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Chemical Constituents and Antimicrobial Activity of a Ganoderma lucidum Aqueous Ammonia Extract

Summary

This research explored how extracts from the medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum could be used to protect oak trees from harmful plant diseases. The scientists found that when combined with chitosan, the mushroom extract effectively controlled plant pathogens that threaten oak forests. This natural solution could provide an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides. Impacts on everyday life: • Provides a sustainable way to protect valuable oak forests and ecosystems • Offers an organic alternative to synthetic fungicides in agriculture • Demonstrates new uses for traditional medicinal mushrooms • Supports environmental conservation efforts • Could help preserve dehesa ecosystems which are important for agriculture and biodiversity

Background

Mushroom extracts have shown potential as sources of new antimicrobial agents. Ganoderma lucidum is a dark, large fungus traditionally used in Asian medicine for promoting health and longevity. The dehesa ecosystem faces significant threats from pathogens like Phytophthora cinnamomi which affects Quercus species, creating a need for natural antimicrobial solutions.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the chemical profile of an aqueous ammonia extract obtained from Ganoderma lucidum carpophores growing on Quercus ilex trees and explore its potential as a biorational antimicrobial agent. The research focused on identifying the extract’s major chemical constituents and evaluating its effectiveness against important plant pathogens.

Results

The GC-MS analysis identified major chemical constituents including acetamide, oleic acid, 1,2,3,4-butanetetrol, monomethyl azelate, undecane, and palmitic acid. In vitro tests showed minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 187.5 μg·mL−1 against P. cinnamomi and 187.5-1000 μg·mL−1 against fungi. The combination with chitosan oligomers enhanced antimicrobial activity, reducing MIC values to 78.12 μg·mL−1 for P. cinnamomi and 375-500 μg·mL−1 for fungi. Ex situ testing of the COS-G. lucidum conjugate complex demonstrated high protection against P. cinnamomi at 782 µg·mL−1.

Conclusion

The study demonstrated that G. lucidum aqueous ammonia extract, particularly when combined with chitosan oligomers, shows significant potential as a natural alternative to synthetic fungicides for controlling plant diseases. The extract exhibited notable efficacy against P. cinnamomi and other pathogens, suggesting its promise for protecting Quercus species in dehesa ecosystems, aligning with sustainable and circular economy approaches.
  • Published in:Plants (Basel),
  • Study Type:Laboratory Research,
  • Source: 10.3390/plants12122271
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