Macrofungi diversity in Lawu Mountain Forests and their potential uses as medicinal mushroom for inducing immunity against Covid-19

Abstract

Macrofungi is one of bio-medicinal sources containing various bioactive compounds, such as β-glucans, which are scientifically proven as immunity booster against coronavirus, including Covid-19. Lawu Mountain Forest has been reported as one of the macro fungi-rich ecosystems in Java. Due to its unique geography, each side of the mountain has a different climate with the southern slope is typically more suitable for various species of mushroom to grow. The aims of this study were to assess fungal diversity in the southern slope of Lawu Mountain Forest, and to ascertain their potential uses for medicinal purpose, particularly for boosting immunity against Covid-19. Cruise method was used to identify macroscopic fungi collected along the hiking trail of Lawu Mountain Forest at the elevation ranges of 1800- 3100 m asl. Their morphological characteristics, including color, diameter, veil surface, lamella (ring and pore, type of lamella, and volva), stem shape, length and diameter, were observed. The study found 46 species from 15 families of macrofungi. Seven species potentially containing bioactive compounds as immunomodulator for boosting immunity were Auricularia auricula, Cerrena unicolor, Lentinus edodes, Pleuretus ostreatus, Stereum hirsutum, Schizophyllum commune, Trametes versicolor.

Macro fungi in Urban Forest of Universitas Gadjah Mada and Their Potential Uses as Medicinal Fungi

“…is a jelly fungus and becomes source of food especially in Asian countries. It has potential as natural immunomodulator source [22]. Other jelly fungus in urban forest of UGM was Tremella (Figure 2 c.).…”

“…It also popular as source of food. S. commune are reported have polysaccharides which shows structural elucidation and determines immune stimulation [22]. The only Ascomycota fungi in urban forest of UGM is Xylaria (Figure 4).…”

“…Trametes (Figure 14) is a saprophyte and has brown concentric zones on the upper surface of basidiocarp. Report by Rahayu et al [22] explained Trametes versicolor has strong immunomodulatory effect due to a polysaccharide called Krestin (PSK). Stereum (Figure 15) was found grew in group on living trees in urban forest of UGM.…”

“…Dry extract of Stereum hirsutum had significant inhibitory effect on thrombin. Furthermore, the extract of S. hirsutum be able to increase the antioxidant and biomodulatory properties (synergistic effect) [22]. Several compunds that has been identified in medicinal macro fungi have various therapeutic effect, including a high antioxidant compunds.…”

“…Just like another living things, the growth of macro fungi also affected by several micro climate such as light intensity, temperature, air humidity, and soil humidity [7]. Previous study about medicinal macro fungi on Lawu Mountain found some species of macro fungi that contain several chemical compunds that be able to boost the human immunity in Covid-19 pandemic [22].…”