Abstract
Evaluation of nutritional, anti-nutritional and some biochemical studies on Pleurotus squarrosulus (Mont.) Singer using rats was undertaken with standard methods. Results of nutritional contents such as proximate composition revealed moisture (11.67%), crude protein (21.31%) and total carbohydrate (51.58%). Vitamin composition showed the presence of vitamins A (0.17 mg/kg), B2 (0.62 mg/kg), B3 (0.45 mg/kg), B6 (0.84 mg/kg), and D (0.82 mg/kg). Important minerals such as potassium (20.75 mg/100 g), calcium (41.14 mg/100 g), magnesium (0.70 mg/100 g), and iron (17.80 mg/100g) were found in the studied sample with nine essential amino acids. P. squarrosulus sample revealed sums of polyunsaturated fatty acid of 13.14% and saturated fatty acid of 86.85%. Result of anti-nutritional composition of P. squarrosulus showed the presence of saponins (5.11 mg/100 g), oxalate (0.28 mg/100 g), phytate (0.75 mg/100 g) among others. The anti-nutrient to mineral molar and mineral weight ratios of the studied sample were within the recommended critical values/ideal ratios for bioavailability. Amino acid groups positioned the studied sample as having more non-essential amino acids than essential ones; with total neutral amino acids being the highest while total sulphur-containing amino acid was the lowest. Results of biochemical studies implicated P. squarrosulus as a weight reducing recipe, which can lower cholesterol levels, influence haematological indices positively, and lower aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) liver enzymes. However, P. squarrosulus increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lowered reproductive hormonal levels in test rats when compared to experimental control and those placed on reference foods. Since ALP increase is associated with the prostate, there is need to extend the study on P.squarrosulus to accommodate its effect on prostate and reproduction. This study has evaluated the nutritional, anti-nutritional and some biochemical studies on P.squarrosulus (Mont.) Singer using rats. Key words: Nutritional, anti-nutritional, biochemical studies, mushroom, Pleurotus squarrosulus.
Highlights
Mushrooms are among the saprophytic fungus of which majority are used as food materials (Aletor and Aladetimi 1995; Egwim et al, 2011; Omar et al, 2011; Jonathan et al, 2012; Hussein et al, 2014)
Mushrooms are macro in nature and large enough to be seen by an unaided eye (Fasidi, 2008)
Jiskani (2001); Okwulehie and Odunze (2004); Adejumo and Awosanya (2005) noted that mushrooms are considered as sources of proteins, vitamins, fats, carbohydrates, amino acids and minerals
Summary
Mushrooms are among the saprophytic fungus of which majority are used as food materials (Aletor and Aladetimi 1995; Egwim et al, 2011; Omar et al, 2011; Jonathan et al, 2012; Hussein et al, 2014). They are known to have a distinctive fruiting body that could grow above the ground or underground (Boa, 2004; Oei and Nieuwenhuijzen, 2005; Stevenson and Lentz, 2007). Different authors have noted that edible mushrooms contain proteins, carbohydrates, crude fibre, ash, minerals like iron, copper, manganese, potassium, calcium and sodium; and moisture (Kadiri and Fasidi, 1992; Hayes, 1997; Adejumo and Awosanya, 2005; Chandravadana et al, 2005; Akindahunsi and Oyetayo, 2006; Aremu et al, 2009; Ezeibekwe et al, 2009; Ikewuchi and Ikewuchi, 2009; Adedeyo et al, 2010; Adedayo, 2011; Kayode et al, 2013; Okwulehie and Ogoke, 2013). Jiskani (2001); Okwulehie and Odunze (2004); Adejumo and Awosanya (2005) noted that mushrooms are considered as sources of proteins, vitamins, fats, carbohydrates, amino acids and minerals
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