The antioxidant potential of different edible and medicinal mushrooms

Low-Molecular-Weight Peptides Prepared from Hypsizygus marmoreus Exhibit Strong Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities

Hypsizygus marmoreus has abundant proteins and is a potential source for the development of bioactive peptides. However, currently, the research on the bioactive components of H. marmoreus mainly focuses on polysaccharides, and there is no relevant research on the preparation of bioactive peptides. In this article, an ultrasound-assisted extraction method was used to extract proteins from H. marmoreus, and then, four peptides with different molecular weight ranges were prepared through protease hydrolysis and molecular classification. The antioxidant and antibacterial activities were also studied. Under the optimal conditions, the extraction rate of H. marmoreus proteins was 53.6%. Trypsin exhibited the highest hydrolysis rate of H. marmoreus proteins. The optimal parameters for enzymatic hydrolysis were a substrate concentration of 3.7%, enzyme addition of 5700 U/g, pH value of 7, extraction temperature of 55 °C, and time of 3.3 h. Under these conditions, the peptide yield was 59.7%. The four types of H. marmoreus peptides were prepared by molecular weight grading. Among them, peptides with low molecular weight (<1 kDa) had stronger antioxidant and antibacterial activities. This study provides a theoretical basis for the efficient preparation of H. marmoreus peptides and the development of antioxidant and antibacterial peptide products.

Antioxidant capacity of Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq.) P. Kumm influenced by growth substrates

Functional constituents are the main concern in food production and consumption. Because foods rich in functional constituents have antioxidant capacity and are important in keeping consumers healthy. Pleurotus ostreatus is among foods rich in functional constituents. However, its functional constituents are affected by various factors. This study compared the antioxidant capacity of P. ostreatus grown on different substrates: straws of tef (Trt1), barley (Trt2), and wheat (Trt3), husks of faba bean (Trt4), and field pea (Trt5), sawdust (Trt6), and the mixture of the above with 1:1 w/w (Trt7). Trt7 had significantly higher radical scavenging activity (RSA) (73.27%), vitamin C (10.61 mg/100 g), and vitamin D (4.92 mg/100 g) compared to other treatments. Whereas the lowest values of RSA (44.24%), vitamin C (5.39 mg/100 g), and vitamin D (1.21 mg/100 g) were found in Trt2. The results indicated that mixed substrate may be a good growth substrate for functionally beneficial P. ostreatus and could be a promising source of natural antioxidants.

Metabolomic Profiling of Floccularia luteovirens from Different Geographical Regions Proposes a Novel Perspective on Their Antioxidative Activities

Floccularia luteovirens, an endemic resource of the Tibetan Plateau, possesses significant medicinal and ecological values. However, the understanding of antioxidant capacity and metabolic profiling of F. luteovirens from diverse regions remains elusive due to limited resources. Therefore, to comprehensively comprehend the antioxidant capacity and metabolite diversity of F. luteovirens, we conducted a rounded analysis of its antioxidant capacity from three distinct regions using both untargeted and targeted metabolomics. Determination of antioxidant indices, such as ferric ion-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), total phenolic content (TPC), and flavonoid content (FC), revealed the robust antioxidant capacity of F. luteovirens. QL F. luteovirens (QLFL) exhibited no significant difference compared to ZD F. luteovirens (ZDFL); however, both were significantly distinct from XH F. luteovirens (XHFL) across multiple indices. Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between FRAP and flavonoid content. A total of 5782 metabolites were identified and chemically classified. Metabolites of F. luteovirens varied significantly at different regions and eight key differential metabolites were screened. Phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, phenylalanine metabolism, and cyanoamino acid metabolism were the main different regulatory pathways. Consequently, the disparities in the antioxidant activity of F. luteovirens may primarily be ascribed to the biosynthesis and metabolism of phenylalanine, while vanillic acid could potentially serve as a pivotal metabolite influencing the antioxidative capacity of F. luteovirens by targeted metabolomics. These findings enhance our understanding of the composition of F. luteovirens and provide valuable resources for its comprehensive utilization and targeted development.

Antioxidant proficiency in Serbian mushrooms: a comparative study on Hydnum repandum L. 1753 from mycorrhizal and edible niches

This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant potential of autochthonous Hydnum repandum through LC-MS/MS profiling, total phenolic content (TP), total protein content (TPR), and antioxidant capabilities (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays) across various extracts (CHCl3, acetone, 70% EtOH, 80% MeOH, and hot water). LC-MS/MS analysis revealed a predominant presence of quinic acid in polar solvents (ranging from 531.37 to 676.07 ng/mL), while EtOH and MeOH extracts exhibited elevated total phenolic levels (27.44 ± 0.32 and 28.29 ± 3.62 mg GAE/g d.w., respectively). Impressively, H. repandum showcased remarkable antioxidant properties, as evidenced by its FRAP values (57.29 to 199.96 mg AAE/g d.w.), ABTS values (5.69 to 29.95 mg TE/g d.w.), and IC50 values in the DPPH assay (91.40 to 372.55 μg/mL), which exhibited a strong correlation with TP. Notably, the acetone extract exhibited the most robust antioxidant activity where the highest TPR was observed, suggesting synergism of primary and secondary metabolites.

Preparation, Isolation and Antioxidant Function of Peptides from a New Resource of Rumexpatientia L. ×Rumextianshanicus A. Los

Rumexpatientia L. ×Rumextianshanicus A. Los (RRL), known as "protein grass" in China, was recognized as a new food ingredient in 2021. However, the cultivation and product development of RRL are still at an early stage, and no peptide research has been reported. In this study, two novel antioxidant peptides, LKPPF and LPFRP, were purified and identified from RRL and applied to H2O2-induced HepG2 cells to investigate their antioxidant properties. It was shown that 121 peptides were identified by ultrafiltration, gel filtration chromatography, and LC-MS/MS, while computer simulation and molecular docking indicated that LKPPF and LPFRP may have strong antioxidant properties. Both peptides were not cytotoxic to HepG2 cells at low concentrations and promoted cell growth, which effectively reduced the production of intracellular ROS and MDA, and increased cell viability and the enzymatic activities of SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT. Therefore, LKPPF and LPFRP, two peptides, possess strong antioxidant activity, which provides a theoretical basis for their potential as food additives or functional food supplements, but still need to be further investigated through animal models as well as cellular pathways.

