Genetic characterization, evaluation of growth and production of biomass of strains from wild edible mushrooms of Lyophyllum of Central Mexico

Abstract The present study conducted a genetic characterization and determined growth rate and biomass production in solid and liquid media, using strains obtained from wild edible sporomes of Lyophyllum that grow in high mountains. Vegetative isolation was used to obtain a total of four strains, which were divided into two clades within the section Difformia: Lyophyllum sp. and Lyophyllum aff. shimeji. Growth rate and biomass production were influenced by both the culture media and the strains. In a potato dextrose agar medium, the strains presented a higher growth rate, while in a malt extract-peptone and yeast agar medium, the growth rate was lower, but with a higher biomass production that was equal to that in the malt extract-peptone and yeast liquid medium.

Medicinal mushrooms in adjuvant cancer therapies: an approach to anticancer effects and presumed mechanisms of action

Mushrooms have been used for centuries as a source of nourishment and sensory properties. Mushrooms are considered functional foods due to their bioactive compounds and a source of drug and nutraceutical development. More than 50 species present immunological potential that exhibit anticancer activity in vitro or in animal models, and some of them have been investigated in human cancers. Cancer is a major cause of death all over the world, promoting long lasting effects throughout the lifetime of the patient. Mushrooms are a source of ergothioneine, selenium, fiber, and several other vitamins and minerals. They have bioactive compounds used in cancer treatment due to their antitumor and anticarcinogenic effects. They containß-glucans,ß-proteoglycans, lectins, triterpenes, ergosterol, glutamine, and arginine. In the present study, we perform a literature review of studies that analyze positive impacts of mushroom compounds on cancer treatment due to their antitumor and anticarcinogenic effects and possible compatibility with chemotherapy management. The review indicates that a healthy diet with frequent consumption of mushrooms apparently reduces the risk of developing cancer. However, a clearer understanding of how mushrooms' bioactive principles may affect adjuvant treatments requires further research with long-term double-blind and placebo-controlled studies that evaluate a larger population in clinical trials by each type of cancer. There fore, more robust statistical results are necessary to verify their efficacy and safety on cancer treatments

Two Cases of Mushroom Poisoning by Podostroma Cornu-Damae

Podostroma cornu-damae is a rare fungus that houses a fatal toxin in its fruit body. In this case report, two patients collected and boiled the wild fungus in water, which they drank for one month. One patient died, presenting with desquamation of the palms and soles, pancytopenia, severe sepsis and multiple organ failure. The other patient recovered after one month of conservative care after admission. We found a piece of Podostroma cornu-damae in the remaining clusters of mushrooms. Mushroom poisoning by Podostroma cornu-damae has never been previously reported in Korea.