Chemical profile and toxicological analysis of Pluerotus pulmonarius grown on different substrates

Abstract

Mushrooms are rich sources of bioactive compounds; however, their safety for human consumption is a public health concern. This study investigated the chemical profile and toxicological effects of Pluerotus pulmonarius (mushroom) grown on three substrates (corn cob, sawdust, and palm bunch). The mushrooms were designated corn cob mushroom (CCM), sawdust mushroom (SDM), and palm bunch mushroom (PBM), respectively. The mushrooms' bioactive compounds and heavy metals were characterized using a GC-MS and ICP-AES, respectively. Acute and sub-acute tests of the mushrooms were conducted in mice fed mushroom-supplemented diets at a 1:1 (w/w) proportion. Heavy metals bioaccumulation factor (Ka) estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), and hazard index (HI) were calculated. Twelve major bioactive compounds and three heavy metals (Cu, Zn, and Fe) were detected in the mushrooms. PBM-fed mice had the highest total plasma protein and GSH levels, and GPx activity, but the lowest ALT and AST activities, and LDH and urea levels. The SDM-fed mice exhibited the lowest cholesterol level in the sub-acute test, while the CCM-fed mice had the highest cholesterol in both the acute and sub-acute toxicity test. CCM-fed mice also showed the highest HDL level in both the acute and sub-acute toxicity studies. The mushrooms bio-accumulated more Zn than Fe, but their EDI were below the permissible tolerable daily intake. The mushrooms' THQ of Cu, Zn and Fe were greater than 1, except that of Cu in CCM (THQ, 0.96), but their HI values were less than 5, except in PBM (HI, 6.40). The mushroom-fed mice had a normal kidney morphology, and a mild-to-moderate portal inflammation of their liver tissues. Hence, P. pulmonarius from different substrates caused no severe toxicity in mice, but their HI for Cu, Zn, and Fe suggests a potential risk to humans.