Schizophyllum Commune

Schizophyllum commune, commonly known as the Split Gill Mushroom, is one of the most widespread fungi in the world. It is named for its unique gills, which appear split or forked along their length. Though small in size, this tough, fan-shaped mushroom has a long history of traditional medicinal use, particularly in Asia, and has drawn attention from modern science for its immunomodulatory and antitumor properties.

History

Used for centuries in traditional Chinese, Thai, and African folk medicine, Schizophyllum commune was applied for treating various infections and respiratory ailments. It was once thought to be inedible due to its tough texture but has since been valued more for its medicinal properties than for culinary use.

Modern research has isolated bioactive compounds like schizophyllan—a beta-glucan polysaccharide studied for its role in cancer immunotherapy. Because of its adaptability and resilience, it has become a model organism in fungal genetics and biotechnology.

Overview

The fruiting body of Schizophyllum commune is small, fan- or shell-shaped, often only 1–4 cm wide, and gray to white in color. It typically grows in dense clusters on decaying hardwood, especially in tropical and subtropical climates, but is also found on every continent except Antarctica. Its gills are distinctly split down the middle, which helps it survive extreme drying and rehydration cycles.

While not commonly consumed due to its leathery texture, it is used in traditional medicine as a tea or dried extract. Its polysaccharides have shown immune-boosting and antimicrobial effects, and it continues to be a subject of global biomedical interest.