The function and application of edible fungal polysaccharides

Edible fungi, commonly known as mushrooms, are precious medicinal and edible homologous gifts from nature to us. Edible fungal polysaccharides (EFPs) are a variety of bioactive macromolecular which isolated from fruiting bodies, mycelia or fermentation broths of edible or medicinal fungus. Increasing researches have confirmed that EFPs possess multiple biological activities both in vitro and in vivo settings, including antioxidant, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anti-tumor, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and regulating intestinal flora activities. As a result, they have emerged as a prominent focus in the healthcare, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Fungal EFPs have safe, non-toxic, biodegradable, and biocompatible properties with low immunogenicity, bioadhesion ability, and antibacterial activities, presenting diverse potential applications in the food industries, cosmetic, biomedical, packaging, and new materials. Moreover, varying raw materials, extraction, purification, chemical modification methods, and culture conditions can result in variances in the structure and biological activities of EFPs. The purpose of this review is to provide comprehensively and systematically organized information on the structure, modification, biological activities, and potential applications of EFPs to support their therapeutic effects and health functions. This review provides new insights and a theoretical basis for prospective investigations and advancements in EFPs in fields such as medicine, food, and new materials.

Alsayegh A, Ahmad FA, Akhtar MS, Alavudeen SS, Bantun F, Wahab S, Ahmed A, Ali M, Elbendary EY, Raposo A, Kambal N, H. Abdelrahman M. Ganoderma lucidum: Insight into antimicrobial and antioxidant properties with development of secondary metabolites

Ganoderma lucidum is a versatile mushroom. Polysaccharides and triterpenoids are the major bioactive compounds and have been used as traditional medicinal mushrooms since ancient times. They are currently used as nutraceuticals and functional foods. G. lucidum extracts and their bioactive compounds have been used as an alternative to antioxidants and antimicrobial agents. Secondary metabolites with many medicinal properties make it a possible substitute that could be applied as immunomodulatory, anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic. The miraculous properties of secondary metabolites fascinate researchers for their development and production. Recent studies have paid close attention to the different physical, genetic, biochemical, and nutritional parameters that potentiate the production of secondary metabolites. This review is an effort to collect biologically active constituents from G. lucidum that reveal potential actions against diseases with the latest improvement in a novel technique to get maximum production of secondary metabolites. Studies are going ahead to determine the efficacy of numerous compounds and assess the valuable properties achieved by G. lucidum in favor of antimicrobial and antioxidant outcomes.

Microbial Inoculation during the Short-Term Composting Process Enhances the Nutritional and Functional Properties of Oyster Mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus)

In recent years, short-term composting techniques have been widely applied in oyster mushroom cultivation, but there is still a lack of systematic research on their impact on the nutritional and functional properties of fruiting bodies. In this study, the microbial inoculant Streptomyces thermoviolaceus BUA-FM01 (ST) was applied in the short-term composting process for oyster mushroom cultivation. The agronomic traits, nutritional composition, flavor compounds, and antioxidant activity of fruiting bodies from the first three flushes were evaluated. The results show that microbial inoculation significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the total carbon content and C/N ratio of the composted substrates and, furthermore, increased the total yield of the fruiting bodies. Moreover, microbial inoculation significantly (p < 0.05) increased the crude protein, crude polysaccharide, total amino acid, and essential amino acid contents of the fruiting bodies. The fruiting bodies of the first flush of ST treatment possessed the highest umami amino acid content and equivalent umami concentration value. Furthermore, microbial inoculation significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced the scavenging ability of crude polysaccharides toward free radicals. The results indicate that microbial inoculation has many benefits for the composting cultivating process of oyster mushrooms and good application prospects.

Environmental damages, cumulative exergy demand, and economic assessment of Panus giganteus farming with the application of solar technology

The use of photovoltaic (PV) technology in agricultural production can mitigate the environmental impacts of mushroom farming. However, changes in the environmental impacts and economic benefits of the application of PV technology are still unclear. Thus, we evaluated the environmental impacts, energy flow, and economic aspects of mushroom (Panus giganteus) farming systems without solar PV (WS) technology and with PV technology from the generation of substrate materials through harvesting. In addition to a 27 % increase in terrestrial ecotoxicity, P. giganteus farming with PV technology reduced all impact categories by 4-60 %, with a 60 % reduction in CO2 emissions and a 25 % reduction in land resources. These findings highlight the importance of combining PV technology with mushroom farming in agricultural carbon reduction and the efficient use of land resources. In terms of the climate change impact, the PV system reduced CO2 emissions by 2.94 kg CO2 eq./kg of mushrooms compared with the WS system, wherein the aspects of substrate transformation, spawn running, and cultivation were reduced by 78.27-89.91 %. The cumulative exergy demand (CExD) analysis showed that P. giganteus farming combined with PV technology reduced the total CExD by 48 %. With the application of PV technology, the top contributor to the total CExD of mushroom farming shifted from electricity to transportation throughout the supply chain. The PV system reduced costs by 22.09 % and increased the total revenue by 22 % and the cost-benefit ratio by 50 %. Halving the transportation distances of substrate materials and performing localized substitution of wood chips resulted in a 3-34 % reduction in the environmental impacts category and a 23-30 % reduction in nonrenewable fossil energy consumption. These results showed that improvements helped optimize the environmental performance in terms of carbon reduction and energy mixing. Thus, combining PV technology with greenhouse mushroom farming can improve trends in energy and environmental damage.

A comprehensive review of the application of ultrasonication in the production and processing of edible mushrooms: Drying, extraction of bioactive compounds, and post-harvest preservation

Edible mushrooms are high in nutrients, low in calories, and contain bioactive substances; thus, they are a valuable food source. However, the high moisture content of edible mushrooms not only restricts their storage and transportation after harvesting, but also leads to a shorter processable cycle, production and processing limitations, and a high risk of deterioration. In recent years, ultrasonic technology has been widely applied to various food production operations, including product cleaning, post-harvest preservation, freezing and thawing, emulsifying, and drying. This paper reviews applications of ultrasonic technology in the production and processing of edible mushrooms in recent years. The effects of ultrasonic technology on the drying, extraction of bioactive substances, post-harvest preservation, shelf life/preservation, freezing and thawing, and frying of edible mushrooms are discussed. In summary, the application of ultrasonic technology in the edible mushroom industry has a positive effect and promotes the development of this industry.

