Comparative evaluation of physicochemical properties of Lingzhi (Ganoderma lucidum) as affected by drying conditions and extraction methods

Abstract

SummaryLingzhi (Ganoderma lucidum) is a high‐potential mushroom which is used as a dietary supplement or a source of nutrients and antioxidant agents. The aims were to investigate the effect of drying conditions (hot air and vacuum dry) and to compare the extraction methods of microwave‐assisted extraction (MAE) and pulsed electric field extraction (PEF) for obtaining triterpenes, flavonoid and polysaccharides. The favourable drying condition was 80 °C for 1 h and 37 min, which achieved 1.17 ± 0.05 mg quercetin/g of flavonoids and 11.49 ± 0.87 mg ursolic acid/g of triterpenes. The MAE condition was 800 W, 1 min 30 s extraction time and 65.35% ethanol, achieving polysaccharides of 13.08 mg glucose/g and triterpenes of 9.15 mg ursolic acid/g. Additionally, MAE was significantly more efficient than reflux and PEF methods. The application of microwave radiation is beneficial in saving time and solvent and also provides high extraction efficiency for dried Lingzhi.