Termitomyces Letestui Research Articles

Systematic review of macrofungi biodiversity in Eastern Africa countryside: uses, distribution, and conservation checklists

Abstract. Mushroom biodiversity covers some indispensable non-timber forest products that are wide-spread in Africa, although these resources are currently underutilized, underdeveloped, and left to face the vagaries of climate change and human activities unmanaged. The mushrooms of Eastern Africa have barely been identified or examined for their potential to better the livelihood of the inhabitants. This review of published-online-only literature was carried out to systematically document this biodiversity and its potentials. There were 135 edible mushrooms, 9 edible+medicine mushrooms, and 59 species with no ascribed uses out of 205 species altogether in Eastern Africa. Two mushrooms were identified as poisonous. There were 32 key edible mushrooms in Eastern Africa based on their usage. A tally of mushrooms species (based on country where they were sighted) showed that Ethiopia accounted for 96 species, Tanzania (75), Burundi (37), Rwanda (24), Kenya (18), and Uganda (6) while no information was available from the rest of the countries in the region. The most common genera of mushrooms included Termitomyces, Russula, Pleurotus, Marasmius, Lactarius, Coprinus, Cantharellus, Armillaria, Amanita, and Agaricus. While the most popular species (based on consumption by more locations/tribes) were Amanita zambiana, Hypholoma fasciculare (could be poisonous), Pleurotus cystidiosus, Polyporus tenuiculus, Termitomyces letestui, and Termitomyces striatus. However, it was observed that these tribes or locations were often only within a few countries. Therefore, truly regional mushrooms included Schizophyllum commune (could be poisonous), Suillus luteus, Termitomyces clypeatus, Termitomyces striatus, and Termitomyces microcarpus based on their being found in at least three or more countries. Fungi biodiversity conservation is inadequate in the region.

Status of therapeutic macromycetes in traditional medicine in Daloa (Centre- West, Côte d’Ivoire)

The objective of this work is to contribute to the knowledge of the superior mushrooms used in traditional medicine in Daloa. The study was carried out using ethnomycological survey forms from 100 practitioners in the city of Daloa. Among these practitioners, 70 people use macromycetes in the formulation of their remedies. The investigations concerned the sex, age of the practitioners and the pathologies treated. The results of this study identified five macromycetes. They are : Volvariella volvacea, Auricularia auricula-judae, Psathyrella tuberculata, Termitomyces le-testui, Daldinia concentrica which are commonly used in traditional medicine. These fungal species are used in the treatment of thirteen (13) pathologies. The way macromycetes are used in traditional medicine differs from one practitioner to another. The analysis of the data shows that the age of the practitioners interviewed has no influence on their knowledge of therapeutic mushrooms. Men (52) know more therapeutic species than women (24) and the difference is significant between the two groups.

Free Radical Scavenging Capacities and Alleviating Actions of Polysaccharides Extract of Termitomyces le-testui on Methylprednisolone-Induced Immunodepression in Rats.

Background Natural products have been said to show immunomodulatory and antioxidant activities. The research study was aimed to assess the immunomodulatory and free radical scavenging activities of crude polysaccharide from dry mushroom fruiting bodies of Termitomyces le-testui. Materials and Methods Hot water extract of polysaccharide extract of T. le-testui was prepared and tested in white albino Wister rats for its immunomodulatory activities effect on methylprednisolone-immunosuppressed animals. In addition, the radical scavenging activity of the polysaccharide was evaluated using nitrite and hydrogen peroxide. Results The result of the study showed that the polysaccharide T. le-testui increases the phagocytic index, energy metabolism of macrophages, spleen index, and nitric oxide in a concentration-dependent manner in immunosuppressed animals. Also, it was observed that the extract increased dose-dependent total oxidative stress and thymus index. Finally, the crude polysaccharide-rich extract showed nitrite and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity in a concentration-dependent manner. Conclusion Polysaccharide-rich extract possesses immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties.

