The Synbiotic Role of Mushrooms: is Germanium a Bioactive Prebiotic Player? A Review Article

Ferrão J¹, Bell V², Chaquisse E³, Garrine C⁴ and Fernandes T^{1, 4,}

¹The Vice-Chancellor’s Office, Universidade Pedagógica, Rua João Carlos Raposo Beirão 135, Maputo, Moçambique

²Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal

³Instituto Nacional de Saúde, MISAU, Av. 24 Julho, Maputo, Mozambique

⁴Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade de Lisboa, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal

Cite this paper:
Ferrão J, Bell V, Chaquisse E, Garrine C and Fernandes T. The Synbiotic Role of Mushrooms: is Germanium a Bioactive Prebiotic Player? A Review Article. American Journal of Food and Nutrition. 2019; 7(1):26-35. doi: 10.12691/ajfn-7-1-5

Abstract

Background: Mushrooms have been widely used as medicinal products. In developed countries, only in the past few decades, special attention has been given to dietary supplements as sources to improve health and wellness. Aim of the study: This review critically assessed the mode of action of mushrooms, their extracts and biomass, following our research on mode of action, efficacy and safety of mushroom nutrition. Results: The nutritional role of mushroom products, as indirect probiotics, as direct prebiotics or as both (synbiotics), is justified by their influence on the inflammation process and on the gut microbioma through their contents of β-glucans, enzymes, and secondary metabolites. A possible new concept is advanced, that ultra-trace elements (e.g. germanium) may play an eventual prebiotic complementary role on the mode of action of mushrooms. Conclusion: The special properties of mushrooms along with their minimal side effects make them ideal candidates for developing novel dietary supplements and therapies.

Keywords:
mushroom microbiota gut health metalloid bioactive compounds

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