Advances in Macrofungi: Pharmaceuticals and Cosmeceuticals

Macrofungi can be fermented to produce biomass, food, and biofuels from lignocellulosic agricultural residues. Healing potential, industrial opportunities, mycelium-based products, forest wild mushrooms, and industrial applications of white rot fungi are all covered. It also highlights the importance of macrofungi as a source of bioactive compounds to treat human lifestyle diseases and as a source of cosmeceuticals, flavors, essences, scents, and perfumes.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 314 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Large-scale cultivation of macrofungi is possible through fermentation, utilizing readily available lignocellulosic agricultural residues, employing cost-effective methods to generate substantial biomass, food, and biofuels. By converting lignocellulosic wastes through macrofungi, valuable fungal nutritional biomass is produced for human and livestock consumption. In addition to commercial cultivation techniques, other topics covered include the healing potential of mushrooms, industrial opportunities, mycelium-based products, forest wild mushrooms, and industrial applications of white rot fungi.

This book aims to explore the diverse applications of macrofungi. It encourages readers to explore unconventional sources of nutrition, as well as bioactive metabolites, to serve as nutraceuticals. The volume emphasizes the significance of macrofungi as a source of bioactive compounds to remedy human lifestyle diseases, such as cancers and cardiovascular ailments, along with their immunostimulation potential by Cordyceps. Furthermore, this book highlights the role of mushrooms as a source of cosmeceuticals, flavors, essences, scents, and perfumes.

Macrofungi possess remarkable potential for sustainable agriculture and waste management. By utilizing their ability to break down complex organic materials, they can convert agricultural residues and waste into valuable resources. This not only reduces environmental pollution but also provides a sustainable source of biomass for various applications, including biofuels, food, and pharmaceuticals.

One of the key advantages of macrofungi cultivation is its scalability. Macrofungi can be grown on a large scale, utilizing industrial fermentation systems and bioreactors. This allows for the production of significant amounts of biomass and bioactive compounds at a competitive cost. Additionally, macrofungi can be cultivated in a variety of environments, including waste streams, agricultural waste, and even non-agricultural waste, making them a versatile solution for waste management.

In addition to their economic and environmental benefits, macrofungi have numerous therapeutic applications. They are rich in bioactive compounds, such as polysaccharides, proteins, and terpenoids, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antitumor properties. Some mushrooms, such as Cordyceps, have been used in traditional medicine for centuries to improve immune function, regulate blood pressure, and enhance overall health.

Furthermore, macrofungi are being explored for their potential use in industrial applications. They can be used in the production of enzymes, biofuels, and other value-added products. Macrofungi can also be used in the treatment of waste water, as they have the ability to remove pollutants and convert waste into valuable resources.

In conclusion, macrofungi offer a promising solution for sustainable agriculture, waste management, and therapeutic applications. Their ability to convert complex organic materials into valuable resources, their scalability, and their therapeutic properties make them an attractive option for a wide range of industries. As research and development in this field continue, we can expect to see more innovative and sustainable applications of macrofungi in the years to come.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032042817