Know in one minute about Macrolepiota procera
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Introduction
Macrolepiota procera is a mushroom belonging to the Agaricaceae family of basidiomycete fungus. It has large fruiting bodies that look like a parasol, therefore it is also known as a parasol mushroom. Commonly found solitary or in groups and sometimes in woodlands. It is widely spread in temperate regions. It is a species of mushroom that grows in well-drained soil.
The cap of this mushroom is generally 30-40 cm in height. Young caps are egg-shaped and compact. Whereas the mature caps are more or less flat and have chocolate brown umbo in the centre. On the surface of the cap, there are dark-coloured flakes that are easy to remove.
Stripes are thin with fibrous texture. On the surface is snakeskin-like pattern of scaly growth was found, therefore, it is also known as Sanke’s hat or snake’s sponge.
Crowded and free gills are present which are white with pale pink in colour. Spore prints are white.
The flesh is white which turns pale pink after being sliced.
It smells like pleasant nuts.
| Kingdom | Fungi |
| Division | Basidiomycota |
| Class | Agaricomycetes |
| Order | Agaricales |
| Family | Agaricaceae |
| Genus | Macrolepiota |
| species | M. procera |
Common name
Macrolepiota procera is commonly known as parasol mushroom, snake’s hat or snake’s sponge.
Synonyms
Agaricus procerus Scop. (1772)
Lepiota procera (Scop.) Gray (1821)
Amantia procera (Scop.) Fr. (1836)
Mastocephalus procerus (Scop.) Pat (1900)
Leucocoprinus procerus (Scop.) Pat (1900)
Lepiotophyllum procerum (Scop.) Locq. (1942)
Medicinal value
Macrolepiota procera is used for the treatment of certain inflammation, hypertension and diabetes. The compound polysaccharides present in the extract of this mushroom show antibacterial activities and immunomodulatory activities.
The fruiting bodies of Macrolepiota procera contain bioactive substances such as phenol, flavonoids, beta-carotene, lycopene, saponins and alkaloids. The extract of this mushroom is also rich in vitamins, especially vitamin A, α- tocopherol and ascorbic acid, therefore this mushroom has high nutrient value and helps in promoting good health.
The glucan ( polysaccharides) which are extracted from the Macrolepiota procera shows high antibacterial activity as it inhibits the growth of bacteria that act as pathogens.
The glucan helps in increasing the body’s resistance to pathogenic bacteria, fungi and viruses and shows immunomodulatory activities as it stimulates the activity of immune cells (including monocytes and macrophages)
Glucan also helps in stimulating the activity of T lymphocytes, therefore it prevents and fights cancer and inhibits the proliferation of cancerous cells by accelerating their apoptosis.
Glucan helps in lowering the blood cholesterol level, hence it reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Side effects
There are no such side effects of eating Macrolepiota procera if consumed in limited amounts. The side effects depend on the individual’s health.
Chlorophyllum molybdites vs Macrolepiota procera
Chlorophyllum molybdites |
Macrolepiota procera |
| Chlorophyllum molybdites is a poisonous mushroom | Macrolepiota procera is one of the wild edible mushrooms, which is not poisonous |
| Chlorophyllum molybdites can not be eaten raw | Macrolepiota procera is edible when in raw condition as a salad. |
| It is a false parasol mushroom | It is a true parasol mushroom. |
| Spore prints are green in colour | Spore prints are white in colour |
| There is no scaly growth present on the surface. | Snakeskin-like patterns of scaly growth are present on the surface |
Macrolepiota procera look alike
Macrolepiota procera look like Chlorophyllum molybdites that belong to the Agaricaceae family, which is a poisonous mushroom when eaten raw. It is known as a false parasol mushroom.
Q&A
1. Is a parasol mushroom edible?
Yes, parasol mushrooms are edible mushrooms. The fruiting bodies of parasol mushrooms may be used as an alternative to meat, as it tastes like meat when cooked properly.
2. Is Macrolepiota edible?
Ans. Yes, Macrolepiota is one of the wild edible mushrooms.
3. Is umbrella mushrooms poisonous?
Ans. Yes, umbrella mushrooms are poisonous mushrooms, eating this mushroom can cause serious health issues such as gastrointestinal disorders, bloody stool and vomiting.
4. How do you identify Macrolepiota?
Ans. The main characteristic feature of Macrolepiota procera is the snakeskin-like pattern of scaly growth present on the surface. It has large fruiting bodies that look like a parasol.
References
1. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00217-018-3134-0#ref-CR21
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5023580/
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27279532/
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31448150/
5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26820971/