Fomitopsis betulina (formerly Piptoporus betulinus): the Iceman’s polypore fungus with modern biotechnological potential

Abstract

Higher Basidiomycota have been used in natural medicine throughout the world for centuries. One of such fungi is Fomitopsis betulina (formerly Piptoporus betulinus), which causes brown rot of birch wood. Annual white to brownish fruiting bodies of the species can be found on trees in the northern hemisphere but F. betulina can also be cultured as a mycelium and fruiting body. The fungus has a long tradition of being applied in folk medicine as an antimicrobial, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory agent. Probably due to the curative properties, pieces of its fruiting body were carried by Ötzi the Iceman. Modern research confirms the health-promoting benefits of F. betulina. Pharmacological studies have provided evidence supporting the antibacterial, anti-parasitic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, neuroprotective, and immunomodulating activities of F. betulina preparations. Biologically active compounds such as triterpenoids have been isolated. The mushroom is also a reservoir of valuable enzymes and other substances such as cell wall (1→3)-α-d-glucan which can be used for induction of microbial enzymes degrading cariogenic dental biofilm. In conclusion, F. betulina can be considered as a promising source for the development of new products for healthcare and other biotechnological uses.

Antibacterial Activity of Fomitopsis Betulina Cultural Liquid

“…For a long time fruiting bodies of this species were applied in folk medicine. The results of modern investigations confirmed useful biological properties for prophylactic and therapeutic application due to the antibacterial, antiviral, anti-parasitic, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulating, anticancer, and neuroprotective activities [1]. One of its important properties is antibacterial activity, which is particularly relevant nowadays, considering a number of known and the occurrence of new bacteria species, including drug-resistant pathogenic bacteria strains, causing to different diseases.…”

A Kárpát-medence orvoslása, gyógyszerészete és orvosképzése a kőkorszakban – a tatárlakai agyagtáblák üzenetének megfejtése

“…A rögzítősín melletti, D betűhöz hasonló jel a zúzott test-részre alkalmazott, a nyírfa taplógombájából (Piptoporus betulinus, egy D betűhöz hasonlatos alakú gomba) készített pakolást jelöli. A növényből kinyerhető triterpenoidoknak és egyéb hatóanyagoknak antimikrobiális és gyulladáscsökkentő hatásuk van -ezért is alkalmazták ősidők óta a népi gyógyászatban [16]. Tudta ezt Ötzi is, a jégkorszaki vándor: az osztrák Alpokban talált múmia bugyellárisában néhány adagnyit találtak a régészek ebből a gombából.…”

Fungi in archaeological areas

“…1998). Ötzi certainly benefited from the antibacterial, anti-parasitic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, neuroprotective, and immunomodulating properties of F. betulina (Pleszczyńska & al. 2017).…”