World of Medicinal Mushroom-An Overview

 

Dharmesh Sharma1, Deepak Prashar2*, Ruchika Chauhan3, Madhu Chauhan4, Neha Jasrotia2 and Sanjay Saklani5

 

1Department of Pharmacology, Himachal Dental College, Sunder Nagar (H.P.), India

2Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manav Bharti University, Solan (H.P.), India

3Dept. of Biotechnology, Manav Bharti University, Solan (H.P.), India

4Department of Chemistry, Manav Bharti University, Solan (H.P.), India

5Dept. of Economics, Govt. College Dharampur, Mandi (H.P.), India

 

ABSTRACT:

Ever since introduction of medicinal mushrooms, it has helped humans in curing many diseases. They contain many active ingredients that act actively against some diseases including cancer. But about 50 species are poisonous out of total 700 edible species. Irrespective of their medicinal value some mushrooms can cause side effects such as dermatitis and other allergic reactions. This suggests that one should be very cautious while consuming these mushrooms. In this review, we have tried to summarize a number of medicinal mushrooms with their medicinal uses. Moreover, the worldwide market, economic aspects and safety criteria was also taken into consideration.

 

KEYWORDS: medicinal mushroom, economic value, world market, pharmaceuticals, mushroom safety

 

INTRODUCTION:

Mushrooms are known as the fruitious bodies and reproductive part of the fungus releases spores. Mushrooms do not contain chlorophyll and thus are non-green. Since long, mushrooms have been used as medicines by human 1-3.Mushrooms were considered special food items for royalty by ancient Egyptians dating back to 4600 years or so. Mushrooms were associated with immortality 4. About 700 species of mushrooms are eaten as food and about 50 species or so are poisonous5. Medicinal mushrooms are gaining wide popularity. Mushrooms contain many nutrients and thus act as potent medicines 5. Research studies for medicinal mushrooms suggest that the compounds in the mushrooms are responsible for regulating the immune system1-4. Scientific research about medicinal mushrooms is still in its childhood. From a medical point of view, we have now begun to understand the benefits of medicinal mushrooms.

 

Kamiyama 6 conducted a trial in Japan to evaluate the preventive effect of AHCC against recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma following surgical resection. The investigators reported that after one year the AHCC group showed a significant higher survival rate than the control group, as well as significant lowering of certain tumor markers in the serum. Kimura et al. 7 reported Schizophyllan has shown increase overall survival of patients with head and neck cancers. Okamura et al.8 carried out randomized controlled study of Schizophyllan in combination with radiotherapy; Schizophyllan significantly prolonged the overall survival of Stage II cervical cancer patients but not Stage III. Miyazaki et al.9 also carried randomized clinical trial involving 312 patients treated with surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy (fluorouracil) and Schizophyllan in various combinations. They reported that patients treated with Schizophyllan had a better overall survival rate.


Table 1: List of Medicinal Mushrooms

S. No.

Name

Common name

Medicinal Uses

Reference

1

Amanita muscaria

 

Fly agaric

 

Good remedy for sore throat, acts as analgesic on ingestion, used for both spiritual and physical healing

12

2

Armillaria mellea

 

Fly agaric

 

Acts as anti-ageing, treat neurological conditions, has anti-vertigo activity and strengthens immune system

It shows strong activity against yeast, Gram positive bacteria and other fungi

13-17

3

Auricularia auricularia

Jelly ear

 

Lowers blood cholesterol and triglycerides, strengthens the body, reduces blood clotting and thus reduces the risk of stroke and heart attacks

18

4

Auricularia polytricha

Wood ears

 

Inhibits blood clotting, used to treat hemoptysis, angina and diarrhea

19

5

Boletus edulis

 

King bolete

 

It inhibits malignant cell lines of several nature and bind to neoplastic cell specific T- antigen disaccharide

Also used for removal of blemishes and treat dog bites

20-21

6

Calvatia gigantean

Giant puffball

The dries spores of the mushroom can slow down bleeding and prevent infection. The mushroom also has antitumor activity

22

7

Cantherellus cibarius

Yellow Chanterelle

This mushroom can restrict the cancer cells, cure skin dryness and coarseness due to lack of vitamin A and pohthalmia

23

 

8

Cordyceps ophioglossoides

 

Cordyceps

 

 

Activates immune system, useful in treating cancer, high cholesterol, poor libido, arrhythmia, lung cancer, chronic kidney failure and asthma.

It has positive effects on the cardiovascular and nervous systems

24

9

Cordyceps sinensis

 

Caterpillar fungus

Used in case of immunologic, hypoglycemic, antineoplastic, erythropoietic, night sweats and menstruation disorders. Used as aid in organ transplant surgery.

