LAUSR

Abstract Diabetes mellitus is a highly complex disorder in which the blood glucose level is abnormally high because the body does not produce enough insulin to meet its needs. This disease is now highly life-threatening across the world and needs proper, low cost and easily available medication without or fewer side effects. At present, there are many synthetic hypoglycemic agents used in the treatment of diabetes but they fail due to harmful side-effects. Scientists are now aiming at mushrooms as they are known for a traditional repository of natural bioactive compounds which may have a potential antidiabetic effect. Many reports documented so far of the efficacy of bioactive metabolites isolated from mushrooms and their cultured mycelia that have shown to be successful in the treatment of diabetes. This study aims to review those bioactive metabolites showing antidiabetic potential resourcing from mushrooms. Relevant literature found in electronic databases and published during 1995-2020 was studied. The study reveals that bioactive metabolites isolated from mushrooms like polysaccharides, proteins, dietary fibers and many pharmacologically active compounds and different solvent extracts of mushrooms with unknown metabolites have been reported to possess antidiabetic potential both in vivo and in vitro studies, though only very few are on clinical trials. Out of thirty-nine reported mushroom species having antidiabetic efficacy, three genus Pleurotus, Grifola and Agaricus show the highest number of research publications. This review is focused on the current status and future possibilities of bioactive metabolites resourcing from medicinal mushrooms in the treatment of diabetes.