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 system^1-4. 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