Research Progress in the Biological Activities of Macrofungal Sclerotia

Sclerotia,nutrient storage and dormant organs,are dense and hard tissue structures formed by asexual reproduction of fungal hyphae under adverse environmental conditions. Macrofungal sclerotia are rich in carbohydrates,proteins,lipids,minerals and other nutrients as well as the terpenoids,phenols and other bioactive ingredients,attracting wider and wider attention. They are usually used as healthcare foods and nutritional supplements. On the basis of summarizing the bioactive components of macrofungal sclerotia,this review focused on their potential value as functional food ingredients in immune regulation,improvement of intestinal function,antioxidation,regulation of blood pressure and blood glucose,and the latest progress in anti-tumor,anti-inflammatory,diuretic and renal protection,bacteriostasis and so on. It prospected the existing problems and the possible development directions on the basis of the current researches which may provide a theoretical bases for the further development and utilization of macrofungal sclerotia.