Chemical, Bioactive, and Antioxidant Potential of Twenty Wild Culinary Mushroom Species

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 evolution and ecology of psilocybin in nature

Fungi produce diverse metabolites that can have antimicrobial, antifungal, antifeedant, or psychoactive properties. Among these metabolites are the tryptamine-derived compounds psilocybin, its precursors, and natural derivatives (collectively referred to as psiloids), which have played significant roles in human society and culture. The high allocation of nitrogen to psiloids in mushrooms, along with evidence of convergent evolution and horizontal transfer of psilocybin genes, suggest they provide a selective benefit to some fungi. However, no precise ecological roles of psilocybin have been experimentally determined. The structural and functional similarities of psiloids to serotonin, an essential neurotransmitter in animals, suggest that they may enhance the fitness of fungi through interference with serotonergic processes. However, other ecological mechanisms of psiloids have been proposed. Here, we review the literature pertinent to psilocybin ecology and propose potential adaptive advantages psiloids may confer to fungi.

The Nutrients and Volatile Compounds in Stropharia rugoso-annulata by Three Drying Treatments

This study aimed to examine the differences in the nutrients and volatile compounds of Stropharia rugoso-annulata after undergoing three different drying treatments. The fresh mushrooms were dried using hot air drying (HAD), vacuum freeze drying (VFD), and natural air drying (NAD), respectively. After that, the nutrients, volatile components, and sensory evaluation of the treated mushrooms were comparably analyzed. Nutrients analysis included proximate compositions, free amino acids, fatty acids, mineral elements, bioactive compositions, and antioxidant activity. Volatile components were identified by headspace-solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) and analyzed with principal component analysis (PCA). Finally, sensory evaluation was conducted by ten volunteers for five sensory properties. The results showed that the HAD group had the highest vitamin D₂ content (4.00 μg/g) and antioxidant activity. Compared with other treatments, the VFD group had higher overall nutrient contents, as well as being more preferred by consumers. Additionally, there were 79 volatile compounds identified by HS-SPME-GC-MS, while the NAD group showed the highest contents of volatile compounds (1931.75 μg/g) and volatile flavor compounds (1307.21 μg/g). PCA analysis suggested the volatile flavor compositions were different among the three groups. In summary, it is recommended that one uses VFD for obtaining higher overall nutritional values, while NAD treatment increased the production of volatile flavor components of the mushroom.

Survey of Edible Amanita in Northern Thailand and Their Nutritional Value, Total Phenolic Content, Antioxidant and α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activities

Edible wild mushrooms are extremely popular among consumers and are highly valued for their potential economic benefits in northern Thailand. In this present study, a total of 19 specimens of edible Amanita were collected during investigations of wild edible mushrooms in northern Thailand during the period from 2019 to 2022. Their morphological characteristics and the phylogenetic analyses of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and partial large subunit (nrLSU) of ribosomal RNA, RNA polymerase II second-largest subunit (rpb2) and partial translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef-1) indicated that the collected specimens belonged to A. hemibapha, A. pseudoprinceps, A. rubromarginata, A. subhemibapha, and Amanita section Caesareae. This is the first report of A. pseudoprinceps and A. subhemibapha from Thailand. Full descriptions, illustrations and a phylogenetic placement of all specimens collected in this study are provided. Subsequently, the nutritional composition and total phenolic content, as well as the antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities, of each species were investigated. The results indicate that the protein contents in both A. pseudoprinceps and A. subhemibapha were significantly higher than in A. hemibapha and A. rubromarginata. The highest total phenolic content was found in the extract of A. pseudoprinceps. In terms of antioxidant properties, the extract of A. pseudoprinceps also exhibited significantly high antioxidant activity by 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. However, the extract of A. rubromarginata had the lowest total phenolic content and level of antioxidant activity. Additionally, α-glucosidase inhibitory activity varied for different Amanita species and the highest level of α-glucosidase inhibitory activity was found in the extract of A. pseudoprinceps. This study provides valuable information on the nutrient content, phenolic content and the antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory potential of edible Amanita species found in northern Thailand.

