The Medicinal Properties of Truffles

Abstract

Truffles are revered as one of nature's most exceptional and valuable gifts, prized not only for their nutritional richness but also for their significant economic importance. They command special attention in the gastronomic world and are increasingly acknowledged for their medical applications. This book chapter offers an overview of the medicinal and therapeutic uses of truffles, emphasizing their diverse effects on health across various species. Research has unveiled that numerous truffle species, such as Terfezia, Tirmania, Picoa and Tuber, possess remarkable medical properties. These properties span antimicrobial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, hepatotoxic, cytotoxic, and DNA protective effects, as well as genotoxicity and biofilm inhibition. Additionally, truffles exhibit promise in combatting cancer. This exploration illuminates the potential health benefits of truffles and lays the groundwork for future applications.