Culinary-medicinal Mushroom Research Articles

Unearthing the therapeutic benefits of culinary-medicinal mushrooms for humans: Emerging sustainable bioresources of 21st century.

Global interest in mushroom farming techniques has grown in the last few years. Despite not making up a large amount of the human diet at the moment, the nutritional worth of mushrooms has prompted their usage. The three main segments of the global mushroom industry are wild, culinary (edible), and medicinal mushrooms. The quality food that mushrooms provide can be utilized to build agricultural ecosystems that are more sustainable for increasing productivity and enhancing the effectiveness of resource usage. This is mostly because mushrooms can be utilized for the recycling of biomass and remains from crop production. Culinary-medicinal mushrooms are becoming more and more important because of their nutrient density, dietary value, and health advantages. Given its many bioactive components, which include polysaccharides, proteins, vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, and secondary metabolites, mushrooms have been utilized extensively as health foods. These mushrooms exhibit pharmacological activities and possess prebiotic and antibacterial capabilities. This review provides information on the latest advancements in the sustainable cultivation of mushrooms, particularly with nontraditional substrates, and their potential therapeutic uses. Furthermore, some of the newest developments and difficulties in the production of mushrooms are explored.

Nutritional contents and antimicrobial activity of the culinary-medicinal mushroom Leccinum scabrum

ABSTRACT Leccinum scabrum (Bull.) Gray (Boletaceae) is an edible mycorrhizal species with potential application interest due to its food and medicinal properties. A field investigation carried out during summer in the Białowieża Primeval Forest, located along the border between Belarus and Poland allowed to collect samples for chemical composition analysis and antibacterial activity evaluation. Mushroom extracts were prepared with microwave-assisted as well as ultrasound-assisted extraction techniques (UAE and MAE). The analysis of a dry sample of L. scabrum showed a significant content of vitamins and minerals and also a remarkable content of carbohydrates, protein, dietary fibre, total sugars, total free amino acids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. The antibacterial activity of L. scabrum aqueous extracts showed inhibitory activity against all tested bacteria. In general, MAE extract exhibits a higher inhibition activity against Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 19114. As regards the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values, the high antibacterial activity of MAE extract was detected for L. monocytogenes ATCC 19114 and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922. Regarding UAE, high antibacterial activity was detected for Salmonella enterica ATCC 13076 and L. monocytogenes ATCC 19114. Based on data hereby reported, L. scabrum is a culinary-medicinal mushroom with a promising potential use as a high-quality food and nutraceutical mycological resource.

Metabolites of Culinary-medicinal Mushroom Hericium erinaceus Showed Anti-neuroinflammatory Activity in BV2 Cells and Anti-H2O2-induced Oxidative Stress Activity in SH-SY5Y Cells

Background: Hericium erinaceus is a versatile mushroom with potential therapeutic benefits. A variety of bioactive compounds have been found in this mushroom that have anti-ulcer, antiinflammatory, immunomodulatory, and blood sugar and lipid regulating effects. Objectives: The aim is to isolate and characterize compounds from the rice medium of H. erinaceus and evaluate their potential therapeutic effects on oxidative stress-associated diseases. Methods: Fifteen compounds were isolated and characterized using NMR spectra and ESI-MS. The effects of compounds 3 and 7 on LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) generation in BV2 cells and H2O2- induced cytotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells were investigated. The regulation of nitric oxide production and apoptosis-associated proteins Bcl-2 and Bax were also examined. Results: Compounds 3 and 7 exhibited potent inhibitory effects on LPS-induced NO generation in microglial cells and significant resistance to H2O2-induced cytotoxicity in neuronal cells. Molecular docking simulations demonstrated the interaction of compounds 3 and 7 with iNOS and Bax, respectively. Western blot analysis revealed that 7 inhibited NO production and regulated the expression of Bax and Bcl-2, suggesting a protective effect against H2O2-induced apoptosis. Conclusion: Compounds 3 and 7 isolated from H. erinaceus are potential therapeutic candidates for oxidative stress-associated diseases, possibly through their regulation of nitric oxide production and apoptosis-related proteins. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate their mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential.

