Medicinal properties of fungi occurring on Betula sp. trees. A review

Abstract

S u m m a r yThe article presents the chemical costituents and pharmacological properties of polyporoid fungi found on birch, namely Piptoporus betulinus, Inonotus obliquus, Lenzites betulina, Fomes fomentarius, and Trametes versicolor. The in vitro and in vivo studies on the effect of different extracts from above-mentioned fungi on the human organism shown anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial and immunostimulant activity, conditioned by the presence of such compounds as polysaccharides, polyphenols or terpenes. These fungi are commonly found in Poland and may superbly compete with Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) or Lentinula edodes (Shitake) used in Asia for medicinal purposes.

Antioxidative activity of Lenzites warnieri basidiocarps

“…Even though the detection of total phenol content is the first step in characterization of extracts, search for specific compounds in basidiocarps is a promising approach in evaluation of antioxidative potential of macro fungi. Some compounds isolated from L. betulina basidiocarps, such as betulinan A and B, can significantly inhibit lipid peroxidation (Smolibowska et al 2016). Furthermore, according to Lee et al (1996) betulinan A isolated from L. betulina basidiocarps was about four times more active as a radical scavenger than vitamin E in inhibition of lipid peroxidation.…”

Economically important macro fungi species of the State Nature Reserve “Bylina”

“…Lenzites betulina проявляет антигликемические свойства, подавляет рост Candida albicans, Staphyllococcus aureus [15].…”

“…Также указывается действие полисахаридного комплекса трутовика настоящего против вируса H1N1, выраженное ингибирование Helicobacter pylori и Candida albicans [15]. Amanita muscaria (мухомор красный) традиционно применяется в народной медицине России и Северной Европы в качестве средства облегчения боли при артрите и радикулите (спиртовая настойка), при лечении гнойных ран [17].…”