Macrolepiota Procera Research Articles

Chemical composition and nutritional characteristics of popular wild edible mushroom species collected from North-Western Romania

Wild edible mushrooms contain substances of nutritional and biological importance for humans, but they can also accumulate potentially toxic elements. The study aimed to determine the proximate composition, fatty acids profile and content of 18 elements (As, B, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, S, Zn) in four species of popular wild edible mushrooms (Agaricus campestris, Boletus edulis, Lepiota Procera, and Russula cyanoxantha) collected from NW Romania. The analysed mushrooms contained 22 – 28 % proteins and 2 – 5 % lipids dry weight (dw) basis, in which the total unsaturated fatty acids contents prevailed over saturated fatty acids. The average contents (mg kg−1dw) of the essential macroelements were: 22900 (K), 5500 (P), 1920 (S), 1250 (Na), 701 (Ca), and 565 (Mg). The contents of potentially toxic elements were lower and decreased in the order of Zn>Fe>Cu>Mn>Cr>Hg>Ni>Pb>As>Cd. The toxicity of these elements is related to the ingested amounts, and thus the health risk was assessed considering their contents. The obtained scores indicated non-carcinogenic health risks, primarily because of the high Hg contents, and children’s vulnerability compared to adults. Fortunately, no carcinogenic risk was indicated for the ingestion of the studied mushrooms.

Characterization of Polysaccharide Extracts of Four Edible Mushrooms and Determination of In Vitro Antioxidant, Enzyme Inhibition and Anticancer Activities.

Mushroom polysaccharides are important bioactive compounds derived from mushrooms with various beneficial properties. In this study, the chemical characterization and bioactivities of polysaccharide extracts from four different edible mushrooms, Clavariadelphus truncatus Donk, Craterellus tubaeformis (Fr.) Quél., Hygrophorus pudorinus (Fr.) Fr., and Macrolepiota procera (Scop.) Singer were studied. Glucose (13.24-56.02%), galactose (14.18-64.05%), mannose (2.18-18.13%), fucose (1.21-5.78%), and arabinose (0.04-5.43%) were identified in all polysaccharide extracts by GC-MS (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry). FT-IR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) confirmed the presence of characteristic carbohydrate patterns. 1H NMR suggested that all polysaccharide extracts had α- and β-d-mannopyranose, d-glucopyranose, d-galactopyranose, α-l-arabinofuranose, and α-l-fucopyranose residues. Approximate molecular weights of polysaccharide extracts were determined by HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography). The best antioxidant activity was found in M. procera polysaccharide extract in DPPH• (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) scavenging (39.03% at 800 μg/mL), CUPRAC (cupric reducing antioxidant capacity) (A0.50: 387.50 μg/mL), and PRAP (phosphomolybdenum reducing antioxidant power) (A0.50: 384.08 μg/mL) assays. C. truncatus polysaccharide extract showed the highest antioxidant activity in ABTS•+ scavenging (IC50: 734.09 μg/mL), β-carotene-linoleic acid (IC50: 472.16 μg/mL), and iron chelating (IC50: 180.35 μg/mL) assays. Significant anticancer activity was found in C. truncatus polysaccharide extract on HT-29 (IC50: 46.49 μg/mL) and HepG2 (IC50: 48.50 μg/mL) cell lines and H. pudorinus polysaccharide extract on the HeLa cell line (IC50: 51.64 μg/mL). Also, H. pudorinus polysaccharide extract possessed prominent AChE (acetylcholinesterase) inhibition activity (49.14% at 200 μg/mL).

Ethnobotanical Survey of Culturally Important Plants and Mushrooms in North-Western Part of Croatia.

