Modification of the existing maximum residue levels for fluxapyroxad in kaki/Japanese persimmons and cultivated mushrooms

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant BASF SE submitted two requests to the competent national authority in Spain and Ireland to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance fluxapyroxad in kaki/Japanese persimmons and in cultivated fungi, respectively. The data submitted in support of the requests were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for kaki/Japanese persimmons and cultivated fungi. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of fluxapyroxad on the commodities under consideration at the validated LOQ of 0.01 mg/kg. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the short-term and long-term intake of residues resulting from the use of fluxapyroxad, according to the reported agricultural practices, is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. The long-term consumer risk assessment is indicative, pending the submission of the confirmatory data requested under the MRL review.

Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Ganoderma Species and Their Activity against Multi Drug Resistant Pathogens

The widespread and indiscriminate use of broad-spectrum antibiotics leads to microbial resistance, which causes major problems in the treatment of infectious diseases. However, advances in nanotechnology using mushrooms have opened up new domains for the synthesis and use of nanoparticles against multidrug-resistant pathogens. Mushooms have recently attracted attention and are exploited for food and medicinal purposes. The current study focuses on the molecular identification, characterization of biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles by X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-Vis spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and antibacterial analysis of extract and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesis from Ganoderma resinaceum against multidrug resistant microbes. Accurate identification of mushrooms is key in utilizing them for the benefit of humans. However, morphological identification of mushrooms is time consuming, tedious and may be prone to error. Molecular techniques are quick and reliable tools that are useful in mushroom taxonomy. Blast results showed that G. resinaceum (GU451247) obtained from Pakistan was 97 % same to the recognized G. resinaceum (GU451247) obtained from China as well as G. resinaceum (GU451247) obtained from India. The antimicrobial potential of mushroom composite and AgNPs showed high efficacy against pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus (ZOI 23 mm) K. pneumonia (ZOI 20 mm), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ZOI 24 mm) and E. fecalis and A. baumannii (ZOI 10 mm), and multidrug resistant (MDR) A. baumannii (ZOI 24 mm). XRD evaluation revealed the crystalline composition of synthesized NPs with diameter of 45 nm. UV-Vis spectroscopy obsorption peaked of 589 nm confirmed the presence of AgNPs. SEM results showed the cubic morphology of AgNPs. The FTIR analysis of NPs obtained from G. resinaceum containing C=O as well as (O=C-H) stretching revealed presence of hydrogen, carbonyl and amide groups. The synthesized extract and AgNPs showed promising minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) at 2 mg concentration against the MDR strains. AgNPs are observed to be efficient as they need less quantities to prevent bacterial growth. In the view of challenges for developing antimicrobial NPs of variable shape and size by various other methods, tuning nanoparticles synthesized via mushrooms can be a wonderful approach to resolve existing hurdles.

Polyphenols-Enrichment of Vienna Sausages Using Microcapsules Containing Acidic Aqueous Extract of Boletus edulis Mushrooms

Polyphenols are ubiquitous by-products in many plant foods. Their intake has been linked to health benefits like the reduced incidence of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. These bioactive compounds can be successfully extracted from Boletus edulis mushrooms with acidic water. However, such extract could influence the sensory or textural properties of the product to be enriched; this inconvenience can be avoided by microencapsulating it using spray drying. In this study, the Vienna sausages were reformulated by replacing 2% of the cured meat with microcapsules containing an acidic aqueous extract of Boletus edulis mushrooms and by replacing ice flakes, an ingredient that represents 22.9% of the manufacturing recipe, with ice cubes from the same extract aiming to obtain a polyphenol enriched product. The results showed a higher content of polyphenols in sausages with extract (VSe; 568.92 μg/g) and microcapsules (VSm; 523.03 μg/g) than in the control ones (455.41 μg/g), with significant differences for 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, protocatechuic acid, and 1-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose. However, because of the oxidative stress caused to the microcapsules by the extract's spray drying, VSm had the highest oxidation state. PV and TBARS levels varied with storage time in all formulations, but given the short period tested, they were well below the allowed/recommended limit. The extract, as such, negatively affected the appearance, odor, and taste of Vienna sausages. The microcapsules, instead, determined an increase in their acceptance rate among consumers; they also prevented moisture loss and color changes during storage. In conclusion, microcapsules are more suitable for use as a polyphenol enrichment ingredient in Vienna sausages than the extract.

Biological Activities of Secondary Metabolites from the Edible-Medicinal Macrofungi

Macrofungi are well-known as edible-medicinal mushrooms, which belong mostly to Basidiomycota, with a few from Ascomycota. In recent years, macrofungi have been recognized as a rich resource of structurally unique secondary metabolites, demonstrating a wide range of bioactivities, including anti-tumor, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antimalarial, neuro-protective, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic activities. This review highlights over 270 natural products produced by 17 families of macrofungi covering 2017 to 2023, including their structures, bioactivities, and related molecular mechanisms.

Fungi-derived natural antioxidants

In humans, exogenous antioxidants aid the endogenous antioxidant system to detoxify excess ROS generated during oxidative stress, thereby protecting the body against various diseases and stressful conditions. The majority of natural antioxidants available on the consumer market are plant-based; however, fungi are being recognized as alternative sources of various natural antioxidants such as polysaccharides, pigments, peptides, sterols, phenolics, alkaloids, and flavonoids. In addition, some exogenous antioxidants are exclusively found in fungi. Fungi-derived antioxidants exhibit scavenging activities against DPPH, ABTS, hydroxyl, superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, and nitric oxide radicals in vitro. Furthermore, in vivo models, application of fungal-derived antioxidants increase the level of various antioxidant enzymes, such as catalases, superoxide dismutases, and glutathione peroxidases, and reduce the level of malondialdehyde. Therefore, fungi-derived antioxidants have potential to be used in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. This review summarizes the antioxidant potential of different fungi (mushrooms, yeasts, and molds)-derived natural compounds such as polysaccharides, pigments, peptides, ergothioneine, ergosterol, phenolics, alkaloids, etc.

Nutritional Strategies to Mitigate Post-Weaning Challenges in Pigs: A Focus on Glucans, Vitamin D, and Selenium

This review examines the challenges faced by the pig industry, with a specific focus on improving the health and growth of weaned pigs. It emphasizes the immediate necessity of investigating alternative approaches to managing pig nutrition and health due to restrictions on the use of antibiotics and the prohibition of zinc oxide in weaned pig diets. The weaning phase is identified as a critical stage in piglet development, characterized by stressors that affect their gastrointestinal health, immune responses, and overall physiology. The primary challenge during weaning arises from transitioning piglets from a digestible milk-based diet to a less digestible cereal-based feed, causing nutritional stress. This manifests as reduced feed intake, leading to gastrointestinal disturbances, intestinal inflammation, and adverse effects on intestinal structure and microbiota. To address these challenges and optimize piglet development, various nutritional strategies have been explored. Notably, glucans, particularly β-glucans from fungi, cereals, algae, and yeast, show promise in alleviating weaning-related issues. Furthermore, it is important to highlight the critical roles played by Vitamin D and selenium in piglet nutrition. These essential nutrients can be sourced naturally from enriched mushrooms that are specifically enriched with Vitamin D and selenium, providing a sustainable dietary option. In conclusion, effective nutritional strategies, including glucans, Vitamin D, selenium, and enriched mushrooms, are beneficial for addressing weaning-related challenges.

