Medicinal Mushroom Research Articles

Evaluating the concentration dependent dual effects of β-Glucan on cancerous skin cells and mitochondria isolated from melanoma-induced animal model

Introduction Melanoma is still one of the deadliest cancers whose prevalence has increased in recent decades. Today, many polysaccharides and their bioactive compounds have been of special importance in modern biotechnology. They have various biological and therapeutic properties. they can regulate and strengthen the immune system, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and reduce bacterial and viral infections. According to studies, these compounds also have antitumor properties. we investigated the cytotoxic effects of β-Glucan obtained from solid-state fermentation (SSF) of edible medicinal mushroom Lentinus edodes on cancerous skin cells. Materials and methods The mitochondria were isolated from melanoma cells via differential centrifugation and treated with various concentrations (30, 45, 60, 90, 120, and 240 µg/ml) of β-Glucan extract. Then, they were subjected to MTT, ROS, MMP decline, mitochondrial swelling, cytochrome c release, and flow cytometry assays. Results The results of the MTT assay showed that IC50 of β-Glucan extract was 60 μg/ml, and it induced a selectively significant (P < 0.05) concentration-dependent decrease in the SDH activity in cancerous skin mitochondria. At higher concentrations, no such effect was observed. The ROS results also showed that 30, 45, and 60 µg/ml concentrations of β-Glucan extract significantly increased ROS. However, no such effect was observed at higher concentrations. MMP decline and the release of cytochrome c in cancer groups mitochondria and swelling were significantly increased at 30, 45, and 60 µg/ml compared to the control group. At higher concentrations, no such effect was observed. β-Glucan extract at 60 µg/ml concentration increased apoptosis on melanoma cells, while it had no effect on control non-tumour cells. Discussion and conclusion Based on these results, β-Glucan extract at 30, 45, and 60 µg/ml showed a cytotoxic effect, while no such effect was observed at higher concentrations. Overall, it seems that β-Glucan has antioxidant and free radical scavenging effects on cancer cells at higher concentrations.

α-GLUCOSIDASE AND TYROSINASE INHIBITORY GUIDED ISOLATION, IDENTIFICATION OF MAJOR COMPOUND AND IN SILICO STUDY FROM EDIBLE MUSHROOM COPRINUS COMATUS

Coprinus comatus is an edible and medicinal mushroom. The crude hexane, EtOAc and methanol extracts were extracted successively from C. Comatus. All the crude extracts were evaluated for anti-a-glucosidase and tyrosinase. The results showed that %inhibition valued for the crude hexane, EtOAc and methanol extracts of anti-a-glucosidase were 98.58 ± 0.09, 98.90 ± 0.21, and 6.68 ± 0.79, respectively. The anti-tyrosinase for the crude hexane, EtOAc and methanol extracts were 97.31 ± 2.77, 97.31 ± 3.34 and 64.94 ± 3.34, respectively. Notably, the bioassay-guided showed that the crude hexane and EtOAc were the highest for anti-a-glucosidase and tyrosinase activities, which led to the interest in purifying the major compound. The isolation and purification were successively done using chromatographic techniques. The pure compounds were determined by spectroscopic analysis (UV, FTIR, and NMR) and comparison with previously reported. The isolation led to three compounds (1-3), ergosterol (1), indole-3-carbaldehyde (2), and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (3). The molecular docking of compounds 1-3, reported as α-glucosidase and tyrosinase inhibitors, was done by the AutoDockTools 1.5.6 (ADT) software. The results revealed that ergosterol (1) provides the highest binding free energy (-9.91 kcal/mol) to the active site of a-glucosidase, indicating that it is quite specific to this enzyme. Moreover, ergosterol (1) has strong binding energy (-9.64 kcal/mol) to tyrosinase but not significant tyrosinase specificity. This evidence supports that C. Comatus would be applicable for a functional food for controlling glucose blood levels.

