Medicinal Uses
Lovastatin
Pleurotus ostreatus is one of only a few fungi that
naturally synthesize a chemical called lovastatin. Lovastatin is
part of the statin family of drugs, meaning that it inhibits the
production of cholesterol in the body and can potentially lower
LDL cholesterol. Lovastatin can also be found naturally in Red
Yeast Rice and is manufactured commercially from Aspergillus
terreus.
Lovastatin works by inhibiting the activity of the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which acts as the rate limiting step to the synthesis of cholesterol in the body. This serves to help prevent hypercholesterolemia, or high cholesterol, which is a major risk factor in cardiovascular disease. Studies in rats support the cholesterol lowering effects of ingesting Pleurotus ostreatus, which naturally contains about 2.8% Lovastatin by weight.
The conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate by HMG-CoA
reductase is blocked by Lovastatin.
Nutritional Value
Oyster mushrooms are an excellent source of nutrients, and are a low calorie, low cholesterol, and low fat source of protein, dietary fiber, thiamin, vitamin B6, iron, magnesium, zinc, manganese, niacin, copper, potassium, and antioxidants. Check out these impressive nutrition facts.