Fomitopsis betulina (Formerly Piptoporus betulinus): The Iceman’s Polypore Fungus with Modern Biotechnological Potential

Author: mycolabadmin
2017-04-04
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Summary

This research examines the birch polypore mushroom, a fungus historically used in traditional medicine that shows promising modern medical applications. The fungus contains various compounds that demonstrate antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Modern science is validating many of its traditional medicinal uses while also discovering new potential applications in biotechnology. Impacts on everyday life: – Could lead to new natural antibiotics and antiviral medications – May contribute to development of new cancer treatments – Shows potential for dental care applications through enzyme production – Could help create more environmentally friendly industrial processes – Offers sustainable alternatives to synthetic pharmaceutical compounds

Background

Fomitopsis betulina (formerly Piptoporus betulinus) is a brown rot macrofungus that grows on decaying birch wood. The fungus has a long history of traditional medicinal use, with pieces of its fruiting body found with Ötzi the Iceman who lived 5300 years ago. It was popularly used in folk medicine, especially in Russia, Baltic countries, Hungary, and Romania for its nutritional and calming properties, as well as for treating various cancers, boosting immunity, fighting parasites, and treating gastrointestinal disorders.

Objective

This review aims to present the current knowledge of Fomitopsis betulina, including its lifestyle, chemical composition, and potential applications in biotechnology. The study seeks to analyze both traditional medicinal uses and modern research validating its therapeutic properties.

Results

The review found that F. betulina contains numerous bioactive compounds including triterpenoids, fatty acids, polysaccharides, and other metabolites. Modern research has validated multiple therapeutic properties including antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and neuroprotective effects. The fungus can be successfully cultivated in artificial conditions, though research on cultivation methods is limited. Its enzymatic system shows potential for biotechnology applications in biomass processing and metal bioleaching.

Conclusion

F. betulina demonstrates significant medicinal potential supported by both traditional use and modern pharmacological studies. While research confirms various therapeutic properties, more studies are needed to fully understand its mechanisms of action, identify all active compounds, and verify biological activities through clinical trials. The fungus shows promise for both healthcare applications and other biotechnological uses.

Published in:World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology,
Study Type:Review,
Source: 10.1007/s11274-017-2247-0