Ethnomycological study of edible and medicinal mushrooms in Menge District, Asossa Zone, Benshangul Gumuz Region, Ethiopia

BackgroundMenge District has long been inhabited by people who have a long tradition of using wild mushrooms mainly as food, source of income, and medicine. Extensive utilization of wild edible mushrooms (WEM) coupled with an ever-increasing population growth, deforestation, and agricultural land expansion threatens fungal diversity and WEM in the area. Hence, this study is aimed at documenting and analyzing the ethnomycological knowledge of the people in order to preserve the dwindling WEM wealth and associated indigenous knowledge.MethodsEthnomycological data were collected using semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, participant observations, and walk-in-the-woods methods. Statistical tests were used to compare the indigenous knowledge and practice of wild mushroom among different informant categories using One-way ANOVA and t tests.ResultsA total of 20 ethnomycologically important wild mushroom species belonging to ten genera and six families were identified, of which 15 were reported to be edible in the District. The family Lyophyllaceae was represented by the highest number of species (nine species, 45%) followed by Agaricaceae (seven species, 35%) and each of the remaining four families had single species representation. Significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed on the mean number of WEM reported among different group of respondents. Wild edible mushroom collection habit and practice was significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by gender, age, and literacy level. The output of preference ranking exercise indicated Termitomyces schimperi was ranked first followed by Termitomyces letestui, Termitomyces microcarpus, and Termitomyces eurhizusas as the most preferred edible mushrooms respectively.ConclusionThe present study shows that Menge District is rich in wild mushroom diversity and associated indigenous knowledge. However, anthropogenic factors together with loss of indigenous knowledge and very poor conservation efforts threaten the survival of economically and ecologically important mushrooms in the area. Thus, complementary in situ and ex situ mushroom conservation strategy is highly recommended.

Screening of the immunomodulatory and antibacterial activity of Termitomyces letestui (Pat.) Heim (Lyophyllaceae), an edible mushroom from Cameroon

Background Globally, Termitomyces letestui is used by different communities to treat various illnesses, including bacterial infection, although with limited scientific evidence. The current study aims to assess the immunomodulatory and antibacterial properties of the water extract of a wild mushroom, T. letestui in mice model. Methods The base study was completed following the standard methods and procedures using white mice Mus musculus. The immunomodulatory was investigated for humoral and cell-mediated response in both the normal and dexamethasone-immunosuppressed mice. An immunostimulatory drug, levamisole, was used as reference. The treatment was done daily and the extract doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg bwt were used. Delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction (DTH), mice lethality rate and hemagglutination antibody titer were determined. Disc diffusion assay was performed using the Muller-Hinton agar to assess the effect against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad prism 5.0 a Software. Results T. letestui water extract (TLAE) provided significant inhibition zones against E. coli and S. aureus. TLAE=, along with the antigen (Salmonella typhi) showed a significant increase in the circulating antibody titer and reduced the lethality rate in mice. The extract also showed significant increase in the DTH response against S. typhi. Conclusions This preliminary study demonstrated that TLAE caused a significant immunostimulatory effect on both the cell-mediated and humoral immune systems in the mice and antibacterial property against E. coli and S. aureus.

Diversity, phenology and distribution of Termitomyces species in Côte d’Ivoire

ABSTRACTThe mutualistic symbiosis between termites of the Macrotermitinae subfamily (Isoptera: Termitidae) and fungi of the genus Termitomyces (Basidiomycota: Lyophyllaceae) is of great ecological and socio-economic importance. Seasonal fruit bodies of the symbiotic fungi are regularly collected and sold in Côte d’Ivoire. However, there are very few studies on their diversity, phenology, distribution and especially the socio-economic scope of the fruit bodies of these fungi at a national scale. This study aims at (i) assessing the diversity of Termitomyces fruit bodies in Côte d’Ivoire and (ii) mapping their fructification areas through a determination of their spatiotemporal distribution according to a climatic and phytogeographic gradients. Using ethnomycological surveys all over the Ivorian territory, information was collected from rural populations on the fructification of Termitomyces and their socio-economic importance. Based on these surveys, sampling efforts of these fungi were properly structured and oriented. The results revealed a diversity of 16 species of Termitomyces, including 9 species new to Côte d’Ivoire and 2 probably new to science. Five species were found in the forest zone, nine in theGuinean savannah zone and four in the Sudano-Guinean zone. Termitomyces’s fructifications were observed throughout the year, with specific period for each species. All listed species are regularly consumed by populations. However, only Termitomyces letestui (Pat.) R. Heim and Termitomyces schimperi (Pat.) R. Heim are marketed on a relatively large scale.