Evaluating the Efficacy of an Extract for UV Defense and Mitigation of Oxidative Stress, Transitioning from Biomass to Bioprotection

This study evaluated natural extracts from plant biomass for UV protection and oxidative stress reduction. Conducted in Bucharest, Romania, it focused on medicinal mushrooms and pomegranate bark. The biotechnological process involved a two-phase extraction: hot water processing of Ganoderma lucidum, Hericium erinaceus, Inonotus obliquus, and Tremella mushrooms, followed by ethanol extraction with pomegranate bark and green tea. The spectrophotometric analysis identified phenolics and flavonoids. The ethanol extract showed higher phenolic content and antioxidant activity, particularly in DPPH radical scavenging. UVB exposure tests demonstrated its protective effect, comparable to vitamin B3, delaying oxidative stress onset by 30 min. This research underscores the potential of using natural biomass extracts in skincare, promoting environmental sustainability and economic viability by converting agricultural waste into valuable bioactive compounds.

Research on the Mechanism of Root Endophytes of Morus alba L. and Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr., Two Host Plants Growing Inonotus hispidus (Bull.) P. Karst., with Metabarcoding and Metabolomics

Inonotus hispidus (Bull.) P. Karst., is a medicinal fungus, which parasitizes broad-leaved tree such as Morus alba L., Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr., and Ulmus macrocarpa Hance. To elucidate the internal relationship between I. hispidus and its hosts, this study analyzed endophytic bacteria and fungi in the roots of M. alba and F. mandshurica growing I. hispidus using the 16S rDNA and ITS high-throughput sequencing technologies; and conducted widely targeted metabolomics research using UPLC-MS/MS. The results showed that Cyanobacteria and unidentified chloroplasts had the highest relative abundance at the phylum and genus levels, respectively. For endophytic fungi, Ascomycota was dominant at the phylum level, while Pleosporales gen Incertae sedis and Oncopodiella were the dominant genera in the roots of M. alba and F. mandshurica, respectively. Widely targeted metabolomics identified 562 differential metabolites and 46 metabolic pathways. Correlation analysis revealed that Xanthobacteraceae, Pseudorhodoplanes, and Bauldia were potential regulators of phenolic acids and phenylpropanoids biosynthesis. Additionally, the genus Oncopodiella was primarily associated with the enrichment of lipids, amino acids, sugars, phenolic acids, and other compounds. This result provides significant insights into the size of the fruiting body, resource development, and active ingredients of I. hispidus from different tree sources.

Hepatoprotective Effect of Antrodia camphorata Mycelium Powder on Alcohol-Induced Liver Damage

Background/Objectives: Antrodia camphorata, also known as “Niuchangchih” in Taiwan, is a unique medicinal mushroom native to Taiwan. It is used in traditional medicine to treat various health conditions. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of A. camphorata mycelia on alcohol-induced liver damage, both in vitro and in vivo, in a Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) facility. Methods: The experimental groups consisted of a normal control group (G1), a negative control group (G2), an A. camphorata mycelium powder 50 mg/kg/day administration group (G3), a 100 mg/kg/day administration group (G4), a 200 mg/kg/day administration group (G5), and a positive control silymarin 200 mg/kg/day administration group (G6), with 10 Sprague Dawley rats assigned to each treatment group. Results: We found that treatment with A. camphorata mycelium powder significantly reduced alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol, adiponectin, triglyceride, and malondialdehyde concentrations. Histopathological analysis also revealed that the inflammation score significantly decreased in the A. camphorata-treated groups. Conclusion: Based on these results, we conclude that repeated oral administration of A. camphorata mycelium powder is effective in improving alcoholic liver disease.

Review of the Structural Characteristics and Biological Activities of Tricholoma Secondary Metabolites (2018-2023).

