Search Results (4)

Fistulina hepatica (Schaeff.) With. and Clitocybe nuda (Bull.) H.E. Bigelow & A.H. Sm. are wild edible mushrooms with nutritional and functional potential that remain insufficiently characterized. This study provides the first comparative assessment of their nutritional profiles, phenolic composition, and antioxidant activity, using specimens collected from Montesinho Natural Park (Portugal). Proximate composition, organic and phenolic acids, free sugars, and fatty acids were analyzed by chromatographic methods, and antioxidant capacity was assessed through OxHLIA and TBARS assays. F. hepatica showed higher carbohydrates (9.3 ± 0.2 g/100 g fw) and estimated energy values (43 ± 1 kcal/100 g fw), increased phenolic acids content (2.7 ± 0.1 mg/g extract), and the exclusive presence of p-coumaric and cinnamic acids, along with OxHLIA activity (IC₅₀ = 126 ± 5 µg/mL at Δt = 60 min). C. nuda displayed higher protein (2.5 ± 0.1 g/100 g dw) and quinic acid contents (4.13 ± 0.02 mg/g extract), a PUFA-rich profile, and greater TBARS inhibition (EC₅₀ = 303 ± 17 µg/mL). These findings highlight distinct and complementary bioactive traits, supporting their valorization as natural functional ingredients. Their compositional features offer promising applications in sustainable food systems and nutraceutical development, encouraging further investigations into safety, bioaccessibility, and formulation strategies. Notably, F. hepatica is best consumed at a young developmental stage, as its sensory properties tend to decline with maturity. Full article

Herein, we present an integrative investigation of the nutritional and nutraceutical potential of Lactarius indigo, Clitocybe nuda, Clitocybe subclavipes, Russula delica, Russula brevipes, Clitocybe squamulosa, and Amanita jacksonii, which are edible mushrooms consumed in the northeastern highlands of Puebla, Mexico. The content of protein oscillated from 4.8 to 10.9 g 100 g⁻¹ fresh weight (FW) whereas that of fiber ranged from 8.8 to 19.7 g 100 g⁻¹ FW. The edible species presented low amounts of fat (1.5–3.4 g 100 g⁻¹ FW) and reducing sugars (0.8–2.9 g 100 g⁻¹ FW), whereas the content of vitamin C oscillated from 6.5 to 84.8 mg 100 g⁻¹ dry weight (DW). In addition, four vitamins of B complex (thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin B₆, and folate) were determined in different concentrations. A high abundance of potassium (92.3–294.3 mg 100 g⁻¹ DW), calcium (139.1–446.9 mg 100 g⁻¹ DW), and magnesium (81.3–339.1 mg 100 g⁻¹ DW) was determined in most of the edible mushrooms, as well as detectable levels of p-hydroxybenzoic acid (2.2–48.7 mg 100 g⁻¹ DW), protocatechuic acid (0.5–50.8 mg 100 g⁻¹ DW), oleic acid (14.2–98.3 mg 100 g⁻¹ DW), linoleic acid (748–1549.6 mg 100 g⁻¹ DW), and linolenic acid (from 9.1 to 83.6 mg 100 g⁻¹ DW). The total phenol content and antioxidant capacity significantly (p < 0.05) varied among the studied species, and their capacity to inhibit enzymes involved in glucose, lipid, and polyamine metabolism. Nevertheless, the hydroalcoholic extracts from A. jacksonii and L. indigo efficiently inhibited alpha-glucosidase and ornithine decarboxylase (IC₅₀ < 50 µg mL⁻¹), respectively. The evaluation of the same extracts on microorganisms associated with the gastrointestinal tract showed negligible toxicity on probiotics (MIC > 500 µg mL⁻¹) and moderate toxicity against pathogenic bacteria (MIC < 400 µg mL⁻¹). Based on the studied parameters, principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis clustered these edible mushrooms into two main groups with similar biological or chemical properties. Full article

The therapeutic effectiveness of current neurodegenerative disease treatments is still under debate because of problems with bioavailability and a range of side effects. Fungi, which are increasingly recognized as sources of natural antioxidants and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme inhibitors, may thus serve as potent neuroprotective agents. Previous studies have associated the anti-AChE and antioxidant activities of fungi mostly with polysaccharides and phenolic compounds, while other secondary metabolites such as polyamines (PAs) have been neglected. This study aimed to investigate eight edible and medicinal fungi from Serbia, marking the initial investigation into the neuroprotective capabilities of Postia caesia, Clitocybe odora, Clitopilus prunulus, and Morchella elata. Neuroprotective activity was examined using the Ellman assay, while the antioxidant capacity was tested by conducting DPPH, NO, ABTS, and FRAP tests. PA levels were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with fluorescent detection. Ganoderma applanatum and Lepista nuda exhibited the most robust anti-AChE (98.05 ± 0.83% and 99.94 ± 3.10%, respectively) and antioxidant activities, attributed to the synergistic effects of the total protein, total phenolic, and PA levels. Furthermore, P. caesia displayed significant AChE inhibition (88.21 ± 4.76%), primarily linked to the elevated spermidine (SPD) (62.98 ± 3.19 mg/kg d.w.) and putrescine (PUT) levels (55.87 ± 3.16 mg/kg d.w.). Our results highlight the need for thorough research to comprehend the intricate relationships between distinct fungus species and AChE inhibition. However, it is important to recognize that more research is required to identify the precise substances causing the reported inhibitory effects. Full article

The consequences of mushroom poisoning range from mild, mostly gastrointestinal, disturbances to organ failure or even death. This retrospective study describes presentations related to mushroom poisoning at an emergency department in Bern (Switzerland) from January 2001 to October 2017. Gastrointestinal disturbances were reported in 86% of the 51 cases. The National Poisons Information Centre and mycologists were involved in 69% and 61% of the cases, respectively. Identification of the mushroom type/family was possible in 43% of the cases. The most common mushroom family was Boletaceae (n = 21) and the most common mushrooms Xerocomus chrysenteron (n = 7; four being part of a cluster), Clitocybe nebularis, Lepista nuda and Lactarius semisanguifluus (n = 5 each, four being part of a cluster). Poisonous mushrooms included Amanita phalloides (n = 3, all analytically confirmed), Boletus satanas (n = 3), Amanita muscaria (n = 2) and Amanita pantherina (n = 2). There were no fatalities and 80% of the patients were discharged within 24 h. Mushroom poisoning does not appear to be a common reason for emergency consultation and most presentations were of minor severity and related to edible species (e.g., due to incorrect processing). Nevertheless, poisonous mushrooms and severe complications were also recorded. Collaboration with a poison centre and/or mycologists is of great importance, especially in high risk cases. Full article