What is Mycology?
Mycology is the study of the fungi, the term being derived from the Greek word mykes. They are heterotrophic, requiring organic carbon compounds of varying degrees of complexity for growth and reproduction. Most fungi exist as microscopic filaments or hyphae which form a complex mycelium or network. In some cases the mycelia form large complicated structures as exemplified in the mushrooms.
The use of psychotropic mushrooms by man dates far back into antiquity with the earliest records dating back to Palaeolithic times. There is an extensive literature implicating certain mushrooms in ancient religious beliefs and practices.
Consistent production of successful mushroom crops is built upon scientific knowledge and practical experience. To date about 35 mushroom species have been cultivated commercially with about 20 cultivated on an industrial scale. Most of these species are both edible and possess medicinal properties. Mushroom cultivation involves several different operations each of which must be performed accurately if the enterprise is to be successful, viz. strain selection and maintenance, spawn production, substrate and crop management for production. Mycelium production by liquid tank fermentation is now increasingly being used for the production of more uniform medicinal products. Total Nutraceutical Solutions uses pure substrates and a controlled growth environments which insures the final purity of the products.
The practice of using fungi, especially mushrooms, in Chinese Traditional Medicine (TCM), dates back into antiquity and has been recorded in ancient Chinese manuscripts. Increased scientific and medical research in recent decades, especially in Japan, Korea and China and more recently US, is confirming efficacy and identifying the bioactive molecules.
The main medicinal mushrooms both edible and non-edible are briefly depicted to identify their historical usage and their current commercial and medical acceptance, viz. Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi or Ling Zhi), Lentinus (Lentinula) edodes (Shiitake), Phellinus linteus, Porio cocos, Auricularia auricula, Hericium erinaceus, Grifola frondosa (Maitake), Flammulina velutipes, Pleurotus ostreatus (Oyster mushroom), Trametes (Coriolus) versicolor, Tremella fuciformis, Schizophyllum commune and the non-mushroom Cordyceps sinensis (the caterpillar fungus).
