Review of Pharmacological Effects ofAntrodia camphorataand Its Bioactive Compounds

Abstract

Antrodia camphoratais a unique mushroom of Taiwan, which has been used as a traditional medicine for protection of diverse health-related conditions. In an effort to translate this Eastern medicine into Western-accepted therapy, a great deal of work has been carried out onA. camphorata. This review discusses the biological activities of the crude extracts and the main bioactive compounds ofA. camphorata. The list of bioactivities of crude extracts is huge, ranging from anti-cancer to vasorelaxation and others. Over 78 compounds consisting of terpenoids, benzenoids, lignans, benzoquinone derivatives, succinic and maleic derivatives, in addition to polysaccharides have been identified. Many of these compounds were evaluated for biological activity. Many activities of crude extracts and pure compounds ofA. camphorataagainst some major diseases of our time, and thus, a current review is of great importance. It is concluded thatA. camphoratacan be considered as an efficient alternative phytotherapeutic agent or a synergizer in the treatment of cancer and other immune-related diseases. However, clinical trails of human onA. camphorataextracts are limited and those of pure compounds are absent. The next step is to produce some medicines fromA. camphorata, however, the production may be hampered by problems related to mass production.