Main Wild Medical Fungi and Their Functions in Eastern Forest Region of Zhongtiao Mountain in Shanxi Province

Hongfa HAN, Limei DU, Taicheng AN

Shanxi Province Sericulture Scientific Research Institute, Yuncheng 044000, China

Eastern Zhongtiao Mountain has unique geographical characters and is rich in natural resources. It is not only a treasure trove of flora and fauna genes, but also a treasure trove of medical fungi genes[1]. The understanding on large wild medical fungi has been increasingly deepened through field investigation during 2010-2014.A total of 30 varieties of wild medical fungi, belonging to 21 major types, have been found. In particular, many species of Ganoderma and Polyporaceae are firstly found in Shanxi Province except Ganoderma lucidum Karst, Ganoderma austral, Trametes versicolor,Trametes orientalis Imaz, Wolfiporia extensa and Polyporus umbellatus Fries. According to the investigation,the annual yields of the three major fungi species in Zhongtiao Mountain,Ganoderma applanatum (Pers.) Pat.,Phellinus igniarius (L. ex Fr.) in white birch and Phellinus igniarius(L.ex Fr.)in mulberry tree,range from a few tons to dozens of tons.Their yields are very considerable.It is suggested the medical fungi species in Zhongtiao Mountain are worthy of being researched and developed. Ganoderma lucidum and Phellinus igniarius (L. ex Fr.) are rare medical herbs. They are valuable resources and worthy to be treasured and developed. Modern studies suggest that the ever found 200 -300 kinds of medical fungi have good antitumor effect. Polyporaceae has the most anti-tumor fungus varieties, and Phellinus is the species group that is easiest to collect and has been researched most thoroughly at home and abroad[2]. The fungi mentioned in this study are all popular medical fungi species. Most of them are edible and have been developed as health products in the elderly.Moreover,the longterm use will not bring any side effects.The fungus resources in Zhongtiao Mountain were explored. Referring to related information, the names and main functions of the major fungi species in eastern forest region of Zhongtiao Mountain were introducedso as to provide some reference for the functions and utilization of major wild medical fungi species in Shanxi Province[3-5].

Wild Ganoderma spp.(Ganoderma lucidum Karst,Ganoderma sinensis)

Ganoderma lucidum, also named as Lingzhi Cao, Shenzhi, Zhicao, Xiancao and Ruicao, refers to the whole plants of Ganoderma lucidum Karst and Ganoderma sinensis. The pharmacal effect of Ganoderma sinensis is better than that of Ganoderma lucidum Karst.

The pharmacological studies on Ganoderma lucidum usually treat the pharmacal effects of Ganoderma lucidum Karst as the standard.Ganoderma lucidum has remarkable effects on enhancing immunity, regulating blood sugar, controlling blood pressure, assisting cancer radiotherapy and chemotherapy, protecting liver and promoting sleep.In addition, Ganoderma lucidum also has functions of building fitness,fight fatigue and eliminating toxins, which have been recorded for thousands of years. The preparations of Ganoderma lucidum have functions of becalming, fighting convulsions,strengthening the heart, fighting arrhythmia,reducing blood pressure,relieving cough and relieving asthma. In addition,Ganoderma lucidum can also fight coagulation, inhibit platelet aggregation and relieve allergic reaction.

Wild Bai Lingzhi

Bai Lingzhi is also called as Yu Lingzhi and Yuzhi. The Latin name of Bai Lingzhi is Piptoporus betulinus. In Changbai Mountain, the horseshoeshaped Fomitopsis offcinalis is also called as Bai Lingzhi. Their medicinal properties are not the same.

Bai Lingzhi is a rare species among Ganoderma spp.Its yield is very low, but it has excellent functions of fighting aging, fighting cancer and improving looks. Moreover, Bai Lingzhi also has a high collection value. Bai Lingzhi has broad pharmacal effects,such as expelling wind, dispelling humidity, clearing heat, relieving pain,stopping bleeding, reducing phlegm,removing food retention and reducing risk of cardiovascular diseases. Bai Lingzhi is mainly treated the cough and asthma.It can nourish lung,benefit mouth and nose, strengthen will and sooth the nerves. The precipitate prepared from the mixture of hot water extract of Bai Lingzhi bodies and 40%of NaOH and ethanol can inhibit sarcoma 180 in mice with inhibition rate up to 72%. Bai Lingzhi can also resist polio in mice and monkeys.