The Nutritional Benefit of UV-Exposed Mushrooms for the Dutch Population: Modeling the Addition of UV-Exposed Mushrooms to the Diet

Background

Mushrooms are rich in fiber and vitamins B and vitamin D when exposed to UV light and are sometimes used as a meat substitute. A modeling study showed that adding a mushroom portion (84 g/d) to the diet of an American population caused a significant improvement in the intake of several nutrients.

Objective

To study the association between habitual intake of mushrooms and nutrient intake and to assess the change in micronutrient intake with the modeled addition of 60 or 84 grams of UV-exposed mushrooms to the diet of the Dutch population, with a subanalysis on subjects with a low animal: plant protein ratio.

Methods

A modeling study was conducted in 3121 Dutch persons aged 9-80 y, using cross-sectional data from the Dutch National Food Consumption Survey 2012-2016. Linear regression was used to explore the association between habitual intake of mushrooms and nutrients. Habitual intake and nutritional adequacy were calculated before and after the modeled addition of mushrooms.

Results

A small association was observed between the habitual intake of mushrooms and the intake of copper, niacin, and vitamin B2 (beta ranging from 0.002 to 0.039). The modeled addition of UV-exposed mushrooms increased the intakes of plant protein (by 5-7%), fiber (4-6%), niacin (10-20%), vitamin D (176-388%), folate (11-17%), potassium (6-10%), and copper (29-48%). Nutritional adequacy also improved significantly. For subjects with a low animal:plant protein ratio, the added mushrooms increased the intakes of niacin (11-22%), potassium (6-11%), and vitamin D (190-445%).

Conclusions

Consumption of mushrooms contributes to higher intakes of copper, niacin, and vitamin B2. Addition of UV-exposed mushrooms to the diet of the Dutch further improves nutrient intakes and, most notably, vitamin D, especially for people with low animal food consumption.

Relationship between Serum Homocysteine Concentration and Dietary Factors in Young Japanese Women

Homocysteine is a methionine metabolism intermediate and its increased blood levels are associated with a higher risk of noncommunicable diseases. Reportedly, blood homocysteine levels increase with inadequate folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 intake; however, its relationship with dietary factors other than these three vitamins remains unknown. Thus, we investigated the relationship of homocysteine with other nutrient intake. We performed a dietary survey on 227 young women using a food record with approximate amounts for 7 consecutive days in conjunction with digital imaging. We collected early morning fasting blood samples the day after the dietary survey was completed and analyzed the serum homocysteine levels. We observed that the serum homocysteine concentrations were significantly negatively associated with soluble, insoluble, and total fiber intake. In addition, participants with high fruit and mushroom intake displayed lower serum homocysteine concentrations, suggesting dietary fiber involvement from these foods. However, we observed no serum homocysteine concentration-related association with cereals and vegetables (well-documented dietary fiber sources) or with fruits and mushrooms. In conclusion, fiber quality-related differences could thus be caused by different sources, including antioxidant components such as fruit polyphenols and mushroom antioxidant and anti-inflammatory factors.

Volatile compounds and aroma characteristics of mushrooms: a review

Mushrooms are popular due to their rich medicinal and nutritional value. Of the many characteristics of mushrooms, aroma has received extensive attention and research as a key determinant of consumer preference. This paper reviews the production, role and contribution of common volatile compounds (VCs) in wild and cultivated mushrooms, and explores the methods used to characterize them and the factors influencing aroma. To date, more than 347 common VCs have been identified in mushrooms, such as aldehydes, ketones, alcohols and sulfur-containing compounds. Extraction and identification of VCs is a critical step and combining multiple analytical methods is an effective strategy in mushroom aroma studies. In addition, the VCs and the aroma of mushrooms are affected by a variety of factors such as genetics, growing conditions, and processing methods. However, the mechanism of influence is unknown. Further studies on the production mechanisms of VCs, their contribution to aroma, and the factors influencing their formation need to be determined in order to fully elucidate aroma and flavor of mushrooms.

nov., four yeast species isolated from mushrooms and drosophilids in a Brazilian Amazonian rainforest biome

Ten yeast isolates representing four candidate novel species of the genus Teunomyces were obtained from different species of mushrooms and drosophilids collected in an Amazonian Forest biome in Brazil. Sequence analyses of the ITS 5.8S region and the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit rRNA gene showed that four isolates were phylogenetically related to Teunomyces stri, two isolates related to Teunomyces atbi, two isolates related to Teunomyces aglyptinius, and another two isolates related to Teunomyces aglyptinius, Teunomyces barrocoloradensis, Teunomyces gatunensis and Teunomyces stri. The four novel species differ by 3 % or more of sequence divergence in D1/D2 domains from their closest relatives. These species were isolated from basidiocarps of the mushrooms Marasmiellus volvatus, Tricholomopsis aurea, Hydropus sp. and Favolus tenuiculus, or drosophilids feeding on these substrates. The names Teunomyces gombertii f.a., sp. nov. (holotype CBS 16168T; Mycobank MB849065), Teunomyces landelliae f.a., sp. nov. (holotype =CBS 16169T; Mycobank MB 849066), Teunomyces ledahaglerae f.a., sp. nov. (holotype CBS 16170T; Mycobank MB 849067) and Teunomyces paulamoraisiae f.a., sp. nov. (holotype CBS 16120T; Mycobank MB 849068) are proposed for these species.

Microbiological Assessment of White Button Mushrooms with an Edible Film Coating

The development of edible coatings incorporating bioextracts from mushrooms native to Portuguese forests aims to enhance the value of the endogenous forest and mycological resources by harnessing their potential as a source of antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds. Edible coatings represent an important pathway to decreasing food waste and contributing to implementing a circular bioeconomy. The coating should result in product valorization through improved preservation/conservation, increased shelf life, as well as enhancement of its antioxidant and enzymatic properties. To evaluate the effectiveness of an edible coating on fungal food matrices, a 14-day shelf-life study was conducted, wherein both coated and untreated mushrooms were examined under controlled storage temperatures of 4 °C and 9.3 °C. Agaricus bisporus was chosen as the food matrix for its bioeconomy significance, and Pleurotus eryngii was selected for the preparation of the food-based coating due to its profile of bioactive compounds. Microbiological analysis and physicochemical monitoring were conducted on the food matrices and the coating. Coated mushrooms had less mass loss and color change, and had better texture after 14 days. Microbiological analysis revealed that the coating had no antimicrobial activity. Overall, the coating improved the shelf life of the coated mushrooms but had less effect on the microbial community.

Unveiling the Therapeutic Potentials of Mushroom Bioactive Compounds in Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) stands as a prevailing neurodegenerative condition (NDs), leading to the gradual deterioration of brain cells and subsequent declines in memory, thinking, behavior, and emotion. Despite the intensive research efforts and advances, an effective curative treatment for the disease has not yet been found. Mushrooms, esteemed globally for their exquisite flavors and abundant nutritional benefits, also hold a wealth of health-promoting compounds that contribute to improving AD health. These compounds encompass polysaccharides, proteins, lipids, terpenoids, phenols, and various other bioactive substances. Particularly noteworthy are the potent neuroprotective small molecules found in mushrooms, such as ergothioneine, erinacine, flavonoids, alkaloids, ergosterol, and melanin, which warrant dedicated scrutiny for their therapeutic potential in combating AD. This review summarizes such positive effects of mushroom bioactive compounds on AD, with a hope to contribute to the development of functional foods as an early dietary intervention for this neurodegenerative disease.

