Fungi introduction , a brief introduction.pptx

Introduction toh fungi

1. DISCOVER . LEARN . EMPOWER Dr. Jitendra Kumar UNIVERSITY INSTITUTE OF BIOTECHNOLOGY Department of Biosciences World of fungi

2. Fungi Unicellular ( Saccromyces cerevisiae ) filamentous (Fusarium sp.) multicellular, such as mycelial cords, rhizomorphs, and fruit bodies ( Amanita mushrooms) tube-like strands called hypha (singular) or hyphae (plural) mycelium = aggregate of hyphae 2

3. Fungi sclerotium = hardened mass of mycelium that generally serves as an overwintering stage. Cell wall composed of chitin. Food storage - generally in the form of lipids and glycogen. Eukaryotes - true nucleus and other organelles present. All fungi require water and oxygen (no obligate anaerobes). 3

4. Fungi grow in almost every habitat imaginable, as long as there is some type of organic matter present and the environment is not too extreme. Diverse group, number of described species is somewhere between 69,000 to 100,000 (estimated 1.5 million species total) 4

5. Nutrition Symbionts Saprobic Pathogen 5 “There is a good possibility that in the twilight of this world the forms of life predominantly will be the fungi and those plants and animals smart enough to have gone with the partnership with them” CM Christensen, 1963

6. During evolutionary time a wide range of partnerships between fungi and plants have been developed. Most successful of them are mutual associations which are of great benefit to both partners. In these symbioses the fungus generally obtains most of its organic food from the plant in the form of carbohydrates but donates something to the plant in return.

7. Like some parasitic fungi, most symbiotic fungi are biotrophic and if their plant partner dies, they die or become inactive. The ‘Live-in’ relationship of biotrophs is long lived or permanent; the two partners are so intimately associated that a distinct, new entity is formed.

8. Such ‘ dual organisms ’ have morphological and physiological properties not possessed by the partner when they are grown separately; new abilities arise as a consequence of association. Permanent, stable symbiosis therefore have morphological and physiological characteristics which together confer ecological versatility on the association but at the sacrifice of independence of partners.

9. The ‘Live-in’ relationships termed as mutualistic symbiosis involving fungal partners are: Relationship with plant roots- Mycorrhiza Relationship with algae- Lichens Relationship with aerial plant parts- Endophytes Relationship with Termite mounds (ants, beetles etc.)- Ambrosia fungi

10. Symbiotic Association Mycorrhiza Lichen 10

11. Symbiotic Associations: Fungus -Green Plant (Frank,1885) Bacteria - Green Plants (Beijerinck,1888) Actinomycete -Green Plant (Callaham et al. 1978) Mycorrhiza : Mykes - fungus, rrhiza - root A symbiotic, non pathogenic, permanent association Between a plant root and a specialized fungus both in natural environment and in cultivation

12. Functional components of mycorrhiza Fungus mycelium exploring large volumes of soil retrieving mineral nutrients Fungus plant interface where the nutrient transfer occurs Plant tissues which produce and store carbohydrates 12

13. advantages of mycorrhiza I ncreased nutrient mobilization: nutrient and water absorption through improved absorbance area Accumulation of elements such as N,P,K, Ca and Zn Provide host plant with growth hormones like auxins,cytokinins , gibberellins and growth regulators such as B-Vitamins Increased tolerance to water stress,pH stress, temperature stress, heavy metal and toxin stress Contributors to organic matter turn over and nutrient cycling in forest ecosystem Deterrent to root infection through strategies such as use of surplus carbohydrates, provision of a physical barrier and secretion of antibiotics 13

14. Mycorrhizal types Mycorrhiza forming fungi Host Taxon Ectomycorrhiza Basidio, Asco, Phyco Gymno, Angio Ectendomycorrhiza Basidio, Asco? Gymno, Angio Vesicular-arbuscular Phyco Bryo, Pterido, Gymno Angio Arbutoid Basidio Ericales Monotropoid Basidio Monotropaceae Ericoid Asco, (Basidio) Ericales Orchidaceous Basidio Orchidaceae Estimated number of ecto- and ectandomycorrhizal species: Zygomycotina (5), Ascomycotina (500), Basidiomycotina (50 00)

