Multi-targeting cytotoxic drug leads from mushrooms

Abstract

Due to genetic and epigenetic mechanisms, cancer have become a resistant disease and there is a need for new molecules having multiple targeting action that promotes apoptosis. Phyto-molecules having multiple targeting anticancer activity are in high demand and there is less documentation or information available on these metabolites. It is evident that mushrooms are became the store houses of new anticancer molecules and mushrooms like Agaricus blazei, Antrodia camphorate, Albatrellus confluens, Bolteus badius, Cordyceps militaris, Clitocybe maxima, Funalia trogii, Grifola frondosa, and Inocybe umbrinella, are some of the medicinal mushrooms reported for their cytotoxic activity. Cytotoxic molecules like lentinan, grifolin, illudin-S, psilocybin, ganoderic acid, theanine, and hispolon, have been isolated from various mushroom species. However, studies have been limited only to in vitro cytotoxic mechanisms and very few trials have been conducted to prove the clinical efficacy of these drug leads. Hence, the current review focuses on new anticancer metabolites isolated from various mushrooms having multiple targeting mechanisms in cancer. However, an extensive research is needed to define the biosynthesis and clinical mechanism of these multiple acting metabolites. This review provides a platform for researchers new anticancer drugs and to bring out potent multiple acting anticancer newer drugs.