Fungal Bioactive Compounds as Emerging Therapeutic Options for Age-Related Neurodegenerative Disorders

Valentina Bonetto ¹, Alessandra Ferraresi ², Simonetta Sampò ³, Ciro Isidoro ²

Affiliations Collapse

Affiliations

• ¹Department of Science and Technologic Innovation, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 15121 Alessandria, Italy.
• ²Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Via Paolo Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy.
• ³Department for Sustainable Development and Ecological Transition, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 13100 Vercelli, Italy.

• PMID: 40429941
• PMCID: PMC12111997
• DOI: 10.3390/ijms26104800

Abstract

Aging is a complex biological process characterized by progressive multiorgan deterioration that compromises the quality of life. Unhealthy aging often associates with cognitive decline and motor-neurological disorders including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s disease. Genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, which include dietary habits, interact with aging and influence brain health, thus having an impact on the development of neurodegenerative disorders. In this context, fungal-derived bioactive compounds have emerged as promising neuroprotective agents due to their diverse biological properties that include antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, pro-autophagic, and neurotrophic effects. Key fungal metabolites, including polysaccharides, terpenoids, alkaloids, and phenolic compounds have been shown to modulate neuroinflammatory pathways, enhance neuronal survival, stimulate protective autophagy, and promote synaptic plasticity. Still, challenges related to their bioavailability, standardization, and clinical translation remain unresolved. Future deep research will be crucial to unlocking the full therapeutic potential of fungal-derived neuroprotective compounds. This review examines the potential therapeutic role of fungal metabolites, providing a comparative evaluation with a focus on their mechanisms of action in promoting brain health and longevity.

Keywords: aging; autophagy; mushrooms; neurodegeneration; polysaccharides.

For more information: Fungal Bioactive Compounds as Emerging Therapeutic Options for Age-Related Neurodegenerative Disorders – PubMed