15. Coal spoils, Kaolin spoils, severely eroded sites, borrow pits, mining spoils- many states in US Annually 2 billion tree seedlings raised for regeneration programmes Through mycorrhizal inoculations in such hostile sites four fold increase in tree volume recorded Pine plantations raised in many parts of Asia, Africa and South America Sites Reclaimed

16. Most widespread and commonly occurring symbiosis is lichen thallus ( Schwendener , 1867). “Its slaves are green algae, which it has sought out..... and completed into its service ......... It surrounds them, as a spider its prey ....... But while the spider sucks its prey, and leaves it dead, the fungus incites the algae found in its net to more rapid activity ........” S. Schwenderner , 1867 Live-in-Relationship of fungi with Algae- The Lichens

17. It is a relationship between fungal-component ( Mycobiont ) and green algae or cyanobacteria ( Photobiont ). The body or thallus of a lichen is usually madeup of a single species of fungus and usually a single species of alga, though in some a second photobiont may be associated. Morphological forms of co-partners when in relationship: Crustose , Foliose, Fruticose

18. Large majority of lichenised fungi (Mycobiont partners- 500 genera, 13500 species) belong to Ascomycotina, a small fraction to Basidiomycotina (20 species). The photobionts majority from Chlorophyta (70%) and some from Cyanobacteria .

19. The mycobiont provides physical protection to the algae by filtering out the harmful shortwave radiations from sunlight. The fungus also act as a water storage reserviour during dry periods, and may insulate the algal cells from extreme diurnal variations in temperature.

20. A large proportion (over 80%) of the carbon compounds fixed by photo biont pass to the fungus, together supplies of essential vitamins (e.g. biotin and thiamine) which the fungi lack naturally. The lichens can occupy ecological niches, where temperature conditions and the poor availability of nutrients or water exclude more higher plants and even mosses – Tundra region. Pollution makes the thallus environment acidic, breaks down the chlorophyll in algal cells and accumulates SO2 within thallii

21. Lichens are extremely sensitive to pollution, especially sulphur dioxide and are reliable indicators of atmospheric pollution – Desert zone, Inner struggle zone, Outer struggle zone, Normal lichen flora.

22. The term endophyte was coined by de Bary (1866) to distinguish those speceis which invade and reside within host tissues or cells, from epiphytes. Endophytes are usually present as unseen microscopic hyphae which grow between host cells usually running longitudinally through leaves and stems. Their presence is revealed only when they sporulate. Relationship of fungi with Aerial Parts of higher Plants - Endophytic Associations

23. Endophytic fungi are fungi that colonise living plant tissues without causing any immediate, overt negative effect (Hersh & Brown, 1992). This definition includes virtually the entire spectrum of symbiotic interactions in which fungi and plant participate: Parasitic, Commensalism and Mutualism. Endophytes refer to those fungi which live almost entirely within leaves and stems of apparently healthy host plants, doing so asymptomatically , causing no visible signs of infection.

24. Endophytes are known from plants growing in tropical, temperate, boreal forests, herbaceous plants from sea level to arctic and alpine regions in all groups of land plants. Most of the work on fungal endophytes has centred around grasses, ericaceous species and conifers, though they have been indentified in most of the major taxonomic groups including mosses, ferns and liverworts.

25. The anamorphs or asexual forms of the endophytes usually do not sporulate on the host plants and are passed on to new plants vegetatively , by growth into ovules and seeds. Teleomorphs or sexual forms may be found on host plants, leaves and aborted inflorescence. They are highly host specific, belong to diverse orders Ascomycotina, Deuteromycotina and some to Basidiomycetes .

26. It is also suggested that endophyte infected plants are more tolerant to water stress and recover more quickly than uninfected plants, also they provide growth regulators. The production of alkaloids and antibiotics deter many herbivores. Endophyte infected plants have marked effect on grazing of insect, pests, an observation which suggest that endophytes may prove to be suitable biocontrol agent for grass species: Dutch Elm disease- Ceratiocystis ulmi – endophyte – Phomopsis oblonga – demise of bark beetles.

27. Endophytes have been suggested to have evolved from plant pathogenic fungi. In physiological terms relatively little is known about endophytic interactions between host and fungus. In some there is increase in vigour and survival of the concerned plants which increases the capacity of the plant to resist disease.

