Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.
Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION
Coprinus comatus contains beta-glucans and ergothioneine that support immune function by activating macrophages and natural killer cells. This culinary-medicinal mushroom enhances liver detoxification through glutathione pathway modulation while promoting digestive health via prebiotic fiber.
Reported Benefits (Provisional)
Origin & History
Coprinus comatus is a distinctive mushroom with a shaggy cap, found in grassy areas and meadows. It is best harvested when young, as it quickly deliquesces into a black ink-like substance.
Research Narrative (Provisional)
Some studies suggest that Coprinus comatus may have antidiabetic and antioxidant properties, though more research is needed to confirm these effects.
Preparation & Dosage
Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.
Nutritional Profile
Per 100g fresh weight: Protein 2.5–3.5g (rich in essential amino acids including leucine, lysine, and valine); Carbohydrates 3.5–5.0g (predominantly polysaccharides including β-1,3/1,6-glucans at ~15–20% of dry weight); Dietary fiber 1.5–2.5g (chitin-based insoluble fiber); Fat 0.3–0.5g (primarily linoleic acid and oleic acid); Moisture ~90%. Minerals: Potassium 350–450mg, Phosphorus 80–120mg, Magnesium 12–18mg, Calcium 5–10mg, Iron 0.5–1.2mg, Zinc 0.8–1.5mg, Selenium 5–15µg (bioavailability moderate, primarily as selenomethionine), Copper 0.3–0.6mg. Vitamins: Niacin (B3) 4.0–6.5mg, Riboflavin (B2) 0.3–0.5mg, Thiamine (B1) 0.1–0.2mg, Pantothenic acid (B5) 1.0–1.5mg, Folate (B9) 25–40µg, Ergosterol (provitamin D2) ~50–80mg per 100g dry weight (converts to vitamin D2 upon UV exposure; bioavailability enhanced with dietary fat). Bioactive compounds: Comatin (a unique vanadium-binding compound with demonstrated hypoglycemic activity, concentration ~0.02–0.05% dry weight); β-glucans (immunomodulatory, ~15–20% dry weight; bioavailability improved by cooking which disrupts chitin cell walls); Ergothioneine 1.5–4.0mg/100g fresh (a potent antioxidant amino acid with high oral bioavailability ~90% via OCTN1 transporter); Phenolic compounds including gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, and chlorogenic acid totaling ~8–15mg GAE/g dry weight; Lectins (C. comatus lectin/CCL with immunomodulatory and antiproliferative properties); Laccase and peroxidase enzymes with detoxification activity. Caloric value: approximately 25–35 kcal per 100g fresh. Note: Chitin matrix reduces raw bioavailability of many nutrients; thermal processing (cooking) significantly improves digestibility and nutrient extraction. Contains no significant levels of vitamin C. Rapidly autolyzes (deliquesces) post-harvest, which degrades nutritional quality; best consumed or processed within hours of harvesting.
Reported Mechanism (Provisional)
Beta-glucans in Coprinus comatus bind to dectin-1 receptors on immune cells, triggering complement cascade activation and cytokine production. Ergothioneine acts as a cellular antioxidant, protecting mitochondria and supporting phase II liver detoxification enzymes like glutathione S-transferase. The mushroom's prebiotic polysaccharides promote beneficial bacteria growth by serving as substrate for Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species.
Clinical Narrative (Provisional)
Limited human studies exist for Coprinus comatus, with most research conducted in animal models and in vitro studies. One small pilot study (n=30) showed 15% improvement in liver enzyme markers after 8 weeks of supplementation. Animal studies demonstrate immune-enhancing effects at doses of 200-400mg/kg body weight, but human clinical trials are needed to establish therapeutic efficacy. Current evidence is preliminary and requires larger randomized controlled trials for clinical validation.
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