Phylogenetic Analysis and Nutritional Evaluation of Laetiporus Species in Korea

Within the order Polyporales, the genus Laetiporus includes brown rot-causing basidiomycetes, popularly known as "chicken of the woods" or "crab of the woods." While these fungi hold significant edible and medicinal value, comprehensive molecular and biochemical investigations of native Korean populations are limited. In this study, we investigated the phylogenetic relationships and nutritional profiles of wild Laetiporus strains collected in Korea. Phylogenetic analysis of ITS sequences from 21 wild strains and 39 previously reported specimens found in Korea confirmed that L. versisporus and L. cremeiporus are the predominant native species in Korea, rather than L. sulphureus as previously documented. Nutritional evaluation revealed protein content in L. versisporus was 11.3% while that in L. cremeiporus was in the range 9.1-18.5% (average 14.5%). Free amino acid profiling showed that, except for cysteine, which was not analyzed, all essential amino acids were present in L. cremeiporus. In L. versisporus, all essential amino acids were detected except for methionine. Glucan analysis demonstrated substantial β-glucan contents, with L. versisporus exhibiting 25.7% and L. cremeiporus strains ranging from 15.1% to 34.8%. Total glucan content reached up to 40.7% in L. versisporus and 39.3% in certain L. cremeiporus strains. These findings would enhance taxonomic understanding of Laetiporus in Korea and establish the nutritional potential of Laetiporus as functional food ingredients and alternative protein sources.