The application of medicinal fungi from the subphylum Ascomycota in the treatment of type 2 diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease with an increasing incidence rate year by year. It severely diminishes the quality of life for individuals, reduces life expectancy, and poses a significant public health issue in worldwide. Medicinal fungi, as a large group of microorganisms, possess abundant food and medicinal value, as well as vast research potential. This review describes the antidiabetic activities of seven medicinal fungi from subphylum Ascomycota, including Monascus purpureus, Cordyceps militaris, Ophiocordyceps sinensis, Cordyceps cicadae, Shiraia bambusicola, Claviceps purpurea, and Xylaria nigripes. It provides readers with evidence and information on the medicinal fungi (subphylum Ascomycota) with hypoglycemic effects, as well as their compounds for hypoglycemic properties.