BOT 246: SEMINAR PRESENTATION ETHNOMYCOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE OF MUSHROOMS
STUDENT PROFILE Name: Obakunle Taiwo Oluseyi Matric no : 230753 Level : 200 level Department : Botany Faculty:science
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS "I acknowledge with gratitude the guidance and support I received during my project journey. First and foremost, I thank God for His unwavering guidance and strength. I express my deepest appreciation to my project supervisor, Professor Clementina Adenipekun, for her invaluable guidance, encouragement, and patience. I am grateful to the Department of Botany and its dedicated lecturers, who provided a supportive and stimulating environment for my research. Lastly, I thank my coursemates, who shared in the ups and downs of this academic journey, offering camaraderie and motivation. This achievement would not have been possible without your collective support, and I am forever grateful."
TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION BRIEF HISTORY OF ETHNOMYCOLOGY COMMON EXAMPLES OF ETHNOMYCOLOGICAL IMPORTANT FUNGI CASE STUDY 1: ETHNOMYCOLOGICAL USES OF MUSHROOMS AMONG THE ESAN PEOPLE OF NIGERIA CASE STUDY 2: ETHNOMYCOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE OF SOME WILD MUSHROOMS OF NORTHERN DISTRICTS OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR,INDIA> LIMITATIONS TO THE STUDY OF ETHNOMYCOLOGY REFERENCES
INTRODUCTION TO ETHNOMYCOLOGY The word ‘ethnomycology’ is a field of study that focuses on the cultural, historical and societal relationships between humans and fungi. It is subfield of ethnobotany. It explores the diverse ways in which fungi have been integrated into human societies,encompassing their traditional uses, folklore, medicinal applications, culinary practices and spiritual or religious significance. It combines the elements of anthropology,botany,mycology,ecology and ethnobiology to explore the intricate connections between people and fungi.
HISTORY OF ETHNOMYCOLOGY The origin of mushrooms is traced back to the Sumerians to the Egyptians ,Greeks and Romans, early societies revered fungi for their culinary, medicinal, and religious significance. Ethnomycology emerged as a formal discipline until the mid 20th Century. R.Gordon Wasson, an American ethnomycologist played a pivotal role in its popularisation through his studies of indigenous mushroom use in Mexico. Wasson’s research on the ceremonial use of hallucinogenic mushrooms by Mazatec shamans shed light on the profound cultural significance of fungi.
COMMON EXAMPLES OF ETHNOMYCOLOGICAL IMPORTANT FUNGI Amanita muscaria Common name; Fly agaric Order:Agaricales Family:Amanitaceae Morphology; A bright red cap adorned with white spots. It has a long history of use in traditional rituals and shamanic practices, particularly among indigenous Siberian and North American cultures. Despite its toxicity, it is revered for its psychoactive properties and symbolic associations with spiritual enlightenment . Source; Rätsch, C. (2017). The Encyclopedia of Psychoactive Plants: Ethnopharmacology and Its Applications
COMMON EXAMPLES OF ETHNOMYCOLOGICAL IMPORTANT FUNGI 2. Lentinula edodes: Common name: Shiitake mushrooms Order:Agaricales Family:Omphalotaceae Morphology:Gills on hymenium,cap is convex,stipe is bare. It is a culinary mushroom native to East Asia, particularly Japan and China. Shiitake mushrooms have been cultivated for centuries and are highly prized for their rich umami flavour and nutritional benefits. In traditional Chinese medicine, shiitake mushrooms are valued for their immune-boosting and medicinal properties. Source : Vetvicka, V. &J. (2014). "Immune-enhancing effects of (Grifola frondosa) and (Lentinula edodes) extracts."
COMMON EXAMPLES OF ETHNOMYCOLOGICAL IMPORTANT FUNGI 3. Ganoderma lucidum: Common name: Reishi mushrooms Order: Polyporales Family:Gandoermataceae Morphology:Basidiocarps that are large,perennial woody brackets A medicinal fungus prized for its purported health benefits in traditional Chinese medicine. It has a distinctive shiny red or black cap and is believed to possess immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Reishi mushrooms are often consumed as a tea or supplement for overall health and well-being. Source: Jin, X. et al. (2016). "Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides enhance the function of immunological effector cells in immunosuppressed mice." Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 194, 1095-1100.)
ETHNOMYCOLOGICAL USES OF MUSHROOMS AMONG THE ESAN TRIBE OF NIGERIA The Esan word for mushroom is utun.. The major mushroom species used is The Sclerotium Pleurotus tuberrgium. Its ethnomycological uses include; Divination: they use it to wash their face to see the future due to its hallucinogenic properties Repellant: it is used in conjunction with other herbs to ward off termites in the rainy season. It is used in treatment of whooping cough and fever It is used in the treatment on anti malaria and dysentery It is used in energy providing patties for pregnant women and babies suffering from malnutrition. An extract from the combination sclerotia and the plant Ocimum gratissimum L is used in the treatment of ear infection in children Reference: Osagualekhor and Okhoya[2015], International; Journal of Medicinal mushrooms. .
