MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS

Medicinal mushrooms (MM) can be

defined as macroscopic fungi that are
used in the form of extracts or powder for
prevention, alleviation, or healing of
multiple diseases, and/or in balancing a
healthy diet.
Mushrooms have a number of properties,
including antifungal, antibacterial,
antiviral, anti inflammatory,
immunostimulating and tumor
attenuating.
 Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum)
● The Latin word lucidus means “shiny” or “brilliant” and
refers to the varnished appearance of the surface of the
mushroom.
● In China, itis called lingzhi, whereas in Japan it is known as
reishi or mannentake.
● It is characterized by basidiocarps that are large,
perennial, woody brackets also called "conks".
● They are lignicolous and leathery either with or without a
stem.
● The fruit bodies typically grow in a fan-like or hoof-like
form on the trunks of living or dead trees.
● They have double-walled, truncate spores with yellow to
brown ornamented inner layers.
• Ganoderma nutriceuticals are used for treating
patients suffering from cardiovascular problems,
leukemia, leucopoenia, hepatitis, nephritis,
gastritis, insomnia, asthma, bronchitis and for
cholesterol-lowering.
• These mushrooms have found to boost the human
immune system.
• Recent pharmacological and clinical studies
suggest that this mushroom is a blood-thinner and
exhibits anti-cancer/anti-tumour effects.
• It is effective against Hepatitis – B and lowers
blood glucose and blood pressure.
 Maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa)
● “Maitake” means dancing mushroom in Japanese.
● Its distinctive shape has earned it the nickname “hen-of-
the-woods.” It’s also known as sheep head and king of the
mushrooms.
● It is a perenenial fungus and forms large clumps on tree
stumps and tree roots.
● It grows from an underground tuber-like structure known
as a sclerotium.
● The fruiting body is about 100 cm length and 2–10 cm in
breadth.
● It appears as a cluster consisting of multiple grayish-
brown caps which are often curled or spoon-shaped, with
wavy margins.
● The undersurface of each cap bears about one to three
pores per millimeter.
● The milky-white stipe (stalk) has a branchy structure and
becomes tough as the mushroom matures.
● Maitake mushroom is rich in bioactive polysaccharidesthat
have immune-protecting and antitumor properties.
● Beta glucan in maitake can help reduce cholesterol thereby
lowering the risk for heart disease.
● It is also helpful in targeting and destroying cancerous
cells.
● Maitake has also been shown to lower blood glucose levels.
● It has Vitamin D which is important for bone health for it
helps to absorb calcium.
 LION'S MANE MUSHROOM (Hericium erinaceus)
● It is also known as Pompom mushroom, Monkey Head
mushroom, Yamabushitake mushroom (Japanese) and
Houtou mushroom (Chinese).
● This mushroom looks like a pack of white silk thread (5-
20 cm) and grows in oak, walnut, and perennials.
● Lion’s mane is composed of two parts: the visible fruiting
body (the mushroom) and the mycelium, which is the bottom
structure that resembles roots.
● lion's mane mushroom is believed to be beneficial against
Alzheimer disease, dementia, depression, anxiety, obesity,
heart disease, diabetes, cancer, inflammation and stomach
problems.
 CHAGA MUSHROOM (Inonotus obliquus)
● It is a type of fungus that grows mainly on the bark of
birch trees in cold climates, such as Northern Europe,
Siberia, Russia, Korea, Northern Canada and Alaska.
● Chaga is also known by other names, such as black mass,
clinker polypore and birch canker polypore.
● Chaga produces a woody growth, or conk, which looks similar
to a clump of burnt charcoal — roughly 10–15 in size.
● However, the inside reveals a soft core with an orange
color.
● For centuries, chaga has been used as a traditional medicine
to boost immunity and overall health. It has also been used
to treat diabetes, certain cancers and heart disease.
● Traditionally, it is grated into a fine powder and brewed as
an herbal tea.
 OTHER TYPES MUSHROOMS

Mushrooms can be used for dyeing wool

and other natural fibers.
The chromophores of mushroom dyes are
organic compounds and produce strong
and vivid colors, and all colors of the
spectrum can be achieved with
mushroom dyes.
Before the invention of synthetic dyes,
mushrooms were the source of many
textile dyes
 Mushroom Color catalyst Color created

Chanterelle ammonia dull yellow

Artist's conk ammonia rust

Horse mushroom salt water yellowish green

Shaggy mane iron pot/ammonia greyish-green

Turkey tail ammonia variable

 TINDER MUSHROOMS

Fomes fomentarius (commonly known as

the tinder fungus, is a species that
produces very large polypore fruit
bodies which are shaped like a horse's
hoof and vary in colour from a silvery
grey to almost black, though they are
normally brown.
They have been used as fire starters.