The Republic of Croatia is spread in geographical and climatic conditions that support a great diversity of habitats and associated plant taxa, many of which can be used for food or medicine. However, urbanization, loss of natural habitats, as well as changes in people's dependence on the natural resources from the surrounding environment may lead to the loss of valuable knowledge about the use of plants and mushrooms. With the aim of studying and preserving this knowledge in the continental north-western part of Croatia, an ethnobotanical survey was undertaken at the two study areas-Valpovo and Đurđevac, which included a total of 17 settlements. A total of 103 informants, 65% female and 35% male, aged between 22 and 83 years, participated in an interview using pre-planned questionnaires. The informants reported 131 plants belonging to 55 families and 17 mushroom taxa. The largest number of plants belonged to the families of Rosaceae, Lamiaceae, Asteraceae, and Apiaceae. In both areas, the informants cultivate and also gather wild plants, but these practices are better preserved in the area of Đurđevac where 109 taxa from 47 families were recorded. In addition to cultivated and gathered plants, informants from the Valpovo area also reported the use of purchased plants. Plants and mushrooms are mostly used as food (21 plant taxa and 17 mushrooms), but plants also serve as medicine (68 taxa), as both food and medicine (35 taxa), feed for cattle (11 taxa), repellent (four taxa), and/or space freshener (two taxa). The most frequently used wild plants are Chamomilla recutita, Mentha x piperita, and Urtica dioica, while Boletus edulis, Agaricus campestris, and Macrolepiota procera are the most often used mushrooms. The results indicate that the local people in the studied north-western part of Croatia still nurture the practice of cultivating and gathering plants and that herbal remedies are considerably important among the informants. The study should be further extended to broaden and preserve valuable ethnobotanical knowledge and encourage the protection of culturally important plants of the studied area.

Impact of Plant Extract Phytochemicals on the Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles.

This work aims to analyze the influence of selected plants on the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Six plants were chosen for the experiment, from which extracts were prepared: maclura fruit, spruce and ginkgo needles, green algae (Ch. kessleri), and mushrooms, namely Collybia nuda, and Macrolepiota procera. The composition of the extracts and colloids after preparation of the nanoparticles was analyzed using FTIR analysis. The composition of the extracts affected not only the rate of the synthesis but also the shape of the nanoparticles. TEM analysis confirmed the synthesis of mainly spherical nanoparticles (size range: 10-25 nm). However, triangular prisms and polyhedral nanoparticles synthesized by the extracts containing mainly flavonoids, terpenes, and phenols (the main compounds of resins) were also confirmed. EDS analysis was used to analyze the composition of the nanoparticles. It was proven that by choosing the right plant extract and using the appropriate technology with extract treatment, it is possible to prepare nanoparticles of different shapes.

Bioclimatic Modeling of Current Geographic Distribution and Future Range Shifts of Selected Edible Mushrooms in Nigeria

Mushrooms, as part of the fungal kingdom, are essential components in nutrient cycling and carbon retention in terrestrial ecosystems. Monitoring the impact of climate change on fungi in their natural habitat is difficult because most species reside below the soil surface. As a result of few reported occurrence records in Nigeria, we model the species distribution of two edible mushrooms, namely, Pleurotus ostreatus and Macrolepiota procera, using MaxEnt to predict the potential future range shifts under different climate change scenarios. In this study, we have calculated high model performances based on the Area Under Curve (AUC) values generated (0.778-0.873). In the modeling approach, the two species were predicted to have an expansion of their localized fundamental niches, pointing to the influence of precipitation as an important macroclimatic predictor. Highly suitable habitats for the two species were discovered primarily in Southern Nigeria, with less habitat suitability in the Northcentral zone in 2050. The predicted models in this study do not tell missing geographical information, which could be achieved through citizen science for occurrence records and biodiversity conservation. However, they may be used to explore potentialities, such as understanding the possible distribution patterns of the two mushroom species in Nigeria. This can serve as a useful baseline to enhance the utilization and conservation efforts of these macrofungi as a result of climate change, habitat loss, and rapid urbanization.

Diabrotica v. virgifera Seems Not Affected by Entomotoxic Protease Inhibitors from Higher Fungi.

