Medicinal mushrooms have been in use for thousands of years as a natural medicine. The bioactive constituents found within the mushroom product are responsible for therapeutic effects such as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, and antiviral activities. Since SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) became prevalent in December 2019, new research has emerged to explore potential treatment options since there was no FDA-approved product for treatment or prevention. Of the many mushrooms available, those with perhaps the highest medicinal values were discovered to include Reishi, Lion’s mane, Cordyceps, Shiitake, and Turkey tail. Each contains one or more bioactive compounds with evidence for the therapeutic activity that can aid in disease treatment or prevention. Few mushrooms have been studied regarding their activity in treating and preventing COVID-19. The specific medicinal mushrooms impacting COVID-19 infection discussed in this chapter include the following: Agaricus blazei Murill, Ganoderma lucidum, Hercium erinaceus, Grifola frondose, Inonotus obliquus, Lentinus edodes, Cordyceps militaris, Antrodia cinnamomea, Antrodia salmonea, Pseudoplectania nigrella, Russula paludosa, Clitocybe sinopica, Polyozellus multiplex, Psilocybin, Coriolus versicolor, and Sinomenium acutum.

Keywords: COVID-19, medicinal mushrooms, bioactive constituents