Tricholoma are significant medicinal and edible mushrooms within Basidiomycota. Known for their various medicinal properties such as anti-tumor, immune regulation, and antioxidant effects, they are regarded worldwide as health foods of the 21st century. Tricholoma species produce various types of secondary metabolites, which have been extensively studied by the scientific community. In 2018, Clericuzio et al. summarized the structures, biosynthesis, and biological activities of over one hundred different secondary metabolites isolated from the fruiting bodies of 25 Tricholoma species. Building on this, the present article reviews the research progress on Tricholoma secondary metabolites from 2018 to 2023, identifying a total of 101 compounds, 46 of which were newly discovered. These secondary metabolites include a wide range of chemical categories such as terpenoids, steroids, and alkaloids, demonstrating broad biological activities. This article aims to provide in-depth scientific insights and guidance for researchers in this field by summarizing the chemical and biological properties of these secondary metabolites, promoting further applications and development of Tricholoma fungi in the pharmaceutical and food industries.

MpDLDH gene is crucial for regulating growth and pigment biosynthesis through acetyl-CoA modulation in Monascus purpureus

Monascus spp. are traditional medicinal and edible filamentous fungi in Asian countries. Monascus pigments (MPs) are the most well-known beneficial secondary metabolites produced by Monascus and used as natural food colorants with a long history. However, the understanding of the MPs biosynthesis remains limited due to their complexity and diversity, and the known MPs biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) is also incomplete. In this study, we re-predicted the MPs BGC based on the genome sequence of Monascus purpureus and found seven new genes that may be involved in MPs biosynthesis. Among them, MpDLDH encodes a putative dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase, which is the E3 subunit of pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) multiunit complex for catalyzing pyruvate to acetyl-CoA. MpDLDH knockout significantly decreased the acetyl-CoA content, and resulted in small pale colony, dramatically reduced biomass, few conidia, and absence of cleistothecia. MpDLDH deletion seriously repressed MPs biosynthesis, but did not change its composition. In addition to the increase of intracellular MPs production and acetyl-CoA in the late growth stage on solid medium, MpDLDH overexpression had no obvious effect on the phenotypes. Since acetyl-CoA is the crucial substrate for both MPs biosynthesis and tricarboxylic acid cycle, it is believed that MpDLDH of MPs BGC plays a key role in regulating cell growth, development and pigment formation through participating in the assembly of PDH complex to modulate the production of acetyl-CoA. These findings may deepen our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms between MPs biosynthesis and cell growth in Monascus species.

Optimization of Fermentation Conditions of Cordyceps militaris and In Silico Analysis of Antifungal Property of Cordycepin Against Plant Pathogens.

Cordyceps militaris, a medicinal fungus, has gained considerable attention owing to its potential health benefits, notably the production of bioactive compounds such as cordycepin. Cordycepin possesses significant antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. The present study focused on optimizing the fermentation conditions for C.militaris to boost the production of mycelia and cordycepin, alongside investigating its antifungal properties using in silico and in vitro approaches. The optimal conditions, yielding the highest cordycepin and mycelial biomass, were a temperature of 20°C and a pH range of 4-6, with glucose and sucrose as carbon sources and yeast extract and casein hydrolysate as nitrogen sources. Under these conditions, cordycepin production peaked at low pH (600-1000 mg/L) and with carbon and maltose (400-500 mg/L). The low temperature favored cordycepin production (400 mg/L), whereas casein hydrolysate as a nitrogen source boosted cordycepin yield (600 mg/L). The docking analysis indicated that cordycepin had the highest binding affinity for the tubulin beta chain 2 (-10.4 kcal/mol) compared to the fungicide tebuconazole (-7.9 kcal/mol for both targets). The in silico results were corroborated by in vitro studies, where the mycelial extract of C.militaris inhibited approximately 75% of fungal growth at a concentration of 6000 ppm. These findings suggest that optimizing fermentation conditions significantly enhances cordycepin production, and cordycepin shows antifungal solid activity, making it a promising agent for biocontrol in agriculture.