Certain soil insects, such as the root-damaging larvae of the maize pest Diabrotica virgifera virgifera (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), are increasingly difficult to control because of recent bans of some insecticides. An alternative and safer approach may be the development of biopesticides based on entomotoxic defense proteins of higher fungi. Many of these potentially interesting proteins are protease inhibitors, and some have been shown to adversely affect insects. We examined the effects of the cysteine protease inhibitors macrocypin 1, 3, and 4 from Macrolepiota procera, clitocypin from Clitocybe nebularis, and cocaprin 1 and the serine protease inhibitor cospin 1 from Coprinopsis cinerea on D. v. virgifera. We confirmed the inhibition by mycocypins of the cysteine catalytic-type proteolytic activities in gut extracts of larvae and adults. The inhibition of pGlu-Phe-Leu-hydrolyzing activity was stronger than that of Z-Phe-Arg-hydrolyzing activity. Mycocypins and cospin resisted long-term proteolytic digestion, whereas cocaprin 1 was digested. Bioassays with overlaid artificial diet revealed no effects of proteins on neonatal mortality or stunting, and no effects on adult mortality. Immersion of eggs in protein solutions had little effect on egg hatching or mortality of hatching neonates. Microscopic analysis of the peritrophic matrix and apical surface of the midguts revealed the similarity between larvae of D. v. virgifera and the chrysomelid Leptinotarsa decemlineata, which are sensitive to these inhibitors. The resistance of D. v. virgifera to fungal protease inhibitors is likely due to effective adaptation of digestive enzyme expression to dietary protease inhibitors. We continue to study unique protein complexes of higher fungi for the development of new approaches to pest control.

Evaluation of fungal permeated lignocellulosic filter for remediation of water pollutants

The use of biological techniques to remove pollutants from the environment has been long advocated. In this study, we assessed the efficacy of a fungal permeated lignocellulosic filter (mycofilter) in the removal of water pollutants using surface water as the test sample. A wild macrofungus was collected from a field within Osun State University, Oke-Baale, Osogbo, and cultured on potato dextrose agar. Identification was achieved using morphological and PCR techniques. Mycofilters (FCCs) were developed from pure macrofungus mycelium and diced pasteurized corncob (CC). Collected surface water (RW) was passedthrough three mycofilters, each with flow rates of 0.2, 0.5, and 1.0 ml/min. Diced pasteurized corncob (CC) was used as the negative control. Physicochemical parameters including pH, temperature, turbidity, cadmium, copper, iron, zinc, and lead, and microbial parameters i.e. total bacterial count (TBC) and Escherichia coli counts (ECC) of RW, CC, and FCC treated waters were determined. Phenotypically, the fungus was identified as Macrolepiota procera and yielded 650 bp by PCR product assessment on gel electrophoresis. Remarkably, FCC reduced the levels of turbidity, chemical, and microbial contaminants significantly at p = 0.001, < 0.05, and ≤ 0.002 respectively compared to CC. The flow rate of 0.2 ml/min was the most efficient in reducing contaminants in the RW. This study reveals the potential of the Macrolepiota procera permeated filter in reducing water contaminants.

Molecular and morphological characterization of Xylaria karsticola (Ascomycota) isolated from the fruiting body of Macrolepiota procera (Basidiomycota) from Bulgaria.

The present study is the first to report Xylaria karsticola isolated from the basidiocarp of Macrolepiota procera (Basidiomycota), from Stara Planina Mountain, Bulgaria and second report for such species found in Europe. The fungal isolate was in vitro cultivated and the morphology was observed. It was primarily determined as a xylariaceous morphotype at the intragenus level, based on the evaluation of colony growth rate, color, and stromatic structure formation and was confirmed by unique conidiophores and conidia. The molecular identification of the isolate was performed by amplification of ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region and the strain was identified as Xylaria karsticola with 97.57% of confidence. The obtained sequence was deposited in the GenBank database under the accession number MW996752 and in the National Bank of Industrial Microorganisms and Cell Cultures of Bulgaria under accession number NBIMCC 9097. The phylogenetic analysis of the isolate was also conducted by including 26 sequences obtained from different Xylaria isolates. Considering the phylogenetic data, X. karsticola NBIMCC 9097 was grouped along with other X. karsticola isolates, although the DNA sequence of the novel X. karsticola was rather distantly related to the other X. karsticola sequence data. The results were supported by the bootstrap analysis (100%) and indicated the different origin of the examined X. karsticola NBIMCC 9097.