On the mushrooming reports of "quiet quitting": Employees' lifetime psilocybin use predicts their overtime hours worked

Despite the recent and sharp rise in psychedelic research, few studies have investigated how classic psychedelic use relates to employees' work-related outcomes. This is surprising given that the increased use, decriminalization, and legalization of classic psychedelics in the United States (U.S.) has the potential to impact both employees and their organizations. Addressing this gap, the current study explores how employees' lifetime psilocybin use relates to the amount of overtime they work, thereby offering insight into what current trends in psilocybin use could mean for businesses. Using pooled, cross-sectional data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2002-2014) on 217,963 adults employed in the U.S. full-time, this study tests whether lifetime psilocybin use is associated with employees' number of overtime hours worked in the past week. After adjusting for sociodemographics and other substance use, a significant negative association is found between employees' lifetime psilocybin use and the amount of overtime they reported working. Specifically, the findings suggest that lifetime psilocybin use in the U.S. full-time working population is associated with an estimated 44,348,400 fewer overtime hours worked per year and may help explain recent findings linking employees' lifetime psilocybin use to a reduction in sick leave taken.

Tracing the Path between Mushrooms and Alzheimer's Disease-A Literature Review

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is well-known among neurodegenerative diseases for the decline of cognitive functions, making overall daily tasks difficult or impossible. The disease prevails as the most common form of dementia and remains without a well-defined etiology. Being considered a disease of multifactorial origin, current targeted treatments have only managed to reduce or control symptoms, and to date, only two drugs are close to being able to halt its progression. For decades, natural compounds produced by living organisms have been at the forefront of research for new therapies. Mushrooms, which are well-known for their nutritional and medicinal properties, have also been studied for their potential use in the treatment of AD. Natural products derived from mushrooms have shown to be beneficial in several AD-related mechanisms, including the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and β-secretase (BACE 1); the prevention of amyloid beta (Aβ) aggregation and neurotoxicity; and the prevention of Tau expression and aggregation, as well as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. Several studies in the literature relate mushrooms to neurodegenerative diseases. However, to the best of our knowledge, there is no publication that summarizes only AD data. In this context, this review aims to link the therapeutic potential of mushrooms to AD by compiling the anti-AD potential of different mushroom extracts or isolated compounds, targeting known AD-related mechanisms.

Nutritional Assessment of Lactarius drassinus and L. controversus from the Cold Desert Region of the Northwest Himalayas for Their Potential as Food Supplements

Kargil is a cold desert with hostile ecological conditions such as low temperature and precipitation, as well as difficult terrains. However, several wild mushrooms thrive well under such an extreme environment. Despite their abundance, the chemical composition of indigenous mushrooms has not been explored. This study aimed to assess the potential of two wild edible mushrooms from Kargil, Lactarius drassinus and Lactarius controversus, as food supplements by evaluating their nutritional and nutraceutical properties. Nutritional attributes such as total protein, available carbohydrates, soluble sugars, and vitamins were found to be high in the mushroom species. Furthermore, high mineral accumulation and relatively lower antinutrient concentrations resulted in higher bioavailabilities of Zn, Fe, Ca, and Mg. Gas-chromatography-mass-spectrometry-based metabolite profiling revealed that although the two mushroom species showed similar metabolite compositions, their relative concentrations differed. Sugars were the predominant compounds identified in both the species, with sugar alcohols being the major contributor. The second most abundant class of compound in L. drassinus was amino acids, with 5-oxoproline as the major contributor. On the other hand, fatty acids were the second most abundant compounds in L. controversus, with high oleic and linoleic acid concentrations. In the ultra-performance-liquid-chromatography-based quantification of phenolic compounds, chlorogenic acid was found to be highest in in terms of its concentration in both the mushrooms studied, followed by quercetin dihydrate and gallic acid in L. drassinus and L. controversus, respectively. Moreover, high antioxidant activities attributable to their high phenol, flavonoid, and carotenoid concentrations were observed. Overall, the two mushrooms offer well-balanced sources of nutritional and nutraceutical compounds, making them healthy foods.

Comparative Evaluation of Antioxidant Status and Mineral Composition of Diploschistes ocellatus, Calvatia candida (rostk.) Hollós, Battarrea phalloides and Artemisia lerchiana in Conditions of High Soil Salinity

Natural reserves play a fundamental role in maintaining flora and fauna biodiversity, but the biochemical characteristics of such ecosystems have been studied in an extremely fragmentary way. For the first time, mineral composition and antioxidant status of three systematic groups of organisms, lichens (Diplischistes ocellatus), mushrooms (Calvatia candida and Battarrea phalloides) and wormwood (Artemisia lerchiana) have been described at the territory of Bogdinsko-Baskunchak Nature Reserve (Astrakhan region, Russia), characterized by high salinity and solar radiation, and water deficiency. Through ICP-MS, it was determined that scale lichen D. ocellatus accumulated up to 10-15% Ca, 0.5% Fe, 15 mg kg^-1 d.w. iodine (I), 54.5 mg kg^-1 Cr. Battarrea phalloides demonstrated anomalously high concentrations of B, Cu, Fe, Mn Se, Zn, Sr and low Na levels, contrary to Calvatia candida mushrooms accumulating up to 10,850 mg kg^-1 Na and only 3 mg kg^-1 Sr. The peculiarity of A. lerchiana plants was the high accumulation of B (22.23 mg kg^-1 d.w.), Mn (57.48 mg kg^-1 d.w.), and antioxidants (total antioxidant activity: 68.6 mg GAE g^-1 d.w.; polyphenols: 21.0 mg GAE g^-1 d.w.; and proline: 5.45 mg g^-1 d.w.). Diploschistes ocellatus and Calvatia candida demonstrated the lowest antioxidant status: 3.6-3.8 mg GAE g^-1 d.w. total antioxidant activity, 1.73-2.10 mg GAE g^-1 d.w. polyphenols and 2.0-5.3 mg g^-1 d.w. proline. Overall, according to the elemental analysis of lichen from Baskunchak Nature Reserve compared to the Southern Crimean seashore, the vicinity of Baskunchak Salty Lake elicited increased environmental levels of Cr, Si, Li, Fe, Co, Ni and Ca.

Laccaria murina and L. pumila from Pakistan, a study based on SEM and nrITS molecular marker

Two species of the genus Laccaria, are described as new reports for Pakistan. Laccaria murina has been collected from a Himalayan moist temperate forest in Khanspur, KP, while L. pumila was found in the moist temperate forests of Kumrat Valley in Dir Upper, KP, and at higher altitudes of the Deosai plains of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. Phylogenetic analysis based on the nrITS region clustered the Pakistani species with L. murina sequences with other Asian collections and L. pumila from USA and Netherlands. SEM of basidiospores along with detailed micro-morphological data are provided. General distribution, habitat, ecology, and diagnostic features are also discussed. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: It has new reports from Pakistan, studies based on light, scanning electron microscopy, and nrITS molecular markers. These species have been described with detailed micro-morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses. General distribution, ecology, diagnostic features, and comparisons with closely related specimens have been provided. Graphical representation of DNA extraction and geographical locations of sampling sites are also illustrated (Figures 1 and 2). Very few members of this genus are already described from Pakistan.

