Mycochemistry, Traditional Uses, and Nutraceutical Potential of Laricifomes officinalis: A Biotechnological and Pharmacological Perspective

Laricifomes officinalis is a medicinal wood-inhabiting fungus renowned for its health benefits, particularly in traditional European medicine for the prevention and treatment of pulmonary conditions such as asthma, pneumonia, and tuberculosis. Beyond its therapeutic applications, L. officinalis plays an important ecological role by contributing to nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current literature on L. officinalis, focusing on its phytochemical composition, traditional uses, pharmacological potential, and conservation status. The species is a rich source of bioactive compounds, including coumarin derivatives, indole compounds, phenolic compounds, polysaccharides, terpenoids and sterols, which exhibit a wide array of biological activities, such as antibacterial, anticancer, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral effects. Drawing on extensive searches in scientific databases including Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, this review examines the distribution, ecological significance, taxonomy, and pharmacological applications of L. officinalis. Given the growing threats of overexploitation and habitat loss, the conservation of L. officinalis is crucial. This review discusses various sustainable cultivation strategies, including establishing culture collections and regulating biosynthetic activity through LED and laser light techniques, show potential for preserving and enhancing the production of its bioactive compounds. Despite recent advances, further research is required to better understand the pharmacological efficacy and safety of L. officinalis, thereby unlocking its full medicinal potential for future therapeutic applications. This review underscores the necessity of integrating ecological conservation with pharmaceutical research, highlighting the dual importance of L. officinalis in natural ecosystems and therapeutic applications.