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Plant Science Today (PST)

Research Articles

Vol. 13 No. 1 (2026)

Diversity and nutritional potential of edible dung loving mushrooms from Northeast India, an Indo-Burma mega biodiversity hotspot

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.12677
Submitted
11 November 2025
Published
31-01-2026 — Updated on 05-02-2026
Versions

Abstract

The study explores the diversity, edibility and nutritional potential of edible coprophilous (dung loving) mushrooms from the biodiversity rich region of Northeast India. Seven macro-fungal species belonging to Termitomyces, Chlorophyllum, Macrolepiota were collected from herbivore dung and identified through morphological and molecular analysis. Nutritional evaluation revealed high protein (up to 53.43 %), carbohydrates (up to 48.5 %) and fiber (up to 17.6 %) indicating their value as functional foods. Mineral analysis showed that these mushrooms are rich in potassium, phosphorus, calcium, iron, zinc while toxic heavy metals such as lead and cadmium were below detectable limits. LC-QTOF-MS analysis confirmed the absence of major mushroom toxins confirming their edibility and safety. The findings highlight the potential of these coprophilous mushrooms as a sustainable nutritional resource and support their use in local diets and rural livelihoods.

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