Fungal wonders: a perspective on various fungal benefits to mankind

Abstract

Fungi's saprophytic way of living can be the basis of its presence during the early ages of life on earth. For many years humanity has explored fungi for technological advancement and economic growth. Hence, this review focuses on listing fungal wonders, which are products of various studies made to alleviate the societal condition of mankind. Among the benefits of fungi, its metabolites and fruiting bodies are considered as food, dietary supplements, furniture and construction materials, and, agricultural pest control. Additionally, its unique natural products are sources of novel chemicals with a higher potential for drug discovery. Its ability to decompose organic matter leads to environmental balance for nutrient cycling. Among these, fungi can restore a toxic environment by utilising heavy metals such as cadmium, copper, mercury, lead, and zinc. Thus, fungi can be mycofood, mycodrug, mycoorganic materials, mycopesticide, and mycoremediator. With these significant roles of fungi, we can deduce that these organisms can be a crucial factor in the existence of many organisms while preserving a healthy and balanced environment. Indeed, fungi are highly significant organisms with potential benefits and promising future discoveries of their significance and unique mycochemical attributes.