Fungi produce many useful medicines and antibiotics. Alexander Fleming first discovered penicillin from the fungus Penicillium notatum in 1944. Other antibiotics obtained from fungi include cyclosporine from Tolypocladium inflatum, used to prevent organ transplant rejection. Fungi also produce statins like lovastatin from Aspergillus terreus and the oyster mushroom, used to lower cholesterol. Ergot fungi contain alkaloids used to induce childbirth and treat menstrual disorders. Various fungi can synthesize steroids like cortisone. Many edible mushrooms have anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties.

1. Department of Botany
Govt Institute of Science Aurangabad

2.  Fungi are a group of Unicellular & Multicellular Spore
producing organisms which are feeding on Organic
Matter.
 They occure in every habitats where Moisture and
Organic matter are available.
 These are Achlorophylous, hence can’t produce their
own food material.
 Most of the fungi Grows on Dead decaying organic
matter, hence called as Saprophytes.
 They are also Parasitic

3.  There are several fungi which are used as Medicines &
in the production of Medicine.
 These are as Follows :-

4.  Antibiotics are metabolic substances produced by
some living organisms which are injurious to other
living beings
 Alexander fleming in 1944 for the first time extracted
the Wonder Drug “Penicillin” from the fungi
“Penicillium notatum”

5.  First Antibiotic discovered
 It kills Bacteria by preventing them from making Cell wall
due to which the Bacteria dies.

7. Other Antibiotics Obtained from Fungi.

8.  Contains some Alkaloids like Ergometrine, Ergotamine,
Ergosterol.
 These are used for :
 To induce Uterine contraction for Abortion.
 Treatment of Menstural disorder.
 To Check Haemorrhages

9.  Tolypocladium inflatum is soil mold which produces
Cyclosporine.
 It is actually a soil stage in the life cycle of a fungus called as
Cordycep subsessilis.
 Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressant.
 Hence it is usually used at the time of organ transplant.

10.  Aspergillus terreus produces Lovastatin.
 Lovastatin is a drug used along a proper diet to reduce the
Bad Cholesterol and Fats(LDL), and raise Good
Cholesterols(HDL) in the blood.
 Lovastatin reduces the risk of Cardiovascular disease.

11.  The oyster mushroom is another fungus that produces
Lovastatin.
 It is also a popular food item.

12.  This fungi is used in the synthesis of a Drug called
Ephedrine
 Ephidrine is synthesized from Benzaldehydes by the action
of Yeast (Sachharomyces cervisiae)
 Used for treatment of Asthama and Nasal troubles.

13.  These are complex Organic compounds effective against
Arthritis, allergies, etc.
 They are also used in as Anesthetic and Antifertility agents.
 A wide variety of fungi has the ability of synthesizing
steroids such as, Cortisone is prepared by fermentation of
plant glycoside by Rhizopus nigricans & Aspergillus niger.

14.  This is a very rare and very
expensive fungus and also known
as “Zombie mushroom”.
 It is used by athletes for boosting
metabolism and stamina
 It also increases and stimulates
testesteron and estrogen secretion.
 It has Anti-Diabetic properties.
 It has also been found that it also
improves lung functioning.
 Good for immune system
 It has also shown abilities to shrink
tumors of Cancer.

16.  It boosts and regulates the Immune system.
 It contains compounds that increase the
production of antibodies that fights pathogens
in the body.
 Also lowers the bad Cholesterol like LDL.
 The ingrediants of this mushroom acts as anti
inflamatory agents.
 It is consumed in the form Of tea..

17.  These mushrooms also have the ability to fight and cure
Cancer tumors.
 The most interesting compound in this mushroom is
Polysaccharide-K (PSK).
 This PSK is used as a priscription drug in the Traditional
Cancer treatment in Japan.

18.  This mushroom has an Anti-Diabetic property by
maintaining the Insulin level in body
 It also has some anti-inflammatory properties
 It also has Cancer treating properties.
 It also helps in the production of phagocytic cells in the
body.

19.  This is an edible mushroom
 They contains two chemicals of interests i.e Lentinan
& Eritadenine.
 Lentinan boosts the immune system and helps to
fight Cancer.
 Eritadenine lowers the Cholesterol.