Polysaccharides derived from the Agaricus genus have garnered considerable attention due to their diverse biological activities and potential applications in functional foods and pharmaceuticals. This review focuses on the preparation methods, structure-activity relationships, and underlying biological mechanisms of Agaricus polysaccharides. Key advances in their extraction and purification techniques, structural characterization using modern analytical tools, and their association with biological activities are discussed. The role of polysaccharide structure, including glycosidic linkages, branching degrees, and molecular weight, in determining their physicochemical properties and biofunctions is highlighted. Moreover, the biological mechanisms underpinning their antitumor, immunomodulatory, antioxidant effects are elaborated. Finally, future perspectives on the challenges and opportunities for developing Agaricus polysaccharides as functional biomaterials are provided.

Sarcodon mushrooms are esteemed as a rare and highly valuable resource for both culinary and medicinal purposes. Ancient medical classics have documented their beneficial effects on conditions such as indigestion, loss of appetite, and neurological disorders. Modern phytochemical research into their secondary metabolites has led to the discovery of numerous bioactive compounds with significant biological activities. Despite notable achievements in the study of the chemical composition and bioactivity of Sarcodon mushrooms, a comprehensive understanding of these findings has been lacking. This review provides an exhaustive summary of the advancements in the phytochemistry of Sarcodon mushrooms, as well as the biological and pharmacological activities of the isolated compounds and crude extracts derived from Sarcodon over the past nine decades. A total of 100 secondary metabolites isolated from these mushrooms have been classified into five major categories based on their chemical structures, which exhibit bioactivities such as anti-tumour, neurotrophic, and neuroprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and hypoglycaemic properties. The aim of this study is to establish a scientific foundation for future research in drug discovery, biotechnological development, and the exploration of functional foods involving Sarcodon mushrooms.