Functional raw materials rich in various effective nutrients and active ingredients that are of stable quality can be obtained from the liquid fermentation of edible and medicinal fungi. In this review, we systematically summarize the main findings of this comparative study that compared the components and efficacy of liquid fermented products from edible and medicinal fungi with those from cultivated fruiting bodies. Additionally, we present the methods used in the study to obtain and analyze the liquid fermented products. The application of these liquid fermented products in the food industry is also discussed. With the potential breakthrough of liquid fermentation technology and the continued development of these products, our findings can serve as a reference for further utilization of liquid fermented products derived from edible and medicinal fungi. Further exploration of liquid fermentation technology is necessary to optimize the production of functional components from edible and medicinal fungi, and to enhance their bioactivity and safety. Investigation of the potential synergistic effects of combining liquid fermented products with other food ingredients is also necessary to enhance their nutritional values and health benefits.

The effects of oleic acid addition methods on the metabolic flux distribution of ganoderic acids R, S and T’s biosynthesis from Ganoderma lucidum were investigated. The results showed that adding filter-sterilized oleic acid in the process of submerged fermentation and static culture is of benefit to the synthesis of ganoderic acids R, S and T. The metabolic fluxes were increased by 97.48%, 78.42% and 43.39%, respectively. The content of ganoderic acids R, S and T were 3.11 times, 5.19 times and 1.44 times higher, respectively, than they were in the control group, which was without additional oleic acid. Ganoderic acids R, S and T’s synthesis pathways (GAP), tricarboxylic acid cycles (TCA), pentose phosphate pathways (PP) and glycolysis pathways (EMP) were all enhanced in the process. Therefore, additional oleic acid can strengthen the overall metabolic flux distribution of G. lucidum in a submerged fermentation-static culture and it can reduce the accumulation of the by-product mycosterol. This study has laid an important foundation for improving the production of triterpenes in the submerged fermentation of G. lucidum.