Ganoderma applanatum(Pers.)Pat.

Ganoderma applanatum (Pers.)Pat. is called as Shushe, Bianmu Lingzhi, Qingzhi, etc. It is also called as Lao Niugan in Northeast China.

Ganoderma applanatum (Pers.)Pat.is usually used to fight cancer and treat acute and chronic hepatitis, early cirrhosis and anti-rheumatic tuberculosis. It has functions of relieving pain,clearing heat,removing food retention,stopping bleeding, reducing phlegm,soothing the nerves, regulating immunity and inhibiting platelet aggregation.The long-term use can nourish and strengthen life, activate the constant functions and recover the natural vitality of bodies, comprehensively improving the status of bodies.As recorded in“Primary Atlas of Chinese Macro-fungi”, the inhibition rate of hot water extract of Ganoderma applanatum(Pers.) Pat. against sarcoma S-180 in mice is 64.9%; and the life of Dutch cancer patients can be significantly prolonged.

Phellinus igniarius (L. ex Fr.)in Mulberry Tree

Phellinus igniarius (L. ex Fr.) in mulberry tree is also called as Sanghuang and Sangchen. Based on the origin, the Phellinus igniarius can be divided into Phellinus igniarius in pine, Phellinus igniarius in white birch,Phellinus igniarius in black birch,Phellinus igniarius in mulberry tree,Phellinus igniarius in poplar, Phellinus igniarius in Syringa reticulate and Phellinus igniarius in lacquer tree. The Phellinus igniarius in mulberry tree can also be divided into authentic Phellinus igniarius in mulberry tree and Phellinus igniarius in oak tree.

Phellinus igniarius (L.ex Fr.)has functions of clearing heat, detoxifying,nourishing lung and reducing phlegm.It is used to treat various cancers and tuberculosis, and has excellent curative effects on colorectal cancer. The inhibition rate of Phellinus igniarius (L.ex Fr.)against sarcoma 180 in mice is 96.7%.

Phellinus pini

Phellinus pini is also called as Phellinus igniarius in pine.

Phellinus pini is used to treat various cancers, including esophageal cancer,stomach cancer,colon cancer,colorectal cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer and uterine cancer. It can significantly relieve the symptoms, such as increasing appetite and weight and relieving pain. Sometimes, the size of neoplasms can be significantly reduced and the pleural effusion can be reduced. Phellinus pini can significantly improve the cellular immune function, prolong the life and improve the life quality of patients. The inhibition rates of hot water extract of Phellinus pini fruits against sarcoma 180 and Ehrlich ascites carcinoma in mice all reach 100%.

Fomitopsis rosea Karst

Fomitopsis rosea Karst is also called as Phellinus linteus and Phellinus igniarius in white birch.

It has functions of removing food retention, stopping bleeding, nourishing stomach, stopping diarrhea and fighting cancer.In addition,Fomitopsis rosea Karst has good curative effects on constipation, hemorrhoids and gastrointestinal diseases.

Pyropolyporus adamantinus

Pyropolyporus adamantinus is also called as Fomes hornodermus Mont and Phellinus linteus.

Pyropolyporus adamantinus is mild in taste and neutral in nature. It can promote qi circulation and nourish stomach, and is mainly used to treat stomach pain gas.

Fomes fomentarius

Fomes fomentarius is also called as Shuji.

It can remove food retention, re-move blood stasis, clear heat, fight cancers and fight hypoxia. It is commonly used in treating various cancers, liver disease, heart disease,stroke, paralysis, stomach disease,stomach ulcer and loss of appetite.

Ganoderma mastoporum Pat

Ganoderma mastoporum Pat is also called as Ganoderma australe,Bian Lingzhi and Shuzhi.

