Wild Mushroom Species Research Articles

Evaluation of Antibiofilm, Antimicrobial, Cytotoxic and Antioxidant Effects of Some Wild Mushroom Species

In this study, ethanol extracts of some wild mushroom species, in the phylum Basidiomycota, [Armillaria mellea (Vahl) P. Kumm., Infundibulicybe geotropa (Bull.) Harmaja, Leucopaxillus gentianeus (Quél.) Kotl. and Trametes versicolor (L.) Lloyd] were tested for their antioxidant, antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and cytotoxic activities. Mushroom samples showed low antimicrobial activity on Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus, while biofilm inhibitory activity on test microorganisms ranging from 24.6% to 80.5%. At the end of the antioxidant activity studies A. mellea was the mushroom sample having the highest DPPH radical scavenging capacity (0.105±0.001 mg/mL) whereas T. versicolor was the one having the highest iron (III) ion reducing power (40.709±0.003 µg TE/100g). The highest polyphenol content was observed in T. versicolor (29.916±0.002 mg GAE/100g) samples, and the lowest in A. mellea (9.5±0.006 mg GAE/100g) samples. The cytotoxic effects of the samples were tested on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 (breast cancer) and L929 (mouse fibroblast) cell lines using the MTT method. As a result, it was observed that A. mellea and T. versicolor samples were more effective on MCF-7 cell line, A. mellea on MDA-MB-231 cell line.

Five new wild mushroom species discovered in Indian Himalaya

Five new wild mushroom species discovered in Indian Himalaya

Nutritional value evaluation of wild edible mushroom (Helvella leucopus) from western China

Helvella leucopus, a wild mushroom species, is considered a valuable food by local residents. In the present work, the nutritional value of H. leucopus was evaluated against some commonly cultivated edible and medicinal fungi as controls. H. leucopus showed significantly higher crude protein content. The amino acid composition of H. leucopus met the FAO/WHO ideal protein standard, with the highest ratio of essential amino acid to total amino acid (EAA/TAA) reaching 58.27%. H. leucopus showed the highest correlation with Ganoderma lucidum. The contents of flavour amino acid (FAA) and medicinal amino acid (MAA) in H. leucopus were significantly higher than those in the controls, and a high ratio of branched-chain amino acid to aromatic amino acid (BCAA/AAA) was observed in H. leucopus. The EAA composition of H. leucopus was 54.74%, 1.56- and 1.10-fold higher than that of the FAO/WHO model and the egg model, respectively. On the basis of the amino acid score, nutrition index, and other indices, H. leucopus could be a good protein source rich in amino acids, particularly in EAA and MAA. Therefore, this mushroom species is worthy of further investigation and utilisation, with huge market potential.

The role of edible mushrooms in the Brazilian diet: a comprehensive analysis

Purpose This study aims to examine the role of edible mushrooms in the Brazilian diet, considering their strategic significance in meeting nutritional goals within sustainable development. Despite their potential in the nutrition of the Brazilian population, significant knowledge gaps still exist. To address this, the authors formulated this study into five main sections: the consumption of edible mushrooms in Brazil, the factors influencing the consumption, the occurrence of edible mushrooms in Brazil, the nutritional contribution of mushrooms consumed in Brazil and sustainable mushroom production in Brazil. Design/methodology/approach The authors compiled current literature to develop this viewpoint paper using systematic review, systematic search and narrative review search methods. Findings Mushrooms are sporadically consumed in Brazil, primarily by the urban population, with challenges in estimating the most used species. Social, economic and cultural factors, health considerations and reduced meat consumption influence mushroom consumption behavior. While Pleurotus ostreatus, Lentinula edodes and Agaricus bisporus are primary species, ethnomycological studies highlight a more diverse consumption among traditional indigenous communities. Brazil hosts approximately 133 wild mushroom species safe for human consumption. Some can be sustainably cultivated using substrates derived from agricultural and urban waste, offering high-protein, high-fiber, low-fat foods with bioactive compounds holding antioxidant and prebiotic potential. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no previous study has investigated how edible mushrooms contribute to the food and nutrition of the Brazilian population. This study emphasizes the crucial role of edible mushrooms in preserving Brazil’s cultural heritage, contributing to food and nutritional security and enhancing the overall diet quality.

