Krishnendu Acharya – författare

Ganoderma holds significant traditional importance in various ethnic cultures around the world, particularly in China, Japan, and Korea. Many indigenous traditions have incorporated Ganoderma into medicinal practices, being considered a symbol of longevity, vitality, and good health. At present, the taxon is believed to possess various health benefits and is used to treat ailments and promote overall well-being. In this context, the first volume of the book, titled Ganoderma: Cultivation, Chemistry and Medicinal Applications, aims to comprehensively cover the taxonomy, morphological features, domestication strategies, structures of secondary metabolites, and therapeutic prospects of Ganoderma. It may serve as a definite resource for students, researchers, healthcare professionals, traditional medicine practitioners, and enthusiasts.FEATURES Provides a comprehensive classification system for Ganoderma species, highlighting their taxonomy and distinguishing characteristics Delves into the techniques and practices involved in cultivating Ganoderma, offering detailed guidance for individuals interested in growing this valuable fungus Explores the cultural and traditional significance of Ganoderma in various ethnic cultures intertwined with customs, beliefs, rituals, myths, and folklore around the world Investigates the secondary metabolites of Ganoderma, highlighting their implications Examines diverse bioactivities associated with Ganoderma, including antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, prebiotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritis, anticancer, hypolipidemic, and cholesterol-lowering effectsThis book includes relevant illustrations, diagrams, and images to enhance the understanding of concepts associated with Ganoderma.

Due to the alarming increase in human population and global food demand, farmers are looking for a better option that can provide them huge benefits within a short period of time. The use of chemical pesticides, fungicides, or other chemical fertilizers altogether causes a huge adverse impact on the environment. Using environmentally safe elicitor molecules can solve this problem in two ways. First, their application is a cost-effective process, which can provide maximum benefit to the farmers. Second, they are safe to apply directly to the environment.Key features of the book:It covers a vast area of research undertaken on elicitation processesIt comprises both biotic and abiotic stress tolerance through elicitationIt highlights a low-cost technology for adoption in future for larger benefits for a better futureOmics approaches are highlightedThe chapters are supported by sufficient illustrationsThis book comprises aspects of elicitation or elicitor-mediated research undertaken so far, to provide a direction toward a chemical-hazard-free world without compromising the yield and market value of the plant-based products. This book aims to guide students at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels as well as researchers, academicians and other industry professionals.

For the past two millennia, Ganoderma has been prized as the "mushroom of immortality" in ancient Asian cultures, owing to its health benefits. Modern research has further revealed that the genus is rich in bioactive components, including polysaccharides and triterpenoids, uncovering various medicinal prospects both in vitro and in vivo. Clinical trials conducted so far have emphasized the safe and effective use of the mushrooms, with a particular focus on Ganoderma lucidum. Currently, the Ganoderma-based industry is witnessing a significant surge, offering a plethora of dietary and medicinal products. Recognizing the impact of these developments, the book Ganoderma: Cultivation, Chemistry, and Medicinal Applications Volume 2 aims to consolidate the latest information on the macrofungi, emphasizing its bioactive compounds, diverse therapeutic effects, and industrial applications.Key Features:This book provides a thorough exploration of Ganoderma polysaccharides, unraveling their chemical composition, structure, and potential health benefits.Comprehensive coverage is provided to understand antimicrobial properties of the medicinal mushrooms. The text also delves into the potential role of Ganoderma in safeguarding against various skin diseases, accompanied by discussions on underlying mechanisms.A detailed examination of Ganoderma includes its potential cardioprotective effects, encompassing impacts on blood pressure, cholesterol level, and overall heart function. This book also provides an in-depth analysis of the capacity of the macrofungi to stimulate the immune system.The volume encompasses findings related to the impact of Ganoderma on prevention or mitigation of neurodegenerative diseases.Additionally, it contributes to the understanding of medicinal applications by exploring Ganoderma-based nanoparticles, offering novel insights into potential therapeutic avenues.A comprehensive overview of the Ganoderma-inspired industry highlights its diverse contributions ranging from dietary supplements, cosmeceuticals, and nutricosmetics to healthcare products.

Long ago, Pleurotus mushrooms (commonly known as oyster mushrooms) were discovered growing naturally on decaying logs across Asia and Europe. Valued for their delicate flavor and revered in traditional medicine, they were believed to boost immunity and promote heart health. As the demand for sustainable food sources grew, it was found that Pleurotus species could be cultivated easily on agricultural wastes like wheat straw and cotton stalks. This made them an ideal candidate for low-cost, eco-friendly farming, supporting food security, and rural livelihoods. Further, modern scientific research validated their status as a superfood, revealing a rich nutritional profile, including high-quality protein, dietary fiber, B-complex vitamins, essential minerals, and a range of bioactive compounds such as β-glucans and phenolics. These compounds impart a wide range of therapeutic properties, including antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, immunomodulatory, and other health-promoting effects. Today, Pleurotus mushrooms have transcended their traditional roles to become key ingredients in functional foods, dietary supplements, and even green nanotechnology, symbolizing the fusion of ancient wisdom with modern science.Key Features:• The book explores the historical and cultural significance of Pleurotus mushrooms in traditional medicine, aligns it with current scientific evidence, and provides detailed descriptions of their morphological characteristics.• It offers a comprehensive guide to sustainable oyster mushroom farming, from mycelial culture and spawn production to agro-waste-based cultivation and postharvest management, promoting waste-to-wealth models and eco-friendly agriculture.• The book highlights the rich nutritional profile and therapeutic potential of Pleurotus mushrooms, with practical sections on culinary applications and traditional recipes. The book also discusses biofortification strategies to enhance micronutrient content, helping combat hidden hunger and promote dietary wellness.• It illustrates the emerging role of Pleurotus mushrooms in green nanotechnology, detailing eco-friendly nanoparticle synthesis methods and their promising medicinal applications in antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer therapies.• The book promotes low-cost cultivation and value-added product development, supporting food security, rural income generation, and women-led entrepreneurship. It includes a market analysis of the growing global demand for Pleurotus products and potential avenues for small-scale businesses.

The edited book highlights various emerging Omics tools and techniques that are currently being used in the analysis of responses to different abiotic stress in agronomically important cereals and their applications in enhancing tolerance mechanism.