ABSTRACT
Tremella fuciformis is an edible mushroom of highly nutritive value that for centuries has been attributed with many health benefits. It has been used as traditional medicine or prophylactic agent particularly in Chinese civilization. Based on scientific studies, it is revealed that polysaccharide extracts are the main active components of T. fuciformis; these components possess biological activities that interact with the human body promoting health thanks to their pharmacological and nutraceutical properties. Recently, it has been used in antitumor treatments to improve the immune function of the organism, and based on various reports, it is attributed to anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects. Also, it is currently considered as a potent prospect for its bioactive compounds to be used for the development of cosmetics with a focus on the prevention and treatment of aging symptoms, regulating the effects of oxidative stress on the skin, and promoting longevity. Polysaccharides from T. fuciformis (TFPS) have shown positive effects after regular consumption when they are considered 46as ingredients in supplements or phytopharmaceutical products for human health. In this chapter, it is displayed an updated state-of-the-art on the fungus based on the scientific literature reported lately, particularly on the bioactive TFPS, emphasizing their nutraceutical importance and potential applications as a therapeutic agent against oxidative stress and its consequences.