Investigation of Antioxidant Activity, Myco-Chemical Content, and GC-MS Based Molecular Docking Analysis of Bioactive Chemicals from Amanita konajensis (Agaricomycetes), a Tribal Myco-Food from India

In humans, a wide range of health disorders have been induced due to an imbalanced metabolism and an excess generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Different biological properties found in mushrooms seem to be the reason for their customary use as a favourite delicacy. Therefore, exploration of wild edible mushrooms as a source of various biological compounds is gaining much importance today. Amanita konajensis, one of the underutilized macrofungi popularly consumed in Eastern India, demands a systematic study of its medicinal values. The study aims to explore the myco-chemical contents of A. konajensis ethanolic extract (EtAK1) and screen their antioxidant potency through various in vitro assays. GC-MS analysis identified the chemical components of EtAK1. Further, structure-based virtual screening of the identified compounds was analysed for drug-like properties and molecular docking with the human p38 MAPK protein, a potent targeting pathway for human lung cancer. The morpho-molecular features proved the authenticity of the collected mushroom. The screening assays showed that EtAK1 was abundant in flavonoids, followed by phenolics, β-carotene, and lycopene, and had strong antioxidant activity with EC50 values of 640-710 μg/mL. The GC-MS analyses of EtAK1 identified the occurrence of 19 bioactive compounds in the mushroom. In silico analysis revealed that anthraergostatetraenol p-chlorobenzoate, one of the compounds identified, displayed high binding affinity (ΔG = -10.6 kcal/mol) with human p38 MAPK. The outcome of this study will pave the way for the invention of myco-medicine using A. konajensis, which may lead to a novel drug for human lung cancer.

A New Edible Wild Mushroom Species, Panus sribuabanensis (Panaceae, Polyporales) from Northern Thailand and Its Nutritional Composition, Total Phenolic Content, and Antioxidant Activity

A new edible wild mushroom species, described herein as Panus sribuabanensis, was collected from local markets and natural forests located in northern Thailand. This species is characterized by its medium to large-sized basidiomata, broadly ellipsoid to ellipsoid-shaped basidiospores, dimitic hyphal system, and the absence of hyphal pegs. A molecular phylogenetic analysis of combined the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and large subunit (nrLSU) of nuclear ribosomal DNA sequences supported the monophyly of P. sribuabanensis as a distinct lineage within the genus Panus. Full description, illustrations, color photographs, and a phylogenetic tree to show the placement of P. sribuabanensis are provided. The dried mushroom showed a nutritional composition within the range of 2.58%-2.67% for fat content, 27.10%-27.98% for protein, and 43.97%-44.10% for carbohydrates. The ethanolic extracts from this mushroom exhibited a total phenolic content ranging from 0.66 to 0.74 mg GAE/g dry weight (dw). Moreover, the antioxidant activities of ethanolic extracts evaluated by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (0.90-1.08 mg TE/g dw) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (0.93-1.08 mg TE/g dw) assays demonstrate higher activity compared to the 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assay (0.44-0.51 mg TE/g dw). The outcomes of this study provide significant information on the nutritional value, phenolic content, and antioxidant activity potential of this new mushroom species discovered in northern Thailand.

The Impact of Palliative Care on Mitigating Pain and Its Associated Effects in Determining Quality of Life among Colon Cancer Outpatients

Pain continues to be a significant problem for cancer patients, and the impact of a population-based strategy on their experiences is not completely understood. Our study aimed to determine the impact of palliative care on mitigating pain and its associated effects in determining the quality of life (QoL) among colon cancer outpatients. Six collection databases were used to perform a structured systematic review of the available literature, considering all papers published between the year 2000 and February 2023. PRISMA guidelines were adopted in our study, and a total of 9792 papers were evaluated. However, only 126 articles met the inclusion criteria. A precise diagnosis of disruptive colorectal cancer (CRC) pain disorders among patients under palliative care is necessary to mitigate it and its associated effects, enhance health, promote life expectancy, increase therapeutic responsiveness, and decrease comorbidity complications. Physical activities, the use of validated pain assessment tools, remote outpatient education and monitoring, chemotherapeutic pain reduction strategies, music and massage therapies, and bridging social isolation gaps are essential in enhancing QoL. We recommend and place a strong emphasis on the adoption of online training/or coaching programs and the integration of formal and informal palliative care systems for maximum QoL benefits among CRC outpatients.

Wild Mushrooms: Potential Natural Sources of Antioxidant and Anti-Quorum Sensing Bioactive Compounds for Medical Applications

Objective

This study was aimed at determining the antioxidant, anti-quorum sensing, and in vitro cytotoxic activities of five wild mushroom extracts.

Methods

Wild mushrooms of Auricularia auricula-judae, Termitomyces umkowaani, Trametes elegans, Trametes versicolor, and Microporus xanthopus were collected from Arabuko-Sokoke and Kakamega National Forests, in Kenya. Specimens were identified and extracted using chloroform (CHL), 70% ethanol (Eth), and hot water (HW) solvents. Antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of the extracts were determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Vero cell lines, respectively, while anti-quorum sensing activities were tested against Chromobacterium violaceum. All data were compared using relevant descriptive and inferential statistics at a significance level of p ≤ 0.05.

Results

A total of 35 wild mushrooms were collected, identified, and classified into 14 genera. Among screened mycochemicals, fatty acids, flavonoids, polyphenols, and saponins were detected at higher concentrations. The highest free radical scavenging activities of A. auricula-judae, T. umkowaani, T. elegans, and T. versicolor were observed in 70% Eth extract with the percentage values of 76.40 ± 0.12%, 68.40 ± 0.01%, 62.40 ± 0.07%, and 66.40 ± 0.04%, respectively, whereas the HW extract of Microporus xanthopus showed free radical scavenging activity at 65.90 ± 0.02%. None of the extracts, at the tested concentrations (up to 1000 µg/mL), had shown cytotoxic activity against the Vero cell line. The HW extract of T. umkowaani and the 70% Eth extract of T. versicolor showed a statistically significant difference in the inhibitory activity of violacein production against C. violaceum at the concentration of 200 µg/mL.

Conclusions

The antioxidant activity of wild mushrooms can help to tackle the diseases caused by free radicals. The anti-quorum sensing potential of wild mushrooms could also provide future alternatives to conventional drug therapies cost-effectively. Further detailed chemistry of the bioactive compounds and their possible mechanisms of action responsible for the observed antioxidant and anti-quorum sensing activities are needed.

Insights into the Chemical Compositions and Health Promoting Effects of Wild Edible Mushroom Chroogomphus rutilus

Chroogomphus rutilus is an edible mushroom that has been an important food source since ancient times. It is increasingly sought after for its unique flavor and medicinal value. It is one of the most important wild mushrooms for its medicinal and economic value. C. rutilus contains a variety of active ingredients such as vitamins, proteins, minerals, polysaccharides, and phenolics. C. rutilus and its active compounds have significant anti-oxidant, anti-tumor, immunomodulatory, anti-fatigue, hypoglycemic, gastroprotective, hypolipemic, and neuronal protective properties. This paper summarizes the fungal chemical compositions and health-promoting effects of C. rutilus by collecting the literature on the role of C. rutilus through its active ingredients from websites such as Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science. Current research on C. rutilus is limited to the cellular and animal levels, and further clinical trials are needed to conduct and provide theoretical support for further development.

