Chemical Characterization and Antioxidant Potential of Wild Ganoderma Species from Ghana.

Mary Obodai,Matthew Teegarden,Richard Takli,Isabel Ferreira,Steven Schwartz,Deborah Narh Mensah,Lillian Barros,Ângela Fernandes,Matilda Dzomeku,Juanita Prempeh,Nii Kortei

doi:10.3390/molecules22020196

Abstract

The chemical characterization and antioxidant potential of twelve wild strains of Ganoderma sp. from Ghana, nine (LS1–LS9) of which were found growing wild simultaneously on the same dying Delonix regia tree, were evaluated. Parameters evaluated included the nutritional value, composition in sugars, fatty acids, phenolic and other organic compounds and some vitamins and vitamin precursors. Antioxidant potential was evaluated by investigating reducing power, radical scavenging activity and lipid peroxidation inhibition using five in vitro assays. Protein, carbohydrate, fat, ash and energy contents ranged between 15.7–24.5 g/100 g·dw, 73.31–81.90 g/100 g, 0.48–1.40 g/100 g, 0.68–2.12 g/100 g ash and 396.1–402.02 kcal/100 g, respectively. Fatty acids such as linoleic, oleic and palmitic acids were relatively abundant. Free sugars included rhamnose, fructose, mannitol, sucrose and trehalose. Total tocopherols, organic acids and phenolic compounds’ content ranged between 741–3191 µg/100 g, 77–1003 mg/100 g and 7.6–489 µg/100 g, respectively. There were variations in the β-glucans, ergosterol and vitamin D2 contents. The three major minerals in decreasing order were K > P > S. Ganoderma sp. strain AM1 showed the highest antioxidant activity. This study reveals, for the first time, chemical characteristics of Ganoderma spp. which grew simultaneously on the same tree.

Highlights

Ganoderma species are a group of very diverse polypores, which can usually not be distinguished based on morphological characteristics
The anticancer and antimetastatic activities of Ganoderma spp. are attributed to these polysaccharides [7]. These compounds are linked to their immunostimulating and antioxidant capacities. β-glucans are prominent among the number of fungal polysaccharides described as they contain mainly β (1→3)-glycosidic bonds and have side chains linked by β (1→6)-glycosidic bonds [8]
The nutritional attributes of mushrooms are directly linked to their chemical composition

Summary

Introduction

Ganoderma species are a group of very diverse polypores, which can usually not be distinguished based on morphological characteristics. Studies on identification of Ganoderma spp. using molecular techniques began recently. This has resulted in the naming of new species of the genus from Ghana [1,2,3]. Molecules 2017, 22, 196 been used to suppress the growth rate of tumors in patients [6] and is well known in China, Japan, USA and other parts of the world as a useful source of medicine. The anticancer and antimetastatic activities of Ganoderma spp. are attributed to these polysaccharides [7]. These compounds are linked to their immunostimulating and antioxidant capacities. These compounds are linked to their immunostimulating and antioxidant capacities. β-glucans are prominent among the number of fungal polysaccharides described as they contain mainly β (1→3)-glycosidic bonds and have side chains linked by β (1→6)-glycosidic bonds [8]

Objectives

Methods

Conclusion