Research Progress on Auricularia delicata

Aims: To describe the current status of A. delicata emphasizing on the key parameters; occurrence, classification, molecular studies, nutritional and medicinal benefits, cultivation status, and future development perspective.

Place and Duration of Study: China–Zambia Agricultural demonstration center and Engineering Research Center of Chinese Ministry of Education for Edible and Medicinal Fungi, Jilin Agricultural University, China between July 2019 and June 2020.

Methodology: In this study, various literatures were reviewed for each parameter studied. Findings were deduced from current literatures and discussed.

Results: The screening of bioactive contents of A. delicata revealed the presence of phenolic compounds; chlorogenic, flavonoids, and ethyl acetate, polysaccharides; Chitosan, fibers, β-glucans, mannans, chitin, and melanin. These substances exhibit hepatoprotective effects, antioxidant activities and antimicrobial activities against some microbes like Candida albicans, Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecium, Streptococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Salmonella typhi and Escherichia coli. A. delicata also contains several nutrients namely; protein, vitamin B2, vitamin C, and minerals; Potassium, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Zinc, Manganese, that play a vital role in human growth and development. Moreover, its cultivation using various technologies provides an opportunity for high yield production. A. delicata was recently studied at Jilin Agricultural University and domesticated in Heilongjiang province in the northeastern part of China. Due to the similarity of its fruiting body with the structure of the deer tripe, it was assigned a common name as “Deer tripe mushroom”. A. delicata mycelia are capable of growing on several culture media with different nutritional profiles, optimal temperatures and pH values. It is cultivated under tropic temperatures ranging from 25°C-30°C, optimal pH of 6.5, and humidity 80-90%. The commonly used media include; Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA), Yeast Extract Agar (YEA) and Malt Extract Agar (MEA).

Conclusion: Therefore the above mentioned significant properties (occurrence, nutritional, medicinal, and cultivation) provide a foundation for further research on the development and utilization of A. delicata.