Medicinal mushrooms: A blessing for mankind

Neha Jasrotia* and Dr. Bharat Prashar

¹Manav Bharati University, Solan

*Corresponding Author E-mail: nehajasrotia@gmail.com

ABSTRACT:

From long time ago medicinal mushrooms have helped humans in curing many diseases. Mushrooms have been assessed as edible and medicinal resource for millennia. Since the ancient times, medicinal mushrooms have played outstanding role in ameliorating the health of people. The traditional use of medicinal mushrooms has been long established among different cultural groups. Presently, the interest in the use of mushrooms is rising, but not much advancement has been made. Medicinal mushrooms contain many active ingredients such as polysaccharides, triterpenes, amino acids, that act actively against some diseases, including cancer, hypertension, diabetes. The main ingredients in medicinal mushrooms that exert anti-cancer and immune stimulating effect are immune polysaccharides. Medicinal mushrooms are a large source of proteins, minerals, anti-oxidants, fibres and other trace elements. The most commonly used medicinal mushroom species include Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum); Shiitake (Lentinula edodes); Cordyceps (Cordyceps ophioglossoides), Maitake (Grifola frondosa, Polyporous umbellatus, Grifola umbellatus, and Boletus frondosus). But about 50 species of mushrooms are poisonous from a total of 700 edible species. In this review we have listed a number of medicinal mushrooms with their medicinal uses and common names. Irrespective of their medicinal value some mushrooms may cause side effects such as dermatitis and other allergic reactions, which suggest that one should be very careful while taking these mushrooms.

KEY WORDS: Medicinal mushrooms, polysaccharides, anti-neoplastic, poisonous, immunomodulatory.

INTRODUCTION:

Mushroom is known as the fruiting body of a fungus and the reproductive part of the fungus releases spores, the part of fungus that reproduces is known as mushroom. Mushrooms do not contain chlorophyll and thus are not green. From about 5000 years or more mushrooms have been used as medicines by humans^[1]. Mushrooms were considered special food items for royality by ancient Egyptians, dating back about 4600 years. Mushrooms were associated with immortality by them^[2].

About 700 species of mushrooms are eaten as food and about 50 species or so are poisonous^[1]. Medicinal mushrooms are gaining wide popularity. Some modern studies on medicinal mushrooms have confirmed their traditional use in some cases^[3]. Mushrooms contain many nutrients and thus act as potent medicines^[1]. Research studies for medicinal mushrooms suggest that the compounds in the mushrooms are responsible for regulating the immune system^[2]. 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^[1].

List of medicinal mushrooms:

S.NO	Name	Medicinal Uses	Common name
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28	Amanita muscaria Armillaria mellea Auricularia auricula Auricularia polytricha Boletus edulis Calvatia gigantean Cantherellus cibarius Cordyceps ophioglossoides Cordyceps sinensis Fomes fiomentarius Fomitopsis pinicola Fungus japonicas Ganoderma lucidum Grifola frondosa Lactarius deliciosus Lentinula edodes Lenzites betulina Morchella esculenta Peziza vesiculosa Phallus impudicus Piptoporous betulinus Pleurotus ostreatus Polyporus officinalis Poria obligua Pycnoporus sanguineus Trametes versicolor Tremella fuciformis Tremella mesenterica	Good remedy for sore throat, acts as analgesic on ingestion, used for both spiritual and physical healing^[^4]. Acts as anti-ageing, strengthens immune system^[^6], treat neurological conditions^[5] and has anti-vertigo activity^[6]. .It shows strong activity against yeast, Gram positive bacteria and other fungi^[7,8,9].. Lowers the level of blood cholesterol and triglycerides, strengthens the body, reduces blood clotting and thus reduces the risk of stroke and heart attacks^[^10].. Inhibits blood clotting, used to treat hemoptysis, angina, diarrhea, in case of gastrointestinal upset^[^11]. It inhibits malignant cell lines of several nature and bind to neoplastic cell specific T- antigen disaccharide^[^12]. Also used for removal of blemishes and treat dog bites^[^13]. The dries spores of the mushroom can slow down bleeding and prevent infection. The mushroom also has antitumor activity^[^14]. This mushroom can restrict the cancer cells, can cure skin dryness and coarseness due to lack of vitamin A and pohthalmia^[^15]. Activates immune system, useful in treating cancer, high cholesterol, poor libido, arrhythmia, lung cancer, chronic kidney failure, asthma. It has positive effects on the cardiovascular and nervous systems^[^16]. Used in case of immunologic, hypoglycemic, antineoplastic, erythropoietic, night sweats, menstruation disorders. Used as aid in organ transplant surgery. Has anti-aging and anti-oxidant property^[^17]. Used as styptic, prevents infection, has antitumor property, used against arthritis, has immune boosting and anti-inflammatory activity^[^18]. It is used in the form of tonic to reduce inflammation of digestive tract, increases resistance to cancers. Used as styptic to stop bleeding^[^19]. Cures rheumatism, cardiac disorders, improves vision, cures cancer, diabetes, diarrhea, bronchitis and asthma^[^20]. Used in case of stress related conditions such as sleep disorder, fatigue. Strengthens the immune system, lowers blood pressure, has antitumor properties^[^21]. Used to treat cancer, HIV, hepatitis, hay fever, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol level, weight loss^[^22]. Has antibacterial and antioxidant activity^[^23]. Lowers cholesterol level, acts as anticancer, antiviral, used in case of cardiac diseases, hepatitis B,HIV^[24], it also acts as anti-microbial^[25] Has antioxidant, immune suppressive activity, antimicrobial and antitumor activity^[^26]. Has antitumor, anti-inflammatory activity. Enhances immune system. It is used to treat indigestion, phlegm, croup and shortness of breath^[^27]. Has antitumor property and immunostimulatory effects^[^28]. Acts as immune enhancer, anticoagulant, used for lymphedema prevention and against cancer^[29] Has antimicrobial, antiviral and antitumor activity^[^30]. It has anticancer activity and lowers blood cholesterol level^[^31]. Used as emetic, cathartic, discutient and check colliquative sweating, as astringent and as anti-sudorific in phthisis^[^32]. It acts as immunological, antitumor, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antiemetic and effects the CNS^[^33]. Used for rheumatism, gout, arthritis, as styptic, anti bacterial, anti fungal, antidote for toxins. Used against sarcoma^[34] Acts as anti tumor, immunomodulating, anti microbial, anti oxidant^[^35]. Recently it has been discovered that it works as anti malarial^[36] 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^[^37]. Acts as immunostimulatory, antidiabetic, anti inflammatory, hypocholesterolemic, hepatoprotective and antiallergic^[^38,39].	Fly agaric Honey mushroom Jelly ear Wood ears King bolete Giant puffball Yellow Chanterelle Cordyceps Caterpillar fungus Tinder polypore Red belted polypore Manchurian mushroom Reishi Maitake Red pine mushroom Shiitake Gilled polypore Common morel Bladder cup Stinkhorn mushroom Birch polypore Oyster mushroom White agaric Indian bread Red polypore Turkey tail Snow fungus Witches’ butter