Phylogenetic relationships, taxonomic revision and new taxa of Termitomyces (Lyophyllaceae, Basidiomycota) inferred from combined nLSU- and mtSSU-rDNA sequences

In order to contribute to the taxonomic revision of several species of Termitomyces, sequences of 74 strains representing 28 taxa were used to generate a combined nLSU-mtSSU phylogenetic tree. The phylogenetic analysis showed that re-classification was required for 12 taxa originally misidentified under various names. The changes led to the use of 8 valid names for these 12 taxa, including two new forms: T. striatus f. subclypeatus and T. medius f. ochraceus; and a new combination: Termitomyces brunneopileatus according to their placement on various clades and subclades in the phylogenetic trees. Termitomyces letestui and T. medius were taxonomically revised. In addition, T. letestui collected from China is the first record from the Asian continent. This species was so far collected only in tropical Africa. Similarly, T. robustus is reported for the first time from Cameroon. Moreover, the phylogenetic analysis confirms T. subumkowaan as a new species that was originally described only on the basis of morphological features. The combined phylogenetic analysis and morphological features reveal that different strains of the same taxon show sometimes large variations in macro- and micromorphological features, some very likely with links to genetic factors other than genes sequenced here, thereby justifying the new forms erected within these taxa in order to facilitate their identification.

Miombo Woodland Mushrooms of Commercial Food Value: A Survey of Central Districts of Zimbabwe

Wild Miombo woodlands mushrooms are a largely ignored nutrition-boosting food and source of income among rural communities of Southern Africa. A survey was conducted in the Gweru, Kwekwe, Shurugwi and Mvuma districts of Zimbabwe to establish the importance of this natural resource in household poverty reduction.Gathered quantities and sales realized were recorded through structured personal interviews targeting two thirds of gatherers with equal numbers of male and female respondents and one key informant in each site. Results showed that of 14 gathered mushroom species (orders Cantharellales, Amanitales and Termitomycetes) across all sites, five species were of varying commercial value. Amanita loosii was the most traded and the only one with available data on sales. Ranked according to their gathered volumes by percent respondents per gathering occasion were A. loosii (97.48%), Termitomyces le-testui (72.94%) (non-mycorrhizal), Cantharellus heinemannianus (62.96%), Lactarius kabansus (46.72%) and C. miomboensis (37.04%). Average selling prices for A. loosii ranged from US$0.10 to US$1.00 per litre (about 600 grammes) across all sites. Average sales per site for a gathering occasion ranged between 20 and 400 litres per vendor across the sites, although up to 800 litres was recorded at Blinkwater for three gatherers. Principal Components Analysis biplots showed Blinkwater and Sebakwe sites had strong associations with high sales volumes and high sales value of A. loosii. It was concluded that, A. loosii, in particular, contributed to an important food and income source in the studied sites, with some communities having a large potential to raise these incomes beyond their current levels provided gathering and marketing methods were improved.

Major, Minor and Toxic Minerals and Anti-Nutrients Composition in Edible Mushrooms Collected from Ethiopia

Major (Na, K, Ca, Mg, P), minor (Mn, Cu, Fe, Zn) and toxic (Pb, Cd) minerals composition of twelve edible mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus, Lentinula edodes, Agaricus bisporus #1 (fresh), Agaricus bisporus #2 (canned), Agaricus campestris, Laetiporus sulphureus, Termitomyces clypeatus, Termitomyces microcarpus #1, Termitomyces microcarpus #2, Termitomyces aurantiacus, Termitomyces letestui and Termitomyces species) collected from three regions of Ethiopia were analyzed. The samples were further investigated for their antinutrients (phytate and condensed tannin) to determine bioavailability of minerals. All the results are expressed in dry basis (db). The major minerals concentration (mg/g) ranged: Na (0.41-34.8), K (3.66-42.4), Ca (0.29-6.45), Mg (0.57-2.12) and P (0.71-2.82). The minor (mg/kg) ranged: Fe (32.5-6835.9), Zn (26.6-87.6), Cu (5.69-45.9) and Mn (0.96-138.6). The toxic metal lead was detected (1.52-18.0 mg/kg), indicating most of the mushrooms samples exceeded the weekly tolerance limit set for Pb with more proportion in wild than cultivated mushrooms. Cadmium was detected only in A.campestris (4.08 mg/kg). The anti-nutrients (mg/100 g) were significantly varied with phytate ranged from 31.3 to 242.8 and condensed tannin from 4.81 to 31.7. The calculated molar ratio between phytate and Fe, Zn and Ca was above the suggested critical values indicating the bioavailability of Fe, Zn and Ca to be high. In conclusion, the results imply that the edible mushrooms have high concentrations of essential minerals with lower anti-nutrients that make them bioavailable to the human body. Although, the consumption of some contaminated mushrooms should be avoided.