RADIOACTIVE CONTAMINATION OF WILD MUSHROOMS IN CHERNIHIV POLESIE

Purpose. We continue our retrospective investigations of radioactive contamination of wild mushrooms from Ukrainian Polesie. The aim of the current study is an assessment of radioactive contamination of wild mushrooms from some locations of Chernihiv Polesie in 1991-2021. Methodology. A study of radiocaesium activity in 66 wild mushroom species (edible, inedible, conditionally edible, poisonous) (from 2 to 25 fruitbodies per sample) and soils (0-5 cm of upper mineral layer, taken by the envelope method) from 14 locations of Chernihiv Polesie was carried out with γ-spectrometry (Ge-detector Canberra GLX 4019, USA). In some mushrooms, 90Sr activity was determined radiochemically on the basis of 90Y accumulation according to the standard method. Scientific novelty. The results of γ-spectrometric studies of the activity of radiocaesium in 66 species of wild mushrooms from the localities of Chernihiv Polesie over a 30-year period are given, the coefficients reflecting the bioaccumulation activity of each species counted, the hyperaccumulator species of radiocaesium are determined, and the potential annual equivalent doses for adults are calculated under the conditions of consumption of some valuable culinary-medicinal mushrooms (B. edulis, C. cibarius, I. badia, Suillus spp, T. equestre). Conclusions. Activity levels of 137Cs in wild mushrooms of Chernihiv Polesie varied over the years 1991-2021 depending on the mushroom species, its ecological affiliation, radioecological situation at the sampling sites, showing a certain tendency to decrease over time. Hyper-accumulative properties in relation to 137Cs are demonstrated by Cortinarius, Sarcodon, Paralepista, Tricholoma, Lactarius, Suillus spp. Widely distributed on the territory of Ukrainian Polesie - I. badia, P. involutus and L. rufus, remain representative bioindicators of radiocaesium contamination. A potential calculated annual effective doses due to the mushrooms consumption by adults, considering only the effect of the 137Cs, reached a high values in Suillus spp., T. equestre, and I. badia – 0.041, 0.035 and 0.025 mSv, respectively, which indicates a relatively insignificant dose load when consuming mushrooms in these localities compared to other localities of Ukrainian Polesie that have higher levels of soil contamination with radionuclides. However, radiation monitoring can still be recommended during mushroom procurement and mass collections.

Technological and Organoleptic Parameters of Craft Beer Fortified with Powder of the Culinary-Medicinal Mushroom Pleurotus eryngii.

Beer is one of the oldest and most popular alcoholic beverages and is currently consumed worldwide. The various components used in the brewing process have a physiological impact on the consumer and current research aims to improve its technological and functional properties through the addition of natural compounds (plants or mushrooms). In this work, the addition of two different amounts (5 and 10 g/L) of Pleurotus eryngii var. eryngii in powder form added at different production stages (PRE and POST alcoholic fermentation) showed the improvement in yeast viability during the alcoholic fermentation, increased the alcoholic content, and improved the sensorial profile. Regarding the organoleptic profile in the experimental samples, cocoa/chocolate and mushroom aromas were found and the samples PRE10 and POST5 received the best ratings with respect to all evaluated parameters.

Effectiveness of Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) in Preventing the Aging Process: A Review Study

Background Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is a mushroom that has been used in Asian countries for many years as a culinary-medicinal mushroom to treat a variety of diseases. Objective This study aims to review the studies conducted on the anti-aging effects of Reishi. Methods This is a review study. A search was conducted in Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, SID, and MagIran databases for articles published from 1989 to 2023 using the following keywords: Reishi mushroom, G. lucidium, anti-aging, antioxidant activities, free radicals, Results The studies showed that the extracts of Reishi have measurable anti-aging properties, especially in the heart, liver and brain tissues. The anti-aging activity of Reishi is mainly due to its ability to modulate the immune system, scavenge free radicals, inhibit oxidative stress, increase mitochondrial dehydrogenases, strengthen the electron transport chain, and prevent neurodegenerative diseases caused by oxidative stress. Bioactive compounds, such as polysaccharides and triterpenes, have been suggested to be involved in the anti-aging activity of Reishi. Conclusion Reishi is a suitable candidate for preparing extracts or compounds with anti-aging properties. However, more in-vivo studies are needed to gain deeper insight into the mechanisms underlying the anti-aging effects of Reishi. In addition, there is a lack of clinical trials in the field of anti-aging effects of Reishi extracts, especially in Iran.

