Wild Mushrooms from the Cold Desert: A Hidden Nutritional Asset Made in India

High-altitude deserts aren’t the first places we associate with edible biodiversity. But a recent study led by scientists from the University of Delhi and University of Jammu in India suggests we might want to rethink that. Researchers examined four wild mushroom species from Kargil and found them packed with essential nutrients, antioxidants, and bioactive compounds, positioning them as promising candidates for dietary supplements and functional foods.

Kargil, Ladakh. Image credits: Pexels

Fungal Adaptation in High-Altitude Environments

The study focused on Volvariella bombycina, Tricholoma cingulatum, Coprinus comatus, and Bovista plumbea, all collected from the cold desert environment of Kargil, Ladakh. These mushrooms are exposed to extreme environmental stress, including low temperatures, high UV radiation, and limited water. As a result, they’ve evolved metabolic and antioxidant defences that could benefit human health.

Coprinus comatus, commonly know as the Shaggy Inkcap. Image credits: Jasper Nance

Metabolite and Mineral Composition

Using GC-MS profiling and elemental analysis, researchers identified 92 metabolites including sugars, sugar alcohols, fatty acids, amino acids, and organic acids. Sugars like trehalose dominated (up to 28%), while sugar alcohols such as glucitol and ribitol added low-glycaemic sweetness.

Fatty acid profiles were rich in unsaturated lipids, especially linoleic acid (up to 7.6% in B. plumbea) known to support cardiovascular and immune health. Essential amino acids like leucine, threonine, and valine made up as much as 55% of total amino acid content in some species, with T. cingulatum and B. plumbea showing the highest concentrations.

Mineral content was equally notable. C. comatus showed the highest iron levels (842 µg/g dry weight), while T. cingulatum was richest in potassium and copper. Selenium levels across species ranged from 10–85 µg/g, placing them within the high-value bracket for dietary intake.

Low Antinutrient Load and High Bioavailability

Mushrooms often contain compounds that interfere with nutrient absorption, such as phytic acid and oxalates. But all four species had levels well below critical thresholds, suggesting strong mineral bioavailability. For instance, the phytic acid to zinc ratio in C. comatus was just 1.2 (vs. the 10.0 cut-off for concern).

Antioxidant Activity and Enzymatic Function

Cold deserts trigger high oxidative stress, and these fungi have responded in kind. C. comatus showed the strongest hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity, while V. bombycina had the highest reducing power. Total phenol and flavonoid content was substantial across the board. Carotenoids like lycopene and β-carotene were most abundant in V. bombycina, while ergothioneine a powerful antioxidant with mitochondrial benefits—was highest in B. plumbea.

Bovista plumbea, commonly know as the Grey puffball. Image credits: Roger Phillips

The enzymatic side told a similar story. Enzyme activity for superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, and glutathione peroxidase aligned closely with trace mineral content. For example, high levels of copper and zinc in T. cingulatum correlated with elevated SOD activity, supporting redox balance.

Relevance for Nutrition and Supplement Development

What makes these mushrooms stand out isn’t just their survival strategy, it’s their nutritional application. In areas where diet diversity is limited, especially at altitude, such species could offer local populations a new source of protein, essential minerals, and antioxidants. With selenium, iron, and zinc deficiencies still widespread in many parts of the world, wild fungi from extreme ecosystems may offer a surprisingly practical intervention.