ATHENS, Sept. 15 (Xinhua) -- Greek scientists have managed to cultivate in Greece a type of Chinese mushroom, the Lentinula Edodes, which is known for thousands of years and which has anti-cancer qualities and protects people from heart illnesses.

They have secured a patent, as the scientists managed to grow the mushroom in less than five months, at the time when it takes two years for it to grow when the classical method is used.

The scientists are now seeking an investor so as to proceed in the mushroom's industrial cultivation in Greece.

This type of mushroom, which is considered a panacea in China from the Ming dynasty era (1300-1400) and is used for the cure of the common cold and the combating of microbes in the intestine, contains Lentinan, which has anti-cancer qualities.

The disclosure was made by the director of the Biotechnology Institute, Kleanthis Israilidis, during a conference on the theme Organic Cultivation/Nutrition, within the framework of the 71st Thessaloniki International Fair. Enditem