Antidiabetic and hypolipidemic activities of Sanghuangporus vaninii compounds in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic mice via modulation of intestinal microbiota

AbstractSanghuangporus vaninii is a traditional edible and medicinal fungi with a long history in China. Recent studies have focused on its potential in treating diabetes, although the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the antidiabetic and hypolipidemic effects of the formula of S. vaninii compounds (SVC) in diabetic mice and explore the potential improvement in the intestinal microbiota. Oral administration of SVC significantly reduced fasting blood glucose and improved insulin sensitivity and lipid indexes. In addition to its direct effects on glucose levels and insulin sensitivity, SVC was found to have an impact on the intestinal microbiota. The levels of short‐chain fatty acids receiving SVC intervention increased, and 16S rRNA sequencing revealed changes in the abundances of certain bacteria, such as Harryflintia, Helicobacter, Candidatus_Soleaferrea, Klebsiella, and Candidatus_Stoquefichus. These bacteria were found to be negatively associated with glucose and lipid indexes and positively related to body weight and insulin sensitivity. Overall, this study highlights the potential of SVC in treating diabetes and provides a novel perspective for understanding its antidiabetic mechanism through modulation of the intestinal microbiota.

Fungi as biotechnological allies: Exploring contributions of edible and medicinal mushrooms.

Edible and medicinal mushrooms possess excellent nutritional properties due to their incredible versatility in growing on different substrates and producing extracellular enzymes with a wide range of specificity. These features make them excellent candidates for various biotechnological applications. In this context, biotechnological applications using edible and medicinal mushrooms can focus on the bioprocessing of agro-industrial wastes, an economical and environmentally friendly strategy. This review, based on recent original research and scientific reviews, highlights the versatility and potential of mushrooms in terms of sustainability and efficiency. We emphasized the biotechnological applications of edible and medicinal mushrooms and their enzymes including food production with high nutraceutical value by enhancing the quality and flavor of food industry products. Other biotechnological applications addressed in this review were cosmeceutical and biomedical development using mushroom extracts with bioactive compounds; wood pulp pretreatment processes in the pulp and paper industry; bioethanol production; and bioremediation for decontaminating soils and polluted effluents. These applications explain how edible and medicinal mushrooms have gained significance in biotechnology over the years, opening new avenues for innovation. The current tendency to study edible and medicinal mushrooms has gained the attention of researchers because these are still less known organisms becoming an attractive and natural source of novel bioactive compounds that could be integrated into a circular model production.

Exploring the biochemical and productivity implications of incorporating mustard cake in Hypsizygus ulmarius (Bull.) cultivation

The study aimed to evaluate the biological efficiency and nutritional composition of Hypsizygus ulmarius (Bull.), an edible and medicinal mushroom species often overlooked by Indian farmers. The mushrooms were cultivated on wheat husk as the control substrate from October to February. The substrate was enriched with mustard cake (M) at concentrations of 10 % (M500), 20 % (M1000) and 30 % (M1500) by dry weight to assess the impact on yield. The growth parameters, including the size and weight of fruiting bodies from each type of substrate were recorded. The control substrate, consisting of wheat straw alone, required the shortest period for mycelium growth at 33.125 ± 0.99 days, while wheat straw supplemented with 30 % mustard cake (M1500) took the longest time at 46.6 ± 1.5 days. However, the M1000 substrate (20 % mustard cake) had the shortest time span for pin head formation, taking 46 ± 1.41days and for maturation to fully grown fruiting bodies, requiring 50.25 ± 2.12 days. The M1000 substrate also produced the highest yield of 5533.2 kg with the greatest biological efficiency of 92.2 %, but comparatively least values were obtained in M1500, with a yield of 2088.28 kg and a biological efficiency of 51.28 %. The highest total carbohydrate content was found in M500 (10 % mustard cake), at 71.91 %, along with a fiber content of 13.19 %. The highest protein (38.06 %) and fats (2.73 %) contents were observed in M1500. The results of this study suggest that mustard cake can be used as an effective supplement to enhance the nutritional content, biological efficiency and productivity of Hypsizygus ulmarius.