Nutritional analysis of some wild collected macrofungi from Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India

There is worldwide need for alternative source of high quality and protein rich food components which control food insecurity and malnutrition. Due to the nutritional importance, macrofungi (mushrooms) are utilized and consumed frequently by villagers of Ayodhya district, India. In this district the nutritional value of reported macrofungi has been not studied. In current study, eight selective wild macrofungal samples were collected from different sites of study area such as Macrolepiota procera, Tuber aestivum, Auricularia auricula-judae, Hygrocybe eburneus and Ganoderma leucidum. The sample was prepared for nutritional analysis and their nutrient composition has been analyzed as findings result. Nutritionally the protein, carbohydrate, lipid, fibre, and ash content were analyzed and ranged from 21.14 – 36.32%, 11.70 – 60.90%, 0.96 – 3.25%, 4.32 – 41.13% and 3.91 – 10.92% respectively. The overall nutrient showed that all collected (selected) macrofungi contains rich protein and carbohydrate content with low lipid (fat) content. The present study expresses and revel the nutritional component as useful awareness to minimize malnutrition for peoples as well as society.

Bioaccumulation and Health Risk Assessment of Nickel Uptake by Five Wild Edible Saprotrophic Mushroom Species Collected from Croatia

The current study investigates the bioaccumulation potential of the heavy metal nickel (Ni) in five edible saprotrophic mushroom species (Agaricus campestris L., Armillaria mellea (Vahl) P.Kumm., Clitocybe inversa (Sowerby) Vizzini, Clitocybe nebularis (Batsch), P.Kumm., and Macrolepiota procera (Scop.) Singer) collected from seven forest locations (Trakoscan, Medvednica, Petrova gora, Skrad, Krk, Labinstina, and Motovun) of Croatia. For this purpose, forest soil and mushroom samples (cap and stipe) were collected from January to December 2021 and analyzed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The results showed that all soil samples showed an occurrence of Ni, ranging from 1.62 to 3.55 mg/Kg. On the other hand, the cap parts of all five mushroom species showed a higher Ni content as compared to those in the stipe parts. Overall, there is a substantial positive association between soil Ni availability and the mean Ni concentration (mg/Kg) in the cap and stipe parts of A. campestris (3.08 and 2.22), A. mellea (2.59 and 1.55), C. inversa (2.38 and 1.75), C. nebularis (2.56 and 1.91), and M. procera (2.94 and 1.94). Multivariate analyses using principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) showed that the Skrad and Petrova gora locations had the highest Ni contents in the selected mushroom species. Moreover, the estimated daily intake of Ni from consuming these mushrooms was below the threshold limits as suggested by dietary intake modeling (DIM) and health risk index (HRI) values. Therefore, this study emphasizes the importance of examining the Ni bioaccumulation potential of wild edible mushrooms, as well as the health hazards associated with their consumption, which are useful for food safety rules and recommendations.

In-vitro cultural, nutritional, antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of Macrolepiota procera and Amanita caesaria: a rare mushroom from Madhya Pradesh, India under submerged culture condition

Macrolepiota procera and Amanita caesaria are the rarely accepted mushrooms among the society even if both are well known for their therapeutic properties. Present findings are focused on their in-vitro growth performance, colony characteristics, nutritional properties, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity under submerged culture conditions. The mushroom fruit bodies were collected from the different forest divisions of Madhya Pradesh and cultured. Malt extract broth was best suited medium for both Macrolepiota procera and Amanita caesaria. Biochemical studies in the mushroom mycelia grown in malt extract revealed a very good range of phyto-chemicals, which are considered as strong therapeutic agents. In addition, radical scavenging activity in the culture broth was assayed and highest activity was also recorded in malt extract media. Macrolepiota procera exhibited 55.74 % while Amanita caesaria exhibited 61.22 % of free radical scavenging activity. Malt extract medium thus proved to be the best medium for the culturing as well as for the production of antioxidants by both the mushroom species selected. In case of Antioxidant activity boiled water extract proven to be better than methanolic extract.

