Comparative evaluation of free radical scavenging activity and total metabolite profiles among 30 macrofungi species

Author: mycolabadmin
2/21/2025
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Summary

This study tested 30 different mushroom species to determine which ones are the best sources of natural antioxidants that can help protect the body from damage caused by harmful free radicals. Researchers grew the mushrooms in laboratory conditions and measured their antioxidant power and beneficial compounds like polyphenols and polysaccharides. Oyster-like mushrooms called Lentinula edodes and Fomitopsis pinicola showed the strongest antioxidant activity, making them promising candidates for use in health supplements and functional foods.

Background

Mushrooms are rich in antioxidant compounds including polyphenols, polysaccharides, carotenoids, ergothioneine, and glutathione, which have potential applications in preventive and therapeutic medicine. However, their medicinal and nutraceutical potential remains underutilized in modern markets. Submerged fermentation provides a controlled biotechnological method for producing consistent fungal biomass and bioactive metabolites.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant potential and metabolite profiles of 30 macrofungi species by measuring DPPH radical scavenging activity and quantifying phenolic compounds and polysaccharides (both endo- and exopolysaccharides) produced during submerged cultivation. The research identified top-performing species with the highest antioxidant potential and richest metabolite diversity for further investigation as natural antioxidant sources.

Results

Mycelium productivity ranged from 292 to 1110 mg·L⁻¹·day⁻¹, with highest values in Ophiocordyceps sinensis, Pleurotus djamor, and Cordyceps militaris. DPPH inhibition varied from 4.30% to 87.9%, with Lentinula edodes mycelium showing the highest activity (87.9%). TPC ranged from 0.35 to 34.6 mg GAE/g d.w., with L. edodes mycelium and Fomitopsis pinicola showing the strongest antioxidant potential. Positive correlations were found between TPC and DPPH activity (r²=0.6615 for mycelium, r²=0.8924 for F. pinicola).

Conclusion

Both fungal mycelium and culture broth demonstrate significant potential as natural antioxidants applicable in nutraceuticals, food products, and nutritional supplements. Fomitopsis pinicola and Lentinula edodes showed superior antioxidant activity and metabolite production, while previously unexplored species like Auriporia aurea and Pseudospongipellis litschaueri revealed significant antioxidant potential. Optimization of cultivation conditions and extraction solvents can further enhance metabolite production and applications.

Published in:Bioresour Bioprocess,
Study Type:Experimental Comparative Study,
Source: PMID: 39982581, DOI: 10.1186/s40643-025-00841-4