Structural Characterization, and Antioxidant, Hypoglycemic and Immunomodulatory Activity of Exopolysaccharide from Sanghuangporus sanghuang JM-1

Sanghuang as a medicinal fungus in China has a history of more than 2000 years, and is known as the “forest gold”. Most notably, the polysaccharides of Sanghuangporus sp. have attracted widespread attention due to their significant bioactivity in recent years. At present, extensive studies are being carried out on the extraction methods, structural characterization, and activity evaluation of polysaccharides. Here, we aimed to evaluate the structure and bioactivity of LEPS-1, an exopolysaccharide derived from the S. sanghuang JM-1 strain. The structure was elucidated by chromatography/spectral methods and hydrolyzation, and the solubility, the antioxidant activity, hypoglycemic activity and immunomodulatory activity were investigated. Results showed that LEPS-1 contained a →2)-α-Manp(1→6)-α-Galp(1→[2)-α-Manp(1→]n→2,6)-α-Manp(1→6,2)-α-Manp(1→3)-α-Manp(1→ backbone substituted at the O-6 and O-2 positions with side chains. These two branching fragments were β-Manp(1→. The molecular weight of LEPS-1 is 36.131 kDa. The results of biological activity analysis suggested that LEPS-1 was easily soluble in water, with reducing capability and DPPH radical scavenging capability. Furthermore, the IC50 values of LEPS-1 against α-amylase and α-glucosidase were 0.96 mg/mL and 1.92 mg/mL. LEPS-1 stimulated RAW264.7 cells to release NO, TNF-α and IL-6 with no cytotoxicity, showing potent potential for immunomodulatory activity. These findings describe a potential natural exopolysaccharide with medicinal value and a basis for the development of S. sanghuang exopolysaccharides.

A review: The classification system of the medicinal mushroom Shanghuang Tropicoporuslinteus(Phellinus linteus) and some new perspective on Sanghuang in Vietnam

A review: The classification system of the medicinal mushroom Shanghuang Tropicoporuslinteus(Phellinus linteus) and some new perspective on Sanghuang in Vietnam

Elucidating the protective mechanism of ganoderic acid DM on breast cancer based on network pharmacology and in vitro experimental validation.

Ganoderma lucidum, a popular medicinal fungus, has been utilized to treat a variety of diseases. It possesses a unique therapeutic and pharmacological reputation in suppressing cancer/tumor progression, especially breast cancer, due to its embedded rich bioactive chemical constituents, mainly triterpenoids (ganoderic acids). The most prevalent malignant tumor in women with a high mortality and morbidity rate is breast cancer. Ganoderic acids A, D, DM, F, and H are evidenced in previous research to have breast cancer-preventive properties by exhibiting autophagic and apoptosis, anti-proliferative, and anti-angiogenesis effects. However, the anti-breast cancer mechanism remains unclear. The putative targets of the ganoderic acids were further determined using bioinformatics techniques and molecular docking calculation. Finally, the key targets were verified in vitro. A total of 53 potential target proteins associated with 202 pathways were predicted to be related to breast cancer. The potential targets were narrowed down to six key targets (AKT1, PIK3CA, epidermal growth factor receptor [EGFR], STAT1, ESR1, and CTNNB1), using different algorithms of the CytoHubba plugin, which were further validated using molecular docking analysis. The ganoderic acid DM (GADM) and the targets (PIK3CA and EGFR) with the strongest interactions were validated via MDA-MB-231 and MCF7 cells. The expression level of PIK3CA in both MDA-MB-231 and MCF7 cells was dose-dependently suppressed by GADM, whereas EGFR expression was unexpectedly increased, which warrants further investigation. These data indicated that the network pharmacology-based prediction of GADM targets for treating human breast cancer could be reliable.

