Cytotoxic Phytochemicals from Mushrooms as Potential Therapeutic Agents

Cancer is a collective term for a group of deadly diseases that can affect and spread to various parts of the body. The main feature of cancer is the uncontrolled growth of cells due to a defect in the genes that control normal cell division and growth. As per the latest statistics, cancer is the second-leading cause of death globally, and almost 70% of these deaths are reported in low- and middle-income countries. Chemotherapy and irradiation are the most common cancer treatments; however, the development of resistance and severe side effects are the stumbling blocks of these methods. Hence, current research has focused more on developing novel drug leads from new sources like algae and fungi. Fungi, such as mushrooms, are an inexhaustible source of various anticancer biomolecules, and the 21st century saw a staggering interest in the anticancer potential of mushrooms among the western exploration clique. Their cellular and humoral immunity-boosting properties have made them better candidates for anticancer drug discovery. The mushrooms attributed with cytotoxic potential belong to various genera like Vargenus Agrocybe, Amanita, Antrodia, Agaricus, Albatrellus Conocybe, Clitocybe, Cordyceps, Clavatia, Flammulina, Funlia, Fomes, Galerina, Gymnopilus, Ganoderma, Hypholoma, Inonotus, Inocybe, Lentinula, Lactarius, Panaeolus, Psilocybe, Plerurotus, Pholiotina, Pluteus, Russula, Suillus, Schizophyllum, Trametes, Xerocomus, and Weraroa. Hence, the current chapter focuses on the botanical description, phytochemistry, mechanism of action, and clinical status of various vital mushrooms acting as essential libraries of anticancer drug leads.