Hongos Research Papers - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Following a general diagnosis of needs of the communities in Huancavelica in 2009 we proceeded to study the potential for engagement, since malnutrition, environmental degradation and a search for appropriate market products for this disadvantaged region was one of the concerns. In 2010 it was clear that edible mushrooms could be found at high altitudes of 3800-4000 masl. The question arose what role they might play in peoples lives, and their role in the Peruvian Andes to improve livelihoods and in ecosystem function. In checking the literature it became clear little was as yet known of the present, or historical, use of mushrooms their diversity or ecology.

Mushrooms are remarkable, not only for their crucial environmental role and place in human culture, but also in terms of health and nutrition. They have unique potential as an all in one food and medicine to improve wellbeing in mountains where malnutrition still is very prominent. Mushrooms are undervalued as food probably due to the general use of poor, antiquated, nutritional data that uses fresh rather than dry weight as basis. Using, a dry weight standard and Paul Stamets (2005) as source to illustrate the point, mushrooms stand out as being high in protein, complex carbohydrates, antioxidants, and low in fat and containing around 250 calories per 100g. They lack cholesterol, vitamin A and C, but are rich in vitamin Bs and if exposed to ultraviolet light (as found in the field) in the much desired vitamin D. They have high dietary fiber. They are also excellent sources of essential minerals. The protein content depends on mushroom species. Normal edible mushrooms range 9% for certain Agaricus species, such as A. braziliencis. to 33-35 for common supermarket button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporum), Shitake (Lantinula edodes) , Maitake (Grifola frondosa) and 41% for Reichi (Ganoderma lucidum). Evaluation of a number of Peruvian mushrooms suggests that Pleurocollybia ciberia and Calvatia cynthiformis contain 25 and 55% protein respectively (Pavlich pers com 2011). Indeed, this previously unknown information makes C.cynthiformis one of the most desirable edible mushrooms in terms of protein content. Using USDA criteria for foods edible mushrooms in general should be regarded as being between good to excellent foods depending on mushroom used (Stamets, 2005 p201).

Most importantly, and again often neglected by nutritionalists, mushrooms contain medicinal properties, which are consumed along with the fungus. Each fungal species produces different set of medicinal compounds. They contain, compounds that are antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-tumors, anti viral, compounds helping blood pressure, moderating blood sugar, cholesterol reducing compounds, immune enhancers, stress reducers and others ({Hobbs C., 1986 #24} {Stamets P., 2005 #66}). These make mushrooms a food and medicine in one.

Globally from an ecological perspective the study of fungi is opening up new frontiers. New scientific information, of which, again, Paul Stamets is a beacon, elucidated the critical role fungi play in the functionality of terrestrial systems. The health of these systems form the basis for productivity and economic activity on which humanity depends. The fungi themselves also provide opportunities for food and medicine.

Looking beyond the Huacavelica study, it is evident that malnutrition in Peru is more generalized in Peru. Specifically, is most serious and extensive in the Andean highlands. Data, desegregated as much as possible for infantile nutrition by coastal lowlands, Andes and the Amazonian region, show that malnutrition predominates in the highlands of the Andes (see table 1 above). Indeed, using the table data with distribution maps (www.onu.org.pe/Upload/Documentos/pma_mapadesnutricion2007.pdf on page 25& 27) to help disaggregate data better between geographic regions, we see that 70.4% of total malnutrition is in the Highlands, versus 15.0% in the Lowlands and 14.6% in the Amazonian region. These data are reflected by the severity order of malnutrition in provinces in table 1. Twelve of the first 13 highest ranking provinces are those in the mountains. The exception being Amazonas, which ranks 8th. Child malnutrition is an indicator of overall malnutrition in populations, especially for women and children. Although we have not yet studied the data, we are assuming a similar tendency in neighboring countries such as Bolivia and Ecuador, Colombia and Chile. The levels of malnutrition in the Andes match those prioritized for International Aid in Africa and Asia.

It follows, that the study and promotion of mushroom producing fungi should have an impact on the nutrition and wellbeing of Andean communities. Unfortunately, little is known about mushrooms in Peru or the Andean region as a whole. Pioneer descriptive work in 1976 by Dr. Magdalena Pavlich at the Universidad Peruano Cayetano Heredia (UPCH), provides the most extensive list of mushrooms recorded in Peru. More recent work by Mata et al (2006) provides the first extensive list of Amazonian mushrooms; and Holgado et al (2007, 2010) of the Universidad National San Antonio Abad de Cusco (UNSAAC), contributed the first study of a fungal diversity in an Andean native forest near Cusco, and the first ethno-mycological report of efforts near Cusco to revaluate indigenous mushroom customs by hosting a ‘mushrooms fair’.

Actions associated with the understanding and use of fungi appeared to be the niche where the GMA with its expertise could contribute to mountain issues affecting wellbeing of people and ecology of mountain systems, since apart from the mentioned pioneer studies, little is known of the history of mushroom use, the diversity and ecology of fungi in the Peruvian Andes, or their potential to improve wellbeing of people and ecology of mountains. We began by an initial survey Marcahuazi in the highlands close to Lima in March 2010, started work on the historical documentation, followed by a more intense survey in Canta three hours from Lima in January 2011. We established connections with UPCH for laboratory and taxonomic support and the basis for collaborative work. In February-March we proceeded with a two week long collection trip around Lake Titcaca to Cusco and the sacred Valley. In Cusco we connected with Maria Encarnacion Holgado of the UNSAAC and established the basis for future collaborative work. During the survey we also established grass roots connections with one community around lake Titicaca, at Huancho Lima near Huancané.