Unprecedented Neoverrucosane and Cyathane Diterpenoids with Anti-Neuroinflammatory Activity from Cultures of the Culinary-Medicinal Mushroom Hericium erinaceus.

The culinary medicinal mushroom Hericium erinaceus holds significant global esteem and has garnered heightened interest within increasingly ageing societies due to its pronounced neuroprotective and anti-neuroinflammatory properties. Within this study, two novel diterpenes, 16-carboxy-13-epi-neoverrucosane (1) and Erinacine L (2); three known xylosyl cyathane diterpenoids, Erinacine A (3), Erinacine C (4), and Erinacine F (5); and four lanostane-type triterpenoids, and three cyclic dipeptides (10-12), in addition to orcinol (13), were isolated from the rice-based cultivation medium of H. erinaceus. Their structures were determined by NMR, HR-ESI-MS, ECD, and calculated NMR. Compound 1 marks a pioneering discovery as the first verrucosane diterpene originating from basidiomycetes, amplifying the scope of fungal natural product chemistry, and the intricate stereochemistry of Compound 5 has been comprehensively assessed for the first time. Compounds 2-5 not only showed encouraging neurotrophic activity in rat adrenal pheochromocytoma PC-12 cells, but also significantly inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in BV2 microglia cell cultures with IC50 values as low as 5.82 ± 0.18 μM. To elucidate the mechanistic underpinnings of these bioactivities, molecular docking simulation was used to analyze and support the interaction of 1 and 2 with inducible NO synthase (iNOS), respectively. In particular, compound 2, a cyathane-xyloside containing an unconventional hemiacetal moiety, is a compelling candidate for the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases. In summation, this investigation contributes substantively to the panorama of fungal diterpene structural diversity, concurrently furnishing additional empirical substantiation for the role of cyathane diterpenes in the amelioration of neurodegenerative afflictions.

Agaricus subrufescens fermented rye affects the development of intestinal microbiota, local intestinal and innate immunity in suckling-to-nursery pigs

BackgroundAgaricus subrufescens is considered as one of the most important culinary-medicinal mushrooms around the world. It has been widely suggested to be used for the development of functional food ingredients to promote human health ascribed to the various properties (e.g., anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activities). In this context, the interest in A. subrufescens based feed ingredients as alternatives for antibiotics has also been fuelled during an era of reduced/banned antibiotics use. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a fermented feed additive -rye overgrown with mycelium (ROM) of A. subrufescens—on pig intestinal microbiota, mucosal gene expression and local and systemic immunity during early life. Piglets received ROM or a tap water placebo (Ctrl) perorally every other day from day 2 after birth until 2 weeks post-weaning. Eight animals per treatment were euthanized and dissected on days 27, 44 and 70.ResultsThe results showed ROM piglets had a lower inter-individual variation of faecal microbiota composition before weaning and a lower relative abundance of proteobacterial genera in jejunum (Undibacterium and Solobacterium) and caecum (Intestinibacter and Succinivibrionaceae_UCG_001) on day 70, as compared to Ctrl piglets. ROM supplementation also influenced gut mucosal gene expression in both ileum and caecum on day 44. In ileum, ROM pigs showed increased expression of TJP1/ZO1 but decreased expression of CLDN3, CLDN5 and MUC2 than Ctrl pigs. Genes involved in TLR signalling (e.g., TICAM2, IRAK4 and LY96) were more expressed but MYD88 and TOLLIP were less expressed in ROM pigs than Ctrl animals. NOS2 and HIF1A involved in redox signalling were either decreased or increased in ROM pigs, respectively. In caecum, differentially expressed genes between two groups were mainly shown as increased expression (e.g., MUC2, PDGFRB, TOLLIP, TNFAIP3 and MYD88) in ROM pigs. Moreover, ROM animals showed higher NK cell activation in blood and enhanced IL-10 production in ex vivo stimulated MLN cells before weaning.ConclusionsCollectively, these results suggest that ROM supplementation in early life modulates gut microbiota and (local) immune system development. Consequently, ROM supplementation may contribute to improving health of pigs during the weaning transition period and reducing antibiotics use.