Concordance of multigene genealogy along with morphological evidence unveils five novel species and two new records of boletoid mushrooms (fungi) from India

Agaricales, Russulales and Boletales are dominant orders among the wild mushrooms in Basidiomycota. Boletaceae, one of the major functional elements in terrestrial ecosystem and mostly represented by ectomycorrhizal symbionts of trees in Indian Himalaya and adjoining hills, are extraordinarily diverse and represented by numerous genera and species which are unexplored or poorly known. Therefore, their hidden diversity is yet to be revealed. Extensive macrofungal exploration by the authors to different parts of Himalaya and surroundings, followed by through morphological studies and multigene molecular phylogeny lead to the discovery of five new species of wild mushrooms: Leccinellum bothii sp. nov., Phylloporus himalayanus sp. nov., Phylloporus smithii sp. nov., Porphyrellus uttarakhandae sp. nov., and Retiboletus pseudoater sp. nov. Present communication deals with morphological details coupled with illustrations and phylogenetic inferences. Besides, Leccinellum sinoaurantiacum and Xerocomus rugosellus are also reported for the first time from this country.

Comprehensive Review of Functional and Nutraceutical Properties of Craterellus cornucopioides (L.) Pers.

Nutraceuticals represent an emerging and dynamic scientific field due to their important potential in integrated healthcare through nutritional and medicinal approaches that interact and complement each other mutually. In an attempt to find new sources for such preparations, the present research focuses on the species Craterellus cornucopioides (L.) Pers. (Cantharellaceae), also known as the black trumpet. This wild mushroom species is renowned for its culinary excellence and unique taste and is used especially in a dehydrated state. However, beyond its gastronomic value, recent scientific investigations have revealed its potential as a source of bioactive compounds with pharmaceutical and therapeutic significance. Our study aimed, therefore, to review the current data regarding the morphology, chemical profile, and medicinal potential of the black trumpet mushroom, highlighting its unique attributes. By conducting a comprehensive literature analysis, this paper contributes to the broader understanding of this remarkable fungal species as a potential functional food and its promising applications in the field of therapeutics.

Elemental Composition of A Cultivated Mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) and Some Wild Mushroom Species

In the study, a cultivation mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) and some wild mushroom species (Schizophyllum commune, Pleurotus ostreatus, Lactarius deliciosus, Hebeloma sinapizans, Hygrophorus ligatus, Suillus luteus, Armillaria mellea, Coprinus comatus, Psathyrella candolleana, Russula torulosa, Trametes pubescens) were investigated in terms of elemental compositions. The wild mushroom species were collected from Trabzon province. Mg, Al, Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, I, Hf, Hg, Pb metal concentrations were determined using Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (ED-XRF) device. The highest aliminium, silicium, vanadium, zirconium, iron and mercury were determined in Lactarius deliciosus. The highest potassium, arsenic, rubidium, iodine contents were determined in Hebeloma sinapizans. The highest manganese, zinc, lead contents were determined in Hygrophorus ligatus. The highest magnesium, chromium, nickel, yttrium contents were determined in Coprinus comatus. The highest titanium and selenium were determined in Psathyrella candolleana. The highest calcium and strontium were determined in Russula torulosa. The highest hafnium was determined in Schizophyllum commune. The highest phosphate was determined in Agaricus bisporus. The highest sulphur was determined in Armilleria mella. The highest copper was determined in Suillus lutesus. It was concluded that elemental composition of mushrooms was affected especially by mushroom specie.