Has anti-aging and anti-oxidant property

25

10

Fomes fiomentarius

 

Tinder polypore

 

Used as styptic, prevents infection, has antitumor property, anti-arthritis, has immune boosting and anti-inflammatory activity

26

11

Fomitopsis pinicola

 

Red belted polypore

 

It is used in the form of tonic to reduce inflammation of digestive tract, increases resistance to cancers.

Used as styptic to stop bleeding

It helps the spleen and liver to function properly, helps to detoxify the bloodstream

27-28

12

Fungus japonicas

 

Manchurian mushroom

Cures rheumatism, cardiac disorders, cancer, diabetes, diarrhea, bronchitis, asthma and improves vision

29

13

Ganoderma lucidum

Reishi

 

Used in case of stress related conditions such as insomnia and fatigue.

Strengthens the immune system, lowers blood pressure, has antitumor properties

30

14

Grifola frondosa

 

Maitake

Lowers cholesterol level, acts as anticancer, antiviral, used in case of cardiac diseases, hepatitis B, HIV

it also acts as anti-microbial

31-32

15

Lactarius deliciosus

Red pine mushroom

Has antibacterial and antioxidant activity

33

16

Lentinula edodes

 

Shiitake

Used to treat cancer, HIV, hepatitis, hay fever, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol level and weight loss

34

17

Lenzites betulina

Gilled polypore

 

Has antioxidant, immune suppressive activity, antimicrobial and antitumor activity

35

18

Morchella esculenta

Common morel

 

Has antitumor, anti-inflammatory activity. Enhances immune system.

It is used to treat indigestion, phlegm, croup and shortness of breath

36

19

Peziza vesiculosa

Bladder cup

Has antitumor property and immunostimulatory effects

37

20

Phallus impudicus

 

Stinkhorn mushroom

Acts as immune enhancer, anticoagulant, used for lymphedema prevention and against cancer

38

21

Piptoporous betulinus

Birch polypore

Has antimicrobial, antiviral and antitumor activity

39

22

Pleurotus ostreatus

Oyster mushroom

It has anticancer activity and lowers blood cholesterol level

40

23

Polyporus officinalis

White agaric

 

Used as emetic, cathartic, discutient and check colliquative sweating (as astringent and as anti-sudorific in phthisis)

41

24

Poria obligua

Indian bread

It acts as immunological, antitumor, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antiemetic

42

25

Pycnoporus sanguineus

 

Red polypore

Used for rheumatism, gout, arthritis, as styptic, anti bacterial, anti fungal, antidote for toxins.

Used against sarcoma

43

26

Trametes versicolor

 

Turkey tail

 

Acts as anti tumor, immunomodulating, anti microbial, anti oxidant

Recently it has been discovered that it works as anti malarial

44

27

Tremella mesenterica

Witches’ butter

Acts as immunostimulatory, antidiabetic, anti inflammatory, hypocholesterolemic, hepatoprotective and antiallergic

45-46

28

Tremella fuciformis

 

Snow fungus

 

Nourishes the lung, stomach and kidney. Strengthens the bones, help maintain ideal weight. Acts as anti oxidant, nerve tonic and skin tonic. Restrains hepatitis, reduces blood sugar

47

 


Nanba10 observed tumour regression or significant symptomatic improvement in 11out of 15 hepatocellular carcinomas with D-fraction plus Maitake. Gao 11 suggested that Ganopoly (an aqueous extract of G. lucidum) in vitro and in xenographs have shown immunomodulating effects, through the activation of macrophages, T-lymphocytes, and natural killer cells.

 

ECONOMIC ASPECTS OF MEDICINAL MUSHROOM:

Since ancient times, mushrooms have been used in the world as traditional medicine. Mushrooms are being known for their rich nutritional value and acceptability as well as their pharmacological properties. Mushroom cultivation is an income-generating activity.  Cultivation and development of edible and medicinal mushrooms can positively generate equitable economic growth and have already had an impact at national and regional levels. Mushrooms have traditionally been used in India as food article and few varieties have also been used as tonic or medicinal material. Sincere efforts to bring mushrooms under cultivation were made in 1961 after the commissioning of a scheme "Development of mushroom cultivation in Himachal Pradesh," at Solan. There are more than 20 types of edible and medicinal mushrooms domestically used and technically have been improved for commercial purposes. World production of mushroom is approximately 12 million tonnes and annual growth rate is still above 8 percent. In case of India total production is roughly one lakh tonne along with annual growth rate of 15 percent 48. The technology of Reishi (a variety of medicinal mushroom) production had been till now a control of a few countries like Japan and China. Mushrooms have a world trade of about $4 billion per year and till now it has been dominated by China, Japan and Korea. Out of the total global production of about 6000 tonnes, China alone contributes over 4000 tonnes of medicinal mushrooms. The USA is the biggest market for medicinal mushrooms and their products. Medicinal products of Reishi in the form of capsules and tablets are being sold as dietary supplements.

