Emily Johnson
The Psathyrella candolleana, commonly known as the pale brittlestem mushroom, is a species of fungi found in woodlands, woodland clearings, grasslands, and other environments across the world. While some sources describe the mushroom as edible but not worthwhile, others classify it as inedible or of unknown edibility. However, recent studies have identified medicinal properties in the mushroom, including antibacterial activity against certain strains of bacteria. This has sparked interest in its potential for production and use as a medicinal mushroom in both human and veterinary health. With its delicate nature and wide reach, the pale brittlestem mushroom has become a subject of curiosity, leading to further exploration of its possible benefits and effects.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Psathyrella candolleana |
| Common name | Pale Brittlestem mushroom |
| Other names | Common Crumblecap, Agaricus candolleanus |
| Region | Europe, North America, Iraq |
| Habitat | Woodlands, woodland clearings, grassland |
| Edibility | Inedible or "edible but not worthwhile" |
| Medicinal properties | Antibacterial, potential for use in human and veterinary health |
| Active compounds | Psathyrellins A–E, psathyrins A and B |
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What You'll Learn
- Psathyrella candolleana is the scientific name for the pale brittlestem mushroom
- It is edible but not worthwhile, according to some field guides
- The mushroom has antibacterial properties
- It is indigenous to Iraq and is known for its medicinal properties
- Pale brittlestems are widespread in Britain, Ireland, and mainland Europe
Psathyrella candolleana is the scientific name for the pale brittlestem mushroom
The scientific name Psathyrella candolleana was given to this mushroom in a 1913 publication by French mycologist G. Bertrand. The genus name Psathyrella is derived from the Greek word psathuros, which means friable, referring to the crumbly nature of the mushroom's caps, gills, and stems. The specific epithet candolleana honours Swiss botanist Augustin Pyramus de Candolle (1778-1841), with no relation to candles.
The pale brittlestem mushroom has been studied for its medicinal properties, particularly in Iraq, where it was first documented in 2014 as a new species to the country. It belongs to the family Psatherellaceae, which is known for its medicinal potential. Laboratory studies have shown that this mushroom has antibacterial properties against various Gram-positive bacteria, including Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium, and Candida albicans. Additionally, compounds derived from the mushroom have been found to inhibit the growth of certain cancers, such as Sarcoma 180 and Ehrlich solid cancers.
The pale brittlestem mushroom is not known to be psychedelic, and its primary significance lies in its potential medicinal benefits and ecological role as a widespread fungus. However, further research and surveys are needed to fully understand the extent of its medicinal properties and ecological importance, especially regarding the under-investigated group of freshwater fungi within the Basidiomycota division.
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It is edible but not worthwhile, according to some field guides
The pale brittlestem mushroom, scientifically known as Psathyrella candolleana, is a species of mushroom that is found in various parts of the world, including Europe, North America, and Iraq. It is identified by its delicate structure and occurrence in woodlands, woodland clearings, and damp grasslands. While some have suggested that this mushroom has psychedelic properties, this claim requires further investigation and is not supported by the current body of scientific literature.
When it comes to edibility, field guides offer varying opinions. Some describe the pale brittlestem mushroom as "edible but not worthwhile," indicating that while it may be safe to consume, it lacks substantial culinary value. This assessment is likely due to the mushroom's insubstantial nature, as it would take a large quantity to make a meal. Foragers or those in survival situations may still consider it if more desirable options are unavailable.
The mushroom's Latin name, Psathyrella candolleana, pays tribute to Swiss botanist Augustin Pyramus de Candolle, whose botanical author abbreviation is "DC." The species was first described and given its binomial scientific name, Agaricus candolleanus, by Swedish mycologist Elias Magnus Fries in 1818.
While the pale brittlestem mushroom may not be a culinary delight, it has garnered attention for its potential medicinal properties. Research suggests that this fungus possesses antibacterial properties and shows potential for use in human and veterinary medicine. Specifically, studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in inhibiting the growth of certain bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella enterica. Furthermore, it has been recorded that P. candolleana has been shown to inhibit the growth of Sarcoma 180 and Ehrlich solid cancers in mice.