Multiple Metabolites Derived from Mushrooms and Their Beneficial Effect on Alzheimer's Diseases

Mushrooms with edible and medicinal potential have received widespread attention because of their diverse biological functions, nutritional value, and delicious taste, which are closely related to their rich active components. To date, many bioactive substances have been identified and purified from mushrooms, including proteins, carbohydrates, phenols, and vitamins. More importantly, molecules derived from mushrooms show great potential to alleviate the pathological manifestations of Alzheimer's disease (AD), which seriously affects the health of elderly people. Compared with current therapeutic strategies aimed at symptomatic improvement, it is particularly important to identify natural products from resource-rich mushrooms that can modify the progression of AD. This review summarizes recent investigations of multiple constituents (carbohydrates, peptides, phenols, etc.) isolated from mushrooms to combat AD. In addition, the underlying molecular mechanisms of mushroom metabolites against AD are discussed. The various mechanisms involved in the antiAD activities of mushroom metabolites include antioxidant and anti-neuroinflammatory effects, apoptosis inhibition, and stimulation of neurite outgrowth, etc. This information will facilitate the application of mushroom-derived products in the treatment of AD. However, isolation of new metabolites from multiple types of mushrooms and further in vivo exploration of the molecular mechanisms underlying their antiAD effect are still required.

Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk assessment of consuming metal-laden wild mushrooms in Nigeria: Analyses from field based and systematic review studies

This study investigated the potential health risk associated with the consumption of metal-laden mushrooms in Nigeria. Concentrations of Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn and Al in wild mushrooms collected from the Nigerian environment were measured using atomic absorption spectrometer. Also, systematic analysis of articles on metal accumulation in mushrooms from Nigeria were obtained from scientific databases. Using hazard model indices, the metal concentration in mushrooms were evaluated for their potential carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risk when consumed by adults and children. Zn and Cd, respectively, had the highest and lowest mean concentrations (mg kg-1) in the analysed mushrooms from the field study, while Fe and Co, respectively, had the highest and lowest mean concentrations (mg kg-1) in the systematically reviewed articles. In the field study, the percentage distribution of THQ of the heavy metals greater than 1 was 0% and 42.85% for adults and children respectively. While for the systematic study, 30% and 50% of the heavy metals for adults and children respectively exceeded the limit of 1. The hazard indices obtained from both the systematic and field studies for both age groups were all >1, indicating significant health risk. The findings from both the systematic and field studies revealed that consuming metal-laden mushrooms by adults and children increases the carcinogenic risk to Cd, Cr, and Ni since they exceeded the acceptable limit of 1E-04 stated by USEPA guideline. Based on the findings from the systematic and field studies, it suggests that consuming mushrooms collected from metal polluted substrates increases carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risk among Nigerians.

Nutritional Value and Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Activity of Wild Macrofungi

Macrofungi are among the most promising sources of biologically active natural products with nutritional qualities and therapeutic values. In this work, the nutritional value of nine species of wild macrofungi from Ibague-Tolima (Colombia) was evaluated. In addition the antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities of an ethanol:water (70:30) extract of wild basidiomata were evaluated. The wild mushrooms' nutritional potential showed that the genus Pleurotus and Lentinus have the best protein percentages, with 18.4% and 18.5%. The nine extracts evaluated managed to stabilize the two radicals evaluated; however, lower IC₅₀ was found for Phellinus gilvus and Ganoderma australe extracts. The results showed that Trametes coccinea, Pleurotus floridanus and Ganoderma australe extracts were the most effective as antimicrobials, with high inhibition percentages against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Antifungal activity results against Rhizopus oryzae, Penicillium sp. and Aspergillus niger showed that the nine extracts were effective at the concentrations tested. Considering cell viability against isolated leukocytes, seven of the nine extracts showed percentages higher than 50% of cell viability. This research describes the nutritional value of nine wild macrofungi in Colombia and their potential for antimicrobial, cytotoxic and antioxidant activity.

A global phylogenomic analysis of the shiitake genus Lentinula

Lentinula is a broadly distributed group of fungi that contains the cultivated shiitake mushroom, L. edodes. We sequenced 24 genomes representing eight described species and several unnamed lineages of Lentinula from 15 countries on four continents. Lentinula comprises four major clades that arose in the Oligocene, three in the Americas and one in Asia-Australasia. To expand sampling of shiitake mushrooms, we assembled 60 genomes of L. edodes from China that were previously published as raw Illumina reads and added them to our dataset. Lentinula edodes sensu lato (s. lat.) contains three lineages that may warrant recognition as species, one including a single isolate from Nepal that is the sister group to the rest of L. edodes s. lat., a second with 20 cultivars and 12 wild isolates from China, Japan, Korea, and the Russian Far East, and a third with 28 wild isolates from China, Thailand, and Vietnam. Two additional lineages in China have arisen by hybridization among the second and third groups. Genes encoding cysteine sulfoxide lyase (lecsl) and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (leggt), which are implicated in biosynthesis of the organosulfur flavor compound lenthionine, have diversified in Lentinula. Paralogs of both genes that are unique to Lentinula (lecsl 3 and leggt 5b) are coordinately up-regulated in fruiting bodies of L. edodes. The pangenome of L. edodes s. lat. contains 20,308 groups of orthologous genes, but only 6,438 orthogroups (32%) are shared among all strains, whereas 3,444 orthogroups (17%) are found only in wild populations, which should be targeted for conservation.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Triplax ainonia Lewis, 1877 (Coleoptera: Erotylidae)

The beetle Triplax ainonia Lewis, 1877 is a serious pest of cultivated the mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus in China. The complete mitochondrial genome of this species was reported for the first time in this study. The mitogenome was 17,555 bp in length and had a base composition of 39.4% A, 36.1% T, 8.7% G and 15.3% C, which indicated that the base composition was AT-biased. Similar to other species of Coleoptera, the mitogenome of T. ainonia contained 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, two ribosomal RNA unit genes, and a large noncoding region. Phylogenetic analysis based on mitogenomes suggested that the family Erotylidae was a monophyletic group.

The Mushroom Glucans: Molecules of High Biological and Medicinal Importance

Carbohydrates, including polysaccharide macromolecules, are the main constituents of the fungal cell wall. Among these, the homo- or heteropolymeric glucan molecules are decisive, as they not only protect fungal cells but also have broad, positive biological effects on the animal and human bodies. In addition to the beneficial nutritional properties of mushrooms (mineral elements, favorable proteins, low fat and energy content, pleasant aroma, and flavor), they have a high glucan content. Folk medicine (especially in the Far East) used medicinal mushrooms based on previous experience. At the end of the 19th century, but mainly since the middle of the 20th century, progressively more scientific information has been published. Glucans from mushrooms are polysaccharides that contain sugar chains, sometimes of only one kind (glucose), sometimes having several monosaccharide units, and they have two (α and β) anomeric forms (isomers). Their molecular weights range from 10⁴ to 10⁵ Da, and rarely 10⁶ Da. X-ray diffraction studies were the first to determine the triple helix configuration of some glucans. It seems that the existence and integrity of the triple helix structure are criteria for their biological effects. Different glucans can be isolated from different mushroom species, and several glucan fractions can be obtained. The biosynthesis of glucans takes place in the cytoplasm, the processes of initiation and then chain extension take place with the help of the glucan synthase enzyme complex (EC 2.4.1.34), and the sugar units are provided by sugar donor UDPG molecules. The two methods used today for glucan determination are the enzymatic and Congo red methods. True comparisons can only be made using the same method. Congo red dye reacts with the tertiary triple helix structure, and the resulting glucan content better reflects the biological value of glucan molecules. The biological effect of β-glucan molecules is proportional to the integrity of the tertiary structure. The glucan contents of the stipe exceed the values of the caps. The glucan levels of individual fungal taxa (including varieties) differ quantitatively and qualitatively. This review presents in more detail the glucans of lentinan (from Lentinula edodes), pleuran (from Pleurotus ostreatus), grifolan (from Grifola frondose), schizophyllan (from Schizophyllum commune), and krestin (from Trametes versicolor), along with their main biological effects.

