Fungal polysaccharides and their hypoglycemic potential to act as an adjuvant in the treatment of diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is considered a serious public health problem because it affects millions of individuals and causes numerous complications. The constant adverse effects of conventional therapies for diabetes mellitus have stimulated research that seeks new forms of treatment, prevention and control. Polysaccharides obtained from fungi are promising as adjuvants for the control of diabetes mellitus. This study is a literature review that sought to evaluate the hypoglycemic properties of polysaccharides obtained from fungi and understand the main mechanisms of action involved. The main mechanisms reported in the studies resulting in a decrease in glycemia were the inhibition of digestive enzymes such as α-amylase and α-glucosidase, action on the IRS1, PI3K, JNK1 signaling pathways, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic capacity and stimulation of the intestinal microbiota.