Review on bridging tradition and science: The role of mushrooms in Indian food systems, medicine, livelihood and ecology

Abstract

Mushrooms are a vital yet underused biological resource in India, intersecting nutrition, medicine, livelihoods, and ecosystem health. Contemporary research spans medicinal, edible, toxic, taxonomic, phytochemical, and socio-economic fronts. Medicinal genera such as Ganoderma and Pleurotus display antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory effects, yet translation into standardized clinical practice remains limited. Edible species including Termitomyces, Agaricus, and Lentinus provide high-quality proteins, minerals, vitamins, and dietary fibre, enhancing food diversity and micronutrient intake for rural and tribal households. Toxic species continue to pose a public-health challenge; amatoxins, orellanine, and muscarine can cause hepatic, renal, or neurotoxic syndromes, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and awareness. Taxonomic surveys across Indian hotspots keep revealing extensive macrofungal diversity, while molecular barcoding complements classical morphology for reliable identification. Phytochemical evaluations consistently report phenolics, flavonoids, terpenoids, polysaccharides, and saponins that underpin strong antioxidant and antimicrobial potential. Economic assessments show mushrooms are profitable, low-input enterprises that diversify income, create jobs, and support women’s entrepreneurship. Ethnomycological evidence points to deep cultural and therapeutic relevance, even as intergenerational knowledge erodes under rapid socio-economic change. Cultivation and ecological studies provide region-specific guidance on temperature, humidity, substrates, casing soils, and composting, enabling climate-responsive production systems. Overall, mushrooms connect nutrition, culture, ecology, and rural economies. Priority actions include clinical validation of therapeutics, conservation of wild fungal resources, improved toxicovigilance, stronger taxonomy using genomics, and integration of indigenous knowledge with modern biotechnology to realise their full potential for health, livelihoods, and sustainable development. Coordinated policy support, value-chain strengthening, and market linkages will accelerate adoption.