Evaluation of Polysaccharide Content in Shiitake Culinary-Medicinal Mushroom, Lentinula edodes (Agaricomycetes), via Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Integrated with Deep Learning.

Polysaccharide is one of the bioactive ingredients extracted from the fruiting body of Lentinula edodes (=L. edodes), which has many medicinal functions. While the content of polysaccharide can be measured by near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, the NIR analytical models established previously only covered L. edodes from very limited sources, and thus could not achieve high accuracy for large samples from more varied sources. Strictly, there is a nonlinear relationship between NIR spectral data and chemical label values, and traditional modeling methods for NIR data analysis have problems such as insufficient feature learning ability and difficulty in training. The deep learning model has excellent nonlinear modeling ability and generalization capacity, which is very suitable for analyzing larger samples. In this study, we constructed a novel framework with deep learning techniques on the NIR analysis of the content of polysaccharide in L. edodes. The siPLS model was established based on the combination of the bands 4797-3995 cm-1 and 6401-5600 cm-1, while the one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1D-CNN) model was established with improved feature in the treatment of the spectral data. The comparative experimental results showed that the 1D-CNN model (R2pre = 95.50%; RMSEP =0.1875) outperformed the siPLS model (R2pre = 87.89%, RMSEP = 0.6221). As such, this work has demonstrated that NIR spectroscopy with the integration of deep learning can provide more accurate quantification of polysaccharide in L. edodes. Such method can be very useful for nutritional grading and quality control of diverse L. edodes in the market.

Purification and characterization of pleuroferin, a novel protein with in vitro anti-non-small cell lung cancer activity from the mushroom Pleurotus ferulae lanzi

A novel protein with in vitro anti-tumor activity designated as pleuroferin was isolated from the dried fruit bodies of Pleurotus ferulae lanzi, a special culinary-medicinal mushroom. Pleuroferin was purified by HiTrap Q HP anion exchange chromatography and DEAE-52 anion exchange chromatography. After Superdex75 chromatography and SDS-PAGE electrophoresis identification analysis, pleuroferin was determined to be a component with a molecular weight of 17.5 kDa. Pleuroferin displayed anti-non-small cell lung cancer activityin vitro with an IC50 of 190 μg/mL. AO/EB staining, Annexin V-FITC/PI flow cytometry, JC-1 staining, quantitative real-time PCR, and western blot proved that pleuroferin induced A549 cell apoptosis through the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway and the death receptor pathway. These results indicated that pleuroferin exhibits the potential as an anti-tumor therapeutic agent for non-small cell lung cancer.

The complete mitochondrial genome of the edible mushroom Grifola frondosa

The culinary-medicinal mushroom Grifola frondosa is widely cultivated in East Asia. In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome of G. frondosa was determined using Illumina sequencing. The circular molecule was 197,486 bp in length with a content of 25.01% GC, which was one of the largest mitochondrial genomes in the order Polyporales. A total of 39 known genes encoding 13 common mitochondrial genes, 24 tRNA genes, 1 ribosomal protein s3 gene (rps3), and 1 DNA polymerase gene (dpo) were predicted in this genome. The phylogenetic analysis showed that G. frondosa clustered together with Sparassis crispa, Laetiporus sulphureus, Wolfiporia cocos, and Taiwanofungus camphoratus. The complete mitochondrial genome reported here may provide new insight into genetic information and evolution for further studies.

