Medicinal Basidiomycetes of the Nuratau range (Uzbekistan): Ethnomedicinal uses and ethnomycological records

Abstract

Abstract

Background: This article presents data on the taxonomic diversity, ecological distribution, bioactive potentials, and traditional folk remedies of valuable macrofungi in Central Asia. Despite the rich biodiversity and long history of traditional medicine in the region, scientific documentation of higher fungi remains extremely scarce compared to vascular plants. This study aims to fill this significant knowledge gap by systematically documenting the local traditional knowledge of the mountain communities, thereby preserving a rapidly eroding oral cultural heritage and providing a baseline for future bioprospecting.

Methods: Systematic field surveys were conducted across diverse mountain habitats between 2020 and 2026. Collected specimens were examined using standard macromorphological and micromorphological criteria, and representative voucher specimens were deposited in the Tashkent Mycological Herbarium (TASM). Socio-ecological data were collected between 2022 and 2023 through semi-structured questionnaire surveys and double-interviews with 60 local informants (aged 40 to 70 years) under informed consent and in accordance with international ethical guidelines.

Results: A total of 27 species belonging to 19 genera and 12 families were documented. At the family level, Polyporaceae (8 species) and Agaricaceae (6 species) exhibited the highest taxonomic diversity. Gasteroid puffball species - including Bovista plumbea, Calvatia cyathiformis, and Calvatia gigantea - are locally recognized under the vernacular names "Ilon telpak", "Eshakhina", or "Telpaki mor". Their mature dry spore powder is traditionally used as a topical hemostatic and antiseptic agent to treat cuts, burns, and purulent wounds. In the Forish district, a specialized animal care practice was recorded where C. gigantea spore powder is mixed with petroleum jelly or industrial grease (Solidol) to treat severe, chronic wounds in working horses and donkeys. Furthermore, Pleurotus eryngii ("Chanbush"), Pleurotus ostreatus, Agaricus bitorquis, and Agaricus campestris ("Qoʻzidumba") are highly prized as seasonal spring foods, with local communities attributing anti-diabetic properties to P. eryngii. Conversely, highly abundant wood-decaying species with proven global pharmacological value, such as Phellinus igniarius and Trametes versicolor, Ganoderma resinaceum show no record of traditional utilization due to a strict cultural filter.

Conclusions: The study successfully characterized the ecological and taxonomic diversity of 27 macrofungi and documented their active roles in local primary healthcare and veterinary practices. The traditional knowledge is highly localized and primarily preserved by older generations, highlighting an urgent need for conservation. Protecting these fragile mountain habitats within the strict nature reserve is essential to safeguard both the host tree species and the genetic resources of these valuable fungi.

Keywords: Gasteroid puffballs, Pleurotus eryngii, Calvatia gigantea, ethnoveterinary, white-rot decomposers, traditional knowledge erosion, Uzbekistan, Central Asia.