Exploring the Wound Healing Potential of Hispidin.

Hispidin, a polyphenol component mainly derived from the medicinal mushroom species Phellinus and Inonotus, shows promise for biomedical applications, yet its potential in wound healing remains largely unexplored. This research investigates the wound healing effects of hispidin through in vitro and in vivo experiments, while also evaluating its antimicrobial properties and safety profile. In vitro scratch assays were conducted to evaluate the impact of hispidin on the migration of NIH-3T3 cells. The wound healing potential of hispidin was assessed in rats using excision wounds, dead space wounds, and linear incisions, treated with various topical ointments including a simple ointment, 2.5% (w/w) and a 5% (w/w) hispidin ointment, and a 0.2% (w/w) nitrofurazone ointment, administered at 0.2 g daily for 14 days. Hispidin demonstrated antimicrobial properties and was particularly effective against Staphylococcus epidermidis. Hispidin enhanced NIH-3T3 cell viability, and promoted wound closure in scratch assays, correlating with increased levels of FGF21, TGF-β1, EGF, and VEGF. In excision wound models, the 5% (w/w) hispidin ointment improved wound contraction, epithelialization, tissue regeneration, fibroblast activity, and angiogenesis. In the granulation tissue from dead space wound models, hispidin reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β) and lipid peroxidation, while increasing anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10) and antioxidant activities (SOD, GPx, CAT), along with connective tissue markers like hydroxyproline, hexosamine, and hexuronic acid. Hispidin also enhanced wound breaking strength in incision models. Acute dermal toxicity studies indicated no adverse effects at 2000 mg/kg. These findings highlight hispidin's potential in wound care, demonstrating its antimicrobial, regenerative, and safety properties.

Senolytic effect of triterpenoid complex from Ganoderma lucidum on adriamycin-induced senescent human hepatocellular carcinoma cells model in vitro and in vivo.

Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum) is a famous medicinal mushroom that has been reported to prevent and treat a variety of diseases. Different extractions from G. lucidum have been used to manage age-related diseases, including cancer. Nevertheless, the senolytic activity of G. lucidum against senescent cancer cells has not been investigated. Although cellular senescence causes tumor growth inhibition, senescent cells promote the growth of the neighboring tumor cells through paracrine effects. Therefore, the elimination of senescent cells is a new strategy for cancer treatment. In this study, senescence was triggered in HCC cells by the chemotherapeutic agent Adriamycin (ADR), and subsequently, cells were treated with TC to assess its senolytic activity. We found for the first time that the triterpenoid complex (TC) from G. lucidum had senolytic effect, which could selectively eliminate adriamycin (ADR)-induced senescent cells (SCs) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells via caspase-dependent and mitochondrial pathways-mediated apoptosis and reduce the levels of senescence markers, thereby inhibiting the progression of cancers caused by SCs. TC could block autophagy at the late stage in SCs, resulting in a significant activation of TC-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, TC inhibited the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) in SCs through the inhibition of NF-κB, TFEB, P38, ERK, and mTOR signaling pathways and reducing the number of SCs. Sequential administration of ADR and TC in vivo significantly reduced tumor growth and reversed the toxicity of ADR. A triterpenoid complex isolated from G. lucidum may serve as a novel senolytic agent against SCs, and its combination with chemotherapeutic agents may enhance their antitumor efficacy.

