Mushroom Shiitake, is it mutagenic or antimutagenic agent?

Abstract

Mushrooms have been consumed by eastern populations due to their edible and medicinal properties, for a long time. Over the years, there has also been a gradual increase in the consumption of mushrooms in the western countries, including Brazil. However, the benefits or harms that these mushrooms may cause to the human health are still uncertain. Shiitake (Lentinula edodes (Berk.) Pegler) is one of the most appreciated fungi in the Brazilian cuisine and its functional and nutritional properties have been extensively studied. Other characteristics of this basidiomycet have also been reported, including its antitumoral, antiviral, bactericidal properties, as well as being a homeostasis and biorhythm regulator. However, studies regarding its mutagenic and antimutagenic potential in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms are scarce. Knowledge of these biological properties is essential before a product can be recommended as food and/or drug. Therefore, its indication as a beneficial product to human health is premature since it is necessary to broaden studies on the mutagenic and antimutagenic activities of the mushroom Shiitake or of its active compounds.