In Vivo Evaluation and Nutritional Quality of By-Products Subjected to Solid-State Fermentation Using Shiitake Culinary-Medicinal Mushroom, Lentinula edodes (Agaricomycetes).

This study evaluates the nutritional quality and in vivo biological activity of a peach palm by-product food ingredient processed via solid-state fermentation by shiitake culinary-medicinal mushroom, Lentinula edodes. The group of Wistar rats that consumed this diet had higher total dietary fiber content, digestibility, rate of protein quality, and protein efficiency. They also presented a late and softer insulinemic peak with an increase in the glycemic index, demonstrating amino acid limitation but with a feasible matrix as a complement protein. Discrete variation on total cholesterol and triglycerides was observed with a reduction in lipid profile, attributed to its high dietary fiber content. Lipids from within the liver and stool revealed that the fermented diet contained the lowest rates of fat in the liver and, consequently, the highest elimination compared to the other control diets. The serum lipid profile suggests a positive modulation of this diet, and that it has good nutritional quality with the potential to positively influence glycemic and lipid profiles.

Dietary Supplementation with Oyster Culinary-Medicinal Mushroom, Pleurotus ostreatus (Agaricomycetes), Reduces Visceral Fat and Hyperlipidemia in Inhabitants of a Rural Community in Mexico.

The abandonment of traditional foods in the Mexican diet is one of the causes for the increase in diseases associated with obesity. Edible mushrooms have been a part of the Mexican diet since pre-Hispanic times. There is clear evidence that Pleurotus ostreatus (Po) contains bioactive compounds that have beneficial health effects. In the present study, we carried out a 3-month nutritional intervention in which we randomized 30 participants into two groups: one that consumed a healthy diet with regional foods without the inclusion of edible mushrooms (HD, n = 15) and one that consumed a healthy diet with regional foods alongside 1 kg of P. ostreatus (four portions of 250 g) per week (HD+ P. ostreatus, n = 15). We evaluated anthropometric measurements, lipid parameters, glucose levels, and blood pressure in inhabitants of San Miguel Tianguistenco, Puebla, a rural area of Mexico. For the HD group, the triglyceride levels decreased in women and the glucose levels decreased in men, and in the HD+ P. ostreatus group, visceral fat, glucose, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels decreased in women, and glucose and triglyceride levels decreased in men. Analysis of the intake of macro- and micronutrients in the community showed a high intake of energy, fat, and sugar, and a low intake of fiber, B complex vitamins, and minerals, indicators of an unbalanced diet. It is essential to create strategies that promote the inclusion of edible mushrooms as a part of a heathy diet in rural areas of Mexico to improve the actual health and nutrition of the residents.

Peach Palm By-Product Bioconversion by Shiitake Culinary-Medicinal Mushroom Lentinula edodes (Agaricomycetes) for Food Products Application in Brazil

This study aims to analyze the peach palm by-product (shells) bioconversion by culinary-medicinal mushroom Lentinula edodes to obtain a food ingredient for dietary supplementation containing high contents of dietary fiber, protein, and β-glucans. The β-glucans production by L. edodes mycelium was optimized through a solid-state fermentation, checking the influence of the heart of palm shells and supplements (rice bran, manioc flour, and sorghum flour) through an experimental mixing plan. The cultivation treatment that presented the highest tendency for β-glucans production was analyzed by the centesimal composition and in vivo biological activity. Treatments 4 (with shells, rice bran, and manioc flour) and 6 (with shells, sorghum flour, and manioc flour) presented the highest β-glucans content. A flour was obtained with high dietary fiber and protein content, and low lipids and carbohydrates content, and low caloric value. The in vivo biological activity demonstrated high protein quality and promoted a lower elevation of the glycemic curve. Thus, technology for the transformation of peach palm shells into a food ingredient was made feasible. It could generate a gluten-free and lactose-free dietary supplement that is both nutritive and bioactive, enhancing human health and well-being as well as environmental sustainability.