Lentinula edodes Sing Polysaccharide: Extraction, Characterization, Bioactivities, and Emulsifying Applications

In the present work, the optimization of extraction, emulsifying properties, and biological activities of polysaccharides from Lentinula edodes Sing (LES) were studied. The results showed LES polysaccharides extracted by hot water or ultrasonication are a group of β-glucan. Among all the samples, the one extracted by hot water showed the best emulsifying capacity. In addition, the results demonstrated that LES polysaccharide had strong scavenging activities in vitro on DPPH and ABTS radicals, which reached the highest level for the one extracted by 90 min ultrasonication (p < 0.05). Overall, Lentinula edodes Sing polysaccharides (LESPs) may have potential applications as emulsifying agents in food industries.

Hericium coralloides Ameliorates Alzheimer's Disease Pathologies and Cognitive Disorders by Activating Nrf2 Signaling and Regulating Gut Microbiota

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is prone to onset and progression under oxidative stress conditions. Hericium coralloides (HC) is an edible medicinal fungus that contains various nutrients and possesses antioxidant properties. In the present study, the nutritional composition and neuroprotective effects of HC on APP/PS1 mice were examined. Behavioral experiments showed that HC improved cognitive dysfunction in APP/PS1 mice. Immunohistochemical and Western blotting results showed that HC reduced the levels of p-tau and amyloid-β deposition in the brain. By altering the composition of the gut microbiota, HC promoted the growth of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria and suppressed the growth of Helicobacter. Metabolomic results showed that HC decreased D-glutamic acid and oxidized glutathione levels. In addition, HC reduced the levels of reactive oxygen species, enhanced the secretion of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, inhibited the production of malondialdehyde and 4-hydroxynonenal, and activated the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway. Collectively, HC demonstrated antioxidant activity by activating Nrf2 signaling and regulating gut microbiota, further exerting neuroprotective effects. This study confirms that HC has the potential to be a clinically effective AD therapeutic agent and offers a theoretical justification for both the development and use of this fungus.

Nutritional Assessment of Lactarius drassinus and L. controversus from the Cold Desert Region of the Northwest Himalayas for Their Potential as Food Supplements

Kargil is a cold desert with hostile ecological conditions such as low temperature and precipitation, as well as difficult terrains. However, several wild mushrooms thrive well under such an extreme environment. Despite their abundance, the chemical composition of indigenous mushrooms has not been explored. This study aimed to assess the potential of two wild edible mushrooms from Kargil, Lactarius drassinus and Lactarius controversus, as food supplements by evaluating their nutritional and nutraceutical properties. Nutritional attributes such as total protein, available carbohydrates, soluble sugars, and vitamins were found to be high in the mushroom species. Furthermore, high mineral accumulation and relatively lower antinutrient concentrations resulted in higher bioavailabilities of Zn, Fe, Ca, and Mg. Gas-chromatography-mass-spectrometry-based metabolite profiling revealed that although the two mushroom species showed similar metabolite compositions, their relative concentrations differed. Sugars were the predominant compounds identified in both the species, with sugar alcohols being the major contributor. The second most abundant class of compound in L. drassinus was amino acids, with 5-oxoproline as the major contributor. On the other hand, fatty acids were the second most abundant compounds in L. controversus, with high oleic and linoleic acid concentrations. In the ultra-performance-liquid-chromatography-based quantification of phenolic compounds, chlorogenic acid was found to be highest in in terms of its concentration in both the mushrooms studied, followed by quercetin dihydrate and gallic acid in L. drassinus and L. controversus, respectively. Moreover, high antioxidant activities attributable to their high phenol, flavonoid, and carotenoid concentrations were observed. Overall, the two mushrooms offer well-balanced sources of nutritional and nutraceutical compounds, making them healthy foods.

Medicinal Characteristics of Withania somnifera L. in Colorectal Cancer Management

Research into tumorigenic pathways can aid in the development of more efficient cancer therapies and provide insight into the physiological regulatory mechanisms employed by rapidly proliferating cancer cells. Due to the severe side effects of cancer chemotherapeutic medications, plant chemicals and their analogues are now explored more frequently for the treatment and prevention of colorectal cancer (CRC), opening the stage for new phytotherapeutic strategies that are considered effective and safe substitutes. Our study aimed to evaluate the medicinal properties of Withania somnifera L. and its safety applications in CRC management. Important databases were rigorously searched for relevant literature, and only 82 full-text publications matched the inclusion requirements from a massive collection of 10,002 titles and abstracts. W. somnifera L. contains a high concentration of active plant-based compounds. The pharmacological activity of the plant from our study has been demonstrated to exert antiproliferation, upregulation of apoptosis, decrease in oxidative stress, downregulation of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), induction of targeted cytotoxic effects on cancerous cells, and exertion of both antiangiogenesis and antimigratory effects. We advise further research before recommending W. somnifera L. for clinical use to identify the optimal concentrations required to elicit beneficial effects in CRC management in humans, singly or in combination.

Multiple Metabolites Derived from Mushrooms and Their Beneficial Effect on Alzheimer's Diseases

Mushrooms with edible and medicinal potential have received widespread attention because of their diverse biological functions, nutritional value, and delicious taste, which are closely related to their rich active components. To date, many bioactive substances have been identified and purified from mushrooms, including proteins, carbohydrates, phenols, and vitamins. More importantly, molecules derived from mushrooms show great potential to alleviate the pathological manifestations of Alzheimer's disease (AD), which seriously affects the health of elderly people. Compared with current therapeutic strategies aimed at symptomatic improvement, it is particularly important to identify natural products from resource-rich mushrooms that can modify the progression of AD. This review summarizes recent investigations of multiple constituents (carbohydrates, peptides, phenols, etc.) isolated from mushrooms to combat AD. In addition, the underlying molecular mechanisms of mushroom metabolites against AD are discussed. The various mechanisms involved in the antiAD activities of mushroom metabolites include antioxidant and anti-neuroinflammatory effects, apoptosis inhibition, and stimulation of neurite outgrowth, etc. This information will facilitate the application of mushroom-derived products in the treatment of AD. However, isolation of new metabolites from multiple types of mushrooms and further in vivo exploration of the molecular mechanisms underlying their antiAD effect are still required.