28. Relationship of Fungi with Ants and Beetles Ambrosia

29. ‘Parasol Ants’ carry leaves much larger than size- Attini tribe. Don’t eat leaves but use it as a substrate for growing fungi – Fungus garden . Fungus gardens contain brood of ant larvae. Three types of ant workers: Maxima, Media, Minima (Tiny) with different functions.

30. Termitarium, Termite mounds or Termite nests also have fungi within their nests but whether they feed on them is debatable ,Alternatively they may produce an elevated temperature within Termatarium through their saprophytic activities and also Perhaps maintain a high relative humidity- Termitomyces spp

31. Ganoderma Ganoderma is  a genus of polypore fungi in the family Ganodermataceae   includes about 80 species many from tropical regions. They have a high genetic diversity and is used in traditional Asian medicines. They may be called bracket fungi. 37

32. The fungal partnership with beetles is called ‘ Ambrosia fungi ’ posses special organs – mycetangia - Scolytid beetles. Fungi involved are usually Ascomycetous or Deteuromycetous . Fungal hyphae breakdown wood and provide readily available nutrients to beetles- adults and larvae, together with ergosterol , which is essential for larvae to develop into adult.

33. Live-in Relationship is NOT a relationship of convenience but it is a relationship of mutual faith, selfless service, Caring and Sharing, Ever Helping and Never Hurting, Faith, Sinlessness , Selfless Service. Only then it is long lasting and symbiotic, otherwise it is Sin-biotic. Man is borne in relationship, survives in relationship and outlives the relationship for attaining final relationship.

34. The true Live-in-Relationship of man is with the ultimate reality. Living with ultimate reality is True Education. Living for ultimate reality is True Devotion. Living in ultimate reality is True spirituality AND Living in spirituality is the true Live-in-Relationship . This is what nature reflects

35. Cordyceps Cordyceps  has been described as a medicine in old Chinese medical books and Tibetan medicine. It is a rare combination of a caterpillar and a fungus and found at altitudes above 4500m in Sikkim.

36. Saprobes Saprophytic fungi are the  largest group of (macro) fungi , responsible for breaking down and recycling dead plant and animal material. These are the fruit-bodies you see on dead trees, leaf litter, animal bones, even faeces . 42

37. 43

38. 44 Alternaria tenuissima growth on PDA, germination conidia Aspergillus sp. their Conidia

39. Feather waste fermentation degraded feather Enzyme purification Amino Acid purification

40. Pathogenic Onychomycosis caused by fungus Tinea unguium https://www.google.com/search?q=onychomycosis&authuser=1&hl=enUS&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj13v7xmb7yAhV_lEsFHe5cCf0Q_AUoAXoECAIQAw&biw=1280&bih=520#imgrc=xh9T2yhjsH0M2M Infection caused by Trichophyton verrucosum

41. Fungal Infections to animals 48

42. Fungal disease 49 Late Blight of Potato caused by Phytopthora infestans reason for Ireland famine https://www.apsnet.org/edcenter/disandpath/oomycete/pdlessons/Pages/LateBlight.aspx This disease was the causal agent of the Bengal famine of 1943. Cochliobolus miyabeanus (formerly known as Helminthosporium oryzae ) is a fungus that causes brown spot disease in rice. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/bengal-famine-of-1943-caused-by-british-policy-failure-not-drought-study/articleshow/68495710.cms?from=mdr

43. 50 http://iso22000resourcecenter.blogspot.com/2014/08/food-microorganisms-food-poisoning-i.html https://www.toppr.com/guides/evs/mangoes-round-the-year/food-spoilage/

44. MUSHROOMS IN HUMAN HEALTH

45. Mushroom The Health Food

46. Without doubt the edible mushrooms, in fresh, cooked and processed forms are a nutritionally sound tasteful food source which contribute a significant dietary component of vegetarians. The purified compounds from mushrooms have shown to potentiate the host’s innate (nonspecific) and acquired (specific) immune system and activate many kinds of immune cells. These purified compounds from various mushrooms are also considered as multi cytokine inducers able to induce gene expression of various immunomodulatory cytokines and cytokine receptors. There are about 700 species of higher basidiomycetes that have been found to posses significant pharmacological activities ( Wasser et . al. 2002)

47. Historical Mushrooms have long been valued as tasty, nutritious food . For the ancient Romans these were the "food of the Gods" resulting from bolts of lightning thrown to the earth by Jupiter during thunder storms; The Egyptians considered them as "a gift from the God Osiris" while the Chinese viewed them as "the elixir of life.“ Other cultures, notably those in the UK, Ireland and much of North America, have grown up with a fear of mushroom poisoning. However, fungus-loving societies are found throughout Asia and in much of Europe - especially Poland - and Russia where wild mushrooms are extensively collected or bought and incorporated into soups, stews and teas.