 

WORLD MARKET SCENARIO OF MEDICINAL MUSHROOM:

With other medicinal product available in the market, mushrooms too have achieved the good position. As this product has got both therapeutic and nutraceutical aspects, its hold in national and international market is increasing day by day. Table 2 enlists the world market of medicinal mushrooms. China occupies 70% of the world market in production, formulation and supplying of products containing mushroom. India too has started production and supply of mushrooms but still there is a lack of advanced knowledge and technology.

 


 

 

Table 2: World market of medicinal mushrooms 49

S. No.

Country

Manufacturer/Suppliers/Distributers

1.

China

Jiangsu Alphay International Trade Co., Ltd.

Zhangzhou Light Industrial Products Imp And Exp. Co.

Zhangzhou Leading Foods Co., Ltd.

Zhejiang Fangge Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

Shanghai Dazhong Biological Seedling Co., Ltd.

Huzhou Liuyin Biological Technology Co., Ltd.

Shanghai Kangzhou Fungi Extract Co., Ltd.

Fujian Xianzhilou Biological Science and Technology Co., Ltd.

Zhejiang Essence Fungi Development Co., Ltd.

Taian Zhengxin Technology Co., Ltd.

Weinan Zonghe Imp.and Exp. Corporation

Xian Avatar International Trade Co., Ltd.

2.

India

Seagoat Services Pvt Ltd

Bon Options

Perumacheril

Pragna Minerals

G and D Biosciences

3i Overseas

Ved Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd.

Shree Ganesh Trading Company

Hallmark Biotech

Medexel Pharmaceuticals

Mushroom House

3.

United States

Garuda International Inc.

American Specialty Products Mushrooms

Viable Health Group(USA) LLC

OMANA GROUP, LLC

Michigan Mushrooms LLC

Princess Lifestyle LLC

ncestral apothecary

Ozarks Medicinal and Gourmet Mushrooms

BestOMD.com

Steadyteam Capital LLC

Changsha Nutramax Inc.(USA)

Viable Health Group(Usa) LLC

Ancient Health Medicine

Sichuan Shenlong Herbal Trade Co.,Ltd

4.

Malaysia

BIORESIS SDN BHD

Tropical Herbs

Hega Medical Supply

Cordyceps Mushroom Trading

G2 Food Solutions Sdn Bhd

5.

Germany

Myko-Herbal

Hawlik Gesundheitsprodukte GmbH

6.

Cameroon

Medicam Sowef Products Ltd

Ahman Agricultural Center

cam.herbs

Agroproducts

Mush Cam. Ltd.

7.

South Africa

Wholistic Lifestyles

Maati van Heerden

8.

Vietnam

liability company Dot Chain

9.

Nepal

Discover Nepal Exports (P). LTD

Himalayan Herbal Trader Company

Far East Microalgae Ind Co., Ltd.

Naturo Health International

Jade International

Herbies

10.

Russian Federation

Inmar LLC

Limonnik Ltd

Archimed

Ekoforest

11.

Philippines

Long-Life- Ganoderma/Reishi Mushroom Production

Jeriah Enterprises

C2L Connect To Life Enterprises

AIM Global Inc

12.

Taiwan

Southflower Trading Company, Ltd.

Good News Natural Medicine Biotech Co., Ltd.

13.

Brazil

Bell Trading

kadoshi com

14.

South Korea

Youngdong Functional Food.Co.Ltd

SEAN and FOODS

15.

Canada

Forestia Inc

CHATHAM BIOTEC LTD

16.

Mexico

Meza Trading

17.

Slovakia (Slovak Republic

Anna Mushrooms

 

 


SAFETY WITH MUSHROOMS: 50-52

Even though medicinal mushrooms are considered safe, but they may trigger some adverse effects such as nausea and dry throat. Lymphoma or other adverse effects may be theoretically caused by over stimulation of immune system by the mushrooms. Safety in pregnant, nursing women, young children and patients with severe kidney or liver disease has not been registered. People using some species of medicinal mushrooms for several months have been seen suffering from dizziness. Patients who are allergic to mushroom may develop some allergic reactions of throat, skin, nose and lungs by eating some edible mushrooms. Certain adverse reactions can be triggered in the body by consuming lower quality mushrooms. One should consult physician while using medicinal mushrooms since these only provide symptomatic relief.

 

CONCLUSION:

Mushrooms can cure many types of ailments including the very deadliest one – ‘cancer’. Mushrooms can prove as promising solution to most of the diseases to mankind. Along with their medicinal uses they prove to be economical and income generating prospect. Because of their safety criteria, pharmaceutical as well as nutraceutical values, the market of mushroom has broken all boundaries of nations and proves as an international alternate to commercial medicines.

 

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Received on 10.10.2011

Modified on 16.11.2011

Accepted on 27.11.2011        

© A&V Publication all right reserved

Research Journal of Pharmacognosy  and Phytochemistry. 4(1): Jan. - Feb. 2012, 39-43