Search Results (109)

Wild edible plants, historically valued for their medicinal properties, can be a sustainable source of food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. The blue berries of Prunus spinosa L., known as blackthorns, have antioxidant, astringent, and antimicrobial benefits. To preserve these properties after harvesting, understanding the best storage methods is essential. In this study, blackthorns were preserved using different methods (air-drying, freezing, or freeze-drying) to determine the optimal procedure for preserving their antioxidant activity. The fruits were extracted using a 50:50 (V/V) mixture of ethanol and water. The different extracts were phytochemically characterized for their phenolic content and antioxidant activity. The Folin–Ciocalteu test revealed total phenolic contents of 7.97 ± 0.04, 13.99 ± 0.04, and 7.39 ± 0.08 (mg GAE/g raw material) for the three types of extracts, respectively. The total flavonoid contents were 2.42 ± 0.16, 3.14 ± 0.15, and 2.32 ± 0.03 (mg QE/g raw material), respectively. In line with the polyphenol analysis, the antioxidant activity as determined by DPPH method was higher for the frozen extract, with a value of 91.78 ± 0.80%, which was confirmed by the ROS test on keratinocytes. These results show that both air-drying and freeze-drying processes negatively impact the preservation of antioxidant activity in blackthorns, suggesting that freezing may be the best preservation method before bioactive compound extraction. Full article

Wild edible fruit plants are integral to the cultural, nutritional, medicinal, and economic practices of Indigenous Isan communities in Roi Et Province, northeastern Thailand, a region characterized by plateau and lowland topography and a tropical monsoon climate. This study aimed to document the diversity, traditional uses, phenology, and conservation status of these species to inform sustainable management and conservation efforts. Field surveys and ethnobotanical interviews with 200 informants (100 men, 100 women; random ages) were conducted across 20 local communities to identify species diversity and usage patterns, while phenological observations and conservation assessments were performed to understand reproductive cycles and species vulnerability between January and December 2023. A total of 68 species from 32 families were recorded, with peak flowering in March–April and fruiting in May–June. Analyses of Species Use Value (0.19–0.48) and Relative Frequency of Citation (0.15–0.44) identified key species with significant roles in food security and traditional medicine. Uvaria rufa had the highest SUV (0.48) and RFC (0.44). Informant consensus on medicinal applications was strong for ailments such as gastrointestinal and lymphatic disorders. Economically important species were also identified, with some contributing notable income through local trade. Conservation proposed one species as Critically Endangered and several others as Vulnerable. The results highlight the need for integrated conservation strategies, including community-based initiatives and recognition of Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs), to ensure the preservation of biodiversity, traditional knowledge, and local livelihoods. Full article

Lonicera caerulea is a wild fruit species with high edible and medicinal value. However, the molecular regulation and metabolic mechanisms of L. caerulea under salt stress are still unclear. Salt stress causes damage to the cell membrane of L. caerulea and induces changes in malondialdehyde content, relative electrolyte leakage, leaves’ stomatal opening, and the water loss rate. It also increases the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the content of soluble sugars. A comprehensive transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis of L. caerulea exposed to salt stress at four different (treatment) time intervals yielded a total of 99,574 unigenes and 1375 metabolites. Among these, 4081, 4042, and 4403 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in 12 transcriptomes, while 776, 832, and 793 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) were detected in 12 metabolomes. The DEGs play important roles in several signaling pathways, including MAPK signaling, fatty acid metabolism, starch and sucrose metabolism, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and plant hormone signal transduction. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that these DEGs and DAMs are associated with flavonoid and lipid biosynthesis pathways. The combined transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses suggest that flavonoid and fatty acid compounds may be involved in regulating plant responses to salt stress. These findings will lay the foundation for the selection of L. caerulea germplasm resources and the expansion of its cultivation area. These research findings will lay the foundation for the cultivation of salt-tolerant new varieties of L. caerulea and their planting in saline–alkali soils. Full article