48. Mushrooms Diversity Mushrooms highly diverse organisms Recorded in fossilized wood dating back to 300 million years 14000 recognized mushroom species (Hawksworth, 2001) 2000 species known to be edible Many more still await discovery Desert truffle Terfezia arnenaria mentioned in Bible as “bread from heaven”and “Manna of the Israelites”(Pegler,2002)

49. COMPONENTS OF MUSHROOM INDUSTRY Cultivated Edible mushrooms (The international movement for edible mushrooms (May, 1950) Medicinal mushroom products (The international movement for medicinal mushrooms (August, 1993) Wild mushrooms (The international movement for wild mushrooms (1999)

50. Cultivated edible mushrooms

51. CHALLENGES & OPPORTUNITIES Faces constant global changes and innovations Opportunities Increasing consumption capabilities vis a vis rising population Introducing medicinal mushrooms into global health care system Exploring the wild mushroom industry

52. Edible mushrooms-three properties Nutrition Taste Physiological functions

53. EDIBLE MUSHROOMS - NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS POSSESS LOW ENERGY LEVEL, HELPS WEIGHT REDUCTION RICH IN PROTEINS HAVE LOW PURINE -BENEFICIAL FOR METABOLIC DISEASES LIKE GOUT, RHEUMATISM LOW GLUCOSE LEVEL, MORE MANNITOL -SUITABLE FOR DIABETICS LOW SODIUM -SUITABLE FOR HBP PATIENTS RICH IN ESSENTIAL VITAMINS AND K AND P-IMPORTANT ORTHOMOLECULAR ASPECT HIGH CONTENT OF SELENIUM-AN EXCELLENT ANTIOXIDANT

54. TASTE Delicious food stuffs and food flavoring substances Mushroom flavor comprise volatile eight-carbon compounds, water soluble components such as sugars, polyols, organic acids ,free amino acids and 5-nucleotide

55. PHYSIOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS Physiologically active substances include – high molecular weight polysaccharides (mainly ß- D-Glucans), heteroglucans, chitinous substances, peptidoglucans, proteoglucans, lectin, RNA components, dietary fibre;and low molecular weight organic substances,such as terpenoids, steroids,novel phenols

56. BACKGROUND AND SCOPE Cultivated edible mushrooms Mushroom cultivation- highly lucrative agro- industry Ranks first with the grossers among all the agricultural and horticultural commodities World production more than 7 million tonnes with growth rate of about 7 per cent Present Indian production around 1,20,000 tonnes, with 20-25% growth rate. Very low per capita consumption (20 –25 gm) in India as compared to very high consumption (2-3kg) in developed countries. Mushroom production is a labour intensive and low labour cost is the biggest advantage India enjoys .

57. WORLD MUSHROOM INDUSTRY USA and UK (2004-05) Agaricus (98.2%) Lentinula (1.1%) Pleurotus (0.6%) Others(0.01%) ASIA (2003 DATA) China Agaricus (12.8%) Lentinula (21.5%) Pleurotus (24.0%) Others(41.8%) Japan Agaricus (nil) Lentinula (10.7%) Pleurotus (1.6%) Others(87.8%) Taiwan Agaricus (4.0%) Lentinula (33.4%) Pleurotus (4.2%) Others(58.4%) Korea Agaricus (11.6%) Lentinula (24.6%) Pleurotus (36.5%) Others(27.3%)

58. CULTIVATED MUSHROOMS IN INDIA

59. Why Medicinal Mushrooms? Harriet Beinfield, acupuncturist and co-author of Between Heaven and Earth : A Guide to Chinese Medicine, explains- “the movement began with healthy food in the late '60s; now it's health medicine. People are interested in medicinal mushrooms because they've been used effectively for thousands of years".

60. MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS-SCOPE Mushrooms have bio-chemically highly diverse composition, important as functional foods Exhibit a wide range of metabolites which are finding their utility in fields like immunology, clinical toxicology, biochemistry, molecular biology, pharmaceutical industry, and food industry Vast possibilities of finding new medicinally active molecules from mushrooms

61. Medicinal mushrooms’ products Medicines and food have common origin-an old Chinese saying Nutritional qualities, medicinal and tonic attributes, long been recognized Mushroom products-derived through biotechnological processes from fruiting bodies, mycelia, culture media and spores of selected medicinal mushrooms

62. Important Medicinal Mushrooms Agaricus bisporus- leader of edible mushrooms Lentinus edodes- leader of edible and medicinal mushrooms Ganoderma lucidum- leader of medicinal mushrooms Three species: maitake, shiitake, and reishi have demonstrated phenomenal healing potential All boost immune function, support cardiovascular health, and show promise in lowering the risk of - or treating cancer Maitake specifically recommended for the stomach and intestines, as well as blood sugar levels Shiitake treats nutritional deficiencies and liver ailments Reishi promotes respiratory health and spirituality.

63. REISHI MUSHROOM AND COMMERCIAL EXTRACT

64. Active ingredients of Reishi Fruit body has:- High molecular weight polysaccharides Triterpenes Organic Germanium Adenosine Amino acids Vitamin and minerals Mycelium contains:- High level of RNA,induces interferon production which disrupt viral diseases. Oleic acid,and inhibition of histamin release. LZ-8,an immunomodulating protein which retards anti-body production

65. REISHI MUSHROOM -USES Longevity and prevention of disease Asthama,insomnia,stress,cancer, allergies Hypertension, cardio-vascular disease,diabetes,hepatites,arthritis and skin care Influenza and common cold and chronic fatigue syndrome

66. Benefits of Reishi Mushroom in Asthma Reishi mushroom ( Ganoderma lucidum ) beneficial for asthma and other respiratory complaints. It has a healing effect on the lungs. Reishi is good for respiratory strength and for coughing. When more than 2000 Chinese with chronic bronchitis took reishi syrup during the 1970s, within two weeks, 60 to 90% felt better and reported an improved appetite, according to "Medicinal mushrooms," by Christopher Hobbs, published in Herbs for Health , Jan/Feb 97.

67. OTHER BENEFITS OF REISHI For four millenia, the Chinese and Japanese have used reishi mushroom as a medicine for liver disorders, hypertension, and arthritis. Reishi has anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and antioxidant properties and may help fight cancer tumors also. In addition, a protein isolated from reishi - Ling Zhi-8 - may reduce the risk of transplant rejection.

68. MORE BENEFITS OF REISHI Reishi mushroom also has non-material benefits. “Reishi is said to elevate the spirit; it's a mood-elevating substance.” Traditionally, reishi is believed to help transform the individual into a more spiritual being. Reishi converts metabolic and psychic waster (hostility and other negative feelings), thereby raising the spirit and unshackling the mind. Individuals can consume reishi every day to support immune function, peace of mind, and physical vigor. Reishi is available in syrups, soups, teas, tinctures, tablets, and by injection.

69. Body weight, CD4 and haemoglobin increase in HIV/AIDS patients treated with Gl capsules and ARV drugs (Mshigeni et al. 2005) Parameters Ganoderma+ARV (Group A) ARV only (Group B) No. of patients 22 24 Av. Body wt. increase 4.8 kg 2.4 kg Av. CD4 count increase 136 cells 70 cells Av. Haemo. increase 1.1 mg 0.5 mg

70. INDIAN CLINICAL RESULTS ON REISHI Conducted by Vijay Shree Dr.S.Raghupathi-MMC Chennai Patient-1:Mrs.Vijaya,29 yrs.suffered from chest pain,giddiness,palpitation,on and off Clinical,ECG,ECHO evaluation revealed arrhythmic cardiac problem Earlier taking anti-arrhythmic drugs- without cure Prescribed 1RG+1GL three times daily along with regular anti-arrhythmic drugs With in 45 days relieved of symptoms and ECG was normal Patient-2: Mr. Muthuraman,75 yrs,asthmatic for 40 years Earlier taking Asthalin inhaler,Betnesoland Deriphyllin injection as and when needed. Ganotherapy reduced wheezing remarkably and general condition improved significantly

