A review of wild edible and medicinal mushrooms in Sri Lanka: Systematic exploration and industrial applications
Bhagya M. Premarathne1,2,†, Mahesh C. A. Galappaththi3,4,†, Nimesha M. Patabendige5, Samantha C. Karunarathna2,6, Nalin N. Wijayawardene6,7, Y.A.P.K. Dayasena8, K. L. Wasantha Kumara9, D. Siril A. Wijesundara2, Aseni Ediriweera7,10,*, Sumedha Madawala1,11,*
Affiliations
1Postgraduate Institute of Science (PGIS), University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya 20400, Sri Lanka, 2National Institute of Fundamental Studies (NIFS), Hanthana, Kandy 20000, Sri Lanka, 3Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch WA 6150, Australia, 4School of Environmental and Conservation Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia, 5School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia, 6Center for Yunnan Plateau Biological Resources Protection and Utilization, College of Biology and Food Engineering, Qujing Normal University, Qujing 655011, P.R. China, 7Tropical Microbiology Research Foundation, 96/N/10, Meemanagoda Road, 10230 Pannipitiya, Sri Lanka, 8Department of Biosystems Technology, Faculty of Technology, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya, 70140, Sri Lanka, 9Department of Agriculture Biology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Mapalana, Kamburupitiya 81100, Sri Lanka, 10B-Hood Myco-Tropic Innovations, 1st Lane, Issadeen Town, Matara 81000, Sri Lanka, 11Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya 20400, Sri Lanka, †Equally contributed
*Correspondence: Aseni Ediriweera – [email protected]; Sumedha Madawala – [email protected]
Abstract
Sri Lanka’s varied ecosystems, climate, geography, and soils support a rich fungal diversity. Despite the recording of ≈ 53 species of edible wild mushrooms, only a few are popular among the local populace. The global significance of wild mushrooms to livelihoods is well-known, yet this potential remains largely unexplored in Sri Lanka. Additionally, there is a lack of studies on the edibility and medicinal value of wild mushrooms in the region. This review compiles available literature on Sri Lanka’s edible wild mushrooms, highlighting their characteristics and potential industrial uses. The study delves into nutritional profiles, bioactive compounds, and traditional uses of these mushrooms, emphasizing their importance in local diets and traditional medicine. Furthermore, it explores the possibilities of integrating wild mushrooms into various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and agriculture. Additionally, the review identifies several underutilized species with high nutritional value, which could be promoted as alternative food sources to enhance dietary diversity and food security in Sri Lanka. The significance of this study lies in its potential to bridge the existing knowledge gap, providing a better understanding of the untapped potential of these mushrooms and stimulating further research and industrial exploitation. The findings emphasize the need for sustainable harvesting practices and conservation efforts to protect these valuable fungal resources. Moreover, promoting the cultivation and commercialization of wild mushrooms could enhance food security, contribute to rural livelihoods, and drive economic development in Sri Lanka.
Citation
Premarathne BM, Galappaththi MCA, Patabendige NM, Karunarathna SC, Wijayawardene NN, Dayasena YAPK, Kumara KLW, Wijesundara DSA, Ediriweera A, Madawala S (2025) A review of wild edible and medicinal mushrooms in Sri Lanka: Systematic exploration and industrial applications. MycoAsia 2025/01. DOI: https://doi.org/10.59265/mycoasia.2025-01
Submission History
Received: 08.05.2024
Accepted: 30.10.2024
Published: 26.02.2025
Editorial Team
Handling Editor: Dr. Arun Kumar Dutta
Reviewers: Dr. C. K. Pradeep, Dr. Sana Jabeen