A Review on Milky Mushroom (Calocybe indica): Importance, Nutritive and Medicinal Value, Cultivation Technology and Constraints in Current Scenario

Abstract

Mushroom is cultivated around the world in the present time become very popular. Increasing population of the country impacts on food production, nutritional security health, environmental and livelihood of the Populace. To signify the saying “waste to wealth” resource conservation implies the popular waste of crop grown to produce milky Mushroom. Milky mushroom has immense potential to be popularized among millions of vegetarian consumers due to its rich nutritional and medicinal attributes, as it provides all essential amino acids and minerals required by people of all age groups, ranging from children to lactating mothers. Milky mushroom contains several bioactive components that have been proven beneficial for patients suffering from hypertension, high blood sugar, gastrointestinal disorders, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. It was first identified in West Bengal and cultivated on a wide range of substrates; however, it was not commercialized until 1998. In the meanwhile, Krishnamoorthy rediscovered the mushroom at Tamil Nadu in 1997 and standardized the protocol to lead commercial production. It has long shelf life to the tune of 5-7 days compared to another mushroom. In the present scenario, several challenges exist in milky mushroom cultivation, including the requirement of an appropriate casing material for its production. In addition, maintaining optimum temperature, moisture, and aeration conditions is often difficult to manage. A comprehensive and analytical reviews on various parameters in nutritional requirement to enhance the mushroom productivity have been outlined. Lignocellulosic biomass is also used as substrate. The mineral contents and non-enzymatic antioxidants show incomparable with Button & Oyster mushroom. Antioxidant bioassay using methanol extract of this mushroom adds flavour profile both in fresh and dried ones. Its extracts are reported to possess both anti-hyperglycaemic activity and anti-lipid peroxidation effects.