Wild edible fruits are important for ensuring food and nutritional security, especially in developing countries like South Africa. Globally, wild edible fruits are widely distributed, and they are consumed in different parts of the world; however, they are undervalued. This systematic review consolidates existing knowledge addressing the utilization of wild edible fruits, and their nutritional benefits. A total of 74 wild edible fruit species belonging to 29 families found in South Africa were documented in this study. The nutritional composition was reported only in 41 (55.4%) fruit species. The Anacardiaceae family had the most cited species (n = 11) (14.86%), followed by the Moraceae (n = 6) (8.1%), and Cucurbitaceae and Ebenaceae, of which each had five species, each contributing 5.4% to the total documented species. Sclerocarya birrea. (A.Rich.) Hochst., Mimusops zeyheri Sond., and Strychnos spinosa Lam. are three of the most important wild fruit species contributing to food and nutritional security. This review revealed that there is a dearth of literature studies that have substantially documented the contribution of wild edible fruits in food and nutritional security. In this regard, a study on ethnobotanical evaluation incorporating wild edible fruits used by local people could significantly provide insights and enhance our understanding of indigenous and technological knowledge that could be utilized to strengthen rural food security. Full article

The selection and breeding of high-quality wild edible fungal strains can bring significant economic and social benefits. A wild fungal strain (X21185) from the Tibetan Plateau was isolated and identified as a novel Pleurotus pulmonarius (P. pulmonarius) based on its morphological and molecular characteristics. The appropriate culture conditions for P. pulmonarius were determined. The nutrient contents of P. pulmonarius fruiting bodies were analyzed. Compared with the conventional nutritional contents of the representative edible fungi (Pleurotus ostreatu and Pleurotus eryngii) and egg, the protein, ash, and dietary fiber contents of P. pulmonarius were higher. Four types of essential amino acids, seven types of nonessential amino acids, the total essential and nonessential amino acids of P. pulmonarius were present in considerably higher quantities than those of representative edible fungi (Pleurotus ostreatus and Pleurotus citrinopileatus) and egg, respectively. P. pulmonarius polysaccharides (PPPs) had strong ABTS⁺, DPPH, and hydroxyl free radical scavenging activities (EC₅₀: 0.051, 3.322, and 2.87 mg/mL, respectively), and the cytotoxicity was higher against HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells (IC₅₀: 1.501 mg/mL) than against MDA-MB-468 triple-negative breast cancer cells (IC₅₀: 2.183 mg/mL). This study provides a foundation for the development of the novel wild P. pulmonarius strain. Full article

Morels (Morchella spp.) are medicinal and edible mushrooms, renowned for their distinctive taste and appearance. Due to the low yields and difficulty of foraging wild morels, artificial cultivation has significant economic value. Outdoor cultivation yields are influenced by factors such as weather and diseases, which can result in crop instability or failure, thereby causing losses to farmers. Previous studies have typically concentrated on either the fungal or bacterial communities. In this study, we investigated the ecological relationships between morel growth and both the fungi and bacteria in soil, analyzed over multiple trophic levels. We investigated three soil types: soil in which morel death was observed (DM), soil in which no morels emerged (UM), and soil that is suitable for normal fruiting (NM). We used high-throughput ITS and 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing, alongside assessment of soil physicochemical properties, to investigate factors contributing to morel emergence and death. The results indicated that the richness and diversity of both fungal and bacterial communities in the normal fruiting soil (NM) were significantly higher than those in the non-fruiting soils (DM and UM). The bacterial community was primarily composed of Proteobacteria and Bacteroidota, while the fungal community was dominated by Ascomycota and Mucoromycota. Furthermore, Morchella was significantly enriched in NM, indicating that it had successfully colonized and could develop into fruiting bodies. The morel mycelium in NM effectively utilized external nutrient bags, enhancing the soil nitrogen and organic matter content while reducing the consumption of available phosphorus and potassium. LEfSe and random forest analyses identified Pedobacter and Massilia as biomarkers of NM, potentially associated with the symbiosis of Morchella, which may promote its growth. Furthermore, the construction of the fungal-bacterial co-occurrence network revealed that the NM soil exhibited a higher number of nodes and greater network stability, suggesting that its complex microbial community structure may play a crucial role in the successful cultivation of Morchella. Our results indicate that the failures in morel production were due to inadequate management practices. Elevated greenhouse temperatures may have promoted pathogen proliferation, hindering the effective utilization of external nutrient bags by morel mycelium. Consequently, the mycelium was unable to accumulate nutrients efficiently, leading to the inability of Morchella to fruit or resulting in developmental failures. This study offers valuable insights into the interactions between morel mycelium and soil microorganisms, elucidating the reasons for morel cultivation failure and suggesting strategies for optimizing morel cultivation. Full article

