Browsing by Author "Mwambulambo, Rehema"

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Untapped potentials of Ganoderma species: a neglected fungal resource in Tanzania
    (MJRD, 2026-06-05) Mwambulambo, Rehema; Shayo, Philipina F.; Malunguja, Gisandu K.
    Ganoderma species are common wood-decaying and medicinally important macrofungi utilized by Miombo woodland communities, yet the linkage between their ethnomycological values and nutraceutical profile remains poorly explored in Tanzania. This study integrated ethnomycological surveys and nutraceutical profiling to assess their medicinal and nutritional relationship. We documented eight species with 1828 individuals. Ganoderma lucidum was the most abundant and culturally important species, while Ganoderma mbrekobenum was highly localized. Ethnomycological surveys revealed that 95.7% recognized Ganoderma species being used for local medicinal purposes, particularly for treating pain, digestive disorders, respiratory infections, kidney complications, and inflammatory conditions, whereas 4.3% reported food-related utilization. The highest ethnomedicinal significance was recorded for G. lucidum and Ganoderma applanatum, both of which were associated with elevated content of K, Fe, Zn, vitamin C, flavonoids, crude fibre, and phenolic compounds, indicating notable antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory potential. Furthermore, Ganoderma arbiforme exhibited the highest Ca, Mg, and total phenolic content, whereas Ganoderma australe had the highest protein content. The observed interspecific variation in nutritional and antinutritional composition was strongly aligned with patterns of ethnomycological utilization. Principal component and cluster analyses further demonstrated strong associations between ethnomedicinal utility and phytochemical, proximate composition and antinutritional compounds, particularly among phenolic and flavonoid-rich species, suggesting potential trade-offs between ethnomedicinal utility, medicinal value and nutrient bioavailability. Integrating ethnomycological knowledge with nutritional and phytochemical profiles highlights their substantial nutraceutical and pharmacological potential, providing a scientific basis for therapeutic development and incorporation into local healthcare systems.