Safety with mushrooms:

Even though medicinal mushrooms are considered safe, but they may trigger some adverse effects such as nausea, dry throat. Lymphoma or another adverse effects may be

theoretically caused by over stimulation of immune system by the mushrooms^[40]. Safety in pregnant or nursing women and young children and the 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^[41].

Patients who are allergic may develop some allergic reactions on their throat, skin, nose and lungs by eating some mushrooms^[42]. Certain adverse reactions can be triggered in the body by consuming bad quality of mushrooms^[43]. One should consult his/her physician while using medicinal mushrooms.

CONCLUSION:

The above list of medicinal mushrooms enlists the reported or claimed medicinal uses of the mushrooms. Mushrooms can cure many types of ailments including the very deadliest one – ‘cancer’. Mushrooms can prove themselves as promising solution to most of the diseases to mankind. To a great extent these are better alternative to medicines.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

We are really thankful to Mr. Kushaldeep Singh for motivating us.

REFERENCES:

1. Halpern M.G. Healing mushrooms. Available from: URL: http://www.alohamedicinals.com/HealingMush_Private_10-18-06.pdf

2. Medical mushrooms.net. Available from: URL: http://www.medicalmushrooms.net/

3. Medicinal mushrooms. Available from: URL: file:///D:/projct/mushrooms/MEDICINAL%20MUSHOOMS%201.htm

4. Amanita muscaria. Available from: URL: http://azarius.net/encyclopedia/14/Amanita_muscaria/

5. Powell M. Armillaria mellea. Available from: URL: http://www.mushroomnutrition.com/armillaria

6. Gao L.W, et al. The cultivation, bioactive components and pharmacological effects of Armillaria mellea.. Afr J Biotech. 2009;8(25):7383-7390

7. Obuchi T, et al. Armillaric acid, a new antibiotic produced by Armillaria mellea.. Planta Med. 1990;56(2):198-201

8. Kalyoncu F, et al. Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of mycelia of 10 wild mushroom species. J Med Food. 2010;13(2):415-94 

9. Donnelly D.M, et al. Antibacterial sesquiterpene aryl esters from Armillaria mellea. J Nat Prod. 1985;48(1):10-6.

10. Auricularia auricular mushroom mushroom research. Available from: URL: http://www.mycopharma.com/auricularia_auricula_mushroom_research.htm

11. Volk T. Tom volk’s fungus of the month for april 2004. Available from: URL: http://botit.botany.wisc.edu/toms_fungi/apr2004.html

12. Bovi, et al. Structure of a lectin with antitumoral properties in king bolete (Boletus edulis) mushrooms. Glycobiology. 2011;21(8):1000-1009.

