Ergosterol Peroxide: A Mushroom-Derived Compound with Promising Biological Activities-A Review

Ergosterol peroxide (EP; 5 alpha,8 alpha-epidioxy-22E-ergosta-6,22-dien-3 beta-ol) is a C28-sterol and a component of many medicinal mushrooms. Since its discovery nearly a century ago, many sources and biological effects of this compound have been described. Effects range from antimicrobial to cytotoxic to immunosuppressive and other activities. This review covers biological investigations of EP, its activities, and possible mechanisms of action. EP is a promising candidate for drug development and contributes to the health-promoting effects of medicinal mushrooms.