Macrolepiota capelariae (Agaricaceae, Basidiomycota): a new species from the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest with extended records to Argentina and Mexico

A new Macrolepiota species from Brazil, M. capelariae, is proposed here based on morphological and molecular evidence. The description and illustrations are based on specimens collected in a remnant of the Atlantic Rainforest in São Paulo, Southeast Brazil. Analyses of nrITS sequences supported the recognition of this new species, in combination with morphological evidence, and revealed its phylogenetic placement in Macrolepiota sect. Macrolepiota. Macrolepiota capelariae is characterized by its medium to large and very tall basidiomata, light brown to pale greyish brown, brownish orange or clay brown pileus surface, ellipsoid to oblong, dextrinoid basidiospores with a distinct germ pore, narrowly clavate to sometimes clavate cheilocystidia, a trichodermal pileus covering composed of mostly clavate to narrowly clavate, thick-walled terminal elements, and absence of clamp connections. Nomenclatural types are deposited at the herbarium SP from the ‘Instituto de Pesquisas Ambientais’, São Paulo, Brazil. A comparison with allied species is provided. An earlier varietal name proposed based on a Brazilian material, viz. Lepiota procera var. vulpina Rick, could corresponds to a synonym of the new taxa, but the lack of nomenclatural type, extant original herbarium specimens, and the record of confident distinctive characters for this variety prevent a reliable correlation with the new species proposed.

Determination of Trace Elements in Mushrooms by Inductively Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS): Characterization of the Health Risk

Five wild edible mushroom species, namely, Macrolepiota mastoidea, Macrolepiota konradii, Macrolepiota procera, Suillus collinitus and Cuphophyllus pratensis, were studied for their trace element contents by inductively coupled plasma – mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The potential health risk assessments of children and adults were evaluated by the weekly intake (EWI), target hazard quotients (THQ), hazard index (HI) and cancer risk (CR). None of the analyzed elements exceeded the THQ value more than 1, but the HI values indicated that M. mastoidea and S. collinitus may be dangerous to children’s health. The values of CR for As and Cd for children in all mushroom species were above 1 × 10−4 suggesting that there was a potential health risk. The CR values for adults suggest that all mushrooms may pose a threat to human health related to Cd.

Road traffic and abiotic parameters of underlying soils determine the mineral composition and nutritive value of the mushroom Macrolepiota procera (Scop.) Singer.

The effectiveness of accumulating mineral elements by wild-growing mushrooms depends mainly on species, their growth place, and the underlying soil's chemical characteristics. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of road traffic and the role of chemical characteristics of soil on the mineral composition of Macrolepiota procera fruit bodies growing in close proximity to a road and an adjacent forest during a four-year period. The concentrations of the majority elements (mainly Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Pb, Ti, and Zn) in the soil near the road were significantly higher than those in the forest soil, which was reflected in the fruit bodies which contained a higher amount of these elements. While the accumulation of heavy metals and other elements in the M. procera fruit bodies did not depend on the total soil organic carbon content, the degree of their decomposition determined by the C:N ratio and the individual fractions of organic carbon had a significant influence. Our studies show that soil properties are highly variable in the natural habitats of M. procera, which affects the efficiency of element accumulation. Macrolepiota procera fruit bodies growing in soil with similar chemical properties were characterized by different mineral compositions. Moreover, the obtained results indicate that the fruit bodies of edible M. procera, not only those close to roads but also at a greater distance, may contain significant amounts of toxic As and Cd, which could pose a health risk if consumed. Although most studies describing the mineral composition of M. procera fruit bodies have found no evidence to question the safety of their consumption, this species can effectively accumulate selected elements when growing immediately beside roads or in their close proximity.

Structural Features and Immunomodulatory Effects of Water-Extractable Polysaccharides from Macrolepiota procera (Scop.) Singer.