Pharmacotherapeutic Potential of Aloe secundiflora against Colorectal Cancer Growth and Proliferation

Aloe species are widespread and diverse in African ecosystems, and this commonly correlates to their habitual use as reservoirs of herbal medicine. The side effects associated with chemotherapy and the development of antimicrobial resistance to empirically used antimicrobial drugs are substantial, paving the way for novel phytotherapeutic approaches. This comprehensive study aimed to evaluate and present Aloe secundiflora (A. secundiflora) as a compelling alternative with potential benefits in colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment. Important databases were systematically searched for relevant literature, and out of a large collection of 6421 titles and abstracts, only 68 full-text articles met the inclusion criteria. A. secundiflora possesses an abundant presence of bioactive phytoconstituents in the leaves and roots, including anthraquinones, naphthoquinones, phenols, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, and flavonoids, among others. These metabolites have proven diverse efficacy in inhibiting cancer growth. The presence of innumerable biomolecules in A. secundiflora signifies the beneficial effects of incorporating the plant as a potential anti-CRC agent. Nonetheless, we recommend further research to determine the optimal concentrations necessary to elicit beneficial effects in the management of CRC. Furthermore, they should be investigated as potential raw ingredients for making conventional medications.

Antioxidant Compounds from Edible Mushrooms as Potential Candidates for Treating Age-Related Neurodegenerative Diseases

The last century has seen an increase in our life expectancy. As a result, various age-related diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), have emerged, representing new challenges to society. Oxidative stress (OS), a condition of redox imbalance resulting from excessive production of reactive oxygen species, represents a common feature that characterizes the brains of elderly people, thus contributing to NDs. Consequently, antioxidant supplementation or dietary intake of antioxidant-containing foods could represent an effective preventive and therapeutic intervention to maintain the integrity and survival of neurons and to counteract the neurodegenerative pathologies associated with aging. Food contains numerous bioactive molecules with beneficial actions for human health. To this purpose, a wide range of edible mushrooms have been reported to produce different antioxidant compounds such as phenolics, flavonoids, polysaccharides, vitamins, carotenoids, ergothioneine, and others, which might be used for dietary supplementation to enhance antioxidant defenses and, consequently, the prevention of age-related neurological diseases. In this review, we summarized the role of oxidative stress in age-related NDs, focusing on the current knowledge of the antioxidant compounds present in edible mushrooms, and highlighting their potential to preserve healthy aging by counteracting age-associated NDs.

Bioprospecting the Biological Effects of Cultivating Pleurotus ostreatus Mushrooms from Selected Agro-Wastes and Maize Flour Supplements

Pleurotus mushrooms are valuable food supplements with health and environmental restorative potential. In this paper, we sought to evaluate the biological activities and profile the bioactive compounds found in Pleurotus ostreatus cultivated from agro-waste supplemented with maize flour. We investigated carbon to nitrogen (C/N), antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antimalarial potential for the varying supplementation during mushroom cultivation. GCMS was utilized for screening bioactive compounds found in P. ostreatus. Changes in supplementation directly correlate with changes in compound profiling. Nonetheless, some compounds were found to be common amongst the tested mushrooms, including pentadecanoic acid; 9,12-octadecadienoic acid, methyl ester; pentadecanoic acid, methyl ester; octadecanoic acid; and diisooctyl phthalate. The highest antimicrobial potential against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus was observed when maize flour supplements were increased to 12% and 18%. Our data demonstrated that the observed antioxidant (DPPH, ABTS, and reducing power) and antimicrobial activity could emanate from various supplementation conditions. Furthermore, supplementation has an impact on the mushroom yield and phytochemical profiles of the produced mushroom.

Golden Chanterelle or a Gold Mine? Metabolites from Aqueous Extracts of Golden Chanterelle (Cantharellus cibarius) and Their Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activities

Cantharellus cibarius, the golden chanterelle, is the second most-collected wild edible mushroom in Europe and very frequently harvested in Croatia. Wild mushrooms have been considered a healthy food since ancient times and are today highly valued for their beneficial nutritional as well as medicinal properties. Since golden chanterelle is added to different food products to improve their nutritive value, we studied the chemical profile of aqueous extracts of golden chanterelle (at 25 °C and 70 °C) and their antioxidant and cytotoxic activities. Malic acid, pyrogallol and oleic acid were some of the main compounds identified by GC-MS from derivatized extract. p-Hydroxybenzoic acid, protocatechuic acid and gallic acid were the most abundant phenolics quantitatively determined by HPLC, with somewhat higher amounts for samples extracted at 70 °C. Antioxidant activity was determined by ferric reducing antioxidant power assay and oxygen radical absorption method, and the highest results were recorded for golden chanterelle extracted at 70 °C, being 41.54 ± 1.54 and 38.72 ± 2.47 µM TE/L, respectively. Aqueous extract at 25 °C showed the better response against human breast adenocarcinoma MDA-MB-231 (IC₅₀ = 375µg/mL). Our results confirm the beneficial effect of golden chanterelle even under aqueous extraction conditions and highlight its significance as a dietary supplement and in the development of new beverage products.

Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Cytotoxicity and DNA Protective Properties of the Pink Oyster Mushroom, Pleurotus djamor (Agaricomycetes)

In this study, pink oyster mushroom Pleurotus djamor was cultivated using wheat straw (WS), quinoa stalk (QS), and their mixtures (WS-QS (1:1)) as substrate and evaluated in terms of antimicrobial, antioxidant, cytotoxicity, and DNA protective effects. Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogen bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Proteus vulgaris, Streptococcus mutans, Salmonella typhi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli), dermatophyte (Trichophyton sp.) and yeast (Candida tropicalis) were used in the study. It was found to be very active against all bacteria (except S. mutans and S. typhi), and dermatophyte when compared to the control groups (8.7-33.3 mm), but low against C. tropicalis. It was seen that the best total antioxidant assay (TAS) value was 2.05 mmol/L on WS-QS (1:1). Depend on, it was determined that the total oxidant assay (TOS) value (5.26 μmol/L) in the same compost was lower than the others, and also the scavenging effect of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) was higher on WS at 25 mg/mL (84.20%). The methanol extract on WS at a concentration of 400 μg/mL, significantly reduced the percentage of viability in the human breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) cell line (2.2%). The methanol extracts on WS and QS medium were found to inhibit DNA damage induced by UV radiation and H2O2 at a concentration of 25 mg/mL. These results showed that pink oyster mushroom has benefits such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, cytotoxic, and DNA protective effects.