Diversity of ethnomycological knowledge and mushroom foraging culture in a small nation: case of Lithuania

BackgroundEven in mycophilic nations, mushroom foraging and use traditions may vary from region to region, making it part of cultural diversity and a source of traditional knowledge even in modern and changing societies. The main objective of our study was to investigate mushroom foraging and use traditions in major ethno-regions of Lithuania, to record and analyse whether and how biogeographical and ethno-cultural features influence these traditions, what is their biocultural significance, and whether they persist in the face of societal and environmental change.MethodsThe study conducted a survey among 106 respondents from eleven administrative units of Lithuania, representing four ethno-regions (Žemaitija, Suvalkija, Dzūkija and Aukštaitija, the latter divided into North and East). The age of the respondents ranged from 32 to 97 years (mean 70 years, median 68 years). Each respondent was asked six questions about mushroom species and mushroom foraging. The interviews were accompanied by 50 photographs of different mushroom species. The similarity between mushroom foragers' preferences in ethno-regions and the sets of mushroom species used for food and medicine was tested using cluster analysis. Clustering was carried out using Sørensen distances and the method of cluster mean linkage method.ResultsThe number of mushroom species recognised per respondent was quite similar, with the lowest number of mushroom species recognised in Žemaitija and the highest in Eastern Aukštaitija. Species of no economic or other importance were not well recognised in any of the regions. The number of names applied to mushroom species varied from region to region and did not coincide with the popularity of mushrooms among mushroom pickers. The number of mushroom species used for food was also similar between regions, except for Dzūkija, which had the lowest number of species collected. Nine mushroom species were identified by respondents as medicinal mushrooms, the most popular being Amanita muscaria and Inonotus obliquus. When analysing the similarity of mushroom species collected for food and medicine, it was found that ethno-regions clustered into three distinct groups. Two groups depended on the prevailing forest types, while Žemaitija formed a separate cluster defined only by local traditions.ConclusionsThe work represents the largest study of ethnomycological tradition in Lithuania, covering major ethno-regions. We have found that ethnomycological knowledge and tradition are not influenced by any long-term historical events, ethnicity or religion, but rather by the prevailing forest types and regional ethno-culture. Knowledge of edible mushrooms is considered to be inherited from the older generation and is conservative regarding the changes in the set of species consumed and mushroom-related gastronomy. This is also reflected in the safety of mushroom consumption, as mushroom poisoning was very rare among the respondents. Economically insignificant mushrooms are not distinguished and overlooked by traditional mushroom pickers who are not a good source of information on rare or otherwise noteworthy species. However, from a biocultural point of view, mushrooms and mushroom-related traditions remain important for linguistic diversity, traditional knowledge systems and their transmission.

EFFECT OF SELECTED NATURAL EXTRACTS ON ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES AND SENSORY QUALITY OF VARIOUS CEREAL PRODUCTS

The aim of this study was to observe antioxidant properties as well as possible changes in sensory quality of selected bakery products after their enrichment with chosen natural extracts. Four types of natural extracts in mixture with wheat flour were used in various amounts for preparation of selected bakery products (wheat bread, sweet biscuits, salty crackers, and muffins). Specifically: turmeric (Curcuma longa, L.) rhizome extract (curcumin), quercetin dihydrate extracted from the pods of Sophora japonica, L., and extracts from medicinal fungus Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) and Maitake (Grifola frondosa) were used as additions. Antioxidant properties in total antioxidant activity (TAA; using DPPH radical scavenging assay), total polyphenols content and total phenolic acids content were examined, as well as the effect of selected natural extracts on the sensory properties of bakery products (intensity of certain characteristics and overall preference). The results of antioxidant properties varied according to the used extract and its amount. Compared with control products, the TAA was significantly higher in all enriched products. While the total polyphenol content was the highest in the bread and biscuits with quercetin (20.623 mg and 18.117 mg GAE.g-1, respectively), the total phenolic acids content was the highest in those with curcumin (8.846 mg and 3.286 mg CAE.g-1, respectively). The intensity of other smell and taste of enriched bakery products influenced considerably overall acceptance, e.g. the products with quercetin associated with bitter taste were evaluated as unfavourable. On the other hand, the breads and crackers with Shiitake extract with indistinct antioxidant properties were evaluated the best, followed with curcumin and Maitake extract. Considering our overall results, we can recommend chosen non-bakery raw materials for a production of new, innovative designed cereal-based products.