Socio-economical aspects of the exploitation of &lt;i&gt;Termitomyces&lt;/i&gt; fruit bodies in central and southern Côte d’Ivoire: Raising awareness for their sustainable use

Objective: Picking fungal fruit bodies is a popular spare time occupation, as well as a source of income in many countries. In central and southern Côte d’Ivoire, fruit bodies of the genus Termitomyces are intensively harvested and sold by the local inhabitants. However, information on the dimensions of this trade and on other socio-economic aspects of the exploitation of these edible mushrooms is lacking. This study aims at (a) investigating the local populations’ knowledge about Termitomyces fruit bodies, (b) examining their utilization by identifying the actors involved of their exploitation and (c) determining the factors, explaining income differences among actors of this exploitation and fructification areas. Methodology: Some 240 persons from 12 villages belonging to two sub-ethnic groups (Baoulé and Abbey) were interviewed as to their attitude towards Termitomyces, using a structured survey questionnaire. Thus, we obtained information on Termitomyces fruit bodies’ availability, on indigenous knowledge and especially on the modes of utilization as well as on seasonal aspects of their trade.Conclusions:Interviewees had a solid knowledge of edible mushrooms in general and Termitomyces in particular. Four species were recorded in the study area (Termitomyces medius, T. letestui, T. cf. eurhizus and T. fuliginosus). The latter three species were considered as edible. These mushrooms are a key source of cash income, especially for women (traders) and the farmers (harvesters). However, only one species, Termitomyces letestui, is sold through a well-established trade route. Seasonal earnings within this trade route differed among actors, visited villages and phytogeographic zones. These fungi representing a typical Non Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) are menaced by unsustainable depletion. Overharvesting is jeopardizing their persistence as well as that of their dependant termite species. Raising an awareness that prevents their incurring the “tragedy of the commons” by developing a sustainable form of harvest is an essential prerequisite for their long-term preservation.Key words: Termitomyces; fruit bodies; Non Timber Forest Products (NTFPs); seasonal income; Sustainable use.

Chemical constitutents and cytotoxicity of some Tanzanian wild mushrooms

The sterol ergosterol and ergosta-4,22-diene-3&#946,7&#945-diol, together with 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde were isolated from the mushroom species Polyporus molluscensis, Cantharellus isabelinus, C. symoensii and a Podaxis species. Their structures were established on the basis of spectroscopic data. The ethanol extracts of mushroom samples of Agaricus sp. and Termitomyces letestui also showed cytotoxicity against the brine shrimp larvae. Tanzania Journal of Science Vol. 31 (2) 2005: pp. 1-4

Some Records of Termitomyces from Old World Rainforests

Summary. Eleven species of Termitomyces are enumerated from the rainforests of the Old World, seven from Malaysia and seven from the Republic of Cameroon, with three species common to both. Lepiota discipes Henn. is synonymised with Termitomyces letestui and a second record is made of Tricholoma termitomycoides Corner, which resembles Termitomyces heimii Natarajan. During collecting trips for ectomycorrhizal fungi to Greater Templar Park, Selangor, and Pasoh Forest Reserve, Negri Sembilan, both in Malaysia, and Korup Rainforest National Park, Republic of Cameroon, as part of three separate interdisciplinary studies, several populations of the genus Termitomyces were also collected. This account records these finds and in so doing expands the known distribution of the species considered. Fresh collections were made in the policies of the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM) at Kepong, an area of 1300 hectares which forms part of the Greater Templar Park. It was formerly agricultural land, in some places with tin mining and can now be classified as a lowland rainforest. It is of a secondary nature especially as it was artificially planted in many areas with various dipterocarps and other specimen trees. The history of the plantings dates back to 1929 and is well documented. Further collections were made in logged and unlogged areas at Pasoh, an outstation of FRIM. This area is a mixed lowland dipterocarp forest dominated by Shorea leprosula Miq. and has been the subject of intensive study for over fifty years. The Korup collections were made in an area of unlogged forest dominated by caesalpinioid legumes. The agaric genus Termitomyces R. Heim has long been a curiosity to not only mycologists but botanists and even entomologists. The relationship between certain termites and fungi was first described in 1779 from the East Indies by Johann Konig, the German naturalist (Collins 1982). Termitomyces species are well known as a food source and are considered delicacies, with many species on sale in markets and at roadsides in the old world tropics. Termites are the most important group of invertebrate decomposers in the tropics and it is estimated that they are responsible for the removal of approximately 28% of all leaf litter in the rainforests of Malaysia (Collins 1982). Members of the family Termitidae, subfamily Macrotermitinae (the higher termites), have an association with members of the genus Termitomyces. These termites build