Ganoderma mastoporum Pat can tonify lung, benefit kidney, nourish stomach, tonify spleen, sooth the nerves and support healthy energy. It is used to treat cancers and cardiovascular disease. Ganoderma mastoporum Pat can improve immune function and is a natural immunomodulator with long history. In addition, Ganoderma mastoporum Pat has good curative effects on gastrointestinal disease, liver disease, kidney disease,leukemia, neurasthenia and chronic bronchitis. It also has functions of enriching essence, disinfecting, relieving pain, anti-bacteria, detoxifying, diuresis,purifying blood and improving look.

Inonotus obliquus

Inonotus obliquus is also called as Xiewo Kongjun, Waixing Xiankongjun,Xiankongjun and Baihua Rong.

Inonotus obliquus is commonly used in various incurable diseases,such as cancers(stomach cancer,liver cancer, colon cancer and various digestive diseases),heart disease and diabetes.It has functions of eliminating intestinal toxins, improving look and reducing weight.

Fuscoporia punctate

Fuscoporia punctate is called as Banhe Kongjun and Cengwo Kongjun.

Fuscoporia punctate is spicy in taste and warm in nature. It can promote blood circulation, activate collaterals, remove blood stasis and relieve pain, and is used to treat heartache(angina), arrhythmia, blood stasis,amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea and irregular menstruation.

Ganoderma tsugae

Ganoderma tsugae is called Songshan Shuzhi or Songshan Lingzhi in Chinese. It is distributed in the cold temperate zone in China.

The functions of Ganoderma tsugae is to sooth the nerves, nourish liver and inhibit cancers.It has been reported that the fruits of Ganoderma tsugae contain polysaccharides, the inhibition rates of which against sarcoma 180 and Ehrlich cancer are 60% and 70%,respectively. In addition, the fruits of Ganoderma tsugae also have inhibition effect on adenocarcinoma 755 in mice.The inhibition rate of NaOH water extract of Ganoderma tsugae fruits against sarcoma 180 in mice is 77.8%.

Ganoderma tsugae

Ganoderma tsugae is also called as Yunzhi,Zase Yunzhi, Coriolus versicolor and Wajun. It is distributed in forest around the world.

Coriolus versicolor has functions of dispelling humidity and reducing phlegm,and is commonly used to treat lung disease. It can protect liver, benefit gallbladder,regulate immune function, resist cancer, repair damaged cells, clear heat and disinfect. Moreover, Coriolus versicolor has significant curative effects on pulmonary tuberculosis and chronic bronchitis.

Trametes orientalisntalis Imaz

Trametes orientalis Imaz is also called as Dongfang Shuanjun, Huidai Shuanjun and Dongfang Yunzhi.

Trametes orientalis Imaz can be used to treat infectious diseases, tuberculosis,bronchitis and rheumatism.The inhibition rates of Trametes orientalis Imaz against sarcoma 180 and Ehrlich cancer in mice range from 80%to 100%.

Laetiporus sulphureus

Laetiporus sulphureus is called as Liuhuangjun, Liuhuang Duokongjun,Liuse Ganlaojun ("Chinese Fungi")and Liuse Duokongjun, and is also called as Shuji or Shuji Mo in Northeast China.

At young stage, Laetiporus sulphureus is edible and tastes good.It is sweet in taste and warm in nature when used as medicine. It can regulate the physique, improve health and resist diseases. Its inhibition rates against sarcoma 180 and Ehrlich cancer are 80% and 90%, respectively. In addition, Laetiporus sulphureus can also be used to assist the treatment of breast cancer and prostate cancer. It produces eburicoic acid, which can be used to synthesize steroid drugs, as well as betaine, fenugreek alkali and other alkaloids.

Ganoderma capense (Lloyd)Teng

Ganoderma capense (Lloyd)Teng is called as Bo Shuzhi, Bogai Lingzhi, Hongyuan Shushe, Songsheng Cengkong and Hongyuan Cengkongjun. The fruits of Ganoderma capense (Lloyd)Teng and Phellinus pini are annual and perennial,which is the difference between the two fungi species.