Nutritional qualities and antioxidant activity of Pleurotus floridanus grown on composted peach sawdust substrate with different composting time

Recently, composting cultivation method is widely used in oyster mushroom production. In this study, we focused on the effects of composting processes on nutritional qualities and antioxidant activity of Pleurotus floridanus mushroom fruiting bodies. Three treatments of different composting time (2, 4, and 5 days) were performed with an atmospheric sterilization treatment as the control. The results showed that the pH value, total carbon content, and total nitrogen content of substrate were critical parameters which would significantly affect mushroom qualities and bioactivities. Fruiting bodies of the control demonstrated significantly higher crude protein content, total amino acid content, and essential amino acid content than that of composting treatments. Moreover, fruiting bodies of treatment D4 and D5 manifested significantly higher crude polysaccharide contents. Crude polysaccharide of treatment D4 represented the highest scavenging ability toward both radical 3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS·⁺ ) and Hydroxyl radical (OH·). It suggests that composting processes is suitable for oyster mushroom cultivation based on nutritional and antioxidant qualities of fruiting bodies.

Enhanced Yield of Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activities in Four Fermented Beans of Phellinus linteus Strains (Agaricomycetes) by Solid-State Fermentation

Phellinus linteus is a famous medicinal mushroom which exhibits various biological activities. This study aimed to investigate the effects of solid-state fermentation by Ph. linteus on the yield of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities of beans. Four bean substrates were prepared and inoculated with inoculum of three strains of Ph. linteus, respectively. During the cultivation, the harvested samples were dried, grounded, extracted, and determined the contents of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities. The results indicated that the mung bean fermented by Ph. linteus 04 had the highest polysaccharide content (98.8 mg/g). The highest total phenolic and flavonoid contents were in fermented soybeans by Ph. linteus 03 (15.03 mg gallic acid equivalents/g and 63.24 mg rutin equivalents/g, respectively). The 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical scavenging activities of hot water extracts were higher than those of ethanolic extracts for fermented beans by three Ph. linteus strains. However, the superoxide anion radical scavenging ability of ethanolic extracts was higher than those of hot water extracts in the fermented beans of the three strains. The ferrous ion (Fe2+)-chelating abilities of hot water extracts were higher than those of ethanolic extracts in fermented beans by Ph. linteus 03 and 04. In contrast, ethanolic extracts were higher than hot water extracts in fermented beans by Ph. linteus 06. Overall, these results indicate that the fermentation by Ph. linteus strains increased the bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities of four beans.

Antifungal Activity of Medicinal Mushrooms and Optimization of Submerged Culture Conditions for Schizophyllum commune (Agaricomycetes)

The main goal of the present study was the exploration of the antifungal properties of Agaricomycetes mushrooms. Among twenty-three tested mushrooms against A. niger, B. cinerea, F. oxysporum, and G. bidwellii, Schizophyllum commune demonstrated highest inhibition rates and showed 35.7%, 6.5%, 50.4%, and 66.0% of growth inhibition, respectively. To reveal culture conditions enhancing the antifungal potential of Sch. commune, several carbon (lignocellulosic substrates among them) and nitrogen sources and their optimal concentrations were investigated. Presence of 6% mandarin juice production waste (MJPW) and 6% of peptone in nutrient medium promoted antifungal activity of selected mushroom. It was determined that, extracts obtained in the presence of MJPW effectively inhibited the grow of pathogenic fungi. Moreover, the content of phenolic compounds in the extracts obtained from Sch. commune grown on MJPW was several times higher (0.87 ± 0.05 GAE/g to 2.38 ± 0.08 GAE/g) than the extracts obtained from the mushroom grown on the synthetic (glycerol contained) nutrient medium (0.21 ± 0.03 GAE/g to 0.88 ± 0.05 GAE/g). Flavonoid contents in the extracts from Sch. commune varied from 0.58 ± 0.03 to 27.2 ± 0.8 mg QE/g. Identification of phenolic compounds composition in water and ethanol extracts were provided by mass spectrometry analysis. Extracts demonstrate considerable free radical scavenging activities and the IC50 values were generally low for the extracts, ranging from 1.9 mg/ml to 6.7 mg/ml. All the samples displayed a positive correlation between their concentration (0.05-15.0 mg/ml) and DPPH radical scavenging activity. This investigation revealed that Sch. commune mushroom has great potential to be used as a source of antifungal and antioxidant substances.

Chemical Characterization and Biological Functions of Hot Alkali-Soluble Crude Polysaccharide from the Water-Insoluble Residue of Macrocybe lobayensis (Agaricomycetes) Fruit Bodies

Macrocybe lobayensis owe popularity in several traditional cultures not only for delectable taste but also for its nutraceutical profile conveying great health benefits. Previous investigations have enumerated several bioactivities of the valuable mushroom such as antioxidant, anti-ageing, immune-modulation, and anti-tumor properties where polysaccharides played the key role. Macrofungi polymers are generally isolated by the conventional hot water process discarding the residue which still contains plenty of therapeutic components. The present study thus aimed to re-use such leftover of the edible macrofungus by immersing it in NaOH solution at high temperature supporting circular economy. Consequently a polysaccharide fraction, namely ML-HAP, was isolated that was found to be consisted of a homogenous heteropolysaccharide with molecular weight of ~ 128 kDa and β-glucan as the chief ingredient as evident by spectroscopy, gel-permeation chromatography, high performance thin-layer chromatography, and Fourier transform infrared. Antioxidant activity assays revealed that the macromolecules possess good radical scavenging, metal ion binding and reducing power. Nevertheless, strong immune-potentiation was also recorded as the extract triggered murine macrophage cell viability, pinocytosis, nitric oxide production and morpho-dynamics within 24 h where the best effect was executed at the level of 100 µg/mL. Altogether, the polysaccharides extracted from M. lobayensis exhibited a potent application prospect in functional food, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and health care industries that could raise economic value of the underexplored mushroom.

Mushroom polysaccharides with potential in anti-diabetes: Biological mechanisms, extraction, and future perspectives: A review

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global health threat. Searching for anti-diabetic components from natural resources is of intense interest to scientists. Mushroom polysaccharides have received growing attention in anti-diabetes fields due to their advantages in broad resources, structure diversity, and multiple bioactivities, which are considered an unlimited source of healthy active components potentially applied in functional foods and nutraceuticals. In this review, the current knowledge about the roles of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of DM, the extraction method of mushroom polysaccharides, and their potential biological mechanisms associated with anti-diabetes, including antioxidant, hypolipidemic, anti-inflammatory, and gut microbiota modulatory actions, were summarized based on a variety of in vitro and in vivo studies, with aiming at better understanding the roles of mushroom polysaccharides in the prevention and management of DM and its complications. Finally, future perspectives including bridging the gap between the intervention of mushroom polysaccharides and the modulation of insulin signaling pathway, revealing structure-bioactivity of mushroom polysaccharides, developing synergistic foods, conducting well-controlled clinical trials that may be very helpful in discovering valuable mushroom polysaccharides and better applications of mushroom polysaccharides in diabetic control were proposed.

