Morchella-esculenta

Morchella esculenta (L.) Pers. grows naturally at mountainous heights with a cold climate and is commonly found in dense coniferous forest, loamy soil rich in humus. It may be found at altitudes ranging from 2500 to 3500 metres in wooded settings.

By Saadia Munir, Dr. H. U. Khan, Botanical Science Division

Morchella esculenta is one of the most expensive mushrooms in the world. It is one of the most significant and commercially beneficial wild mushroom species. Other names for it include Guchi, morel, common morel, real morel, morel mushroom, brownish morel, and sponge morel.

The scientific name is derived from the Latin word “esculenta,” which meaning “edible.” Morchella esculenta is supplemented for both nutritional and therapeutic purposes due to its high concentration of bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides, proteins, trace minerals, dietary fibers, and vitamins.

Morchella esculenta has a cylindrical shape. The top section of the mushroom, known as the pileus, Pileus is 3-9 cm long and 2-5 cm broad, with round or irregular pits. It might be yellow, brown, light, or black. The lower section is known as the stalk or stipe, and it accounts for 20-30% of the overall mushroom weight. It measures 1 to 4 cm in length, 0.5 to 3 cm in thickness, and is hollow. It is white to pale grey while young, but matures to a greyish brown. Stipes has a somewhat larger base and supports the top portion. Its size ranges from 2 cm to 25 cm while fresh, but shrinks to 0.1 to 10 cm after drying.

Nutritional Importance

Morchella esculenta fruiting body is very tasty. It is extremely nutritious, tasty, and healthful. It is high in protein, carbs, vitamins, especially vitamin B, and trace minerals. Amounts of vitamin A, C, and D are also present, as are minerals calcium, iron, copper, zinc, magnesium, manganese, and others Sodium, phosphorus, selenium, and potassium are all elements. They are furthermore low in fat and calorie content. Morchella esculenta is composed of 38% carbs, 32.7 percent protein, 17.6 percent fiber, 9.7 percent ash, and 2.0 percent fat31. It also has 195mg/g Iron, 98.9mg/g Zinc, 62.6mg/g Copper, and 54.7mg/g Manganese, 23.5mg/g Potassium, 3.49mg Phosphorus, 1.82mg Magnesium, 0.85mg Calcium, and 0.18mg Sodium. Proteins extracted from Morchella esculenta mycelia are equivalent to vegetal protein and can be used as a protein supplement. Many dietitian suggested that it is high in proteins that are easier to digest than those found in other vegetables.

Medicinal Importance.

Morchella esculenta fruiting body has antioxidant activity and its mycelia contain beta-carotene and linoleic acid, both of which have antioxidant properties. Morchella esculenta has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antitumor properties, which have been attributed to the presence of polysaccharides. Because it is a rare natural resource and typical cultivation methods are impracticable. Some polysaccharides derived from Morchella esculenta have the potential to be tumor-resistant. The B-complex vitamins and minerals are abundant in Morchella esculentaMorchella esculenta has been found to be beneficial in the treatment of ailments such as the common cold, stomach/headaches, and hepatitis B. It may lessen issues with fatigue and sleep, as well as high blood cholesterol Morchella esculenta appears to be a viable treatment option for anaemia.It also aids in blood sugar regulation.

Pharmacological properties

Ethnobotanical uses of Morchella esculenta.

It can be used as a purgative, laxative, body tonic, emollient, and for stomach disorders, wound healing, and overall weakness. It is deadly if eaten uncooked and has a slew of negative side effects if not utilized correctly. Because of its high price, it has the potential to play a significant role in the country’s economy. Morchella esculenta collection is challenging job. It needs focus and zeal. It is gathered in the spring and after the winter.

Several research institutes and organizations in Pakistan are focusing on extracting important chemicals from Morchella esculenta in order to generate biomedicines to cure severe diseases such as anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and TB. In the near future, this technique will be so popular that it will be difficult to satisfy public needs at a fair price.