Biotreatment of Selected Agrowaste Products with Some Culinary-Medicinal Mushrooms Enhances Their Nutrient Composition for Use as Animal Feed in Nigeria

Biological treatment of agrowaste products using white-rot fungi can enhance their physicochemical and nutritional values for further use as animal feed. In this study, sweet orange and ripe plantain peels were biotreated during their use as substrates to grow three mushroom species (Lentinus squarrosulus, Pleurotus pulmonarius, and P. ostreatus), with the aim to reuse these wastes for animal feed. The effects of mushroom biotreatment on these wastes were analyzed at 0, 30, and 60 days of incubation with respect to physical and chemical properties of the substrates. Results from the mineral composition revealed the presence of appreciable quantities of sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, nitrogen, calcium, potassium, and iron for both peels after treatment with all of the mushrooms. The amino acid content of orange peels treated with L. squarrosulus and P. pulmonarius increased after treatment compared with the control and plantain peel. The carbohydrate level in both wastes also increased after treatment with L. squarrosulus, P. pulmonarius, and P. ostreatus, respectively, while the moisture and ash contents of treated wastes decreased as the incubation periods progressed. However, there was no significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) in the protein, fiber, and fat content of the control compared to those of treated wastes. This study affirms that biotreatment of these agrowaste products using the selected mushrooms can enhanced their value for further use.

Outdoor versus indoor cultivation: Effects on the metabolite profile of Agaricus subrufescens strains analyzed by untargeted metabolomics

Agaricus subrufescens has emerged as an important culinary-medicinal mushroom over the last decades. Efforts have been dedicated to upgrade the A. subrufescens productive process via strain selection and cultivation scaling-up. However, little is known on the influence of those variables on the metabolite profiles and nutraceutical properties of this mushroom. In this work, the effects of outdoor versus indoor cultivation on the metabolite profiles of five commercial strains of A. subrufescens were investigated by untargeted metabolomics. UHPLC-MS coupled to multivariate data analysis revealed that the concentration of several metabolites with reported health-related properties as well as related to taste and browning varied significantly between strains and were affected by the cultivation system in a strain-dependent manner. Data suggest that increasing the production scale by means of indoor cultivation may decrease the nutraceutical quality of some A. subrufescens strains while also affecting taste and browning susceptibility to different extents.

Hericium erinaceus mycelium and its small bioactive compounds promote oligodendrocyte maturation with an increase in myelin basic protein

Oligodendrocytes (OLs), myelin-producing glia in the central nervous system (CNS), produce a myelin extension that enwraps axons to facilitate action potential propagation. An effective approach to induce oligodendrogenesis and myelination is important to foster CNS development and promote myelin repair in neurological diseases. Hericium (H.) erinaceus, an edible and culinary-medicinal mushroom, has been characterized as having neuroprotective activities. However, its effect on OL differentiation has not yet been uncovered. In this study using oligodendrocyte precursor cell (OPC) cultures and an ex vivo cerebellar slice system, we found that the extract from H. erinaceus mycelium (HEM) not only promoted the differentiation of OPCs to OLs in the differentiation medium, but also increased the level of myelin basic protein (MBP) on neuronal fibers. Moreover, daily oral administration of HEM into neonatal rat pups for 7 days enhanced MBP expression and OLs in the corpus callosum of the postnatal rat brain. The effect of HEM-derived bioactive compounds, the diterpenoid xylosides erinacine A (HeA) and HeC and a sesterterpene with 5 isoprene units called HeS, were further evaluated. The results showed that HeA and HeS more potently stimulated MBP expression in OLs and increased the number of OLs. Moreover, overlap between MBP immunoreactivity and neuronal fibers in cultured cerebellar tissue slices was significantly increased in the presence of HeA and HeS. In summary, our findings indicate that HEM extract and its ingredients HeA and HeS display promising functional effects and promote OL maturation, providing insights into their potential for myelination in neurodevelopmental disorders.

Effects of Shiitake Culinary-Medicinal Mushroom, Lentinus edodes (Agaricomycetes), Bars on Lipid and Antioxidant Profiles in Individuals with Borderline High Cholesterol: A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial.

