ABSTRACT
A solution for drug discovery and development may arise from the exploration of novel bioactive compounds found in macrofungi. Because of their therapeutic and nutritional benefits, these fungi are promising and well-liked worldwide. The appeal of macrofungi among consumers, their delicious flavour, and the large number of bioactive compounds including polysaccharides, proteins, lipids, phenolic compounds, and vitamins has led to a significant increase in their demand. They can therefore be regarded as a significant source of nutraceuticals. This important group of fungi has been used in folk and modern medicine for more than 3000 years for prevention and treatment of many diseases. In this chapter, we shed light on the bioactive compounds of macrofungi and tried to endeavored to highlight the future prospects of macrofungi. Hopefully, the information cited within this chapter will prove beneficial to the mycophiles, amateur naturalists, the general public, researchers, and industrialists interested in medicinal and poisonous macrofungi. Further future advances in macrofungi ecology and biotechnology, genomics and proteomics will assist biomedical research and application of these fungi is needed.
