Red yeast rice (Monascus purpureus) biosynthesizes monacolin K, a compound chemically identical to the prescription drug lovastatin. This entry examines the regulatory implications and safety evaluation arising from that biochemical equivalence.

The triterpenoid fraction of *Ganoderma lucidum* is primarily characterized by lanostane-skeleton compounds. This chemical repertoire includes a diverse array of lanosterol and ergostane derivatives, responsible for a wide spectrum of biological activities.

Betulinic acid, a pentacyclic triterpenoid, is derived from the birch trees (genus *Betula*) that serve as the obligate host for the Chaga fungus (*Inonotus obliquus*). The compound’s concentration within the fungal sclerotium, the biosynthetic route responsible for its formation, and the body of ex

Active Hexose Correlated Compound (AHCC) is an alpha-glucan complex obtained through the enzymatic hydrolysis of shiitake (Lentinula edodes) mycelium. Extensively studied in Japan, the compound has been the subject of numerous clinical investigations, a summary of which is presented here.

Pleurotin is a terpenoid natural product obtained from fungi of the genus *Pleurotus* (oyster mushrooms). It functions by inhibiting prokaryotic protein synthesis, a mode of action that has established its significance in antibiotic discovery programs. The compound’s molecular architecture features

Antrodin designates a class of maleic acid and succinic acid derivatives isolated from *Antrodia camphorata*, a basidiomycetous fungus endemic to Taiwan. Pharmacological investigations have focused principally on their hepatoprotective activity, with experimental data indicating significant liver‐pr

Calvatin is a glycoprotein derived from puffball fungi of the genera *Calvatia* and *Lycoperdon*. Early investigations focused on its antitumor properties, and subsequent studies have characterized its molecular structure, documented its isolation history, and reported associated biological activiti

The psychoactive properties of *Amanita muscaria* are primarily attributed to two key compounds: ibotenic acid and muscimol. The central mechanism of action involves the modulation of GABA receptors, following the metabolic decarboxylation of ibotenic acid into the highly potent muscimol.

Hericenones and erinacines, the compounds primarily responsible for the neurotrophic activity of *Hericium erinaceus*, belong to the broader cyathane diterpenoid family—a class distinguished by its remarkable structural diversity and potent bioactivity.

Psilocybin is a naturally occurring indole alkaloid derived from the tryptophan biosynthetic pathway. In psilocybin-producing fungi, a dedicated gene cluster encodes a coordinated set of enzymes that govern the stepwise conversion of tryptophan into the final active compound.