In conclusion, while the pale brittlestem mushroom may not be a desirable culinary ingredient, it is indeed edible and offers potential medicinal benefits. However, further research is needed to fully understand the effectiveness and safety of any potential medicinal applications. As with consuming any wild mushroom, it is always advisable to exercise caution and properly identify the species before ingestion.
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The mushroom has antibacterial properties
The pale brittlestem mushroom (Psathyrella candolleana) is indeed known to possess antibacterial properties, which is an intriguing aspect of this fungus. While it may not be as famous for its antibacterial capabilities as some other mushrooms, such as Lion's Mane or Reishi, it does contain compounds that can inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria.
This mushroom is a member of the Psathyrellaceae family and is commonly found in grassy areas, often growing in clusters on lawns, pastures, and roadsides. It is widely distributed across North America, Europe, and Asia. The pale brittlestem gets its name from its characteristic fragile stem, which tends to snap easily.
The antibacterial properties of the pale brittlestem mushroom are attributed to various compounds it produces, including steroids, terpenes, and phenolic compounds. These substances have been shown to exhibit inhibitory effects on a range of bacteria, including Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains.
One particular study isolated a compound from the pale brittlestem mushroom called candicidin, which demonstrated potent antibacterial activity against several pathogenic bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Candicidin belongs to a group of compounds known as streptomycetes, which are renowned for their antibacterial capabilities.
Additionally, the pale brittlestem mushroom also contains significant levels of antioxidants, which can further contribute to its antibacterial efficacy. These antioxidants can help protect the body against oxidative stress and enhance overall immune function, making it better equipped to fight off bacterial infections.
While the pale brittlestem mushroom may not be as widely researched as some other medicinal mushrooms, the evidence suggests that it holds promising antibacterial potential. Further studies are likely to uncover more about the full range of bioactive compounds it produces and how they can be utilized to support human health and combat bacterial infections.
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It is indigenous to Iraq and is known for its medicinal properties
The pale brittlestem mushroom, scientifically known as Psathyrella candolleana, is a species new to Iraq. It was first described in 2014 in the sub-arid region of Aljazira, Iraq. Both classical taxonomy and DNA analyses confirm the identification of the fungus strain as P. candolleana, a species that belongs to the family Psatherellaceae, which is known to possess medicinal properties.
P. candolleana is a delicate member of the inkcap-related group of fungi. It occurs in woodlands and woodland clearings, as well as on timber buried in damp grassland. It is widespread in meadows, lawns, and woodlands throughout Britain, Ireland, Europe, and North America.
The pale brittlestem mushroom is known for its medicinal properties. It is cultivatable in laboratory conditions and shows potential for use in human and veterinary medicine. It has been found to have antibacterial action against various Gram-positive bacteria, including Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium, and Candida albicans. Additionally, it has been shown to inhibit the growth of Sarcoma 180 and Ehrlich solid cancers in a study by Al-Habib et al. (2014).
The mushroom contains bioactive compounds derived from their sporophores, which are responsible for its medicinal properties. It is traditionally used as a medicinal food in Iraq, although its consumption is not widespread. The pale brittlestem mushroom is also known by other names, including Common Crumblecap and Psathyrella candolleana.
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Pale brittlestems are widespread in Britain, Ireland, and mainland Europe
The pale brittlestem mushroom, or Psathyrella candolleana, is a very delicate member of the inkcap-related group of fungi. It is widespread in Britain, Ireland, mainland Europe, and even North America. Pale brittlestems occur in all types of woodlands and woodland clearings, as well as on timber buried in damp grassland. They are also common in meadows and on lawns.
The species was first described by the great Swedish mycologist, Elias Magnus Fries, in 1818, who gave it the binomial scientific name Agaricus candolleanus. The specific epithet honours the Swiss botanist Augustin Pyramus de Candolle (1778-1841), with the botanical author abbreviation "DC".
While some field guides record the pale brittlestem as "edible but not worthwhile", others list it as inedible or of unknown edibility. They are insubstantial, so it would take a large quantity to make a meal. Therefore, unless you are desperate, they are probably not worth consuming.
However, the pale brittlestem has been found to possess medicinal properties. It is cultivatable in laboratory conditions, showing potential for use in human and veterinary health. For example, it has exhibited antibacterial action against various Gram+ bacteria, including Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium, and Candida albicans.
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