Chemical Characterization of the Biomass of an Edible Medicinal Mushroom, Agaricus subrufescens, via Solid-State 13C NMR
- Author: mycolabadmin
- 2011-07-28
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Summary
This research examined the chemical makeup of an edible medicinal mushroom called Agaricus subrufescens, focusing on beneficial compounds called polysaccharides that may help fight cancer. The study found this mushroom contains higher levels of these beneficial compounds compared to common button mushrooms.
Impacts on everyday life:
• Identifies a potential natural source of anti-cancer compounds
• Shows that both mushroom caps and growing material contain beneficial substances
• Helps validate traditional medicinal uses of this mushroom
• Could lead to new dietary supplement products
• Demonstrates the value of cultivating this specific mushroom species
Background
Agaricus subrufescens is an edible medicinal mushroom known for containing bioactive compounds, particularly polysaccharides that may have antitumor properties. Understanding the chemical composition of both its mycelium and fruiting bodies is important for evaluating its potential medicinal applications.
Objective
To analyze and compare the chemical composition of biomass from multiple strains of Agaricus subrufescens and Agaricus bisporus using solid-state 13C NMR, with particular focus on polysaccharide content and distribution between vegetative mycelium and fruiting bodies.
Results
Qualitative differences were found between vegetative mycelia and fruiting bodies. Quantitative analysis revealed higher percentages of polysaccharides in the biomass of A. subrufescens compared to A. bisporus.
Conclusion
A. subrufescens represents a valuable potential source of medicinally active polysaccharides, which can be obtained from both liquid-cultured vegetative mycelium and compost-grown fruiting bodies.
- Published in:Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry,
- Study Type:Comparative Study,
- Source: 10.1021/jf2017622