13. Non-wood products from organisms associated with temperate broad leaved trees. Available from: URL: http://www.fao.org/DOCREP/005/y4351e/y4351e0d.htm

14. A closer look at giant puffball mushrooms. Available from: URL: http://www.mushroom-appreciation.com/puffball-mushrooms.html

15. Cantharellus cibarius. Available from: URL: http://www.weiku.com/products/3688987/Cantharellus_Cibarius.html

16. Isaacs Tony. Mushrooms for health immune system and cancer. Available from: URL: http://www.disabled-world.com/artman/publish/mushrooms.shtml

17. Cordyceps sinensis. Available from: URL: http://www.motherherbs.com/cordyceps-sinensis.html

18. Is fomes fomentarius a miracle of nature? Available from: URL: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/PMLSurvivors/message/578

19. Medicinal mushrooms. Available from: URL: http://www.bitterrootrestoration.com/medicinal-plants/medicinal-mushrooms.html

20. Staments Paul. The Manchurian mushroom my adventures with the ‘blob’. Available from: URL: http://www.fungi.com/info/articles/blob.html

21. Ganoderma. Available from: URL: http://www.ganoderma-online.com/Ganoderma.html

22. Find a vitamin or supplement. Available from: URL:

23. http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-560 MAITAKE%20MUSHROOM.aspx?activeIngredientId=560&activeIngredientName=MAITAKE%20MUSHROOM

24. Medicinal mushrooms. Available from: URL: http://healing-mushrooms.net/archives/lactarius-deterrimus.html

25. Jones Kenneth. Shiitake-medicine in a mushroom. Available from: URL: http://www.immunesupport.com/news/97spr007.htm

26. Medical mushrooms.net. Available from: URL: http://www.medicalmushrooms.net/lentinula-edodes-shiitake/

27. Medicinal mushrooms. Available from: URL: http://healing-mushrooms.net/archives/lenzites-betulina-l-fr.html

28. Medicinal mushrooms. Available from: URL: http://healing-mushrooms.net/archives/morchella-esculenta.html

29. Medicinal mushrooms. Available from: URL: http://healing-mushrooms.net/archives/peziza-vesiculosa.html

30. Zemestauki. Available from: URL: http://zemestauki.info/indexeng.html

31. Medicinal mushrooms. Available from: URL: http://healing-mushrooms.net/archives/piptoporus-betulinus.html

32. Oyster mushrooms: culinary, medicinal, and environmental benefits. Available from: URL:

33. http://www.mushroom-appreciation.com/oyster-mushrooms.html

34. Polyporus officinalis. Available from: URL: http://www.henriettesherbal.com/eclectic/pereira/polyporus-offi.html

35. Poria. Available from: URL: http://www.drugs.com/npp/poria.html

36. Medicinal mushrooms. Available from: URL: http://www.bitterrootrestoration.com/medicinal-plants/medicinal-mushrooms.html

37. )The turkey tail mushroom( Trametes Versicolor), aka yun zhi, kawarataka, coriolus versicolor. Available from: URL: http://wildbranchmushrooms.com/turkey-tail

38. Lovy, Alenka, et al. Activity of Edible Mushrooms Against the Growth of Human T4 Leukemic Cancer Cells, HeLa Cervical Cancer Cells, and Plasmodium falciparum. Journal of Herbs, Spices, and Medicinal Plants.1999; Vol. 6 (4).

39. Tremella fuciformis. Available from: URL: http://www.bitterrootrestoration.com/health-care/tremella-fuciformis-to-health-care.html

40. Wasser SP, et al. "Hypoglycemic, interferonogenous, and immunomodulatory activity of Tremellastin from the submerged culture of Tremella mesenterica Retz.: Fr. (Heterobasidiomycetes)". International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms. 2002;4 (3): 215–27.

41. Vinogradov E, et al. "The isolation, structure, and applications of the exocellular heteropolysaccharide glucuronoxylomannan produced by yellow brain mushroom Tremella mesenterica Ritz.:Fr. (Heterobasidiomycetes)". International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms. 2004;6 (4): 335–45

42. Wong C. Mushrooms-medicinal mushrooms for flu defense. Available from: URL: http://altmedicine.about.com/od/coldsandflu/a/flu_mushrooms.htm

43. Marsden Steve, et al. Medicinal mushrooms. Available from: URL: http://www.petcarenaturally.com/handouts/medicinal-mushrooms.pdf

44. Nnama Helen. Side effects of mushrooms. Available from: URL: http://www.livestrong.com/article/401640-side-effects-of-mushrooms/

45. Hale, Hearty. Side effects of mushrooms. Available from: URL: http://www.ifood.tv/blog/side-effects-of-mushroom

Received on 18.02.2012 Accepted on 11.03.2012

© Asian Pharma Press All Right Reserved

Asian J. Res. Pharm. Sci. 2(1): Jan.-Mar. 2012; Page 12-15