Optimization of Ultrasonic Extraction to Obtain Erinacine A and Polyphenols with Antioxidant Activity from the Fungal Biomass of Hericium erinaceus

Author: mycolabadmin
2020-12-18
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Summary

This research developed an improved method for extracting beneficial compounds from the medicinal mushroom Hericium erinaceus using ultrasound technology. The extracted compounds showed strong antioxidant properties and potential benefits for brain health. This has important implications for everyday life: • Could lead to new natural supplements for supporting brain health and memory • Provides a more efficient way to obtain beneficial compounds from mushrooms • Demonstrates potential for developing natural treatments for age-related cognitive decline • Shows promise for creating new food products with enhanced health benefits • Offers a sustainable and environmentally-friendly approach to producing natural medicines

Background

Hericium erinaceus is a medicinal fungal species that produces erinacine A and other bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties. Traditional extraction techniques for obtaining these metabolites are resource-intensive, expensive and inefficient for biomedical applications. More efficient extraction methods are needed to maximize the yield of these beneficial compounds.

Objective

To develop and optimize an ultrasonic extraction method for obtaining biological compounds with high antioxidant activity from H. erinaceus mycelial biomass grown through solid cultivation. The study aimed to determine optimal extraction parameters using response surface methodology to maximize the yield of antioxidant metabolites, particularly polyphenols, flavonoids and erinacine A.

Results

Optimal extraction conditions were achieved with 80% ethanol, 45 min extraction time, and 30 mL/g solvent ratio, yielding maximum total phenolic content of 23.26 mg GAE/g DM and flavonoid content of 3.26 mg QE/g DM. The extracts showed significant DPPH radical scavenging activity with IC50 of 92.4 μg/mL. HPLC analysis confirmed the presence of erinacine A with approximately 4 mg/kg yield. The extracts also demonstrated mild acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory activities.

Conclusion

The study successfully developed an optimized ultrasonic extraction method for obtaining antioxidant compounds from H. erinaceus biomass. The technique proved efficient for extracting polyphenols, flavonoids and erinacine A without using toxic solvents. The extracted biomass shows potential as both a food source and possible phytotherapeutic agent for treating neurodegenerative disorders requiring antioxidant activity.

Published in:Foods,
Study Type:Laboratory Research,
Source: 10.3390/foods9121889