The Medicinal Fungi Cryptoporus (Agaricomycetes): An Integrated Review of Taxonomic Advances, Chemodiversity Profiling, and Multidimensional Pharmacological Exploration
Li J.-Y. Liu Y.-Y. Zhang M. Wang Z.-X. Vadim K. Li M. Qi J.
2026Begell House Inc.
International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms
2026#28Issue 233 - 45 pp.
The genus Cryptoporus (Polyporaceae) has attracted significant attention in the fields of ethnopharmacology and drug discovery, owing to its distinctive chemodiversity and therapeutic potential. This comprehensive review synthesizes current knowledge on the taxonomy, bioactive metabolites, and pharmacological properties of Cryptoporus species. Taxonomically, molecular phylogenetic analyses have validated Cryptoporus as a monophyletic clade, with three recognized species, C. volvatus, C. sinensis, and C. qinlingensis, exhibiting transcontinental distribution and specific host preferences. From a chemical perspective, these fungi are responsible for the production of structurally unique drimane sesquiterpenoids (44 characterized compounds) and immunomodulatory polysaccharides, in addition to ergosterol derivatives. Pharmacological investigations have revealed multifaceted bioactivities, including antitumor effects via cell cycle disruption and apoptosis induction, anti-inflammatory actions through TNF-α/IL-1β suppression, and antioxidant capacity demonstrated by ABTS radical scavenging. It is noteworthy that the species-specific drimane sesquiterpenoid profile places these compounds as potential quality markers (Q-markers) for phytopharmaceutical standardization. Whilst in vitro and animal studies have validated traditional uses in treating respiratory disorders and inflammatory conditions, clinical evidence remains lacking. This review aims to facilitate the utilization of Cryptoporus in modern precision medicine, thereby integrating traditional knowledge with contemporary pharmaceutical development.
Cryptoporus , drimane sesquiterpenoids , ethnopharmacology , immunomodulatory polysaccharides , medicinal mushrooms , quality markers
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Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Natural Products & Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry & Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
Center of Edible Fungi, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
School of Soil and Water Conservation Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
Department of Plant Protection and Quarantine, Faculty of Agronomy, S. Seifullin Kazakh Agrotechnical University, Zhenis Avenue, Astana, 010011, Kazakhstan
Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Natural Products & Chemical Biology
Center of Edible Fungi
School of Soil and Water Conservation Science and Engineering
Department of Plant Protection and Quarantine
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