Huitlacoche (Ustilago maydis), an Iconic Mexican Fungal Resource: Biocultural Importance, Nutritional Content, Bioactive Compounds, and Potential Biotechnological Applications

Author: mycolabadmin
2023-05-29
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Summary

Huitlacoche, a fungus that grows on corn, has been an important part of Mexican cuisine and traditional medicine for centuries. While considered a crop pest in most countries, in Mexico it is valued as a nutritious delicacy with significant health benefits and commercial potential. The research shows it is rich in proteins, fiber, vitamins, and compounds that can fight inflammation and act as antioxidants. Impacts on everyday life: – Provides a nutritious food source that can help address food security challenges – Offers economic opportunities for farmers through cultivation and sale of a high-value crop – Contains natural compounds that could be used to develop new medicines and health products – Demonstrates how traditional food knowledge can contribute to modern nutrition and medicine – Shows potential for sustainable agriculture by turning what is typically considered a pest into a valuable resource

Background

Worldwide, the fungus known as huitlacoche (Ustilago maydis) is typically considered a phytopathogen of maize plants that causes economic losses in many countries. However, in Mexico it is an iconic edible fungus deeply embedded in culture and cuisine, with high commercial value domestically and growing international market interest. It is the second most important country globally in terms of edible fungal biocultural heritage, with 450 fungal species consumed as food including widespread consumption of U. maydis.

Objective

This review aims to examine the biocultural importance, nutritional content, and phytochemical profile of huitlacoche and its related biological properties as a strategy to contribute to global food security through food diversification. Additionally, it discusses the biotechnological uses of huitlacoche and its relevance in food security and sustainable development, with the goal of contributing to the use, propagation, revalorization and conservation of this valuable fungal resource.

Results

The review found that huitlacoche is rich in protein, dietary fiber, fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins. It contains important bioactive compounds including polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, phytosterols, and other compounds with antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, antiplatelet and dopaminergic properties. The fungus also shows promise for various biotechnological applications including nanoparticle synthesis, heavy metal removal, wine production biocontrol, and as a source of industrial enzymes and biosurfactants. It has been successfully used as a functional food ingredient and shows potential for pharmaceutical applications.

Conclusion

Huitlacoche represents a valuable food source with significant nutritional value, bioactive compounds with health benefits, and diverse biotechnological applications. Its cultivation and use can contribute to food security, sustainable development, food diversification, human nutrition and health, economic development, and conservation of biocultural heritage. However, strategic alliances between policymakers, entrepreneurs, scientists and social sectors are needed to fully realize its potential.

Published in:Molecules,
Study Type:Review,
Source: 10.3390/molecules28114415