This study explores the floristic diversity of wild edible plants (WEPs) in the area surrounding Tirli, a small village in the Tuscan Maremma, Italy. Field surveys identified 128 vascular plant taxa across 46 families and 106 genera, with Asteraceae (26 taxa), Rosaceae (10 taxa), and Lamiaceae (8 taxa) being the most represented. The dominant life-forms are scapose Hemicryptophytes, scapose Therophytes, and rosulate Hemicryptophytes, with Euro-Mediterranean, Subcosmopolitan, and Steno-Mediterranean distributions prevailing. Statistical analyses revealed significant associations between life-forms and edible plant parts: scapose and rosulate Hemicryptophytes were linked to leaf use, scapose Therophytes to root use, and Phanerophytes to fruit use. The Asteraceae family exhibited exceptional versatility, being associated with various edible parts. Notably, the endemic species Centaurea nigrescens Willd. subsp. pinnatifida (Fiori) Dostál was recorded for the first time in the Tuscan Maremma, underscoring the area’s naturalistic value. Traditional culinary practices were linked to some edible plants, which were analyzed for bioactive compounds, including photosynthetic pigments, primary metabolites, secondary metabolites, and antioxidant activity. The results confirmed their biochemical richness and functional properties. This study emphasizes the ecological, nutritional, and cultural significance of Tirli’s wild edible flora, promoting biodiversity conservation, cultural heritage preservation, and sustainable food practices. Full article

Macrocybe gigantea is a rare high-temperature edible fungus known for its resistance to browning. Previous studies suggested that the anti-browning property of the SCAU4 strain might be associated with low expression levels of the TYR7523 gene. In this study, an overexpression vector for the TYR7523 gene was constructed and introduced into SCAU4 mycelium using an Agrobacterium-mediated transformation method. After three rounds of hygromycin resistance screening, successful transformants were identified through PCR amplification and validated by qRT-PCR analysis, confirming a 3.47-fold upregulation of TYR7523 expression. The overexpression strain OE7523 was compared with the wild-type SCAU4 strain in terms of growth rate, browning degree, and tyrosinase activity. Although there was no significant difference in growth rate on the mother culture medium, OE7523 showed faster growth on the stock culture and mycelium culture medium. In the late storage period, OE7523 exhibited a higher browning degree and tyrosinase activity than SCAU4, suggesting a potential role of TYR7523 in fruiting body browning. Physiological analyses indicated that low TYR7523 expression may contribute to storage tolerance, while high expression influenced postharvest browning and preservation duration. The results provide data support for further study on the function of TYR7523 gene of Macrocybe gigantea. Full article

Buchwaldoboletus xylophilus is an edible bolete species belonging to the family Boletaceae and the genus Buchwaldoboletus. It is found in tropical and subtropical regions, which are known for their rare wild resources. In this study, wild B. xylophilus was isolated and cultured, and its biological characteristics and artificial cultivation techniques were studied. The results show that the optimal carbon source, nitrogen source, and inorganic salt for the mycelium growth of B. xylophilus were maltose, ammonium tartrate, and magnesium sulfate, respectively. The most appropriate temperature was 28 °C, and the pH value was between 5 and 6. The most effective combination was determined via orthogonal experimentation, as follows: dextrose, ammonium nitrate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, and 28 °C. The results of artificial cultivation in mushroom houses show that the mycelium of B. xylophilus was strong and grew well on the culture medium. The mycelial growth rate was 4.54 mm/d, and the fungus bags were filled about 50 days after inoculation. The primordia formed 9 to 14 days after covering with soil and the fruiting body matured in 6~8 days. The average yield of fresh mushrooms reached 131.07 ± 29.38 g/bag, and the average biological efficiency reached 28.48 ± 6.39%. In this study, artificial cultivation technology in respect of B. xylophilus in mushroom houses is reported for the first time. The fruiting bodies obtained through cultivation were identified using morphological and molecular biological methods. This technology offers benefits such as affordability, a brief cultivation cycle, substantial yields, and superior quality, making it ideal for industrial-scale and extensive cultivation. Full article

