Research Topic: medicinal fungi

Evaluation of Lipid Changes During the Drying Process of Cordyceps sinensis by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS)-Based Lipidomics Technique

This study examines how different drying methods affect the lipid content of Cordyceps sinensis, a valuable medicinal mushroom. Researchers compared three drying techniques—freeze-drying, oven-drying, and air-drying—and found that freeze-drying best preserves the mushroom’s beneficial lipids, while oven-drying causes significant degradation. The findings provide practical guidance for mushroom producers on selecting optimal drying methods to maintain the medicinal quality and nutritional value of this prized fungus.

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Evaluation of Two Different Treatments for Larch Logs as Substrates to Cultivate Ganoderma tsugae in the Forest

This study compared growing the medicinal mushroom Ganoderma tsugae on sterilized versus non-sterilized larch wood in a forest setting. Researchers found that non-sterilized wood actually produced mushrooms with higher levels of beneficial compounds like triterpenoids and polysaccharides, while requiring less processing and cost. These findings suggest that farmers can use a simpler, less expensive cultivation method while still producing high-quality medicinal mushrooms.

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Different Symbiotic Species of Armillaria Affect the Yield and Active Compound Contents of Polyporus umbellatus

Polyporus umbellatus is a medicinal mushroom used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating water retention and swelling. This study found that the type of symbiotic fungus (Armillaria species) growing with the mushroom significantly affects both how much mushroom is produced and the amounts of beneficial compounds it contains. Among three Armillaria species tested, A. gallica produced mushrooms with the highest yields and the most polysaccharides, making it the best choice for cultivation.

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The First Whole Genome Sequence and Methylation Profile of Gerronema lapidescens QL01

Scientists have sequenced the complete genome of Lei Wan (Gerronema lapidescens), a medicinal mushroom used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating parasitic infections and digestive problems. The research reveals the mushroom’s genetic blueprint, including genes responsible for producing beneficial compounds and adapting to rocky mountain environments. This foundational work aims to enable sustainable cultivation of this rare fungus and development of new medicinal treatments, addressing current conservation threats from over-harvesting.

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Selection and validation of reference genes for RT-qPCR in ophiocordyceps sinensis under different experimental conditions

Scientists studied the Chinese caterpillar mushroom (Ophiocordyceps sinensis) to find the best genes to use as reference points when measuring other gene activity. They tested sixteen potential reference genes under various stress conditions and growth stages using a technique called RT-qPCR. They found that two specific genes (18S rRNA and beta-Tubulin) were the most reliable to use as standards, which will help researchers accurately study how this medicinal mushroom responds to different conditions.

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Study on Optimization of Liquid Fermentation Medium and Antitumor Activity of the Mycelium on Phyllopora lonicerae

Researchers improved the production of a medicinal fungus called Phylloporia lonicerae that grows on honeysuckle plants. They developed a better growing medium that produced more fungus in less time. They then discovered that components from this fungus can kill cancer cells, particularly lung and esophageal cancer cells, by triggering a natural cell death process called apoptosis. This work suggests the fungus could be developed into an anti-cancer functional food.

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The ethnomycological knowledge of Karajá indigenous people from Bananal Island, Brazil

Researchers studied how the Karajá indigenous people of Brazil understand and use fungi in their daily lives. While the Karajá don’t eat mushrooms as food, they recognize various fungi in their environment and use them for medicine, decorations in festivals, and childhood play. The study found that the Karajá have a neutral to slightly positive view of fungi, neither strongly liking nor disliking them, and their knowledge is passed down through families from childhood.

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The First Whole Genome Sequence and Methylation Profile of Gerronema lapidescens QL01

Researchers sequenced the complete genome of Lei Wan (Gerronema lapidescens), a medicinal mushroom used in Chinese traditional medicine for treating parasites and digestive issues. The study reveals the mushroom’s genetic makeup, including 15,847 genes and over 3 million methylation marks that may control gene expression. They identified 67 gene clusters that could produce medicinal compounds and 521 enzymes for breaking down organic matter. This genetic blueprint will help scientists understand how to cultivate this threatened species sustainably and develop its health benefits.

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