ruby” among mushrooms.” Traditionally, A. cinnamomea was used to prepare Chinese medicine for treating various illness including liver diseases, food and drug intoxication, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hypertension, itchy skin, and tumorigenic diseases. Recent scientific studies strongly support that the pharmacological activities of A. cinnamomea go far beyond the original usage, as A. cinnamomea has exhibited various pharmacological properties including anticancer, antioxidant, hepatoprotection, antihypertensive, antihyperlipidemic, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory properties. Till date, more than 400 scientific reports have been published on the therapeutic potential of A. cinnamomea, or its closely related species Antrodia salmonea, and their compounds. In the present review, the taxonomic description of A. cinnamomea, ethnomedical value, chemical constituents, and pharmacological effects particularly antioxidant and Nrf2-mediated cytoprotective effects will be discussed.