Figure 1: T. microcarpus growth in wild

Food values

Mushrooms have been consumed for centuries as an important source of food owing to their distinctive flavour, palatability, and nutritional richness. In recent years, they have gained considerable attention as functional foods because of their health-promoting properties and potential role in preventing various human diseases (Valverde et al., 2015). Among edible mushrooms, termite mushrooms (Termitomyces species) are particularly prized for their superior taste and are widely distributed in tropical regions of Asia and Africa. Termitomyces microcarpus is highly valued by local communities as a seasonal delicacy due to its pleasant aroma, unique flavour, and perceived health benefits. Upon cooking, the fruiting bodies develop a soft, pulp-like texture and impart a meat-like taste, making them a preferred ingredient in traditional cuisines (Aryal et al., 2022). The fruiting bodies of T. microcarpus possess remarkable nutritional value and are considered a rich source of proteins, dietary fibre, carbohydrates, and essential micronutrients while containing relatively low levels of fat. In addition, the mushroom contains several bioactive compounds, including phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids, ascorbic acid, β-carotene, and lycopene, which contribute to its antioxidant potential and nutritional significance. It is also rich in essential minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, copper, and manganese, along with vitamins including vitamin A, thiamine, ascorbic acid, and tocopherol. Furthermore, T. microcarpus contains a diverse range of amino acids, including histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, valine, arginine, aspartic acid, serine, glutamic acid, proline, glycine, alanine, cysteine, and tyrosine. Owing to its rich nutritional composition and bioactive constituents, T. microcarpus represents a valuable natural food resource with considerable potential for improving nutrition, food security, and human health.

Medicinal uses

Traditional knowledge associated with mushrooms has been developed and preserved by diverse ethnic communities worldwide. While countries such as China and Japan have extensively documented and integrated mushroom-based traditional medicine into modern healthcare systems, much of the indigenous knowledge in other regions remains inadequately recorded. Nevertheless, several species of the genus Termitomyces have been recognized for their ethnomedicinal importance among indigenous and rural communities across Asia and Africa. Among them, Termitomyces microcarpus is widely distributed and utilized in traditional healthcare practices for the treatment of various ailments. The species is known to contain bioactive compounds with potential antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, and antitumor properties, highlighting its therapeutic potential (Elkhateeb and Daba, 2020; Nguyen et al., 2022). In Nigeria, particularly among the Yoruba community, the mushroom is traditionally used in the treatment of gonorrhoea. In India, it is employed for managing fever, colds, and fungal infections (Tibuhwa, 2012; Kumari et al., 2022). In Tanzania and Nepal, local communities consume T. microcarpus as a tonic to enhance immunity and improve overall vitality. Indigenous people inhabiting the Kilum-Ijim Forest region of Cameroon use the mushroom to treat fever and promote bone development in children (Elkhateeb and Daba, 2020; Paloi et al., 2023). Traditional applications also include the use of mushroom ash for alleviating symptoms associated with chickenpox through inhalation. In certain tribal communities of India, the fruiting bodies are wrapped with ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi) seeds in banana leaves and smoked, with the resulting fumes believed to relieve postpartum pain and discomfort (Kumari et al., 2022). These diverse ethnomedicinal applications underscore the cultural and therapeutic significance of T. microcarpus. However, many of these traditional claims require further pharmacological and clinical validation to identify the active constituents and establish their efficacy and safety for future therapeutic applications.

Ecological significance

Termitomyces microcarpus is an ecologically important mushroom species belonging to the family Lyophyllaceae (Kumar et al., 2022). It is a symbiotic fungus closely associated with termites, particularly species of the genus Odontotermes. The fungus and termites maintain a mutualistic relationship in which termites cultivate the fungus within specialized structures known as fungus combs. This association plays a vital role in nutrient cycling and ecosystem functioning in tropical and subtropical forests. One of the primary ecological roles of T. microcarpus is the decomposition of lignocellulosic plant materials such as dead wood, leaf litter, and grasses collected by termites. The fungus produces enzymes capable of breaking down complex organic compounds, thereby accelerating the decomposition process. This activity contributes significantly to the recycling of carbon, nitrogen, and other essential nutrients, enhancing soil fertility and supporting plant growth. The species also contributes to soil formation and improvement. Through the degradation of organic matter and the activities of termite-fungus complexes, soil structure is enhanced, increasing aeration, water infiltration, and nutrient availability. Such improvements promote the establishment and growth of vegetation, thereby supporting ecosystem productivity. Furthermore, T. microcarpus serves as an indicator of healthy termite populations and stable forest ecosystems. Its occurrence reflects the presence of active termite colonies and suitable environmental conditions. The mushroom also contributes to biodiversity by providing food resources for insects, small mammals, and humans in many rural communities. In addition to its ecological functions, T. microcarpus has socioeconomic importance as an edible wild mushroom, supporting local livelihoods and food security (Mishra et al., 2021; Kumar et al., 2022). Sustainable harvesting of this species can encourage the conservation of termite habitats and forest ecosystems.

Conclusion

Termitomyces microcarpus is a valuable wild edible mushroom with remarkable nutritional, medicinal, ecological, and socioeconomic importance. Its rich nutrient composition, diverse bioactive compounds, and widespread ethnomedicinal applications highlight its potential as a functional food and natural therapeutic resource. Ecologically, its obligate symbiotic association with termites contributes significantly to nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, soil enrichment, and the maintenance of forest ecosystem health. Furthermore, the species serves as an important source of food and seasonal income for many rural and tribal communities across Asia and Africa. Despite its multifaceted significance, the natural populations of T. microcarpus remain vulnerable to habitat degradation, deforestation, and unsustainable harvesting practices. Therefore, conservation of termite habitats and promotion of sustainable harvesting protocols are essential for ensuring its long-term availability. Future research should focus on the isolation and characterization of bioactive compounds, validation of traditional medicinal claims through pharmacological studies, nutritional profiling across different geographical regions, and the development of efficient cultivation and domestication techniques. Studies on its ecology, genetic diversity, climate resilience, and termite–fungus interactions are also needed to support conservation strategies. Such efforts will facilitate the sustainable utilization, value addition, and commercialization of T. microcarpus, thereby contributing to biodiversity conservation, food security, and livelihood enhancement in forest-dependent communities.

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