Scientists have recently discovered a medicinal mushroom in Ecuador that may have the potential to treat a variety of illnesses. This is an exciting breakthrough as medicinal mushrooms are one of the most potent and powerful resources available to help humans treat everyday health issues.
Recently, in the Amazon rainforest of Ecuador, they discovered a medicinal mushroom. Scientists from the Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, together with colleagues from Belgium, found this fungus during a research expedition in search of microorganisms useful for biotechnology.
Guevara’s fungus discovered which is a medicinal mushroom.
Fungi belong to a large group estimated to comprise between 1.5 and 5 million species worldwide. In the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest alone, there are about 96,000 species.
The fungus is called Guevara’s fungus, in honor of the late Ecuadorian president Jaime Roldós Aguilera and his wife, Martha Bucaram, whose second surname was Guevara. It is white in color and has a diameter of approximately 3 cm.
The scientists who discovered it were impressed by its antibacterial properties, as it is capable of eliminating Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria, which are responsible for common diseases such as skin infections, urinary, gastrointestinal, meningitis, among others.
The medicinal mushroom was found in Ecuador
The fungus was collected in the Mache-Chindul Ecological Reserve on the Pacific coast of Ecuador, a place known for its biodiversity. The researchers collected samples from different environments, such as tree bark, soil and streams. These samples were taken to a laboratory for analysis.
The fungus was grown in the lab, where it was found to produce a number of bioactive compounds, including alkaloids and fatty acids, which have properties to fight bacteria and other infections. The researchers also found that the fungus produces compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
This discovery is important for medicinal science. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are a growing threat to public health worldwide. The development of new antibiotics is crucial to combat this threat. The Guevara fungus has the great potential to become an important source of new drugs.
Different uses for the same fungus
In addition, the mushroom may also have applications in the food and cosmetic industry. For example, the antioxidant compounds found in the mushroom may be useful in the production of health foods and personal care products.
The biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest and other ecosystems around the world is an inexhaustible source of possibilities for biotechnology. Scientists and companies in the industry are increasingly working to explore this biodiversity and discover new useful compounds.
However, it is critical that this work be done in a sustainable and ethical manner. The extraction of natural resources from fragile ecosystems must be done with caution and respect for the environment and local communities.
