Ethnomycological Studies of Edible and Medicinal Mushrooms in the Mount Cameroon Region (Cameroon, Africa)

Abstract

Inhabitants of the Mount Cameroon region depend on the forest resources of the region for their livelihood, including the diverse use of macrofungi. With the increasing loss of forest due to exploitation and urbanization, they are liable to rapidly lose their indigenous knowledge of the forest resources, especially of mushrooms. An ethnomycological survey was conducted with the aim of documenting the indigenous knowledge of mushrooms as a prelude to conservation efforts. We also sought to assess the mycophilic and mycophobic tendencies of the inhabitants. It was revealed that traditionally, mushrooms were used as food, medicine, for mythological purposes, for aesthetics, and some poisonous species were also recorded. At least 15 different species were identified to be edible among the Bakweri people. Species used for ethnomedicine among the Bakweris belonged to several genera, including Termitomyces, Auricularia, Agaricus, Daldinia, Dictyophora, Pleurotus, Russula, Trametes, Chlorophyllum, and Ganoderma. Mushrooms were used as love charms, for dispelling evil spirits, and as part of cultural festivals.

Species Richness and Traditional Knowledge of Macrofungi (Mushrooms) in the Awing Forest Reserve and Communities, Northwest Region, Cameroon

“…Some people in the Lake Awing Area did not consume mushroom (mycophobic) but those actively involved in consumption and utilization claimed that it was inherited from their forefathers. The aspect of inheritance is in line with the findings of [16] that studied the sociocultural and ethnomythological uses of edible and medicinal mushrooms found in the Igala land in Nigeria and [13] that studied the ethnomycology of edible and medicinal mushroom in the Mount Cameroon Region. Some informants from the communities said that they also consume mushroom because of its nutritive value, as a protein source because they regard it as substitute for meat, some consume mushroom because it is tasteful and for its medicinal value.…”

“…in the South of Cameroon. Reference [13] recorded that species used for ethnomedicine among (Table 3). This study revealed that mushroom gathering is an important economic activity whose sustenance was threatened by the erosion of the biodiversity.…”

“…Ethnomycology investigates the indigenous knowledge of mushroom utilization and consumption patterns such as in nutrition, medicine, and other uses [13]. It also investigates the ectomycorrhizal association and ecological benefits of macrofungi (mushrooms) to the forest.…”

“…It also investigates the ectomycorrhizal association and ecological benefits of macrofungi (mushrooms) to the forest. In Cameroon, mushrooms are known and consumed in many households, in the country sides and in forest areas [13]. During the onset of the rainy season when mushrooms are abundant most people in the rural areas collect them from the forest for consumption and sale [10].…”

Diversity and distribution of species of Ganoderma in south western Cameroon

“…As a kind of health food, it has also been used to prevent and treat immunological diseases, such as hypertension, tumorigenesis, etc. (Liu et al, 2002;Kinge et al, 2011). The many medicinal benefits of Ganoderma were reviewed by Jong and Birmingham (1992).…”