Try not to throw up!!!

dimorphic basidiomycete fungus (Ustilaginaceae — smut family) that parasitizes maize (corn/Zea mays), inducing tumor-like galls on ears, stems, and leaves. the galls, initially grey-white then turning black as spores mature, are the prized product you eat.

native to Mesoamerica where it has been consumed since pre-Columbian times; named in Aztec Nahuatl, documented by Aztec healers, and continuously consumed in Mexico from those times to today.

huitlacoche is an excellent source of protein, dietary fiber, fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins. scientific evidence shows extracts or compounds have antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, antiplatelet, and dopaminergic properties.

dopaminergic properties confirmed from scientific evidence. dopaminergic activity in an edible fungus is rare and has potential relevance to mood, motivation, and possibly Parkinson's-adjacent neuroprotection.

compared to other edible fungi, huitlacoche has higher content of bioactive compounds with antitumoral activities such as β-glucans, serving as a viable functional food candidate. the β-glucan fraction activates NK cells and macrophages through Dectin-1 receptor signaling. antitumor activity documented in vitro for multiple cancer cell lines.

the phenolic fraction reduces DNA mutagenesis in standard Ames test assays — relevant for cancer prevention at the DNA damage initiation stage.

antioxidant compounds improves during digestion rather than degrading.

medicinal properties include antihypertensive, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic.

vaccine platform / biotechnology

an edible food organism being developed as an oral vaccine delivery platform.
engineered to assess expression and immunogenicity of the B subunit of cholera toxin — an oligomeric CTB recombinant protein expressed in corn smut galls at levels up to 1.3 mg/g dry weight. mice orally immunized showed significant humoral responses correlated with protection against cholera toxin challenge. demonstrates feasibility of using edible corn smut as a safe, effective, low-cost platform for oral subunit vaccines.

ustilospores mixed with oil used as medicament to soften and soothe baby's skin after irritation.

Mexico still eats it in quesadillas, and French chefs charge $40 for it.

Historically, Native American tribes used it to induce labor, and in homeopathy, it is used to manage heavy menstrual bleeding and symptoms of menopause.

In pre-. Hispanic times these were used to cure diseases of a spiritual nature such as the evil eye and witchcraft practices.