Mushrooms as future generation healthy foods

The potential of edible mushrooms as an unexploited treasure trove, although rarely included in known food guidelines, is highlighted. Their role in shielding people against the side effects of an unhealthy stylish diet is reviewed. Mushrooms complement the human diet with various bioactive molecules not identified or deficient in foodstuffs of plant and animal sources, being considered a functional food for the prevention of several human diseases. Mushrooms have been widely used as medicinal products for more than 2,000 years, but globally the potential field of use of wild mushrooms has been untapped. There is a broad range of edible mushrooms which remain poorly identified or even unreported which is a valuable pool as sources of bioactive compounds for biopharma utilization and new dietary supplements. Some unique elements of mushrooms and their role in preventative healthcare are emphasized, through their positive impact on the immune system. The potential of mushrooms as antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-neoplastic, and other health concerns is discussed. Mushrooms incorporate top sources of non-digestible oligosaccharides, and ergothioneine, which humans are unable to synthesize, the later a unique antioxidant, cytoprotective, and anti-inflammatory element, with therapeutic potential, approved by world food agencies. The prebiotic activity of mushrooms beneficially affects gut homeostasis performance and the balance of gut microbiota is enhanced. Several recent studies on neurological impact and contribution to the growth of nerve and brain cells are mentioned. Indeed, mushrooms as functional foods' nutraceuticals are presently regarded as next-generation foods, supporting health and wellness, and are promising prophylactic or therapeutic agents.

Are chemical compounds in medical mushrooms potent against colorectal cancer carcinogenesis and antimicrobial growth?

After cardiovascular diseases, cancer is the second main cause of death globally. Mushrooms have been demonstrated to contain amalgamation with properties capable of inhibiting carcinogenesis and microbial growth, principally secondary metabolites such as quinolones, steroids, terpenes, anthraquinones, and benzoic acid derivatives among others. This study aimed to substantiate their potency concerning colon cancer carcinogenesis and antimicrobial growth. A systematic search of important literature was performed considering all the articles published until April 2022. Screening was performed by searching the BMC Springer, Elsevier, Embase, Web of Science, Ovid, and MEDLINE databases. In addition, Google Scholar was used to supplement information. Titles and abstracts that matched the established criteria were selected for full-text article scrutiny and subsequently used in the updated present review. Bioactive compounds present in medicinal mushrooms such as ascorbic acid, organic acids, flavonoids, polysaccharides, glycosides, phenols, linoleic acid, grifolin, and tocopherols among other compounds play a key role in suppressing the proliferation of cancerous cells and selectively act as antibacterial and antifungal agents. These metabolites actively scavenge oxygen free radicals, hydroxyl radicals, and nitrite radicals that would otherwise increase the risks of the growth and development of cancerous cells. Mushrooms' bioactive compounds and metabolites actively inhibit nuclear factor-kappa activation, protein kinase B processes, and ultimately the expression of Cyclooxygenases 2 in cancerous cells. Medicinal mushrooms should be considered as alternative natural chemo-preventive agents in the global fight against colon cancer and the evolution of drug-resistant pathogenic microorganisms, as they exhibit robust potency. They have not been reported to exhibit adverse harmful effects compared to synthetic chemotherapies, yet they have been reported to demonstrate significant beneficial effects.

Bioactive components of Laetiporus species and their pharmacological effects

Laetiporus species are brown rot fungi belonging to the order Polyporales in the division Basidiomycota. These species produce a variety of metabolites and provide a great source of natural material for the screening of medicinally active natural products or their derivatives. This review summarizes the research progress on bioactive metabolites of Laetiporus species up to April 2022, including biological macromolecules, for instance, polysaccharides and lectins, as well as 80 reported small molecule chemical components (15 sterols, 29 triterpenes, 10 sesquiterpenes, 5 polyenes, 10 volatile compounds, and 11 other compounds). These metabolites exhibit antimicrobial, anticancer, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic activities. Genome mining predicted 23 terpene synthases, 7 polyketide synthases, and 9 non-ribosomal peptide synthases involved in bioactive metabolites biosynthesis, which were analyzed by antiSMASH in L. sulphureus genome. This review will provide a basis for the biosynthesis of active components in Laetiporus species and a reference for the research of medical precursors. KEY POINTS: • The mini-review summarized 80 secondary metabolites of Laetiporus spp. • The main pharmacological activities of Laetiporus spp. were summarized. • Biosynthetic genes of terpenoids, polyketides, and non-ribosomal peptides were also summarized.

Assessment of Cosmetic Properties and Safety of Use of Model Washing Gels with Reishi, Maitake and Lion's Mane Extracts

Natural cosmetics are becoming more and more popular every day. For this reason, this work investigates the properties of mushroom extracts, which are not as widely used in the cosmetics industry as plant ingredients. Water extracts of Grifolafrondosa (Maitake), Hericiumerinaceus (Lion's Mane) and Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) were tested for their antioxidant properties, bioactive substances content, skin cell toxicity, ability to limit TEWL, effect on skin hydration and pH, and skin irritation. Our research showed that Maitake extract contained the highest amount of flavonoids and phenols, and also showed the most effective scavenging of DPPH and ABTS radicals as well as Chelation of Fe2+ and FRAP radicals, which were 39.84% and 82.12% in a concentration of 1000 µg/mL, respectively. All tested extracts did not increase the amount of ROS in fibroblasts and keratinocytes. The addition of mushroom extracts to washing gels reduced the irritating effect on skin, and reduced the intracellular production of free radicals, compared with the cosmetic base. Moreover, it was shown that the analyzedcosmetics had a positive effect on the pH and hydration of the skin, and reduced TEWL.