Antioxidant Activity of Polysaccharides from the Edible Mushroom Pleurotus eryngii

In this study the antioxidant and neuroprotective activity of an enriched polysaccharide fraction (EPF) obtained from the fruiting body of cultivated P. eryngii was evaluated. Proximate composition (moisture, proteins, fat, carbohydrates and ash) was determined using the AOAC procedures. The EPF was extracted by using, in sequence, hot water and alkaline extractions followed by deproteinization and precipitation with cold ethanol. Total α- and β-glucans were quantified using the Megazyme International Kit. The results showed that this procedure allows a high yield of polysaccharides with a higher content of (1-3; 1-6)-β-D-glucans. The antioxidant activity of EPF was detected from the total reducing power, DPPH, superoxide, hydroxyl and nitric oxide radical scavenging activities. The EPF was found to scavenge DPPH, superoxide, hydroxyl and nitric oxide radicals with a IC50 values of 0.52 ± 0.02, 1.15 ± 0.09, 0.89 ± 0.04 and 2.83 ± 0.16 mg/mL, respectively. As assessed by the MTT assay, the EPF was biocompatible for DI-TNC1 cells in the range of 0.006-1 mg/mL and, at concentrations ranging from 0.05 to 0.2 mg/mL, significantly counteracted H₂O₂-induced reactive oxygen species production. This study demonstrated that polysaccharides extracted from P. eryngii might be used as functional food to potentiate the antioxidant defenses and to reduce oxidative stress.

Is mushroom polysaccharide extract a better fat replacer than dried mushroom powder for food applications?

Introduction

β-glucans found in the cell walls of mushrooms can be a beneficial food additive in replacing fat in commercial food products.

Methods

Four commonly consumed mushroom species in Singapore, i.e., Pleurotus ostreatus spp., Lentinus edodes, Agaricus bisporus, and Flammulina velutipes were profiled for the β-glucan content in the lyophilized form and ultrasonicated assisted extracted form. Both forms were added into chicken patties, which were characterized for the moisture, cooking loss, texture, color, and chemically analyzed for the protein, crude fat, and fatty acid profiles with gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS).

Results and discussion

Pleurotus Ostreatus spp. had the highest β-glucan of 29.8 ± 0.7 g/100 g in the pure powder form and 15.9 ± 0.3 g/100 g from the extract. Crude fat in 100% fat substituted patties was lowest in Flammulina velutipes extract enriched patties and least in A. bisporus pure powder patties. Additionally, fat replacement with A. bisporus extract and powder forms resulted in the highest polyunsaturated fatty acid profile of 49.6 ± 1.9 mg/100 g patty and 79.9 ± 4.5 mg/100 g patty, respectively. Chicken patties with added mushroom extract were notable in retaining moisture, cooking yield and its structure. Fat substitution with mushroom powder was also conducted, satisfactory results indicated a possibility as a better fat replacer that is easily processed and an efficient alternative to β-glucan extract. With increasing demand for low fat foods with acceptable organoleptic properties, our study demonstrates that the inclusion of dry mushroom powder has the ability to mimic the "fattiness" of chicken patties.

Morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses revealed four new species of Agaricales from China

Four new species of Agaricales from China viz. Hohenbuehelia tomentosa, Rhodophana qinghaiensis, Rhodophana aershanensis, and Spodocybe tomentosum are described based on their unique morphological features and molecular evidence. Hohenbuehelia tomentosa is mainly characterized by its dark brown pileus with finely dense pure white tomentum, dirty white, decurrent lamellae, eccentric stipe, smooth spores, and fusiform metuloid cystidia. The characteristics of Rhodophana qinghaiensis are glabrous, smooth, reddish-brown pileus, gray-orange lamellae, and initially light orange becoming reddish brown stipe. The unique morphological characteristics of Rhodophana aershanensis are reddish brown pileus with age, brown-orange toward the margin, light orange lamellae and stipe dark brown at first, and reddish-brown with age. Spodocybe tomentosum is characterized by subclitocyboid and small basidiomes, finely dense pure white tomentum on the pileus surface, and broadly ellipsoid to ellipsoid and smaller basidiospores. Phylogenetic analysis showed that Hohenbuehelia tomentosa, Rhodophana qinghaiensis, Rhodophana aershanensis, and Spodocybe tomentosum formed an independent lineage. Full descriptions, illustrations, and phylogenetic trees of the four new species are provided in this study.

Mushroom-Based Supplements in Italy: Let's Open Pandora's Box

Mushrooms and derivates are well known to the scientific community for having different health benefits and exhibit a wide range of pharmacological activities, including lipid-lowering, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, antimicrobic, antiallergic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, immunomodulating, neuroprotective and osteoprotective actions. In Europe, medical mushrooms are mainly marketed in the form of food supplements as single components or combined with other nutraceuticals. In this context, the first peculiarity that distinguishes it is the safety established through the "history of consumption" that characterizes that mushroom. However, the cultivation of medicinal mushrooms on a large scale is performed mainly in China, where most of the production facilities do not have internationally recognized good manufacturing practices, despite that many European companies that sell myotherapies are supplied by Chinese manufacturers. This is particularly evident in Italy, where an arsenal of mushroom products is marketed in the form of powders and extracts not always of ascertained origin and sometimes of doubtful taxonomic identification, and thus not meeting the quality criteria required. The growing interest in mycotherapy involves a strong commitment from the scientific community to propose supplements of safe origin and genetic purity as well as to promote clinical trials to evaluate its real effects on humans. The purpose of this research is to analyze different mushroom-based dietary supplements used in medicine as monotherapy on the Italian market and to evaluate their composition and quality. The molecular identification of the sequences with those deposited in GenBank allowed for identifying 6 out of 19 samples, matching with those deposited belonging to the species indicated in the label, i.e., Lentinula edodes (samples 1, 4, 12 and 18) and Ganoderma lucidum (samples 5 and 10). Samples containing Ganoderma, labeled in the commercial product as G. lucidum, showed sequences that showed homology of 100% and 99% with G. resinaceum and G. sichuanense. An additional investigation was carried out in order to determine the active fungal ingredients, such as ergosterol, aflatoxins, heavy metals, nicotine and total glucan. The results obtained and shown in the manuscript highlight how the data were not only in line with what is expected with respect to what is indicated in the labels.

Pleurotus ostreatus Grown on Agro-Industrial Residues: Studies on Microbial Contamination and Shelf-Life Prediction under Different Packaging Types and Storage Temperatures

The short shelf-life of mushrooms, due to water loss and microbial spoilage, is the main constraint for commercialization and consumption. The effect of substrate type combined with different temperatures and packaging conditions on the shelf-life of fresh Pleurotus ostreatus is scantily researched. The current study investigated the shelf-life of fresh oyster mushrooms grown on low (0.3, 0.3, 0.17) and high (0.7, 0.7, 0.33) rates of olive pruning residues (OLPR), spent coffee grounds (SCG), and both combined residues (OLPR/SCG) with wheat straw (WS), respectively, at ambient (20 °C) and 4 °C temperatures under no packaging, polyethylene plastic bag packaging (PBP), and polypropylene vacuum bag packaging (VBP). Results showed that at ambient temperature OLPR/SCG mushrooms PBP-bagged had an increased shelf-life by 0.5-1.2 days in comparison with WS ones. The predictive models adopted to optimize mushroom shelf-life at ambient temperature set rates of 0.289 and 0.303 of OLPR and OLPR/SCG, respectively, and PBP as the most suitable conditions (9.18 and 9.14 days, respectively). At 4 °C, OLPR/SCG mushrooms VBP-bagged had a longer shelf-life of 2.6-4.4 days compared to WS ones. Predictive models noted a maximized shelf-life of VBP-bagged mushrooms (26.26 days) when a rate of 0.22 OLPR/SCG is incorporated into the initial substrate. The combination of OLPR and SCG increased the shelf-life of fresh Pleurotus ostreatus by decreasing the total microbial count (TMC) while delaying weight loss and veil opening, and maintaining carbohydrate content, good firmness, and considerable protein, in comparison with WS regardless the storage temperature and packaging type.

