Anti-tumor and immuno-stimulating activity of fungal polysaccharides

Low molecular weight molecules and high molecular weight substances were found to have anti-tumor and immuno-modulating activity. Previously polysaccharides have been received much attention because of adhesives, food additives or animal foods (Whistler et al., 1976). In effort of developing new anti-tumor substances with low toxicity, numerous polysaccharides from yeast, algae, bacteria, higher plants and especially fungi have been investigated for anti-tumor and immuno-modulating activities. Thus the high molecular weight molecule was reported to have anti-tumor activity through host mediated immunity. In this brief article, attention will be paid to polysaccharides which is especially fungal origin.