Ethnopharmacological, Phytochemical and Pharmacological Uses of Genus Morchella: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Morel is an edible fungus belonging to the genus Morchella that is highly prized for value-added foods due to its unique flavor and planar nutrition profile. Aside from their culinary importance, morels have gained much attention in regard with their ethnopharmacological and pharmacological properties. Different species of this genus have been used in folk medicine in various cultures, mostly in Asia, Europe, and North America. Potential therapeutics from Morchella spp. over their broad spectrum of bioactive compounds, such as polysaccharides, sterols, fatty acids, alkaloids, and phenolic compounds. These constituents demonstrate a diverse spectrum of biological actions including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and anticancer activities. There are ethnopharmacological studies showing that Morchella spp. shown to help with fatigue, respiratory problems, and gastrointestinal disorders. In traditional Chinese medicine, they are commonly used to boost health and immune health. Modern pharmacological research has confirmed some of these uses, as in vitro and in vivo studies have shown considerable health benefits. Morchella polysaccharides exhibit immunomodulatory activity and extracts exhibit antimicrobial activity against a variety of pathogenic organisms. Furthermore, Morchella-derived compounds showed potential anticancer effects via apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in cancer. Morchella spp have been shown through phytochemical analyses to contain are important sources of essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, which is why it has nutritional and medicinal values. Their antioxidative potential is also rooted in the unique profile of sterols and phenolic compounds. Over the past few years, researchers have isolated and characterized these bioactive molecules to identify their mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic applications. Although the medicinal properties of morels have been documented in the literature, further clinical studies are required to establish both their clinical efficacy and safety in human cohorts.