Constituents of Lactarius (Mushrooms)

In the currently recognized 5-kingdom system of Whittaker, Fungi is a kingdom of its own, separated for instance from Plantae and Animalia (1). The kingdom of Fungi is vast and heterogeneous, comprising numerous microscopic species like molds, as well as the larger fungi (mushrooms). The latter are spore-producing fruit-bodies of fungi that in their vegetative phases live as mycelia. Larger fungi of the genus Lactarius belong to subdivision Basidiomycotina, order Agaricales, family Russulaceae. They nourish themselves by degrading organic waste products like plants and animal debris. Many are also important symbionts, forming mycorrhiza with higher plants which explains in some cases their preference for growing among certain kinds of trees (2). The genus is one of the largest in Agaricales and is distributed worldwide; more than 150 species are reported to grow in Europe where mixed forests are their typical habitat.