Bridging the Chemical Profiles and Biological Effects of Spathodea campanulata Extracts: A New Contribution on the Road from Natural Treasure to Pharmacy Shelves

Spathodea campanulata is an important medicinal plant with traditional uses in the tropical zone. In the current work, we aimed to determine the chemical profiles and biological effects of extracts (methanolic and infusion (water)) from the leaves and stem bark of S. campanulata. The chemical components of the tested extracts were identified using LC-ESI-QTOF-MS. Biological effects were tested in terms of antioxidant (radical scavenging, reducing power, and metal chelating), enzyme inhibitory (cholinesterase, amylase, glucosidase, and tyrosinase), antineoplastic, and antiviral activities. Fifty-seven components were identified in the tested extracts, including iridoids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids as the main constituents. In general, the leaves-MeOH extract was the most active in the antioxidant assays (DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, FRAP, metal chelating, and phosphomolybdenum). Antineoplastic effects were tested in normal (VERO cell line) and cancer cell lines (FaDu, HeLa, and RKO). The leaf infusion, as well as the extracts obtained from stem bark, showed antineoplastic activity (CC₅₀ 119.03–222.07 µg/mL). Antiviral effects were tested against HHV-1 and CVB3, and the leaf methanolic extract (500 µg/mL) exerted antiviral activity towards HHV-1, inhibiting the viral-induced cytopathic effect and reducing the viral infectious titre by 5.11 log and viral load by 1.45 log. In addition, molecular docking was performed to understand the interactions between selected chemical components and viral targets (HSV-1 DNA polymerase, HSV-1 protease, and HSV-1 thymidine kinase). The results presented suggest that S. campanulata may be a bright spot in moving from natural sources to industrial applications, including novel drugs, cosmeceuticals, and nutraceuticals.

Medicinal plants with anti-colorectal cancer bioactive compounds: Potential game-changers in colorectal cancer management

Development and identification of molecular compounds capable of killing or inhibiting transformed cells promoting carcinogenesis without inducing toxic effects to the normal cells are of utmost significance. A systematic review was conducted in screening for important literature was extensively performed by searching the Web of Science, Ovid, BMC Springer, Elsevier, Embase, and MEDLINE databases for optimum selectivity. Google Scholar was also used to supplement information. Pharmacotherapeutic biomolecules active against colon cancer carcinogenesis in Musa acuminata and Musa balbisiana (bananas), Punica granatum L (pomegranate), Glycine max (Soybean), Brassica oleracea L var. italica Plenck (Broccoli), and Hibiscus rosa-sinesis and Hibiscus sabdariffa (hibiscus) were evaluated. Signaling pathways like phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), protein kinase B (AKT), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NFκB) correlate the mediation of COX-2 expression. Increased levels of COX-2 are correlated with the occurrence and progression of colon cancer. Natural antioxidants in herbal plants including polyphenols and carotenoids inhibit the oxidation of lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids and thereby preventing the initiation of oxidizing chain reactions. These bioactive compounds should be considered an important dietary supplement.

The issue of acidity and alkalinity in our diet – Facts, popular beliefs, and the reality

Several misconceptions exist about foods and nutrition. Many believe, that the human body can “acidify”, thus, an “alkaline diet” should be followed. The acid-base balance is a characteristic of a normally functioning human body. Throughout our metabolic processes, acids and substances with acidic pH are produced continuously, which, in the case of a healthy person, does not affect the pH of the human body. In those rare cases, when an overall pH imbalance evolves in the human body due to its life-threatening nature, it requires urgent medical intervention. Furthermore, it cannot be influenced by dietary interventions.

This paper highlights evidence regarding acidification and the acid-base balance, with special attention to certain food groups. Foodstuffs have different specific pH value (acid-base character), they can be acidic, alkaline, or neutral in elemental state. Beside their chemical nature, the effect they have on the human body depends on the mechanism of their metabolism, as well. Diet and ingredients have direct and indirect effects on the human body's intracellular and extracellular compartments (especially blood and urine), still they do not influence its pH significantly.

Alkaline diets were born in the absence of evidence-based information and/or the misunderstanding and wrong interpretation of the available and up-to-date scientific facts. The convictions of consumers and the promotion of the alkaline diet lack the scientific basis, so it can be harmful or even dangerous in the long run.

In summary, scientific evidence on the efficacy or prophylactic effects of an alkaline diet is not available.

Effects of Different Bud Thinning Methods on Nutritional Quality and Antioxidant Activities of Fruiting Bodies of Pleurotus eryngii

The cultivation of Pleurotus eryngii was studied by different methods, such as puncturing and fixed-point mushroom production, shading treatment at the top of the bag, and pulling the top of the bag. The agronomic characters, yield, nutritional components, and antioxidant activities in vitro of fruiting bodies of P. eryngii were determined. The results showed that the number of buds in the perforated treatment was less than that in the production method of traditional fruiting bodies to a certain extent. When a circular hole with a diameter of 1.5 cm was drilled in the perforated treatment, the number of buds was 5, which was less than that in the control group. The efficiency of artificial removal of buds was significantly higher than that of the control group, but the harvesting date was longer than that of other methods. The number of buds in shading treatment and bag opening treatment was significantly less than that in the control group, which could effectively control the number of buds and reduce the cost of manpower and material resources. In terms of nutritional components, the A3 treatment group with a hole diameter of 1.0 cm and a quantity of one had the highest crude protein content of 151.34 g, and a significant difference was observed in crude fiber content compared with other treatments. The extraction rate of B5 crude polysaccharide was the highest, and the extraction rate was 12.90%. The antioxidant activities in vitro increased with the increase of crude polysaccharide concentration. Using A3 treatment to cultivate fruiting bodies is conducive to meeting people's requirements for improving quality of life.

Green Biotechnology of Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus L.): A Sustainable Strategy for Myco-Remediation and Bio-Fermentation

The field of biotechnology presents us with a great chance to use many organisms, such as mushrooms, to find suitable solutions for issues that include the accumulation of agro-wastes in the environment. The green biotechnology of mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus L.) includes the myco-remediation of polluted soil and water as well as bio-fermentation. The circular economy approach could be effectively achieved by using oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus L.), of which the substrate of their cultivation is considered as a vital source for producing biofertilizers, animal feeds, bioenergy, and bio-remediators. Spent mushroom substrate is also considered a crucial source for many applications, including the production of enzymes (e.g., manganese peroxidase, laccase, and lignin peroxidase) and bioethanol. The sustainable management of agro-industrial wastes (e.g., plant-based foods, animal-based foods, and non-food industries) could reduce, reuse and recycle using oyster mushrooms. This review aims to focus on the biotechnological applications of the oyster mushroom (P. ostreatus L.) concerning the field of the myco-remediation of pollutants and the bio-fermentation of agro-industrial wastes as a sustainable approach to environmental protection. This study can open new windows onto the green synthesis of metal-nanoparticles, such as nano-silver, nano-TiO2 and nano-ZnO. More investigations are needed concerning the new biotechnological approaches.