Shiitake (Lentinus edodes) is a culinary-medicinal mushroom that has low lipid content and is rich in protein, fiber, minerals, vitamins, antioxidant compounds, and β-glucans. We assessed the effects of L. edodes bars on cholesterolemia and oxidative stress levels in individuals with borderline high cholesterol through a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Individuals with borderline high cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, or triglycerides were recruited. Sixty-eight individuals were randomly allocated to group I (placebo; n = 32) or group II (intervention; n = 36). Blood samples were collected at 0, 33, and 66 days, and all individuals received an unidentified opaque envelope containing the bars. Biochemical (triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, and glucose) and oxidative stress biomarkers (reduced glutathione, catalase, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) in the blood were assessed. Participants in the intervention group showed a 10% reduction in triglycerides after 66 days of consuming the shiitake bars (P = 0.0352). In oxidative stress biomarkers, L. edodes increased the main endogenous antioxidant reduced glutathione and reduced lipid peroxidation. Exposure to L. edodes triggered dermatitis in 10% of individuals sensitive to the mushroom. In conclusion, L. edodes bars are a nutritious food and a functional health food alternative. This food improves redox status and can be considered as an adjuvant in the prevention of dyslipidemia.

Biology and Nutritional Contents in the Culinary-Medicinal Milky White Mushroom, Calocybe indica (Agaricomycetes), during Cultivation Involving Casing and Scratching Treatments.

The milky white mushroom, Calocybe indica Purkay & A. Chandra, is a tropical species not commercially cultivated in Europe. The influence of casing and scratching treatments on productivity, morphological characteristics, and nutritional contents were investigated during the cultivation of C. indica on locally available substrates. The highest total mushroom yield (43.6 ± 1.7/100 g substrate fresh weight [FW]) and biological efficiency (BE; 128.1 ± 5.0%) were obtained from treatment T6 that received casing (30-mm height) and the scratching treatment before casing. The lowest yield (27.6 ± 2.3/100 g FW) and BE (81.1 ± 6.9%) were in the treatment that had no casing and no scratching treatment (T7). The yield in the first and second flush combined accounted for 82-90% of the total yield in all treatments except in T7, where it was 100%. The longest (61.1 ± 1.7 days) and shortest (39 ± 0 days) cropping cycles were recorded in T6 and T7, respectively. The highest dry matter content in fruiting bodies (12.6%) was in the treatments with casing (10 mm height) and scratching (T4), and the lowest (8.2%) was in T7. The scratching treatment significantly decreased (P < 0.05) the lipid and ash content in fruiting bodies. To our knowledge, this is the first report on tests conducted on tropical mushroom C. indica under simulated industrial cultivation conditions in Europe. Although it requires a high temperature for cultivation (28-32°C), C. indica could become an alternative mushroom for cultivation in temperature climates and during the summer, when high temperatures significantly increase the costs of commercial production and marketing of white button, portabella, and most other exotic mushrooms.

Improvement and Characterization of Naturally Occurring Folate Compounds in Fruiting Bodies of Culinary-Medicinal Winter Mushroom, Flammulina velutipes (Agaricomycetes).

Edible mushrooms are among food sources containing natural folate compounds. However, little is known about how the content of folates in edible mushrooms may be improved. This study aimed to enrich Flammulina velutipes with higher levels of folates and to characterize patterns of the bioconversion of folates in the fruiting bodies. A convenient method was developed to treat a lignocellulosic substrate with synthetic folic acid. Folate compounds in the fruiting bodies grown in folic acid-treated substrates were evaluated relative to those in untreated substrates. Reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography revealed different patterns of changes in levels of unsubstituted and substituted folates. While there was an approximately 15-fold and 8-fold increase in 5-formyl tetrahydrofolate and 5-methyl tetrahydrofolate, respectively, the most inconsistency was seen in the tetrahydrofolate content. There were also differences in the level of folate derivatives between commercial and native F. velutipes mushrooms. Since F. velutipes mushrooms can be consumed raw, the enriched mushrooms can be used as a dietary source to meet adult requirements for the daily uptake of natural folates.