Once termed as nothing less than parasites, mushrooms have gradually attained a place in most of the recipe books and restaurants’ menu-cards. But, if scientists at India’s National Research Centre for Mushroom, Solan (Himachal Pradesh) are to be believed, then mushrooms are now also being researched for the medicinal properties.

In a candid talk with newscollective.com, Dr RD Rai, who was the Principal Scientist (Biochemistry), NRCM Solan and currently posted at PUSA New Delhi, explains the medicinal properties of mushroom.

Here are the excerpts of the scientist’s interview.

Q1. Briefly explain how the idea (of using mushrooms as medicines) struck?

A1. Mushrooms have been used as medicine by the Chinese and other East Asian cultures since time immemorial. Extracts of many mushrooms are there in Homeopathy. The way we use herbs in Ayurveda, mushrooms are there in Chinese and Japanese systems of alternative medicine. Having a background in medicinal biochemistry from Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, I was allotted the project on medicinal mushrooms in NRCM Solan.

Q2.  When did the project start and what was its duration? Did the project got over in time or was it extended beyond the stipulated time frame? If yes, then what were the reasons behind the extension?

A2.  The project started in 1997. The time frame was from 1997 to 2002 and it got extended to 2004.  Initially, we got success, but the technology was not a commercial success so the extension was given.

Q3. What has been the cost incurred in the project and what where the sources of funds (DST, DoBT, ICAR etc)?

A3. Indian Council of Agriculture Research funded the total cost. The total cost incurred in the project is roughly in the region of Rs 37 lakh.

Q4. What were your initial findings in the project?

A4. Mushroom was difficult to grow, because its requirements in the literature were not clear or even at times wrongly given (may be intentionally, so that others may not able to do it. Initial finding was that it required light for fruiting and had four stages of growth ( unlike 2 in other mushrooms)—mycelial growth, pinning, cap development and maturing, all requiring different environmental conditions.

Q5. What are the medicinal values of mushroom and which are the diseases where it can really prove its mettle?

A5.  Mushroom can help in combating mainly cancer, heart attack, diabetes and even AIDS. They increase the immunity of the body and bring homeostasis (normalcy) in human body. Importantly, medicinal mushroom in the world is Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) and its annual world trade is almost three billion US Dollars. Others are Shiitake, Maitake, Coriolus, Hericium, Cordyceps etc.

Q6. Did you carry out any sample testing (of mushrooms medicinal value)? What were the results?

A6. As mushroom scientist, my job was to develop the production technology to provide raw materials. Many scientists in the world have done on pharmacology including clinical trials. But I went for DNA fingerprinting for the authentic Ganoderma lucidum and quality testing was based on the principal component analysis (Total polysaccharides and Ganoderic acid).

Q7. Was there any response from the medicinal fraternity?

A7. Many doctors have started prescribing it as complementary to other medicines in Cancer and other diseases.

Q8. How do you plan to market this research? Do you think that there are enough takers for this?

A8. Two smaller firms have taken the technology and have started the production—one has launched the capsules. Of course it is the beginning, but I see a big herbal house should come forward.

Q9. Also tell your team members, who were involved in this project?

A9. Better do not ask. People leave you half way once they see frequent failures I got in the beginning. But, when I got the success I was alone (Happy). I got all encouragement from the Director and other high ups in ICAR HQ including DDG (H) and DG.

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