Laboratory studies conducted on rodents have shown that edible morel polysaccharides have antitumor (ethanol extract), immunomodulatory, antiviral and restorative activities. The methanol extract of fruit bodies has antioxidant properties.

In Chinese medicine, it is used for indigestion, copious sputum and shortness of breath. In Russia, it is used in folk medicine for the treatment of pulmonary and gastrointestinal diseases, for joint diseases, rheumatism, tincture from morel caps was rubbed into sore spots. A decoction of morels is used to stimulate appetite, enhance the activity of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as as a tonic, regulating the flow of vital energy and a complex health remedy. To prepare a decoction in 250 ml of water, boil 1 tablespoon of fresh or dry morels for 30 minutes, insist for 4 hours and filter. Take 50 ml 4 times a day 10-15 minutes before meals.

Oral use in the proportion of 1 mg per 1 kg of weight led to a decrease in the volume of the tumor by 74.1% and a decrease in weight by 79.1% over 30 days of the course. A 50% ethanol extract of the mycelial culture of M. esculenta showed activity against Dalton’s lymphoma.

 

Methanol extract of mycelium showed high antioxidant activity. When compared with common antioxidants — ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol and BHA (butylhydroxyanisole) — it was 36.9%, 80.5% and 98.1%, respectively.A 50% ethanol extract of M. esculenta mycelium grown in a semi-submerged culture has shown efficacy against acute inflammation caused by the use of carrageenan and chronic inflammation induced by formalin. A single oral application of the extract at the rate of 500 mg per 1 kg of weight led to a reduction in the zone of acute inflammation by 66.6% and chronic by 64.2%. Such activity is comparable to the action of the best modern anti-inflammatory drugs, for example, diclofenac.