Bioactivity Profiling of Infusion, Decoction, and Hydroalcoholic Fraction Obtained from Wild Golden Chanterelle Mushroom, Cantharellus cibarius (Agaricomycetes)

Cantharellus cibarius Fr. is one of the most desirable, popularly known wild edible mushrooms of the genus Cantharellus. Besides having nutritional benefits, this mushroom is reported to harbor significant medicinal potential. In present study, we describe for the first-time bioactive metabolites content and medicinal activities of three different types of extracts including infusion, decoction, and hydroalcoholic fraction from wild Cantharellus cibarius of West Bengal. Bioactive metabolites quantification revealed the phenol and flavonoids present in the range between 0.56-1.46 mg of GAE/g of dried fruit bodies and 0.12-0.29 mg of QE/g of dried fruit bodies, respectively, whereas ascorbic acid contents were also found. Antioxidant activity was assessed using six in vitro systems; decoction displayed better results in all investigated assays with EC50 values ranging between 0.05 and 0.34 mg/ml whereas hydroalcoholic extract showed highest total antioxidant capacity (18 ± 1.61 μg AAE per mg of extract) than other extracts. Moreover, infusion and decoction were found to scavenge highly reactive free radicals like hydroxyl and nitric oxide with their EC50 values ranging between 0.26 and 0.91 mg/ml. Additionally, anti-inflammatory potential of the extracts was evaluated using protein denaturation assay. Hydroalcoholic extract at a concentration range of 0.005-0.1 mg/ml showed comparatively better activity than decoction and infusion, although all the extracts presented dose dependent inhibition of heat induced protein denaturation. Altogether, the present investigation is expected to extend the existing knowledge of this species and recommended its use in pharmaceutical industries as an effective mycomedicine.

Systematic Review: Heat Treatments on Phenolic Content, Antioxidant Activity, and Sensory Quality of Malaysian Mushroom: Oyster (Pleurotus spp.) and Black Jelly (Auricularia spp.)

Pleurotus spp. and Auricularia spp. are popular species consumed by the Malaysian community. Recently, due to increased awareness, both mushrooms are also being consumed for their bioactive compounds, ergothioneine, and antioxidant properties and has been used since earlier ages as therapeutic remedies. The bioactive compounds such as phenol, flavonoid and ergothioneine found in both Pleurotus and Auricularia mushrooms were explored. Differences in heat treatments (microwave, hot air drying, and solar drying) and cooking methods may affect the content of bioactive compounds and their properties. Similarly, sensory acceptance by consumers may be affected too. Antioxidant properties using DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl) radical and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) assay of both raw and heat-treated mushrooms are included. Microwave drying retained color characteristics and bioactive compounds in both mushrooms. To add value to this review, a survey on the consumption pattern of Pleurotus and Auricularia species among Malaysians has been conducted online and concluded that Pleurotus species is the most considered species compared to Auricularia mushroom and almost half of the respondents were not aware that heat may deplete nutritional contents in mushroom despite agreeing both gave beneficial health in diets.

Cinnabarinic acid from Trametes coccinea fruiting bodies exhibits antibacterial activity through inhibiting the biofilm formation

Wild mushrooms are rich sources of natural compounds with potent bioactive properties. Several important metabolites have been reported from mushrooms, which possess clinically important bioactive properties like antibacterial, anticancer, antidiabetic, and neuroprotective activity. In this study, we have evaluated the antimicrobial activity of Trametes coccinea fruiting body extracts against different bacterial isolates, viz., Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, and Escherichia coli. Fruiting bodies of three T. coccinea samples, of which two were collected from Santipur, Arunachal Pradesh and one collected from Jorhat, Assam, were used for extraction using methanol. The extracts showed significant antimicrobial activity against all the test bacteria. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of the extracts against Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, and Escherichia coli was recorded as 400 µg/ml, 400 µg/ml, and 300 µg/ml, respectively. Furthermore, the bioactive compounds of the extract were separated and detected using Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC). Presence of cinnabarinic acid (CBA)-a potent antimicrobial compound- was detected in TLC, which was further confirmed through High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Electrospray Ionization-Mass Spectrometry (ESI-MS). Cinnabarinic acid was able to inhibit the formation of biofilms in Bacillus subtilis and B. cereus, suggesting that the compound can be beneficial in the management of biofilm-based antimicrobial resistance.