71. Shiitake Mushroom and commercial extract

72. Benefits of Shiitake: Lowers cholesterol and combats HIV Research conducted in Japan identified a specific amino acid in shiitake that helps speed up the processing of cholesterol in the liver. In a 1974 study (reported by Kenneth Jones in " Shiitake Medicine in a mushroom ," Herbs for Health , Jan/Feb 1997)P:- 40 elderly individuals and 420 young women consumed nine grams of dried shiitake or the equivalent amount of fresh shiitake (90g) every day for 7 days. After a week, total cholesterol levels had dropped seven to 15% in the older group, and 6 to 12% in the young women.

73. OTHER BENEFITS OF SHIITAKE MUSHROOM Like maitake, shiitake also appears to be a formidable cancer fighter. In 1969, scientists at Tokyo's National Center Research Institute isolated a polysaccharide compound from shiitake called lentinan. In laboratory trials, lentinan caused tumors in 80 to 100% mice to regress or vanish. Lentinan appears to stimulate immune-system cells to clear the body of tumor cells.

74. More Benefits of Shiitake Mushroom Shiitake appears to be effective against some of the serious viruses like HIV and hepatitis B. Test-tube studies in Japan indicate that LEM, an extract of shiitake mushroom, is more lethal to HIV-infected cells than AZT, a well-known medication developed to delay the progress of AIDS. In other test-tube studies, LEM lignins have been shown to block HIV cells from reproducing and damaging helpful T cells. These lignins also stop cell damage from herpes simplex I and II, two viral infections that often plague individuals with HIV.

75. Clinical results on Benefits of Shiitake Mushroom In the 1980s, a trial involving 16 clinics in Japan investigated the impact of LEM on hepatitis B. The studies indicated that LEM may stimulate the body to produce antibodies. Forty individuals with chronic hepatitis B ingested six grams of LEM daily for four months. All of the patients experienced relief of hepatitis B symptoms, and in 15, the virus was inactivated.

76. Maitake Mushroom and commercial extract

77. Benefits of Maitake Mushroom Fights cancer and balances blood sugar Maitake Mushroom ( Grifola frondosa ) best known for cancer-fighting properties. Contains grifolan, an important beta-glucan polysaccharide (molecule composed of many sugar molecules linked together). Grifolan has been shown to activate macrophages, a type of cell consider the " heavy artillery": of the immune system. D-fraction, one of the polysaccharides in maitake mushroom, also energized the cellular immune system. Laboratory studies have shown that maitake extract can block the growth of cancer tumors and boost the immune function of mice with cancer.

78. Other benefits People with Type 2 Diabetes may also benefit from maitake mushroom Researchers investigated a specific, high-molecular polysaccharide in maitake called the X-fraction It was found that mice given maitake had an increased ability to recognize glucose, and the control group had higher blood glucose levels. Suggested that maitake mushroom can reduce insulin resistance, thereby increasing insulin sensitivity. The X-fraction appears to be the active compound with anti-diabetic properties.

79. Cordyceps Cordyceps  has been described as a medicine in old Chinese medical books and Tibetan medicine. It is a rare combination of a caterpillar Cordyceps  has been described as a medicine in old Chinese medical books and Tibetan medicine. It is a rare combination of a caterpillar and a fungus and found at altitudes above 4500m in Sikkim.

80. Cordyceps sinensis Extract For Energy and Endurance 16% beta glucan (polysaccharide), 7% Cordycepic acid, .3% Adenosine

81. Product Information Cordyceps sinensis highly valued medicinal mushroom in both Classical Chinese Medicine and modern clinical practice. In China it is called "winter worm, summer grass", and the "caterpillar mushroom". Attracted the attention of the health profession in 1993 when a group of Chinese runners broke nine world records in the World Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Germany. The coach attributed results to the athletes regular use of a Cordyceps based tonic. It has become one of the top selling sports supplements amongst the worlds' elite competitive athletes. Clinically, Cordyceps is used to support immune health and to support respiratory and renal health. Cordyceps is also used for occasional fatigue .

