Mushrooms grown in high-altitude soil exhibiting distinct alterations in growth, biochemical composition and antioxidant potential

Abstract

Functional foods like mushrooms are high in secondary metabolites and bioactive chemicals with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antidiabetic, immune-stimulating and other health-promoting qualities. This study investigates four mushroom varieties including Cordyceps militaris, Pleurotus ostreatus, Pleurotus djamor and Agaricus bisporus, grown on Indian soil and natural environment for measurement of phenol and flavonoid content, along with their antioxidant properties and biochemical makeup. They had a large amount of phenolic and flavonoid content and high DPPH, H2O2 and NO scavenging inhibition percentages, demonstrating strong antioxidant potential. These mushroom extracts also contained a sizable amount of proline and nutritional content like carbohydrate, protein, lipids and fiber. Among all the mushrooms, the biochemical profile was significantly highest. Significant variations were also seen in the amounts of moisture and ash in each sample. This research aimed to determine how mixing soil with compost substrate affected the yield and growth of mushrooms. The soil had a massive impact on forming more mycelial colonies which were necessary for the entire spawn run and spawning to pin head production and for the maturation of pins. It was discovered through this research that combining soil and compost substrate can aid in the growth of good-quality mushrooms and improve their productivity.