Valued at Rs 1.5 Lakh/KG, Gujarat Scientists Grow One of Costliest Mushrooms

NEW DELHI: Scientists at the Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology (GUIDE) in Kutch have successfully cultivated the mushroom species 'cordyceps militaris,' which has traditionally been used in Chinese and Tibetan herbal medicine.

The mushrooms were grown in 35 jars in a controlled atmosphere in a laboratory for 90 days, yielding 350 grammes. The mushroom is worth Rs1.50 lakh per kilogramme.

The institute, which has found it effective in treating even breast cancer, has chosen to offer low-cost training to entrepreneurs as a means of making a living by cultivating mushrooms on a laboratory scale.

"C. militaris is known as Himalayan gold. It has a multitude of health benefits and can potentially prevent a wide range of lifestyle illness. The fungus is club-shaped and the surface appears roughly punctured. The inner fungal tissue is whitish to pale orange. It is now possible to cultivate it in labs under controlled conditions," said GUIDE's director V Vijay Kumar.

The anticancer component of this mushroom variety has been thoroughly investigated by the institute.

"We explored the in-vivo anticancer activity of the extracts against breast cancer in animal models. This was done in coordination with Nirma University, Ahmedabad. The preliminary investigation reveals extracts of this mushroom can provide significant results in terms of reduction in breast cancer tumour," said K Karthikeyan, senior scientist and head of the environmental laboratory division at GUIDE.

The institute has applied to the FDA for approval to conduct human clinical studies. "We are also studying its effect on prostate cancer but it has been delayed due to Covid-19 induced pandemic," he said.

The antiviral and anti-cancer effects of this species will be tested in Indian conditions. "With proper awareness, we can make this wonderful nutritional and medicinal supplement available to a broader population," said V Vijay Kumar. This investigation also included GUIDE scientist G Jayanti and professor Jigna Shah from Nirma University.

At a laboratory scale, mushroom cultivation training can cost up to Rs one lakh per week. However, GUIDE will charge a standard fee for this training.

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