82. Chaga Ancient Russia's age-defying restorative Dehydrated Hot Water Extract 15% Polysaccharide 2% Betulin and Betulinic acid

83. Benefits and Product Information Chaga grows in the forests of Northern Siberia and Northern Canada. Chaga may be one of the most important anti-aging supplements yet discovered Like all medicinal mushrooms Chaga contains the non-linear, complex polysaccharides that give the Chaga extracts potent immune supporting properties. Chaga also has an extremely high ORAC value (antioxidant properties), similar to that of blueberry extracts. Chaga also has melanin compounds that nourish the skin and hair. The betulin and betulinic acid compounds, similar to the triterpenes found in Reishi, also have immune supporting properties. Chaga be wild crafted as only those harvested from living birch trees will have the full compliment of active compounds .

84. Agaricus blazei Nature's Most Powerful Beta 1-6 Glucan

85. Mushrooms may work wonders in cancer treatment and prevention Cancer Research UK Press Release(August,2002 Mushrooms could herald a new era of cancer treatment and prevention In Japan, China and Korea reported to have anti-tumour properties and to stimulate the immune system to fight disease. Medicinal mushrooms can help reduce side effects from radio and chemotherapy Medicinal mushrooms as powdered concentrates or extracts in hot water enhance the immune responses . Many show cholestrol lowering ability and may have importance in cardio-vascular diseases Sir Paul Nurse, Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK, says: "The information from East about benefits of mushrooms for health and the potential to treat cancer patients is very interesting. The research needs validation in other parts of the world, which may not have met all the criteria laid down in western medicine."

86. Wild Mushrooms Large number of wild mushrooms. Some are poisonous and some are edible and delicious Most have an important and beneficial role in the environment. Some will be found only under or near certain kinds of trees-some under pines, others under oak, etc. Many woodland mushrooms are essential to good growth, and even survival of trees. They establish a relationship with roots of living trees that is mutually beneficial. These are called mycorrhizal mushrooms. Some are important as decay organisms, aiding in the breakdown of logs, leaves, stems and other organic debris. This important role of mushrooms results in recycling of essential nutrients

87. Mushroom toxins and principles Two groups of poisonous principles of genus Amanita ;- Amatoxins and Phallotoxins . Amatoxins comprise ­ a-amanitin, b-amanitin,  -amanitin, L-amanitin and amanin. The phallotoxins include phalloidin, phalloin, phallacidin, phallisin and phallin-B. Amanita muscaria also contains alkaloids like muscarine, bufotenine, muscimol, ibetenic acid, acetyle choline, and mussazole which are LSD related compounds. Considerable information available on identificatioin and analysis of toxins belonging to various species of the genus Amanita and related species.

88. Western Himalayan Wild Mushrooms Very rich diversity of wild mushrooms due to variety of climate, wide range of altitudes, diverse and rich vegetation Nearly 900 species recorded in western Himalaya and further rich harvest possible Several edible and poisonous species occur in the region More than 600 collected and preserved in the dried form Tremendous potential for exploitation for edibility and medicinal importance point of view

89. Photo gallery of promising Wild Mushrooms

90. Pleurotus sp

91. Pleurotus ostreatus

92. Pleurotus ostreatus -new low temperature strain

93. Pleurotus Sp

94. Agaricus sp

95. Flammulina velutipes

96. Cantharellus cibarius

97. Sparassis crispa Sparassol – An Antibiotic

98. Ramaria sp.

99. Ramaria sp.

100. Termitomyces sp.

101. Amanita caesarea

102. Lepiota procera

103. Russula sp.

104. Unidentified

105. Otidea sp

106. Amanita sp.

107. Amanita rubescense

108. Amanita pantherina

109. Conclusions Mushrooms and mushroom products are beneficial to the human health Developing countries have huge production potential and valuable world market Emphasis on cultivation of medicinal mushrooms for exploitations NUTRITIONAL and DIETARY supplements Increasing attention on role of medicinal mushrooms in the HIV/AIDS challenge, cancer cure and other life threatening diseases Future development of wild mushroom industry through domestication of important edible and medicinal mushrooms Developing specialty products for a wide range of health concerns

110. …….Eating mushrooms and mushroom products , people would live healthier, happier , and longer….

111. THANK YOU For queries Email: [email protected]