A Comprehensive Review on Nutritional and Medicinal Properties of Pleurotus ostreatus: An Oyster Mushroom

Mushrooms are an important aspect of the human diet, and their popularity has increased over the years. Pleurotus ostreatus (P. ostreatus) is the most commonly consumed mushroom by rural dwellers in South Western Nigeria, perhaps based on their nutritive value and health-enhancing benefits. Pleurotus is a genus of about 40 mushroom species popularly referred to as "oyster mushrooms." P. ostreatus is one of several Pleurotus species widely consumed for their flavour, nutritional value, and medicinal properties. Polysaccharides, proteins, peptides, triterpenoids, lectins, lipids, and their derivatives are all found in the P. ostreatus mushroom, in addition to its essential therapeutic components. P. ostreatus, commonly consumed as food or food supplement, has been reported in folklore for its antihypertensive property with limited scientific proof. This review emphasizes the excellent nutritional value of P. ostreatus mushroom.