Wild mushrooms: A Source of livelihood and future urban food

Wild edible mushrooms are more popular non timber forest products (NTFPs) which are highly valued as functional food for their medicinal and nutritional benefits. Several wild mushroom species have been pointed out as sources of bioactive compounds, in addition to their important nutritional value. They are the major source of income for the indigenous communities throughout the world. In Bonai Forest Division, Sundargarh, Odisha, survey was conducted during 2021 to 2022 with informants using semistructured interviews and gathered the information about the wild edible mushrooms available in their forest with their marketability. It was observed that the mushrooms play as an excellent source of livelihood for local communities in Bonai Forest Division and these mushrooms are sold in the local markets starting from 10- 20 rupees to 400 rupees. Therefore, the wild edible mushrooms which are available in the state need more exploration. It could be a valuable nutraceutical, making them essential in combating food insecurity. Additional research is needed so that the wild edible mushrooms can be commercialized which can play a key role in the socio-economic upliftment of the tribal people and will add organic food to the urban food basket.

A New Edible Wild Mushroom Species, Panus sribuabanensis (Panaceae, Polyporales) from Northern Thailand and Its Nutritional Composition, Total Phenolic Content, and Antioxidant Activity

A new edible wild mushroom species, described herein as Panus sribuabanensis, was collected from local markets and natural forests located in northern Thailand. This species is characterized by its medium to large-sized basidiomata, broadly ellipsoid to ellipsoid-shaped basidiospores, dimitic hyphal system, and the absence of hyphal pegs. A molecular phylogenetic analysis of combined the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and large subunit (nrLSU) of nuclear ribosomal DNA sequences supported the monophyly of P. sribuabanensis as a distinct lineage within the genus Panus. Full description, illustrations, color photographs, and a phylogenetic tree to show the placement of P. sribuabanensis are provided. The dried mushroom showed a nutritional composition within the range of 2.58%–2.67% for fat content, 27.10%–27.98% for protein, and 43.97%–44.10% for carbohydrates. The ethanolic extracts from this mushroom exhibited a total phenolic content ranging from 0.66 to 0.74 mg GAE/g dry weight (dw). Moreover, the antioxidant activities of ethanolic extracts evaluated by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (0.90–1.08 mg TE/g dw) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (0.93–1.08 mg TE/g dw) assays demonstrate higher activity compared to the 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assay (0.44–0.51 mg TE/g dw). The outcomes of this study provide significant information on the nutritional value, phenolic content, and antioxidant activity potential of this new mushroom species discovered in northern Thailand.

First Steps in Developing a Fast, Cheap, and Reliable Method to Distinguish Wild Mushroom and Truffle Species

Wild mushrooms and truffles (MT) are important resources, which can contribute to the socioeconomic sustainability of forestry ecosystems. However, not all wild MT are edible. Fast, cheap, and reliable methods that distinguish wild MT species (including the deadly ones) can contribute to valuing these important forest resources. Here, we tested if wild MT species, and their edibility, could be distinguished based on their aroma profiles (i.e., smellprints). For that, we combined the use of the electronic nose with classification models (linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA)) to distinguish between 14 wild MT species (including edible and non-edible species) collected in Portugal. The 14 wild MT species could be accurately distinguished using LDA (93% accuracy), while the edible and non-edible species could be accurately distinguished using both LDA and PLS-DA (97% and 99% accuracy, respectively). Keeping in mind that our methodological design’s feasibility was verified using a small sample, the data show the potential of the combined use of the electronic nose with discriminant analysis to distinguish wild MT species and their edibility based on their aromatic profile. Although a larger dataset will be necessary to develop a quick and reliable identification method, it shows potential to be as accurate as the identification performed by mycologists and molecular biology, yet requiring less technical training, and the analyses are cheaper and faster.

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.