In recent years, the consumption of wild mushrooms in Central Europe has significantly increased. These mushrooms are increasingly recognized as a nutritious, low-calorie, and environmentally friendly food option. They are a valuable source of protein and are rich in vitamins and minerals; however, they can also accumulate toxic elements that may pose risks to human health. This study examined the mercury concentrations in the fruiting bodies of two edible forest mushroom species: Aureoboletus projectellus and Imleria badia. This study took into account the distribution of Hg in the two morphological parts of mushroom fruiting bodies—the caps and the stipes. The total mercury content of the mushroom samples was analyzed using an AMA-254 analyzer. Both mushroom species exhibited higher mercury concentrations in their caps than in their stipes, with levels measuring 0.048 mg·kg⁻¹ dry matter (DM) for Aureoboletus projectellus and 0.055 mg·kg⁻¹ DM for Imleria badia. The mercury content in the stipes was 0.032 mg·kg⁻¹ DM for Aureoboletus projectellus and 0.025 mg·kg⁻¹ DM for Imleria badia. The results obtained indicate that these species do not pose a health risk to consumers in terms of Hg content and can be a valuable addition to the human diet. They are also an indicator of the quality of the forest environment of the central coast of Poland, which should be considered free of mercury pollution. Full article

The petals of flowering plants should retain unique antioxidants that have not been found in the fruits, as the petals need to stay open to attract pollinators against photooxidation and devise a solution to avoid eating attacks. We reported that the yellow petals of freesia cultivars (Freesia x hybrida) accumulated original apocarotenoids, mono- and di-neapolitanosyl crocetin. Here, in the yellow petals, we discovered eight novel flavonoids by their structural determination, including four 3′-caffeoylquercetin 3,7-glycosides, one 3′-caffeoylquercetin 3-glycoside, and three 4′-caffeoylkaempferol 3,7-glycosides. The 3-carbon sugar part was a minor hexose dimer [D-glucosyl-D-glucoside or D-glucosyl-L-rhamnoside] with the β1,2-linkage, while the 7-carbon was usually O-glycosylated with D-glucose, L-rhamnose, or D-glucuronic acid. Such caffeoyl-flavonol glycosides were also present in freesia white petals, regardless of the cultivars and wild species. When dihydroflavonols, the last common precursors between flavonols and anthocyanins, switch to the flavonol route, these caffeoyl-flavonol glycosides are likely to be synthesized via quercetin or kaempferol. All the eight flavonoids exerted in vitro antioxidant activities against both lipid peroxidation and radical generation. Specifically, 3′-caffeoylquercetin 3-sophoroside and its 7-glucuronide showed superior antioxidant activity. Freesia yellow and white flowers have been utilized as edible flowers, indicating the importance of evaluating the human benefits and risks of newly identified flavonoids. Full article

Our health, well-being, and development are intrinsically linked to the preservation of biodiversity. This situation has driven the establishment of numerous treaties, international agreements, and regulatory frameworks that address sustainable food systems from multiple perspectives, including agriculture, food security, biodiversity, and environmental sustainability. The objective of this study is to review the potential of wild edible fruits in terms of sustainability and implications for human health. Specifically, this work examines the contribution of these fruits to promoting biodiversity, and their support for sustainable food systems as well as their beneficial role in human health. Additionally, it considers the evolution of relevant international treaties related to the preservation of wild fruits. An in-depth review of international treaties related to the conservation of wild fruits was conducted by consulting information available on official websites of international organizations such as the United Nations and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), among others. Next, a review of the sustainability and health benefits of edible wild fruits was performed. Results showed that although numerous studies have demonstrated the health benefits of wild edible fruits, there is still a lack of scientific evidence showing that the use of these species could have positive effects not only on human health and well-being but also on the environment and biodiversity. Thus, integrating these fruits into sustainable practices could play a key role in supporting future food security and the well-being of communities. Full article

