Abstract

Scleroderma, commonly known as “False truffles”, is a sapotrophic-ectomycorrhizal fungus known as a poisonous puffball mushroom, displays interesting medicinal properties, and some species are traditionally consumed in different countries. This paper aims to synthesize and assess the distribution, edibility, ectomycorrhizal, cultivation, mycochemical, and bioactivities of Scleroderma mushrooms. In this review, a total of 73 species were recorded and studied, and Scleroderma citrinum was the most extensively studied and distributed in 16 countries. Significantly, Brazil and Mexico have the highest diversity of Scleroderma, with 21 identified species. The Scleroderma species, which has been reportedly edible in some countries, has a significant impact on socio-economic growth. Ecologically, Scleroderma mushrooms have ectomycorrhizal characteristics, which significantly increase plant health. Moreover, Scleroderma mushrooms are reported to be a source of bioactive compounds, and the most commonly detected are triterpenoids. This group of metabolites exhibits a range of biological activities such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, cytotoxicity, and antiprotozoan properties. These bioactivities highlight the potency of Scleroderma species as promising sources of therapeutic agents, despite existing limitations in cultivation and edibility. Furthermore, this review offers an in-depth examination and documentation of Scleroderma species, focusing on their ecological importance and exploring their prospective uses in medicine, bioremediation, environmental sustainability, and the eventual development of Scleroderma-based products.