MYCOFLORAL ANALYSIS OF AGARICS AND MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS DISTRIBUTED IN THE BOROVOE AND KOKSHETAU NATIONAL PARKS

The article provides a literature review of mycofloral analysis of agarics and medicinal mushrooms distributed in the Borovoe and Kokshetau national parks. As a result of the literature review, 15 species of fungi belonging to 4 genera and 9 genera of the genus Agaricales were identified. Of these, edible -5, inedible – 3, poisonous – 1 species. Collection of Macromycetes during the expedition was collected by route method from Borovoe and Kokshetau national parks. The collection, sorting, drying, packaging and transportation of the collected material was carried out in accordance with the methods of mycology and Botany. 30-40 min at 45-50° t for the purpose of disinfection of the collected samples. in between, a heating cabinet (water heater) was used. Each processed sample is stored in a specially designed box with the date, place, time of collection and herbarium number. The external morphological description of the fruiting body of the fungus was made by visual observation, and for determining the microscopic structure, features of spores, we used the Mikmed-1 microscope and cameras connected to it Exilim-S880, SAMSUNG-ES65, Canon-PC1474. To separate the tissue particle from the fruit body of the fungi, a fertile, non-darkening, young specimen was obtained. A cube-shaped or triangular pyramidal "tissue" particle was cut out of the pre-cleaned fruit bodies through a scalpel and planted in a nutrient medium (oblique agar) through an inoculation needle. Isolation was carried out from different parts of the fruit body: caps, legs, places of transition of the cap to the stem. The growth and development of the selected clean crop will depend on the composition of the nutrient medium. The cortical medium we used was diverse, including "Chapeka–Doxa", "Murashige Skuga" and potato-glucose agar. As a result of the study, more than 25 mushroom samples were collected. As a result, 15 species from 9 relatives from 4 genera belonging to the family of cap mushrooms Agaricales were identified. 4 genera have been identified in the agaricales series: Agaricaceae, Russulaceae, Tricholomataceae, Strophariaceae. As a result of summing up the results of the conducted research, we came to the following conclusions: During the study, the characteristics of morphological forms of fungi were developed. Based on the obtained morphometric characteristics, the species of fungi were determined using special determinants. As a result of studying all the collected mushrooms in the Kokshetau and Borovoe National parks, 15 species of fungi from 9 genera belonging to the genus Agaricales were identified. Of these, 1 is poisonous, 5 is edible, and 3 are inedible. A species synopsis of Agaricales fungi in the Kokshetau and Borovoe National parks has been compiled. All the results and data obtained are of great importance for the effective use of natural resources and their protection.

A Spironolactone-Based Prototype of an Innovative Biomedical Patch for Wound Dressing Applications.

The electrospinning process is an effective technique for creating micro- and nanofibers from synthetic and natural polymers, with significant potential for biomedical applications and drug delivery systems due to their high drug-loading capacity, large surface area, and tunable release times. Poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) stands out for its excellent thermo-mechanical properties, biodegradability, and bioabsorbability. Electrospun PLLA nanofibrous structures have been extensively investigated as wound dressings, sutures, drug delivery carriers, and tissue engineering scaffolds. This study aims to create and characterize electrospun PLLA membranes loaded with spironolactone (SP), mimicking active compounds of Ganoderma lucidum (GL), to develop a biodegradable patch for topical wound-healing applications. GL, a medicinal mushroom, enhances dermal wound healing with its bioactive compounds, such as polysaccharides and ganoderic acids. Focusing on GL extracts-obtained through green extraction methods-and innovative drug delivery, we created new fibers for wound-healing potential applications. To integrate complex mixtures of bioactive compounds into the fibers, we developed a prototype using a single pure substance representing the extract mixture. This painstaking work presents the results of the fabricating, wetting, moisture properties, material resilience, and full characterization of the product, providing a robust rationale for the fabrication of fibers imbued with more complex extracts.