Notes on Amanita section Validae in Hainan Island, China

Hainan is the second largest island in China with the most extensive and well-preserved tropical forests and is also the largest island of the Indo Burma Biodiversity Hotspot. It provides in situ conservation for the unique ecosystem of the island. Recent studies have shown that there are diverse fungal species in Hainan. In this study, about 40 collections of the genus Amanita have been studied based on the morphology and molecular systematics, including 35 Chinese specimens (24 from Hainan, and eleven from other regions) and three specimens from other countries (Singapore and Malaysia). In total, five new species belonging to Amanita section Validae are described: A. cacaina, A. parvigrisea, A. pseudofritillaria, A. pseudosculpta, and A. yangii. Amanita parvifritillaria is recorded for the first time in Hainan. It is also the first report of this fungus occurring, outside Yunnan Province, China. Among the five new species, two are unique in this section because of the appendiculate pileus margin and the absence of an annulus. Based on these new findings, the diagnosis of the section Validae should be slightly modified to include a few species with appendiculate margin and the lack of annulus.

Pleurotus eryngii Chips-Chemical Characterization and Nutritional Value of an Innovative Healthy Snack

Nowadays, as the pandemic has reshaped snacking behaviors, and consumers have become more health-conscious, the need for the incorporation of "healthy snacking" in our diets has emerged. Although there is no agreed-upon definition of "healthy snacking", dietary guidelines refer to snack foods with high nutritional and biological value. The aim of this study was to chemically characterize and determine the nutritional value of an innovative UVB-irradiated and baked snack from Pleurotus eryngii mushrooms. P. eryngii is an edible mushroom native to the Mediterranean basin. We applied proximate composition, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and macro and trace elements analyses. Also, we computed indices to assess the nutritional quality of food, and we evaluated the sensory characteristics of the mushroom snack. We found high nutritional, consumer, and biological values for the snack. More specifically it was low in calories, high in fibre and protein, low in lipids, without added sugars, and high in ergosterol and beta-glucans. Additionally, it had some vitamins and trace elements in significant quantities. Its NRF9.3 score was considerably high compared to most popular snacks, and the snack exhibited high hypocholesterolemic and low atherogenic and thrombogenic potentials. In conclusion, as a result of UVB-irradiation and baking of P. eryngii mushrooms, the snack's nutritional and biological value were not affected; instead, it provided a "healthy snacking" option.

Dietary supplement of mushrooms promotes SCFA production and moderately associates with IgA production: A pilot clinical study

Background

Mushrooms are rich in dietary fiber, and fiber intake has been reported to increase the levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). It has also been reported that SCFAs promote immunoglobulin A (IgA) production, indicating involvement in systemic immunity.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of mushroom consumption on the amount of intestinal IgA. We also aimed to comprehensively evaluate the gut microbiota and intestinal metabolome and to conduct an exploratory analysis of their relationship with IgA.

Methods

Healthy adults (n = 80) were enrolled in a parallel group trial. Participants consumed a diet with mushrooms or a placebo diet once daily for 4 weeks. Gut microbiota profiles were assessed by sequencing the bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA-encoding gene. Intestinal metabolome profiles were analyzed using capillary electrophoresis-time of flight mass spectrometry (CE-TOFMS).

Results

Mushroom consumption tended to increase IgA levels at 4 weeks of consumption compared to those in the control group (p = 0.0807; Hedges' g = 0.480). The mushroom group had significantly higher levels of intestinal SCFAs, such as butyrate and propionate, than the control group (p = 0.001 and 0.020; Hedges' g = 0.824 and 0.474, respectively). Correlation analysis between the changes in the amount of intestinal IgA and the baseline features of the intestinal environment showed that the increasing amount of intestinal IgA was positively correlated with the baseline levels of SCFAs (Spearman's R = 0.559 and 0.419 for butyrate and propionate, respectively).

Conclusion

Consumption of mushrooms significantly increased the intestinal SCFAs and IgA in some subjects. The increase in intestinal IgA levels was more prominent in subjects with higher SCFA levels at baseline. This finding provides evidence that mushroom alters the intestinal environment, but the intensity of the effect still depends on the baseline intestinal environment. This trial was registered at www.umin.ac.jp as UMIN000043979.

Identification of Secondary Metabolites of Interest in Pleurotus djamor Using Agave tequilana Bagasse

Agro-industrial residues represent more than 60% of organic wastes worldwide, which could be used to generate other by-products or to be incorporated into other production chains. For example, bagasse is a waste from the tequila industry in Mexico that could be implemented for mushroom cultivation. Additionally, the substrate influences the growth, development, and production of secondary metabolites of fungi. This work presents a comparative experiment that studies the metabolite production in Pleurotus djamor mushrooms on agave bagasse and barley straw (traditional substrate). The biological efficiency (BE), yield, phenolics and flavonoids, antioxidant capacity, tannins, and the identification of low molecular weight metabolites were evaluated. Five treatments were proposed according to the following mixtures of agave bagasse: barley straw: T1 (1:0), T2 (3:1), T3 (1:1), T4 (1:3), and T5 (0:1). T2 had the highest yield (13.39 ± 3.23%), BE (56.7 ± 13.71%), and flavonoids (44.25 mg rutin equivalent (RE)/g); T3 obtained the highest phenol content (230.27 mg GAE/g); and T1 the highest tannins content (0.23 mg (+) catechin equivalent (CE)/g). Finally, T1 and T5 are the ones that present the greatest number of primary metabolites, including hydroxycitric acid, 2-deoxy-D-galactose, D-mannose, paromomycin, palmitic acid, pyrrole, mannitol, and DL arabinose, while in T2, T3, and T4 only two chemical compounds were found present (palmitic acid and pyrrole in T2, silicic acid and pyrrole in T3 and 2-deoxy-D-galactose and quinoline in T4). The cultivation substrate influences the concentration of bioactive molecules in the fruiting bodies of P. djamor. Additionally, P. djamor's degradation of agave bagasse residue generates a potential application for agro-industrial residue management at a low cost.

Fungi as a Source of Edible Proteins and Animal Feed

It is expected that the world population will reach 9 billion by 2050. Thus, meat, dairy or plant-based protein sources will fail to meet global demand. New solutions must be offered to find innovative and alternative protein sources. As a natural gift, edible wild mushrooms growing in the wet and shadow places and can be picked by hand have been used as a food. From searching mushrooms in the forests and producing single cell proteins (SCP) in small scales to mega production, academia, United Nations Organizations, industries, political makers and others, play significant roles. Fermented traditional foods have also been reinvestigated. For example, kefir, miso, and tempeh, are an excellent source for fungal isolates for protein production. Fungi have unique criteria of consuming various inexpensive wastes as sources of carbon and energy for producing biomass, protein concentrate or amino acids with a minimal requirement of other environmental resources (e.g., light and water). Fungal fermented foods and SCP are consumed either intentionally or unintentionally in our daily meals and have many applications in food and feed industries. This review addresses fungi as an alternative source of edible proteins and animal feed, focusing mainly on SCP, edible mushrooms, fungal fermented foods, and the safety of their consumption.

