Chiang Mai Journal of Science

     The diversity of macrofungi benefits humankind and plays an irrefutable role in forest ecosystems. Macrofungi are a significant non-timber forest product that provides a range of values and services, most notably as major food sources, income generators, and contributors to industrial applications for populations worldwide. Since they are renewable resources that replace fossil fuels, they can be crucial to enhancing resource efficiency. Some macrofungi are also excellent sources of nutrients, such as proteins, vitamins, lipids, carbohydrates, amino acids, minerals, valuable foods, and nutraceuticals. Additionally, they produce bioactive substances that have important applications in pharmacology and medicine. In many ecosystems, fungi are vital for nutrient cycling and can help mitigate the effects of climate change. Furthermore, they contribute to the recycling of agricultural waste. This review provides a comprehensive research reference based on collected data for numerous species of cultivable macrofungi, along with a few species of Ascomycota known as edible mushrooms. It also presents the initial results of domestication efforts. The market value of mushrooms is also discussed.