title: Natural products and biological activity of the pharmacologically active cauliflower mushroom Sparassis crispa.
abstract: Sparassis crispa, also known as cauliflower mushroom, is an edible mushroom with medicinal properties. Its cultivation became popular in Japan about 10 years ago, a phenomenon that has been attributed not only to the quality of its taste, but also to its potential for therapeutic applications. Herein, I present a comprehensive summary of the pharmacological activities and mechanisms of action of its bioactive components, such as beta-glucan, and other physiologically active substances. In particular, the immunomodulatory mechanisms of the beta-glucan components are presented herein in detail.
authors.affiliation: Research & Development Center, Unitika Ltd, 23 Uji-Kozakura, Uji, Kyoto 611-0021, Japan. takashi-kimura@unitika.co.jp
authors.forename: Takashi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kimura
mesh_terms: D000363:Agaricales / Q000737:chemistry*; D001688:Biological Products / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007564:Japan; D020072:Polyporales / Q000737:chemistry*; D047071:beta-Glucans / Q000737:chemistry / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D001688:Biological Products; D047071:beta-Glucans