Anticancer Activities of Mushrooms: A Neglected Source for Drug Discovery

Approximately 270 species of mushrooms have been reported as potentially useful for human health. However, few mushrooms have been studied for bioactive compounds that can be helpful in treating various diseases. Like other natural regimens, the mushroom treatment appears safe, as could be expected from their long culinary and medicinal use. This review aims to provide a critical discussion on clinical trial evidence for mushrooms to treat patients with diverse types of cancer. In addition, the review also highlights the identified bioactive compounds and corresponding mechanisms of action among the explored mushrooms. Furthermore, it also discusses mushrooms with anticancer properties, demonstrated either in vitro and/or in vivo models, which have never been tested in clinical studies. Several mushrooms have been tested in phase I or II clinical trials, mostly for treating breast cancer (18.6%), followed by colorectal (14%) and prostate cancer (11.6%). The majority of clinical studies were carried out with just 3 species: Lentinula edodes (22.2%), Coriolus versicolor, and Ganoderma lucidum (both 13.9%); followed by two other species: Agaricus bisporus and Grifola frondosa (both 11.1%). Most in vitro cell studies use breast cancer cell lines (43.9%), followed by lung (14%) and colorectal cancer cell lines (13.1%), while most in vivo animal studies are performed in mice tumor models (58.7%). Although 32 species of mushrooms at least show some promise for the treatment of cancer, only 11 species have been tested clinically thus far. Moreover, most clinical studies have investigated fewer numbers of patients, and have been limited to phase III or IV. Therefore, despite the promising preclinical and clinical data publication, more solid scientific efforts are required to clarify the therapeutic value of mushrooms in oncology.

Nutraceutical potential of mushroom bioactive metabolites and their food functionality

Numerous mushroom bioactive metabolites, including polysaccharides, eritadenine, lignin, chitosan, mevinolin, and astrakurkurone have been studied in life-threatening conditions and diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular, hypertension, cancer, DNA damage, hypercholesterolemia, and obesity attempting to identify natural therapies. These bioactive metabolites have shown potential as antiviral and immune system strengthener natural agents through diverse cellular and physiological pathways modulation with no toxicity evidence, widely available, and inexpensive. In light of the emerging literature, this paper compiles the most recent information describing the molecular mechanisms that underlie the nutraceutical potentials of these mushroom metabolites suggesting their effectiveness if combined with existing drug therapies while discussing the food functionality of mushrooms. The findings raise hope that these mushroom bioactive metabolites may be utilized as natural therapies considering their therapeutic potential while anticipating further research designing clinical trials and developing new drug therapies while encouraging their consumption as a natural adjuvant in preventing and controlling life-threatening conditions and diseases. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Diabetes, cardiovascular, hypertension, cancer, DNA damage, hypercholesterolemia, and obesity are among the world's largest life-threatening conditions and diseases. Several mushroom bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, eritadenine, lignin, chitosan, mevinolin, and astrakurkurone have been found potential in tackling these diseases through diverse cellular and physiological pathways modulation with no toxicity evidence, suggesting their use as nutraceutical foods in preventing and controlling these life-threatening conditions and diseases.

Fungi and Algae as Sources of Medicinal and Other Biologically Active Compounds: A Review

Many species of fungi including lichenized fungi (lichens) and algae have the ability to biosynthesize biologically active compounds. They produce, among others, polysaccharides with anticancer and immunostimulatory properties: (1) Background: This paper presents the characteristics of the most important bioactive compounds produced by fungi and algae; (2) Methods: Based on the example of the selected species of mushrooms, lichens and algae, the therapeutic properties of the secondary metabolites that they produce and the possibilities of their use are presented; (3) Results: The importance of fungi, especially large-fruited mushrooms, lichens and algae, in nature and human life is discussed, in particular, with regard to their use in the pharmaceutical industry and their nutritional value; (4) Conclusions: The natural organisms, such as fungi, lichenized fungi and algae, could be used as supplementary medicine, in the form of pharmaceutical preparations and food sources. Further advanced studies are required on the pharmacological properties and bioactive compounds of these organisms.

