Abstract

MUSHROOMS: TRADITIONAL NOTIONS AND MODERN INSIGHTS

Dr. Disha K. Balachandra*, Dr. Mohammed Faisal and Dr. Poornima A.

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Abstract

Mushrooms are incredible organisms that have captivated humans for centuries. They come in all shapes, sizes, colours and can be found in various habitats around the world. Mushrooms are the organisms belonging to the fungi kingdom. While some mushrooms are edible and used in cooking, others are toxic and should be avoided. Alongside the long history of mushroom as food source, there is an equally long history of beliefs of their curative properties both in traditional medicine system and western world orient. In Ayurveda, Mushrooms are explained in Nigantus under the name Chatraka. Nigantus also to some extent gives information about various types of mushrooms along with potential health benefits and harm. It is said that mushrooms have an earthy taste like the soil itself and can keep one calm. Many mushrooms are included in daily diet due to their potential health benefits as they are believed to enhance immune function. Here an attempt is made to study the fungi mushroom through classical and current knowledge.

Keywords: Saprophytes, Chatraka, Nigantu, Mushroom, Nutrition.