Macrolepiota procera (MP) is an edible mushroom used in the treatment of diabetes, hypertension and inflammation. However, the structure and biological effects of its polysaccharides (PSs) are unclear. This study investigates the structural features of a PS complex from MP (MP-PSC), its immunomodulatory activities and effects on probiotic and pathogenic bacteria. MP-PSC was obtained by boiling water, and PSs were characterized by 2D NMR spectroscopy. The immunomodulatory effects on blood and derived neutrophils, other leukocytes, and murine macrophages were studied by flow cytometry, chemiluminescence, spectrophotometry, and ELISA. The total carbohydrate content of MP-PSC was 74.2%, with glycogen occupying 36.7%, followed by β-D-glucan, α-L-fuco-2-(1,6)-D-galactan, and β-D-glucomannan. MP-PSC (200 μg/mL) increased the number of CD14+ monocyte cells in the blood, after ex vivo incubation for 24 h. It dose-dependently (50–200 μg/mL) activated the spontaneous oxidative burst of whole blood phagocytes, NO, and interleukin 6 productions in RAW264.7 cells. MP-PSC exhibited a low antioxidant activity and failed to suppress the oxidative burst and NO generation, induced by inflammatory agents. It (2.0%, w/v) stimulated probiotic co-cultures and hindered the growth and biofilm development of Escherichia coli, Streptococcus mutans and Salmonella enterica. MP PSs can be included in synbiotics to test their immunostimulating effects on compromised immune systems and gut health.

Quantitative mapping of mercury and selenium in mushroom fruit bodies with laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry

This work describes the development of a novel method for quantitative mapping of Hg and Se in mushroom fruit body tissues with laser ablation coupled to inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). Different parameters of the protocol for preparation of the standards used for quantification via external calibration were assessed, e.g., the dissolution temperature of gelatin standards and the addition of chitosan and l-cysteine as additives to the gelatin-based calibration droplets to better match the sample matrix. While chitosan was not suited for this purpose, the presence of l-cysteine considerably improved the figures of merit of the calibration, leading to limits of detection of 0.006 and 0.3 µg g−1 for Hg and Se, respectively, at a pixel size of 20 × 20 µm. Further, an in-house reference material, ideally suited for the validation of the method for application to mushroom samples, was successfully prepared from a paste of Boletus edulis. The newly developed method was used to investigate the distribution of Hg and Se in tissue sections of five porcini mushroom individuals of three different species (Boletus edulis, Boletus aereus, and Boletus pinophilus) and one sample of a parasol mushroom (Macrolepiota procera). For one sample, additional areas were ablated at higher spatial resolution, with a laser spot size down to 5 µm, which allows a detailed investigation of the spatial distribution of Hg and Se in mushrooms.Graphical abstract

Gluten‐free traditional Turkish noodle with Macrolepiota procera mushroom: Functional, textural, thermal and sensory characteristics

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesThe powder of dried Macrolepiota procera was used in gluten‐free (GF) Turkish noodle production by substituting rice flour (RF), in the ratios of 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% for the fortification of traditional egg pasta (erişte).FindingsCooking was responsible for decreasing brightness, redness‐blueness, and hardness in all samples when compared to unboiled ones. Declines in the amount of RF in formulation enhanced ash (from 0.749% to 1.247%), protein (from 12.688% to 18.063%), mineral, total phenolics (from 322.368 to 692.982 mg gallic acid equivalent) and antioxidant activity by DPPH (from 2.390 to 20.049 μmol Trolox equivalent [TE]) and FRAP (from 0.713 to 16.350 μmol TE); however, moisture (from 10.831% to 10.208%), crude fat (from 4.515% to 3.231%) and total carbohydrate amounts (from 71.217% to 67.251%) lowered. The starch gelatinization enthalpies of GF erişte specimens including 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% M. procera powder were 297.840, 293.670, 254.520, and 230.560 J/g, respectively.ConclusionsEnriched noodles gave very similar overall acceptability scores compared to control.Significance and NoveltyThis research offers an innovative and alternative food product for celiac patients and gluten intolerant individuals as well as people who have begun to consume foods involving no gluten.

