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