Correlation between dietary patterns and cognitive function in older Chinese adults: A representative cross-sectional study

Objective

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between dietary patterns and cognitive function in older adults (≥60 years old).

Methods

Food intake was quantitatively assessed by the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), and cognitive function was assessed by the Chinese version of the Simple Mental State Examination Scale (MMSE). Four major dietary patterns were identified by the factor analysis (FA) method. The relationship between dietary patterns and cognitive function was evaluated by logistic regression.

Results

A total of 884 participants were included in the study. Four dietary patterns (vegetable and mushroom, oil and salt, seafood and alcohol, and oil tea dietary patterns) were extracted. In the total population, Model III results showed that the fourth quartile of dietary pattern factor scores for the vegetable and mushroom pattern was 0.399 and 7.056. The vegetable and mushroom dietary pattern may be a protective factor for cognitive function, with p-value = 0.033, OR (95% CI): 0.578 (0.348, 0.951) in Model III (adjusted for covariates: sex, ethnic, marital, agricultural activities, smoking, drinking, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, BMI, and dietary fiber). In the ethnic stratification analysis, the scores of dietary pattern factors of the vegetable and mushroom among the Yao participants were 0.333 and 5.064. The Vegetable and mushroom diet pattern may be a protective factor for cognitive function, p-value = 0.012, OR (95% CI): 0.415 (0.206, 0.815).

Conclusion

The fourth quartile of the vegetable and mushroom dietary pattern scores showed dose-dependent and a strong correlation with cognitive function. Currently, increasing vegetable and mushroom intake may be one of the effective ways to prevent and mitigate cognitive decline. It is recommended to increase the dietary intake of vegetables and mushroom foods.

australe against Human Osteosarcoma Cells

Wild mushrooms have gained great importance for being a source of biologically active compounds. In this work, we evaluate the anticancer and antioxidant activity of a water-soluble crude polysaccharide extract isolated from the fruiting bodies of the Ganoderma aff. australe (GACP). This mushroom was collected in San Mateo (Boyacá, Colombia) and identified based on macroscopic and microscopic characterization. GACP was characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector, and nuclear magnetic resonance. The antiradical and antioxidant activity were evaluated by different methods and its anticancer activity was verified in the osteosarcoma MG-63 human cell line. Chemical and spectroscopic analysis indicated that GACP consisted of β-D-Glcp-(1→, →3)-β-D-Glcp-(1→ and α-D-Glcp-(1→ residues. The results of the biological activity showed that GACP exhibited high antioxidant activity in the different methods and models studied. Moreover, the results showed that GACP impaired cell viability (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay) and cell proliferation (clonogenic assay) in a dose-response manner on MG-63 cells. The findings of this work promote the use of mushroom-derived compounds as anticancer and antioxidant agents for potential use in the pharmaceutical and food industries.

Knowledge about relationship of diets with non-communicable disease and prospects for amelioration by consuming mushrooms in South-East Nigeria

Background: Knowledge plays a key role in shaping people's attitudes and behaviors to adopt healthy lifestyles, which is important in any program of NCD prevention. There is no data about how much the general public in South-East Nigeria (SE) knows about how their diets may dispose or help them prevent NCDs. Aim: This study aims to assess knowledge available on the relationship between NCDs and diets/foods including mushrooms among the general public of SE Nigeria. Methods: Data was collected using the survey questionnaire and interview method in the five SE States: Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States. Simple descriptive statistics were used to analyze data. Results: A total of 846 responses were received from 1000 questionnaires. Proportion of respondents who knew (p^yes) about a relationship between diets and NCDs was 51.5%. p^yes was significantly higher among males than females and increased with age and level of education of respondents. It also varied among the States of SE Nigeria. Knowledge scores based on a scale of 0-5 revealed that respondents knew more about foods, which can reduce (2.3 ± 0.102) e.g., fruits/vegetables, than can increase (1.9 ± 0.096) e.g., sugary/starchy foods, the risk of NCDs. Varying proportions of respondents in all States of the SE knew that mushroom consumption can ameliorate NCDs. Conclusion: This study reveals that half of population of SE Nigeria knows about the relationship between diets and NCDs. A significant proportion also knows that mushroom consumption can ameliorate NCDs suggesting prospects of its utilization in preventing NCDs.

Regulation of Cholesterol Metabolism by Phytochemicals Derived from Algae and Edible Mushrooms in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Cholesterol synthesis occurs in almost all cells, but mainly in hepatocytes in the liver. Cholesterol is garnering increasing attention for its central role in various metabolic diseases. In addition, cholesterol is one of the most essential elements for cells as both a structural source and a player participating in various metabolic pathways. Accurate regulation of cholesterol is necessary for the proper metabolism of fats in the body. Disturbances in cholesterol homeostasis have been linked to various metabolic diseases, such as hyperlipidemia and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). For many years, the use of synthetic chemical drugs has been effective against many health conditions. Furthermore, from ancient to modern times, various plant-based drugs have been considered local medicines, playing important roles in human health. Phytochemicals are bioactive natural compounds that are derived from medicinal plants, fruit, vegetables, roots, leaves, and flowers and are used to treat a variety of diseases. They include flavonoids, carotenoids, polyphenols, polysaccharides, vitamins, and more. Many of these compounds have been proven to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiobesity and antihypercholesteremic activity. The multifaceted role of phytochemicals may provide health benefits to humans with regard to the treatment and control of cholesterol metabolism and the diseases associated with this disorder, such as NAFLD. In recent years, global environmental climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, the current war in Europe, and other conflicts have threatened food security and human nutrition worldwide. This further emphasizes the urgent need for sustainable sources of functional phytochemicals to be included in the food industry and dietary habits. This review summarizes the latest findings on selected phytochemicals from sustainable sources-algae and edible mushrooms-that affect the synthesis and metabolism of cholesterol and improve or prevent NAFLD.

White Button Mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) Supplementation Ameliorates Spatial Memory Deficits and Plaque Formation in an Amyloid Precursor Protein Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is characterized by cognitive impairment and the presence of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and tau tangles. This study was conducted to assess the effects of white button mushroom (WBM) supplementation on spatial memory and plaque formation in mice with mutations in amyloid (Aβ). Mice with amyloid precursor protein (hAPP) mutations and their wildtype (WT) littermates were fed a 10% white button mushroom (WBM) feed ad libitum three times per week, in addition to their normal diet. Morris water maze (MWM) was conducted at 14 and 32 weeks of age to assess spatial memory and Aβ plaque pathology in the hippocampus was analyzed. Our results showed that hAPP mice on the WBM diet were faster in reaching the platform in the MWM compared to hAPP mice on the control diet at 32 weeks (p < 0.05). Significantly fewer plaque deposits were found in the hippocampi of hAPP mice on the WBM diet compared to those on the control diet at 32 weeks (p < 0.05). Overall, hAPP mice on the WBM diet had improved spatial memory at 32 weeks of age compared to those on the control diet and exhibited fewer amyloid plaques.

