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Antimicrobial Properties, Antioxidant Activity and Bioactive Compounds from Six Wild Edible Mushrooms of Western Ghats of Karnataka, India

Summary

This research examined six wild edible mushrooms from India to determine their potential health benefits and medicinal properties. The study found that four of these mushrooms contain significant levels of beneficial compounds that can fight harmful microorganisms and act as antioxidants. This has important implications for everyday life: • These mushrooms could provide natural alternatives to synthetic antibiotics • They may serve as sources of natural food preservatives • Their antioxidant properties could help prevent cellular damage and aging • The findings support the traditional use of these mushrooms in local cuisine and medicine • This research helps validate the nutritional and medicinal value of wild edible mushrooms

Background

Mushrooms have been shown to produce biologically active compounds associated with cell walls that may enhance immunity and have tumor-retarding effects. With increasing drug resistance in human pathogens, mushrooms represent potential sources of novel antimicrobial compounds. Multiple studies have found various therapeutic activities in mushrooms including anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive and antibiotic properties.

Objective

The study aimed to screen six wild edible mushroom species from the Western Ghats of Karnataka, India for bioactive compounds (total phenols, flavonoids, ascorbic acid), antioxidant activity via DPPH scavenging assay, and antimicrobial potential of their methanolic extracts. The research sought to reveal the biopharmaceutical potential of these mushrooms, as limited literature was available regarding their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.

Results

Four of the six species showed significant results. Total phenols were the major bioactive component (3.20-6.25 mg/mL GAE), followed by flavonoids (0.40-2.54 mg/mL) and small amounts of ascorbic acid (0.06-0.16 mg/mL). DPPH scavenging activity showed IC50 values ranging from 0.94-7.57 mg/mL. The extracts demonstrated considerable antimicrobial activity against test pathogens, with Lycoperdon perlatum showing the highest activity (24.0mm zone) against E. coli.

Conclusion

The methanolic extracts of four species (Lycoperdon perlatum, Clavaria vermiculris, Marasmius oreades and Pleurotus pulmonarius) demonstrated significant biopharmaceutical potential. Their antimicrobial efficacy correlated directly with phenolic content, while antioxidant activity was influenced by ascorbic acid levels. Further research is needed to identify specific bioactive compounds and their mechanisms of action before therapeutic application.
  • Published in:Pharmacognosy Research,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Research,
  • Source: 10.4103/0974-8490.62953
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