Physalis peruviana Linnaeus, also called Cape gooseberry, has been used extensively as a medicinal herb since ancient times. The current study is the very first investigation into the nutrient characteristics of Physalis peruviana L. fruits found in Ethiopia. Its main objective is to investigate the nutritional, antinutritional, and antioxidant capacity of the edible fruit of Physalis peruviana L. Three different drying conditions (shade, sun, and oven drying) were investigated to observe their effects on the chemical composition of the fruit. The antioxidant activities were quantified using DPPH (2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl) and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) assays. Total flavonoid and total phenol contents were also determined for all dried samples. The shade-dried sample exhibited a better composition with regard to most of the characterized constituents than the other dried samples. From all of the results obtained, the shade-dried sample showed higher antioxidant activity, and, among the investigated minerals, its K content was found to be the highest (313.66 ± 0.05 g/100 g). However, the Fe content (in the oven-dried sample) was found to be the lowest (0.06 ± 0.10 g/100 g) of the investigated minerals. Through fermentation using Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the alcoholic content of the fruit was 9.11%, 9.90%, and 12.34% after 24, 48, and 72 h of fermentation time, respectively. It was also observed that the high temperature used in the drying process led to content loss in the fruit samples. This was evident in the oven-dried samples. It is expected that the analysis of the effects of drying on fruit composition can contribute to a better understanding of fruit storage/preparation and provide useful information on fruit product formulations. Full article

The genus Sechium P. Br. (Cucurbitaceae) includes ten species, two of which are edible. The inedible genotypes are in a fragile ecological niche, since they are not used by rural inhabitants. A rescue and genetic crossing program was designed to identify uses that favor their conservation due to their content of bioactive secondary metabolites (Sm) for health. Fruits of S. compositum (wild type), hybrid H-D Victor (inedible), and S. edule var. nigrum spinosum (edible) were evaluated by extraction methods such as juice and oven drying to determine the yields of Sm, with in vivo evaluations of liver damage. The dried biomass (40 °C) extracted with ethanolic and methanolic procedures showed lower Sm content than the juice (fresh biomass). More than 90% of phenolic acids and cucurbitacins in the extracts were degraded, possibly due to the drying time (oven). Biological activity showed that nigrum spinosum and HD-Victor have fewer toxic metabolites than S. compositum. The hybrid H-D Victor is of reduced cytotoxicity, showing the advantages of hybridization with wild types. Phytochemical and biological activity characterization may contribute to the conservation of genotypes and become a source of bioactive natural products. Full article

This research aims to investigate the heavy metals (i.e., Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Pb) in the fruiting bodies of six indigenous wild edible mushrooms including Agaricus bisporus, Agaricus campestris, Armillaria mellea, Boletus edulis, Macrolepiota excoriate, and Macrolepiota procera, correlated with various factors, such as the growth substrate, the sampling site, the species and the morphological part (i.e., cap and stipe), and their possible toxicological implications. Heavy metal concentrations in mushroom (228 samples) and soil (114 samples) were determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma—Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). In the first part of the study, the soil contamination (index of geo-accumulation, contamination factor, and pollution loading index) and associated risks (chronic daily dose for three exposure pathways—ingestion, dermal, and inhalation; hazard quotient of non-cancer risks and the carcinogenic risks) were calculated, while the phytoremediation capacity of the mushrooms was determined. At the end of these investigations, it was concluded that M. procera accumulates more Cd and Cr (32.528% and 57.906%, respectively), M. excoriata accumulates Cu (24.802%), B. edulis accumulates Ni (22.694%), and A. mellea accumulates Pb (18.574%), in relation to the underlying soils. There were statistically significant differences between the stipe and cap (i.e., in the cap subsamples of M. procera, the accumulation factor for Cd was five times higher than in the stipe subsamples). The daily intake of toxic metals related to the consumption of these mushrooms with negative consequences on human health, especially for children (1.5 times higher than for adults), was determined as well. Full article