Mushrooms in medicine.

Fungi have played an important role as food, medicine, poison and for religious and other purposes in the life of man since prehistoric times. The role in medicine of higher (macro-)fungi in different countries from early historic times through the Middle Ages until now and also their prospective use in the future is described. Significant changes in the use of fungi for medical purposes are shown and some current and future trends are exemplified. Throughout the review, the role of Czechoslovak scientists in this field, starting from taxonomy and ending in the production of beneficial drugs from fungi is indicated.