Culinary–medicinal mushrooms: a review of organic compounds and bioelements with antioxidant activity

There are about 3000 species of mushrooms, which have a high amount of substances that are beneficial to human health, such as antioxidants. It is well known that oxidative stress plays an important role in the etiopathogenesis of many diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and diseases of the central nervous system. One way to prevent homeostasis disorders that occur as a result of excessive production of pro-oxidative substances is to include the ingredients having antioxidant properties in the diet. Several compounds, such as those with phenolic and indole derivatives as well as carotenoids and some vitamins, exhibit antioxidant activity. These substances are present in many foods, including mushrooms. In addition, they have certain unique compounds that are not found in other sources (e.g., norbadione A). The present work discusses selected ingredients exhibiting antioxidant activity, which are found in various species of mushrooms as wells as describes the content of these compounds in the extracts obtained from mushrooms using artificial digestive juice.

Exploration of nutritional, antioxidative, antibacterial and anticancer status of Russula alatoreticula: towards valorization of a traditionally preferred unique myco-food

Healthy food trend is becoming popular these days fueling search for ingredients empowered by pharma-nutritional benefits. In contrast, numerous wild-growing mushrooms are traditionally cherished as health promoting gastronomies in India; although credibility of their effects has so far been limited. Hence the present study aimed to unveil a unique tribal cuisine, Russula alatoreticula, with nutritional, chemical and pharmacological relevance. The outcome demonstrated an excellent alimentary composition with carbohydrate and protein as prominent macronutrients in contrast to fat providing oleic acid (36.66%), linoleic acid (16.84%), palmitic acid (16.01%) and stearic acid (15.31%) indicative of profitable nutritive account. Conversely, ethanolic fraction enriched with phenolics (pyrogallol > cinnamic acid) presented effective antioxidant property in terms of radical scavenging, Fe²⁺ chelating and reducing power with EC₅₀ ranging from 785 to 2500 μg/ml. Remarkable antibacterial activity was also noted against the tested microorganisms (MIC of 72.5-1560 μg/ml) preferentially targeting Gram-positive one. Besides treatment of the preparation rendered Hep3B proliferation as evident by phenotypic changes, cell cycle interference, reactive oxygen species generation, mitochondrial membrane potential reduction, DNA fragmentation, change in Bax/Bcl2 ratio and activation of caspase9 signifying induction of intrinsic mitochondrial pathway. Thus the study represents R. alatoreticula as a value-added bio-resource that could be featured in food and pharmaceutical industries for betterment of humankind.

Chemical and Bioactive Profiling, and Biological Activities of Coral Fungi from Northwestern Himalayas

Ramaria Fr. and Clavaria L. are the two major genera of coral mushrooms within families Gomphaceae and Clavariaceae, respectively. Besides having important role in forest ecology, some species of these are reported to possess high nutraceutical and bioactive potential. There is a hidden diversity of coral mushrooms in Northwestern Himalayas. Present studies describe the detailed biochemical profiling and antioxidant, and antibacterial activities of twelve coral mushroom species. Biochemical profiling of nutrients and nutraceuticals was done with standard techniques and by using HPLC, UPLC and GC. Experiments were also conducted to check the toxic metals detection. Antioxidant activities were calculated using EC50 values from mushroom extracts. Antibacterial activities were checked on six pathogenic bacterial strains through minimum inhibition concenterations. Although, differences were observed in the net values of individual species but all the species were found to be rich in protein, macro and micro minerals, carbohydrates, unsaturated fatty acids, essential amino acids, phenolics, tocopherols, anthocynadins and carotenoids. All the species showed significant antioxidant and antibacterial activities. These species are reported to free from heavy toxic metals. Present studies will open the way for their large scale commercial exploitations and use in pharmaceutical industries as antioxidant, antibacterial and nutraceutical constituents.