Abstract
This study explored the biological properties of three wild growing Russula species (R. integra, R. rosea, R. nigricans) from Serbia. Compositional features and antioxidant, antibacterial, antibiofilm, and cytotoxic activities were analyzed. The studied mushroom species were identified as being rich sources of carbohydrates and of low caloric value. Mannitol was the most abundant free sugar and quinic and malic acids the major organic acids detected. The four tocopherol isoforms were found, and polyunsaturated fatty acids were the predominant fat constituents. Regarding phenolic compounds, P-hydroxybenzoic and cinnamic acids were identified in the prepared methanolic and ethanolic extracts, which displayed antioxidant activity through the inhibition of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) formation and oxidative hemolysis; the highest activity was attributed to the R. nigricans ethanolic extract. This is the first report on the antibacterial and antibiofilm potential of the studied species, with the most promising activity observed towards Streptococcus spp. (0.20–0.78 mg/mL as the minimal inhibitory concentration, MIC). The most promising cytotoxic effect was caused by the R. integra methanolic extract on non-small cell lung cancer cells (NCI-H460). Therefore, due to the observed in vitro bioactive properties, the studied mushrooms arise as a source of functional ingredients with potential to be used in novel nutraceutical and drug formulations, which can be used in the treatment of various diseases and health conditions.
Highlights
The profound impact that worldwide globalization and the accompanying lifestyle has on biological systems has recently been re-evaluated since many diseases in humans have been linked to their deleterious effects on human welfare
Having in mind the potential importance of mushroom ingredients in maintaining reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) balance in cells, the primary aim of the present study was to evaluate the antioxidant properties of extracts prepared from three Russula species: Russula integra (L.) Fr., Russula rosea Pers., and Russula nigricans (Bull.) Fr., growing wild in Serbia
According to the author’s best knowledge, this is the first study on the chemical characterization of the three different Russula spp. fruiting bodies originating from Serbia
Summary
The profound impact that worldwide globalization and the accompanying lifestyle has on biological systems has recently been re-evaluated since many diseases in humans have been linked to their deleterious effects on human welfare. Industrialization and agricultural progress have been connected to the occurrence of diverse pollutants in our environment that once ingested through respiratory and/or digestive systems, may increase the oxidative stress of our cells [1,2]. Cigarette smoke, polluted food, and drastically increased medicine consumption exemplify exogenous factors that can produce reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS). Since the balance in the production and removal of RONS shifts towards their overproduction without adequate neutralization, reactive oxidative species accumulate within the cell and disturb cell structures, such as lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. The resulting deleterious effects place cells into an “oxidative stress” state, which eventually causes modifications and changes of their functions [6]. RONS involved in normal immune defense activity during chronic inflammation, such as a chronic tonsillitis, may cause tissue damage due to their uncontrolled and unbalanced production [8,9]
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