Mycochemical profiling of commercially relevant Philippine edible fungi: integrating bibliometric trends and mid-FTIR spectroscopic analysis

This study integrates bibliometric analysis and mid-Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to profile the mycochemical diversity of five commercially significant Philippine edible fungi: Auricularia auricula-judge (Bull.) J.Schröt. (wood ear), Auricularia cornea Ehrenb. (cloud area), Tremella fuciformis Berk. (snow fungus), Morchella esculenta Fr. (yellow morel), and Ganoderma sichuanense J.D. Zhao & X.Q. Zhang (reishi or lingzhi). Bibliometric mapping of Scopus-indexed publications (2019–2024) revealed China's dominance in research output and fragmented global collaborations, underscoring untapped regional expertise. FTIR spectroscopy of solvent-assisted extracts identified solvent-dependent bioactive compounds, including lipids and fatty acids in non-polar fractions, amides and esters in medium-polarity extracts, and polysaccharides in polar solvents, aligning with traditional uses for immunomodulation, skincare, and cardiovascular health. Integrating global scholarly trends with localized biochemical insights validates ethnomycological knowledge and highlights opportunities for nutraceutical applications. By bridging traditional practices with modern validation, this work supports the sustainable utilization of Philippine fungi, positioning them as competitive candidates in functional food markets, preserving cultural heritage, and advancing the FAO's goals for non-timber forest product development.