Medicinal Mushrooms
See the new book, edited by A. Sankara Narayanan and Dhanasekaran Dharumadurai. This volume details the techniques involved in the study of conservation of medicinal mushrooms, and techno-entrepreneurship of medicinal mushrooms.
Description: Chapters cover a broad range of topics, including the taxonomy and identification of medicinal mushrooms, production and cost benefits, Bioprospecting of Medicinal mushrooms, antibacterial, and anti-cancer prospectives.
Authoritative and cutting-edge, Medicinal Mushrooms: Conservation and Bioprospecting aims to be a comprehensive resource for both academic and industrial applications.
Chapter 2 – Taxonomical & Molecular Identification of Medicinal Mushroom
Molecular Identification of Reishi Mushroom: Ganoderma lingzhi
Ganoderma lucidium is a polyporous fungus, mainly parasitic or saprophytic. The genus has about 498 species. It has a hard basidiocarp and tastes bitter. It has been used for its medicinal value. Here, we describe a stepwise procedure to identify G. lucidium morphologically.
Ali, R., Das, S., Gurav, S. (2026). Morphological Identification of Reishi Mushroom: Ganoderma lucidum. In: Narayanan, A.S., Dharumadurai, D. (eds) Medicinal Mushrooms. Springer Protocols Handbooks. Humana, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-0716-4993-0_3
Chapter 3 – Cultivation and Marketing of Medicinal Mushroom
Production and Cost Benefits of Reishi Mushroom
The genus Ganoderma includes a wide variety of worldwide wood-decaying fungi. It is well-recognized that these species can cause white rot in a wide range of tree varieties. Since ancient times, Ganoderma has been used as a medicinal mushroom in Asia. It offers a variety of pharmacological benefits, most notably in immunomodulation. It lives on decaying wood, and it is harvested for its mycelia, spores, and basidiocarps, which are then sold in a variety of forms, such as beverages, capsules, and powders. In recent years, the Ganoderma business has seen rapid expansion, driven by research and commercial initiatives. Numerous commercial goods have integrated bioactive materials and their pharmacological effects. More individuals are switching to dietary supplements and nutraceuticals to strengthen their immune systems and overall health, and the demand for Ganoderma mushrooms as a therapeutic agent is expected to rise shortly. The economic viability of reishi production is determined by a variety of factors, including the selection of high-yielding strains, the optimization of environmental parameters, and the application of effective resource management measures.
Rathi, C., Dahiya, P., Rani, S., Savitha, T., Dang, A.S., Suneja, P. (2026). Production and Cost Benefits of Reishi Mushroom. In: Narayanan, A.S., Dharumadurai, D. (eds) Medicinal Mushrooms. Springer Protocols Handbooks. Humana, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-0716-4993-0_15
Chapter 4 – Bioprospecting of Medicinal Mushroom
Cardiovascular Protector Activity of Medicinal Mushrooms
The growing body of scientific literature highlights the cardiovascular protective effects of medicinal mushrooms, supported by a range of in vitro, animal, and human studies. Rich in bioactive compounds, these fungi exhibit significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, lipid-lowering, and glucose-regulating properties, suggesting their multifaceted role in cardiovascular protection. This summary will outline the proposed methodologies for future research on the efficacy of medicinal mushrooms and inform clinical applications. By exploring these avenues, we hope to establish a foundation for further investigation into the potential of medicinal mushrooms as a viable strategy for cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention and management. However, additional research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms of action and validate the clinical implications of medicinal mushrooms for cardiovascular health. Larger-scale human studies are necessary to establish the efficacy and safety of mushroom-based interventions in preventing and managing CVDs.
Lakshmaiah, A., Raghavan, R. (2026). Cardiovascular Protector Activity of Medicinal Mushrooms. In: Narayanan, A.S., Dharumadurai, D. (eds) Medicinal Mushrooms. Springer Protocols Handbooks. Humana, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-0716-4993-0_28
Chapter 5 – Nutritional Prominence of Medicinal Mushroom
Preparation of Medicinal Mushrooms Dietary Supplements
Mushrooms are macro fungi; they constitute an integral part of the human diet all over the world. Among the natural sources, mushrooms and their derivatives, extracts occupy a privileged position to achieve this purpose, and they are considered an attractive functional food or dietary supplement due to their nutraceutical properties in the right proportions. Medicinal mushrooms contain different bioactive compounds such as phenolic compounds, tocopherols, and ascorbic acid, which could be extracted for the purpose of being used as functional ingredients against chronic diseases related to oxidative stress. Moreover, it is advisable to prepare the dietary supplements for direct or safe incorporation into the food as nutritionally functional food.
Krishnamoorthi, R. et al. (2026). Preparation of Medicinal Mushrooms Dietary Supplements. In: Narayanan, A.S., Dharumadurai, D. (eds) Medicinal Mushrooms. Springer Protocols Handbooks. Humana, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-0716-4993-0_34
Part 6 – Nutritional Prominence of Medicinal Mushroom
Preparation of Medicinal Mushrooms Syrup
Mushroom-derived compounds have garnered significant attention for their potential medicinal benefits, particularly in treating conditions such as cough, hypertension, and brain-related disorders. Mushroom syrup, produced by extracting bioactive compounds from mushrooms and blending them with natural sweeteners, is emerging as a functional remedy. Research highlights its expectorant and antitussive properties for managing cough, while its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects may help regulate blood pressure and reduce oxidative stress, addressing hypertension.
Mohd Noor, N.Q.I., Ketemepi, H.K., Awang, M.A. (2026). Preparation of Medicinal Mushrooms Syrup. In: Narayanan, A.S., Dharumadurai, D. (eds) Medicinal Mushrooms. Springer Protocols Handbooks. Humana, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-0716-4993-0_37
See the full book here
Medicinal Mushrooms, A. Sankara Narayanan, Dhanasekaran Dharumadurai, Topics Plant Sciences, Publisher Humana New York, NY, DOI https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-0716-4993-0