Assessment of utilized species of macrofungi and evaluation of mycochemical composition and bioactive properties of Phellinus robiniae collected from Benguet Province, Philippines

Macrofungi have long been used as food, medicine and other purposes. Several studies have been conducted on various macrofungi, however little is known about the wild useful macrofungi from the mountainous areas in the Philippines. Therefore, this study was conducted to document the diversity of wild utilized macrofungi in Kabayan, Benguet to come up with the species listing of wild utilized macrofungi in the area and assessment of the mycochemical composition, anti-oxidant activity and cytotoxic property of the basidiocarps of Phellinus robiniae. Seven wild utilized macrofungi were documented, all were identified morphologically, while four were subjected through molecular techniques to confirm identity; of the 7 mushrooms identified, five are edible (Hypholoma capnoides, Lentinula lateritia, Tremella fuciformis, Tremella mesenterica and Albatrellus confluens) and two are medicinal (Heterobasidion annosum and Phellinus robiniae). The identified mushrooms were: Hypholoma capnoides 92% (MF511082), Lentinula lateritia 99% (AF031192), Tremella fuciformis 94% (KY105682), Albatrellus confluens, Heterobasidion annosum 97% (KU645332), Tremella mesenterica and Phellinus robiniae. Assessment of bioactive properties of P. robiniae showed that the basidiocarp contains eleven bio-active secondary metabolites (essential oils, phenols, sugars, triterpenes, coumarines, anthraquinones, anthrones, tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids and steroids). This study also revealed that P. robiniae exhibited anti-oxidant activity with a DPPH radical scavenging activity of 34.59% and a total phenolic content of 49.42 mg GAE/g. Moreover, the ethanolic extract of P. robiniae showed an LC50 of 328.05 ppm which is considered as moderately toxic. This study provides baseline information on the utilized species of wild mushrooms that are found in the area.

DPPH Radical Scavenging Activity of New Phenolics from the Fermentation Broth of Mushroom Morehella importuna.

In recent years, wild morel mushroom species have begun to be widely cultivated in China due to their high edible and medicinal values. To parse the medicinal ingredients, we employed the technique of liquid-submerged fermentation to investigate the secondary metabolites of Morehella importuna. Two new natural isobenzofuranone derivatives (1-2) and one new orsellinaldehyde derivative (3), together with seven known compounds, including one o-orsellinaldehyde (4), phenylacetic acid (5), benzoic acid (6), 4-hydroxy-phenylacetic acid (7), 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (8), N,N'-pentane-1,5-diyldiacetamide (9), and 1H-pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid (10), were obtained from the fermented broth of M. importuna. Their structures were determined according to the data of NMR, HR Q-TOF MS, IR, UV, optical activity, and single-crystal X-ray crystallography. TLC-bioautography displayed that these compounds possess significant antioxidant activity with the half DPPH free radical scavenging concentration of 1.79 (1), 4.10 (2), 4.28 (4), 2.45 (5), 4.40 (7), 1.73 (8), and 6.00 (10) mM. The experimental results would shed light on the medicinal value of M. importuna for its abundant antioxidants.

Vitamin D Content in Commonly Consumed Mushrooms in Thailand and Its True Retention after Household Cooking.

This study investigated the vitamin D level of nine species of cultivated mushrooms and three species of wild mushrooms commonly consumed in Thailand and the effect of cooking on their vitamin D content. Cultivated mushrooms were obtained from three wholesale markets, while wild mushrooms were collected from three trails in a conservation area. Mushrooms from each source were separated into four groups: raw, boiled, stir-fried, and grilled. Different forms of vitamin D were analyzed using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The analyzed method demonstrated good linearity, accuracy, and precision, as well as being low in the limit of detection and limit of quantitation. Results showed that vitamin D2 and ergosterol (provitamin D2) were the major forms of vitamin D found in the mushrooms. Both raw cultivated and wild mushrooms had wide ranging ergosterol contents (7713-17,273 μg/100 g edible portion, EP). Lung oyster mushroom and termite mushroom contained high levels of vitamin D2 (15.88 ± 7.31 and 7.15 ± 0.67 μg/100 g EP, respectively), while other mushroom species had negligible amounts (0.06 to 2.31 μg per 100 g EP). True retention (TR) levels of vitamin D2 after boiling, stir-frying, and grilling were not significantly different (p > 0.05) (with estimated marginal means ± standard error 64.0 ± 2.3%, 58.8 ± 2.3%, and 64.7 ± 3.6% TR, respectively). Consuming cooked lung oyster mushrooms, in particular, along with regular exposure to sunlight should be promoted to reduce the incidence of vitamin D deficiency.

