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Mushrooms, sometimes called the “elixir of life,” have a long history of beauty and culinary excellence as well as medical use.
Globally, there are more than 27,000 species of fungi, with 850 documented in India. Wild mushrooms possess several uses, including biofuel production, textile manufacture, food packaging, and, most significantly, therapeutic use
As a biodiversity hotspot, the Himalayan area is home to a treasure trove of traditional wisdom on the medicinal properties of fungi and plants. Mushrooms, sometimes called the “elixir of life,” have a long history of beauty and culinary excellence as well as medical use. Sonali Khanal (JRF, DST-SERB, Govt. of India R&D Project), Prof. Dinesh Kumar (Head, School of Bioengineering & Food Technology), and Dr. Rachna Verma (Associate Prof. & Head, School of Biological & Environmental Sciences) from Shoolini University, Solan, explore how a fusion of ancient Himalayan wisdom and modern scientific advancements is unlocking the anticancer potential of medicinal mushrooms, particularly Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum), in oncology.
The Himalaya as Reservoir of Medical Resources:
Native plants and fungi have long been utilized by the people of the Indian Himalayas to treat a wide range of illnesses. This generation-old indigenous knowledge is a valuable asset for creating novel medicinal substances. Since ancient times, people have utilized mushrooms, which are categorized as non-timber forest resources, for both food and medicinal purposes. Only a small portion of these species, nonetheless, have had their potential as medicines thoroughly investigated.
Mushrooms in Traditional Medicine:
Globally, there are more than 27,000 species of fungi, with 850 documented in India. Wild mushrooms possess several uses, including biofuel production, textile manufacture, food packaging, and, most significantly, therapeutic use. They encompass bioactive compounds exhibiting antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-diabetic, and anticancer properties. G. lucidum, commonly referred to as Lingzhi or Reishi, is a fundamental component in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It has been utilized for over 2,000 years and is considered advantageous to health and longevity. Ganoderma is regarded as a “prime grade” herb in TCM, offering advantages for health and disease management.
Scientific Validation of Anticancer Properties:
Recent research has validated the ancient use of G. lucidum, especially its anticancer effects. Research identifies triterpenes and polysaccharides as the primary constituents responsible for these effects and their effectiveness against several cancer types, including breast, prostate, colon, lung, and cervical cancers. These compounds exert their anticancer effects through many mechanisms, including: G. lucidum induces apoptosis in cancer cells, leading to their self-destruction while sparing healthy cells. Interfering with the cell cycle can inhibit the uncontrolled proliferation of cancer cells. It can enhance immune function and bolster the body’s innate defenses against cancer.
Bridging Traditional Knowledge with Modern Oncology:
The increasing worldwide incidence of cancer has initiated the search for innovative treatment alternatives. Although modern medical and synthetic pharmaceuticals have improved cancer therapy, they are often linked to significant side consequences. This has led to heightened interest in natural and traditional medicine as supplemental or alternative therapies. G. lucidum, with its long history of usage in TCM and scientifically verified anticancer effects, is an excellent illustration of how traditional knowledge may help modern oncology. Its ability to prevent and treat a variety of malignancies, combined with its low toxicity, makes it an appealing choice for further research and development.
Future of Himalayan Mushrooms in Cancer Therapy:
The diverse biodiversity of the Himalayan region offers considerable unexplored potential for the discovery of novel anticancer medicines. Additional research is required to fully understand the medicinal potential of several Himalayan mushroom species. The amalgamation of traditional ethnomycological insights with modern scientific techniques may enable the discovery of new bioactive substances and the development of more effective, less toxic cancer treatments.
The Himalayas, rich in biodiversity and traditional wisdom, provide significant promise for advancing cancer research. G. lucidum, acknowledged for its long-standing use in TCM and its empirically established anticancer attributes, illustrates the benefits of merging traditional wisdom with modern scientific inquiry. Current research in this field is anticipated to provide new therapeutic options and enhance the quality of life for cancer patients worldwide.
