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Medicinal Potential of Mycelium and Fruiting Bodies of an Arboreal Mushroom Fomitopsis officinalis in Therapy of Lifestyle Diseases

Summary

This research explores the medicinal properties of Fomitopsis officinalis, a rare mushroom historically used in traditional European medicine. The study found that both the mushroom itself and laboratory-grown mushroom tissue contain valuable compounds that could help treat modern diseases. The findings are particularly relevant for everyday life in several ways: • The mushroom contains natural compounds that could help develop new treatments for cancer and other lifestyle diseases • Its strong antioxidant properties could help protect cells from damage and aging • The ability to grow the mushroom’s beneficial compounds in laboratories could make these health benefits more accessible • The research helps preserve traditional medical knowledge while validating it with modern scientific methods • The findings support the development of natural alternatives to synthetic pharmaceuticals

Background

Fomitopsis officinalis is a medicinal mushroom that was commonly used in traditional European medicine during the 18th and 19th centuries. It is an endangered arboreal mushroom species that grows as a parasite on coniferous trees, particularly Larix species. The mushroom was historically used to treat various ailments including excessive sweating, dizziness, rheumatism, respiratory diseases, digestive issues, cancer, and inflammation.

Objective

To analyze the biochemical composition, antioxidant properties, and antiproliferative activities of both mycelium from in vitro cultures and fruiting bodies of Fomitopsis officinalis. The study aimed to characterize bioactive compounds and evaluate their potential therapeutic applications.

Results

The study identified significant levels of indole compounds, particularly 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan (517.99 mg/100g d.w.) in mycelium cultures. Phenolic compounds, sterols (ergosterol and ergosterol peroxide), and various trace elements were detected in both fruiting bodies and mycelium. The extracts demonstrated notable antioxidant properties, with mycelium extract showing 46.4% and fruiting body extract showing 36.0% DPPH radical reduction. Both extracts exhibited antiproliferative effects against various cancer cell lines, with fruiting bodies showing particular effectiveness against DU145 and A375 cell lines.

Conclusion

F. officinalis mycelium and fruiting bodies contain valuable bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential. The high content of indole compounds, particularly in mycelium cultures, along with demonstrated antioxidant and antiproliferative properties, suggests potential applications in treating lifestyle diseases. The study validates that both fruiting bodies and mycelia from in vitro cultures can synthesize metabolites with medicinal, pharmaceutical, and cosmetological applications.
  • Published in:Scientific Reports,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Research,
  • Source: 10.1038/s41598-020-76899-1
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