The pharmacal effects of Ganoderma capense (Lloyd) Teng are to tonify lung, benefit kidney, nourish stomach,strengthen spleen, sooth the nerves, support healthy energy and enhance especially immunity. Moreover, Ganoderma capense (Lloyd)Teng has special curative effects on lupus erythematosus, muscular dystrophy,scleroderma and myositis. The fruits of Ganoderma capense (Lloyd)Teng contain eburicoic acid and other active substances.Among all the medical fungi species,the treating effect of Ganoderma capense (Lloyd)Teng against cancers is on top.The inhibition rates of fruits extract against sarcoma 180 and Ehrlich ascites carcinoma in mice are all up to 100%.

Hericium erinaceus

Hericium erinaceus is also called as Houtou,Houtou Gu and Ciwei Gu.

Hericium erinaceus is an edible and medical fungus. It can benefit five internal organs, promote digestion,strengthen stomach, tonify deficiency,resist cancers and benefit kidney.Moreover, Hericium erinaceus has certain curative effects on loss of appetite,loose stools,stomach and duodenum ulcer, superficial gastritis,neurasthenia, esophageal cancer,stomach cancer, dizziness and impotence.It also plays a supporting role in the treatment of diseases above. For the elderly and weak, Hericium eri-naceus can tonify and strengthen physiques.

Lycoperdon bovista

Lycoperdon bovista is called as Mabo, Mapi Bao, Mapi Bo, Niushi Gu and Mati Bao. It is distributed in most regions of the country. In Zhongtiao Mountain, the medical Lycoperdon spp. mainly includes Lasiosphaera fenzlii Reich, Datui Mabo and Calvatia lilacina.

The dried fruits of Lycoperdon bovista can be used as medicines.They are spicy in taste and neutral in nature, and can stop bleeding, clear away the lung-heat, benefit throat and clear heat. They are usually used as hemostatic and antiseptic to treat sore throats, aphonia, cough, hematemesis and nosebleed.

Polyporus umbellatusllatus Fries

Polyporus umbellatus Fries is called as Zhuling, Zhu Fuling, Zhu Lingzhi and Yezhu Fen.

It has functions of diuresis, water retention alleviation and dampness elimination,and is usually used to treat dysuria, edema, diarrhea and leucorrhea. In addition, Polyporus umbellatus Fries also has anti-bacterial effect.The alcohol extract of Polyporus umbellatus Fries has inhibition effects on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.In terms of anti-tumor effect, the extract has a more significant inhibition effect on mice transplanted tumor S-180 with inhibition rate ranging from 50% to 70%. Polyporus umbellatus Fries also has liver-protecting and anti-radiation effects.

Wolfiporia extensaxtensa

Wolfiporia extensa is called as Fuling, Yuling, Wan Linggui, Futu,Yunling and Songling.

The ancients called Wolfiporia extensa as"four-season miracle cure".It has functions of becalming heart,soothing the nerves, detoxifying and fighting cancers. It is neutral in nature,and can alleviate water retention without injuring vital energy. If used appropriately, Wolfiporia extensa can be treated as a share in spring and summer. It can be used to treat dysuria,edema, phlegm, cough, vomiting, diarrhea, nocturnal emission, palpitation and forgetfulness. The pachymic acid,contained in Wolfiporia extensa, has functions of enhancing immunity, resisting cancers,becalming and reducing blood sugar. In addition, pachymic acid can also relax gastrointestinal smooth muscle,inhibit gastric acid secretion, prevent liver cell necrosis and fight bacteria.

Cordyceps barnesii Thwaites

The host insects of Cordyceps barnesii Thwaites in Shanxi Province are mainly Anomald corpulenta motschulsky (Coleoptera:Scarabaeidae), pupae (Homoptera: Cicadidae)and noctuid larvae (Lepidoptera).Anomald corpulenta motschulsky is the major host insect.

Cordyceps barnesii Thwaites has functions of benefiting kidney,tonifying lung, benefiting essence, stopping bleeding,relieving cough and reducing phlegm. It is mainly used to treat tuberculosis, cough blood, sputum,weakness, impotence and nocturnal emission.The pharmacological effects of Cordyceps barnesii Thwaites are to relieve pain, enhance immunity, fight UV radiation, fight tumor, fight aging,promote sleep and promote memory.It also has protective effect against acute ischemic brain injury.

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