Phylogenetic Analysis and Nutritional Evaluation of <i>Laetiporus</i> Species in Korea

Within the order Polyporales, the genus <i>Laetiporus</i> 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 <i>Laetiporus</i> strains collected in Korea. Phylogenetic analysis of ITS sequences from 21 wild strains and 39 previously reported specimens found in Korea confirmed that <i>L. versisporus</i> and <i>L. cremeiporus</i> are the predominant native species in Korea, rather than <i>L. sulphureus</i> as previously documented. Nutritional evaluation revealed protein content in <i>L. versisporus</i> was 11.3% while that in <i>L. cremeiporus</i> 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 <i>L. cremeiporus</i>. In <i>L. versisporus</i>, all essential amino acids were detected except for methionine. Glucan analysis demonstrated substantial β-glucan contents, with <i>L. versisporus</i> exhibiting 25.7% and <i>L. cremeiporus</i> strains ranging from 15.1% to 34.8%. Total glucan content reached up to 40.7% in <i>L. versisporus</i> and 39.3% in certain <i>L. cremeiporus</i> strains. These findings would enhance taxonomic understanding of <i>Laetiporus</i> in Korea and establish the nutritional potential of <i>Laetiporus</i> as functional food ingredients and alternative protein sources.