Edible Miombo Wild Mushrooms and Its Potential for Improving Livelihoods of People in Songea and Tabora Districts, Tanzania

Purpose: The study assessed the engagement of people in the collection of the miombo woodland wild edible mushroom species for domestic and commercial uses as means of improving the livelihoods of the people in the Ruvuma and Tabora Regions.
 Design/ Methodology/Approach: Cross-sectional research designs were employed where data were collected once in each selected village in Ruvuma and Tabora region. A sample size of 152 from fourteen villages in Songea and Tabora Regions was sampled. Questionnaires, focus group discussions and key informant interviews were used in collecting data. Descriptive statistics were calculated and used to obtain total scores, means, frequencies and percentages which were used to describe the key findings. Qualitative information collected using focus group discussions and key informant interviews were summarized using content analysis.
 Findings: About 98% of the interviewed people are engaged in mushroom collection implying the importance of this activity to villagers and other stakeholders along the mushroom value chain. Of the 28 different edible wild mushroom species identified, only five species i.e. ulelema (Amanita loosii), unguyugu (Cantharellus isabellinus), uhima (Clavulina wisoli), upowa (Lacturius edulis) and kansolele (Temitomyces microcarpus) were most preferred by local communities.
 Research Limitation: The study was conducted on a limited sample size, which may not be representative of the population in the Songea and Tabora districts in Tanzania. The results of the study cannot be generalized to the entire population, as the sample size was not large enough to capture the diversity and variability of the population.
 Practical Implications: Wild mushroom businesses can contribute significantly to food security and poverty alleviation in many parts of Tanzania where miombo woodlands are dominant. Mushroom farming can be an important activity for adding value to the miombo woodland forests hence improving its conservation at the same time providing additional income to the people.
 Social Implications: Commercial production of mushrooms and other Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) along the miombo woodlands can contribute to the social welfare of the people within the communities adjacent to Miombo Woodland forests. This will also improve the engagement and participation of people in forest resources conservation activities.
 Originality/ Value/ Novelty: The study highlights the potential of miombo wild mushrooms as an underutilized natural resource that could improve the livelihoods of people in Songea and Tabora districts.

Edibility and species discrimination of wild bolete mushrooms using FT-NIR spectroscopy combined with DD-SIMCA and RF models

Mushroom poisoning is a highly publicized food safety concern, and commercial fraud by adulterating cheap species in the wild mushroom supply chain often occurs. To safeguard the lives and property of consumers, it is necessary to develop accurate methods to discriminate the edibility and species of wild mushrooms. Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy has become a popular analytical tool due to its key advantages. This work aimed to investigate the feasibility of discriminating the edibility and species of wild bolete mushrooms using NIR spectroscopy-based two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2DCOS) combined with Red-Green-Blue (RGB) image analysis and multivariate analysis methods. The results showed that the data driven version of soft independent modeling of class analogy (DD-SIMCA) model had excellent sensitivity (0.98) but the specificity was only 0.59. This model was not suitable to accurately discriminate the edibility of boletes, but can be used for screening a potentially poisonous species of boletes (Caloboletus calopus). As for species discrimination, random forests (RF) model had great classification and generalization ability and the accuracy of the training set and test set was 97.22% and 100%, respectively. Therefore, FT-NIR spectroscopy combined with DD-SIMCA and RF models had the potential to discriminate the edibility and species of wild bolete mushrooms.