Observations on some Fairy Ring Forming Lepiota Mushrooms (Basidiomycota; Agaricales) in Ghana

Mushrooms are mostly saprophytic and grow in soil, on dead wood or are found on grass, lawns, pitches and golf courses. There are about 400 species of Lepiota typically gilled; some are edible and other forming fairy rings in the field. Two Lepiota species were studied in the Greater Accra Region during the rainy season (May-July) of 2016-2018. Their morphological development, anatomy and ring-forming capacity during the 3yr cycle. Lepiota procera (Pers) Grays is edible and is typically without volva. The fairy ring was made up of 6 - 9 mushrooms in circle along the periphery of the circle with slight shift in the positions of the fruiting body. period. L. procera emerged directly from the soil without any change in the topography or color of soil in about 28 days. The second Lepiota sp. is not edible and completed morphological development in 2 - 3 weeks and formed full to semi-circle fairy rings. There was a distinct greening of grass (Chrysopogon aciculatus) along the periphery of the ring. These findings underscore the fact that fairy ring formation is not mystical but a natural phenomenon among the Basidiomycota. This is the first reported account of fairy ring formation in Ghana.

MACROMYCETES AS BIOINDICATORS OF RADIONUCLIDE CONTAMINATION IN FOREST ECOSYSTEMS

The aim of the paper is to determine the specific activity of radionuclides in macromycetes in Ulyanovsk region forest ecosystems exposed to radiation after the Chernobyl accident.
 Materials and Methods. The fruiting bodies of macromycetes (soil and wood-destroying fungi) gathered in the radioactive contaminated territories served as the material for the research. The authors determined the specific activity of Cs-137, K-40, Ra-226, Th-232 radionuclides. The study was conducted during the growing season in the Ulyanovsk region forests (Inza and Karsun districts). For comparison, fungi samples (control) were also gathered in the Novospassky region, where the excess background radiation was not observed. Trial sites with similar forest growth conditions were selected. The specific activity of radionuclides in the fungi fruiting bodies was determined according to Guidelines 2.6.1.1194–03.
 Results. In soil fungi, the highest average Cs-137 specific activity was found in the fruiting bodies of Leccinum scabrum, K-40 and Ra-226 specific activity – in the fruiting bodies of Suillus luteus, and Th-232 specific activity – in the fruiting bodies of Macrolepiota procera.
 In wood-destroying fungi, the highest average Cs-137, K-40 and Ra-226 specific activity was observed in the fruiting bodies of Fomitopsis pinicola, and the highest Th-232 specific radioactivity – in the fruiting bodies of Coriolus versicolor. The average specific activity of all radionuclides in the mushrooms from the radioactive contamination territories (Inza and Karsun districts) was mainly higher than in the control (Novospassky district). In the studied samples of soil and wood-destroying fungi, excess radioactive concentrations were not found.
 Conclusion. Forest mycobiota can be used as a bioindicator of radioactive environmental pollution.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Macrolepiota procera extract and investigation of their HSP27, HSP70, and HSP90 inhibitory potentials in human cancer cells

In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized by a microwave-assisted green chemistry method using a crude extract of Macrolepiota procera mushroom. The synthesized M. procera-AgNPs (MP-AgNPs) were characterized by UV–VIS spectroscopy, fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS) technique, and scanning transmission electron microscopy (S-TEM). The cytotoxic activity of synthesized MP-AgNPs was investigated in human breast cancer (MCF-7), lung cancer (A549), osteosarcoma (Saos-2), and colon cancer (HT-29) cell lines. HSP27, HSP70, and HSP90 inhibitory potential of MP-AgNPs were determined in cancer cells by RT-PCR and Western blotting experiments. To analyze the apoptotic profile of MP-AgNPs in cancer cell lines, the expression levels of apoptotic and anti-apoptotic genes were determined using RT-PCR. The results showed that MP-AgNPs were exhibited anticancer activity in MCF-7, A549, Saos-2, and HT-29 cell lines. MP-AgNPs decreased gene and protein expression levels of HSP27, HSP70, and HSP90 in cancer cells. Also, MP-AgNPs induced apoptotic cell death mechanisms in MCF-7, A549, Saos-2, and HT-29 cell lines. MP-AgNPs are found to be significant metallic nanoparticle systems as efficient HSP inhibitors in the treatment of cancer.