Medicinal Use of Ustilago maydis:
Chemical Constituents
• Proteinase pumA and pumB, aminopeptidase
pumAPE, and dipeptidylaminopeptidase
pumDAP.
The fungus is believed to prevent or cure
hepatic or gastroenteric ulcers and relieve constipation.
The spore powder is combined with
brown sugar and used in cases of neurasthenia
and infantile malnutrition.
A tincture is used to treat poor circulation to
the brain, dizziness, impaired vision, and dull
headaches at the top of the head. It is made
with one part fresh fungus to ten parts 40 percent
alcohol.
Ustilagic acid has been found to inhibit Candida
albicans. The fungus inhibited the growth
of sarcoma 180 in mice trials (Gregory et al.
1966).
Water extracts inhibit sarcoma 180 in white
mice (Ohtsuka et aI. 1973).