Wild mushroom consumption in the P’urhépecha Plateau at Michoacán, México: social, ethnomycological and nutritional issues

Among Mesoamerican cultures, P’urhépecha settlers inhabiting Michoacán State in Central Mexico preserve ancestral tradition on mushrooms eating. Most mycological knowledge available for this ethnical group has been addressed in the Pátzcuaro’s Lake zone, whereas P’urhépecha communities in other cultural and ecological relevant geographic areas remain unstudied. Thus, this work describes the ethnomycological knowledge of a scarcely analyzed Arantepacua P’urhépecha community at Michoacán Plateau region. Through structured interviews and field collections, data on the use, knowledge, biomass extraction and nomenclature of wild mushrooms were obtained. A list of P’urhépecha names to design 16 wild mushrooms species and 11 fruitbody components is documented and studied community used Spanish popular names to describe 21 wild mushrooms species and 11 fruitbody structures. Most valuable consumed mushroom species for Arantepacua settlers belong to the Amanita, Boletus, Hypomyces and Ramaria genera. Gender roles on mushrooms collect and cooking, new terms in P’urhépecha dialect to refer the parts of a fruitbody and vegetative mycelium, as well as local recipes and nutritional relevance of the mushroom species consumed by studied community are addressed and discussed. The ethnomycological knowledge documented contributes new terms in P’urhépecha to name the parts of an agarical fruitbody, the mycelium and empirical knowledge about mycorrhizal associations. This was the first P’urhépecha ethnomycological study made outside the Lake Pátzcuaro basin.

Mycoremediation: Role of Mushroom in the bioremediation of heavy metals

The removal and recovery of heavy metals from the polluted environment are now possible because of the new and promising method known as bioremediation. Macrofungi can accumulate and break down a wide variety of hazardous metals and the same is a highly effective way to restore a damaged environment. In general, mushrooms recover contaminated or polluted soils using three efficient strategies: biodegradation, bioconversion, and biosorption. The process of mycoremediation employs a variety of wild and domesticated mushroom species which may break down significant amounts of organic and inorganic contaminants and eventually produce marketable goods or chemicals. White rot fungi have been widely employed in the conversion of pesticides, breakdown of petroleum hydrocarbons, and treatment of lignocellulosic waste in the pulp and paper sector. Several mushrooms, including Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Agaricus bisporus, Trametes versicolor, and Pleurotus ostreatus, among others, have been documented for their involvement in the remediation of contaminated locations..

Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective Potentials of 22 Wild Mushrooms from the Western Highlands of Cameroon

Some fungi species thanks to their antioxidant activities have been found able to protect the liver against toxic substances. There is a lack of data on the antioxidant and the hepatoprotective potential of tropical Africa mushrooms. This study was to assess the antioxidant and protective effects of 22 wild mushrooms from the Noun Division in Cameroon against the hepatotoxicity induced by cisplatin in rat liver slices. Mushroom extracts were used for polyphenols, flavonoids, thiols and total amino acids content determinations and in vitro antioxidant properties assessment in comparison to that of vitamin C using 2,2-diphenyl1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, ferric reducing power (FRAP) and the superoxide dismutase-like (SOD-like) activity assays. The hepatoprotective capacity of the mushrooms extracts was evaluated by measuring their ability to inhibit the enzyme alanine aminotransferase (ALAT) leakage from rat liver slices and formation of malondialdehyde (MDA). As results, the species Afroboletus luteolus, Amanita rubescens, Ganoderma applanatum, Neonothopothanus hygrophanus, Termitomyces schimperi and Tylopilus sp. demonstrated the highest antioxidant activity. In addition to this activity, A. luteolus, A. rubescens, T. schimperi and Tylopilus sp. exhibited the greatest protection effect against cisplatine toxicity. This study shows that the studied wild mushroom species possess prominent antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities and, consumption could provide both nutritional and health benefits to the population promoting contribution of fungi in food security

Distribution of edible, toxic and medicinal wild mushrooms in Europe and Bulgaria

Abstract The scientific interest in wild mushrooms continuously increases worldwide. In the present review article, the results from some recent investigations by Bulgarian and foreign authors devoted to the current distribution of some edible, toxic and medicinal wild mushroom species in Bulgaria and some European countries are summarized. Some newly-recognized mushrooms are indicated. The examinations of wild mushroom safety under the conditions of environmental contamination deserve special attention, too. The scientists from European countries and Bulgaria have essential contributions to the field of the mushroom identification and distribution.