ETHNOMYCOLOGICAL USES OF MUSHROOMS AMONG THE YORUBA PEOPLE OF NIGERIA Termitomyces Microcrapus Known in Yoruba as Olu-Oran It is used in the preparation of a charm to bring goodluck to traders. Repellant: it is used in the treatment of gonorrhoea It is used in the preparation of propitiation to gods for increased populations in towns and villages and to reduce mortality .
ETHNOMYCOLOGICAL USES OF MUSHROOMS AMONG THE YORUBA PEOPLE OF NIGERIA 2. Termitomyces Robustus Known in Yoruba as Ewe It is used in the preparation of a charm to bring goodluck. It is used as a remedy for magun 3 Termitomyces Globulus Known in Yoruba as Olubeje It is used as tranquilizer in hunting. 4. Calvatia Cyathiformis Known in Yoruba as Iso-aparo It is a used as a remedy for leucorrhoea Source:Oso 1997
ETHNOMYCOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE OF SOME WILD MUSHROOMS OF NORTHERN DISTRICTS OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR,INDIA 1. . Scientific Name: Agaricus augustus Fries Local name : Haend Ethnomedicinal uses and mode of Consumption:Widely used as food and general tonic Prescribed as a supplementary diet to patients suffering from asthma, stroke,heart ailments, and diabetes. Reported medicinal uses: Antioxidant Source : Asian J Pharm Clin Res, Vol 10, Issue 9, 2017, 399-40an
2. Scientific Name: Agaricus bisporus(Lange)Imbach Local name : Haend Ethnomedicinal uses and mode of Consumption:Widely used as food and general tonic Reported medicinal uses: Antioxidant Source: Asian J Pharm Clin Res, Vol 10, Issue 9, 2017, 399-40
3 . Scientific Name: Boletus edulis Bull s Local name:Rate Ethnomedicinal uses and mode of Consumption: Believed to be iron rich, prescribed to women after deliveries either alone or with dandelion.As expectorant, antidepressant, treating lumbago, leg pains, numbness in limbs and tendon discomfort. However not recommended for patients with kidney stones. Reported medicinal uses:Antioxidant, extracts used in treating sarcoma 180 in mice. Source: Asian J Pharm Clin Res, Vol 10, Issue 9, 2017, 399-40
4. Scientific Name: Morchella esculenta Fr . Local name: Batta Guch i Ethnomedicinal uses and mode of Consumption: Heart ailments,general weakness, brain tonic arthritis. Reported medicinal uses: Vitamin D supplement, antioxidant, immunostimulant Nephroprotective against drug-induced kidney damages. Source: Asian J Pharm Clin Res, Vol 10, Issue 9, 2017, 399-40
5. . Scientific Name: Ganoderma applanatum (Pers.) Pat. Local name:Haend Ethnomedicinal uses and mode of Consumption: Decoction given to patients with weak immune systems. Local herbalists use it along with honey and Kaloongi against cough and common cold. Reported medicinal uses: Has immune-stimulating properties, fights cancers, stops pain,eliminates indigestion, reduces phlegm, antibiotic, antiviral Source: Asian J Pharm Clin Res, Vol 10, Issue 9, 2017, 399-40
6. Scientific Name: Lentinus tigrinus (Bull.) Fr. Local name: Veeri Haend Ethnomedicinal uses and mode of Consumption:W idely used as food, brain tonic and against anger. Powder taken in hot water removes dry cough and asthma, when taken raw is fruitful for wet cough. Raw slices along with lemon juice enhance digestion. Reported medicinal uses: Antibacterial, hypoglycemic and antioxidant. Source: Asian J Pharm Clin Res, Vol 10, Issue 9, 2017, 399-40
LIMITATIONS TO THE STUDY OF ETHNOMYCOLOGY Language and Communication Barriers: Language barriers can pose challenges in ethnomycological research, particularly when working with indigenous or local communities where researchers may not be fluent in the local language or dialect. Effective communication is essential for building trust and rapport. Lack of Comprehensive Documentation: One major limitation is the lack of comprehensive documentation of traditional knowledge related to mushrooms in many cultures. Traditional practices, uses, and beliefs regarding mushrooms are often passed down orally and may not be systematically recorded or documented. This can lead to gaps in understanding and preservation of ethnomycological knowledge. Loss of Traditional Knowledge: Rapid socio-economic changes, globalisation,and environmental degradation can contribute to the loss of traditional knowledge about mushrooms and their cultural significance. Efforts to document and preserve indigenous knowledge are crucial for cultural conservation.
REFERENCES 1. J in, X. et al. (2016). "Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides enhance the function of immunological effector cells in immunosuppressed mice."Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 194, 1095-1100.) 2. Panda KM, Tayung K. Documentation and ethnomedicinal knowledge on wild edible mushrooms among ethnic tribes of Northern Odisha, India. Asian J Pharm Clin Res 2015;8(4):139-43. 3. Prof. Adenipekun and Akindele, Journal of Obesity Medicine, Vol 22, 100320; 2021 4. Rätsch, C. (2017). The Encyclopedia of Psychoactive Plants: Ethnopharmacology and Its Applications 5. Stamets, P. (2017). Psilocybin Mushrooms of the World: An Identification Guide.)