Role of dietary edible mushrooms in the modulation of gut microbiota

Edible mushrooms as valuable health foods have potential beneficial effects, and these beneficial activities are connected with the modulation of gut microbiota. In this review, we discuss the regulation of gut microbiota by edible mushroom. Ganoderma lucidum increases Bacteroides/Firmicutes ratio, and promote the growth of anti-inflammatory and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) producing bacteria. Hericium erinaceus maintains intestinal barrier integrity, and increases the diversity and richness of gut microbiota. Lentinula edodes act as a prebiotic, increases SCFA-producing bacteria and regulates the proportion of Bacteroides/Firmicutes. Grifola frondosa increases the ratio of Bacteroides/Firmicutes, the growth of anti-inflammatory and SCFA-producing bacteria. We also discuss the effects of different edible mushrooms on the gut microbiota in different diseases and introduce a perspective application of mushrooms as adjuvant therapies for modulating gut microbiota in clinical treatments. Summarized, the statement in modulation of gut microbiota composition by edible mushrooms will provide a new perspective for further research.