Mushroom-derived bioactive compounds targeting shared mechanistic pathways in cancer and diabetes: a scoping review

This scoping review mapped the evidence on mushroom-derived bioactive compounds targeting shared mechanistic pathways implicated in both cancer and diabetes, with emphasis on mechanistic outcomes and translational readiness. A PRISMA-ScR–guided search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science identified 1,811 records (PubMed: 602; Scopus: 720; Web of Science: 489). After removal of 737 duplicates, 1,074 records were screened, and 232 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility. A total of 61 studies met the inclusion criteria. The included studies comprised in vitro experiments, animal models, and human trials investigating mushroom polysaccharides (e.g. β-glucans), terpenoids, phenolic compounds, and sterols. Across the evidence base, the most consistently reported shared mechanistic targets were inflammatory mediators (e.g. NF-κB and cytokine signaling), oxidative stress regulation (e.g. Nrf2-related pathways), apoptosis, cell cycle control (e.g. caspase activation and Bcl-2 family modulation), and metabolic regulation (e.g. α-glucosidase/α-amylase inhibition and insulin signaling). However, the majority of studies were preclinical, and human clinical evidence remains limited. Mushroom-derived bioactive compounds demonstrate multi-pathway activity relevant to both cancer and diabetes, supporting their potential as complementary agents targeting shared disease mechanisms. Future research should prioritize standardized characterization of bioactives, mechanistic validation in vivo, and well-designed clinical trials to strengthen translational applicability.