Here's why:
* Harmful to plants: Smut fungi are known for causing diseases in plants, primarily cereals like corn, wheat, and barley. This damage can lead to significant crop losses.
* Lack of medicinal properties: There's no scientific evidence suggesting smuts possess any medicinal properties that could be beneficial to humans.
* Potential toxicity: Some fungi can produce toxins, and it's important to be cautious about using any fungi without proper knowledge and expert guidance.
However, it's crucial to remember that:
* Fungal research is ongoing: Scientists are constantly exploring the potential uses of fungi in medicine and other fields. It's possible that future research might uncover beneficial properties in certain types of smuts.
* Medicinal fungi exist: Many other fungi, like *Ganoderma lucidum* (reishi mushroom) and *Cordyceps militaris*, are used in traditional medicine and have been studied for their potential medicinal properties.
If you are interested in learning more about medicinal fungi, I recommend consulting with a healthcare professional or researching reputable sources like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or the American Botanical Council.