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Domestication of a magic therapeutical wine glass fungus (Podoscypha petalodes) from Pakistan

Summary

Researchers successfully grew Podoscypha petalodes, a medicinal mushroom known as wine glass fungus, under controlled conditions for the first time. The best growth was achieved using a mixture of sawdust and tea waste at 28°C, which produced high yields in just 10 days. This breakthrough means that this therapeutic fungus, which has antiviral and anti-cancer properties, can now be cultivated year-round commercially instead of relying on rare wild specimens.

Background

Podoscypha petalodes is a therapeutically significant stipitate stereoid fungus known as wine glass fungus, recognized for its antioxidant and antiviral properties. The species was found in Changa-Manga forest in Pakistan and produces podoscyphic acid, a fatty acid with antiviral activity. Its culturability and cultivation potential had never been assessed before this study.

Objective

To determine the morpho-anatomical and phylogenetic characteristics of Podoscypha petalodes from Pakistan and assess its culturability and cultivation potential on various media and substrates. The aim was to optimize growth requirements and establish pilot-scale production of fruiting bodies for pharmaceutical applications.

Results

Compost Extract Agar (CEA) at 28°C showed maximum mycelial growth (11.96 mm/day). Sorghum grains proved most efficient for spawn production (19.5 days). A mixed substrate of sawdust and tea waste at 28°C yielded optimal results with maximum yield of 296.88g per 700g substrate and minimum harvest time of 10 days from pinhead emergence, producing three flushes.

Conclusion

Podoscypha petalodes demonstrates both culturability and cultivation potential on economical substrates. The findings show that large-scale commercial production is feasible, which could provide year-round accessibility to this therapeutically significant fungus and enable continuous pharmaceutical drug development without depending on seasonal wild collection.
  • Published in:Heliyon,
  • Study Type:Experimental/Pilot Study,
  • Source: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16146, PMID: 37274683
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