Nailoke Kadhila-muandingi

Ganoderma Mushrooms: Uses in Namibia Nailoke Kadhila-muandingi

Basidiomycetous fungi, including Ganoderma lucidum, have a variety of uses such as providing nutrition and as medical remedies. The mushroom G. lucidum has been used for a long time to cure liver problems, heart condition, asthma, cancer high blood pressure and arthritis. Recently, it has been associated with boosting immune systems in HIV infected persons. It is for these reasons that the mushroom has attracted a lot of attention leading to proposals of cultivating to increase supply to the Southern African market. This study was initiated with the objectives of determining the uses of Ganoderma by local communities; establish the distribution and genetic diversity of Ganoderma species. A survey was conducted in the 10% households of Ohangwena and Oshana regions of northern Namibia.