Four Weeks of Hericium erinaceus Supplementation Does Not Impact Markers of Metabolic Flexibility or Cognition

Hericium erinaceus (HE), also known as Lion's Mane mushroom, has been found to enhance cognition and metabolic flexibility in various animal models. To date however, only four studies exist in humans and none have evaluated the effects of HE on markers of metabolic flexibility or cognitive performance. A single-blind, placebo controlled, parallel-longitudinal study was used to determine the effects of HE on markers of metabolic flexibility and cognition. Twenty-four participants completed a graded exercise test on a cycle ergometer to analyze substrate oxidation rates and markers of cardiorespiratory fitness. Additionally, two dual-task challenges consisting of a Stroop Word Challenge interspersed with a Mental Arithmetic Challenge were performed, pre-post the graded exercise test, to evaluate markers of cognition in a pre-post fatigued state. Participants were stratified into two groups, receiving either 10 g of HE per day or placebo for 4-weeks in the form of two muffins identical in taste and appearance. Repeated-measures analysis of variance were conducted to evaluate potential interactions or main effects. Although group differences were noted at baseline, there were no significant interactions or main effects observed from HE ingestion for any dependent variable (all p > 0.05). Our data suggest that ingesting 10 g of HE per day for 4-weeks had no impact on metabolic flexibility and cognition in a college-age cohort. Due to the limited research on HE supplementation, future research is needed to establish an effective supplement dose and duration for potential physiological changes to be observed in humans.

Current Uses of Mushrooms in Cancer Treatment and Their Anticancer Mechanisms

Cancer is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Various chemotherapeutic drugs have been extensively used for cancer treatment. However, current anticancer drugs cause severe side effects and induce resistance. Therefore, the development of novel and effective anticancer agents with minimal or no side effects is important. Notably, natural compounds have been highlighted as anticancer drugs. Among them, many researchers have focused on mushrooms that have biological activities, including antitumor activity. The aim of this review is to discuss the anticancer potential of different mushrooms and the underlying molecular mechanisms. We provide information regarding the current clinical status and possible modes of molecular actions of various mushrooms and mushroom-derived compounds. This review will help researchers and clinicians in designing evidence-based preclinical and clinical studies to test the anticancer potential of mushrooms and their active compounds in different types of cancers.

Anticancer and Antioxidant Activities in Ganoderma lucidum Wild Mushrooms in Poland, as Well as Their Phenolic and Triterpenoid Compounds

The goal of this study was to the assess anti-cancer and antioxidant properties of the Ganoderma lucidum fruiting body, and to identify bioactive compounds found in their extracts. Significant antiproliferative activity was observed against MCF-7, MCF-7/DX, LOVO, LOVO/DX, MDA-MB 231, SW 620, and NHDF cell lines. With IC₅₀ values of 25.38 µg/mL and 47.90 µg/mL, respectively, the extract was most effective against MDA-MB 231 and SW 620 cell lines. The bioactive compounds were identified using an ACQUITY UPLC-PDA-MS system. The extracts contained 13 triterpenoids and 28 polyphenols from the flavonols, phenolic acids, flavones, flavan-3-ols, and stilbenes families. Ganoderic acid derivative was found to be the most abundant triterpenoid (162.4 mg/g DW), followed by ganoderic acid B (145.6 mg/g DW). Resveratrol was the most abundant phenolic in the extract (5155.7 mg/100 g DM). The findings could explain why G. lucidum extracts are used in folk medicine.

Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) Exerts Anxiolytic Effects in the rTg4510 Tau Mouse Model

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) significantly impairs the life of an individual both cognitively and behaviorally. Tau and beta-amyloid (Aβ) proteins are major contributors to the etiology of AD. This study used mice modeling AD through the presence of tau pathology to assess the effects of Hericium erinaceus (H. erinaceus), also known as Lion’s mane, on cognitive and non-cognitive behaviors. Despite neurocognitive and neurobiological effects of H. erinaceus being seen in both healthy and transgenic mice, no research to date has explored its effects on mice with solely tau pathology. In this study, mice were placed on a diet supplemented with H. erinaceus or a standard rodent diet for 4.5 months in order to determine the effect of this medicinal mushroom on behavior. Tau mice given H. erinaceus had significantly shorter latencies to enter the center of the open field (OF) (p < 0.05) and spent significantly more time in the open arms of the elevated zero maze (EZM) (p < 0.001) compared to tau control mice. Mice given H. erinaceus spent significantly more time in the open arms of and made more head dips in the elevated zero maze (EZM) (p < 0.05). While H. erinaceus had anxiolytic effects, no improvements were seen in spatial memory or activities of daily living. These findings provide additional support for the anxiolytic effects of H. erinaceus and point to its potential benefit as a therapeutic for anxiety in AD.

Occurrence and Health Risk Assessment of Cadmium Accumulation in Three Tricholoma Mushroom Species Collected from Wild Habitats of Central and Coastal Croatia

This study deals with the biomonitoring of cadmium (Cd) heavy metal in the three selected Tricholoma mushroom species collected from wild habitats of central and coastal Croatia. For this, mushroom (T. columbetta: n = 38, T. portentosum: n = 35, and T. terreum: n = 34) and surface soil samples were collected from nine forest localities of Croatia and analyzed for Cd concentration using inductively coupled plasma−optical emission spectrometry (ICP−OES) through the acid digestion method. The findings revealed that Cd was present in Tricholoma spp. and surface soil. However, the maximum mean Cd concentration (mg/kg dry weight) was recorded in T. portentosum (cap: 0.98; stipe: 0.72), followed by T. columbetta (cap: 0.96; stipe: 0.73) and T. terreum (cap: 0.81; stipe: 0.63). The bioconcentration factor (BCF) value (>1) revealed that the selected Tricholoma spp. had the potential for Cd accumulation. Moreover, the principal component (PC) and hierarchical cluster (HC) analyses were used to derive the interactions and similarities between Cd levels Tricholoma spp. and sampling localities. The multivariate analysis suggested that central sampling localities had higher Cd levels as compared to coastal localities. However, the daily intake of metals (DIM < 0.426) and health risk index (HRI < 1) showed that there was no potential health risk associated with the consumption of selected Tricholoma spp. The findings of this study are helpful to understand the Cd accumulation behavior of wild edible Tricholoma spp. collected from Croatia.

Ribotoxic Proteins, Known as Inhibitors of Protein Synthesis, from Mushrooms and Other Fungi According to Endo's Fragment Detection

rRNA N-glycosylases (EC 3.2.2.22) remove a specific adenine (A₄₃₂₄, rat 28S rRNA) in the sarcin ricin loop (SRL) involved into ribosome interaction with elongation factors, causing the inhibition of translation, for which they are known as plant 'ribosome inactivating proteins' (RIPs). However, protein synthesis inactivation could be the result of other enzymes, which often have rRNA as the target. In this scenario, Endo's assay is the most used method to detect the enzymes that are able to hydrolyze a phosphodiester bond or cleave a single N-glycosidic bond (rRNA N-glycosylases). Indeed, the detection of a diagnostic fragment from rRNA after enzymatic action, with or without acid aniline, allows one to discriminate between the N-glycosylases or hydrolases, which release the β-fragment after acid aniline treatment or α-fragment without acid aniline treatment, respectively. This assay is of great importance in the mushroom kingdom, considering the presence of enzymes that are able to hydrolyze phosphodiester bonds (e.g., ribonucleases, ribotoxins and ribotoxin-like proteins) or to remove a specific adenine (rRNA N-glycosylases). Thus, here we used the β-fragment experimentally detected by Endo's assay as a hallmark to revise the literature available on enzymes from mushrooms and other fungi, whose action consists of protein biosynthesis inhibition.

Structure and Biological Activity of Ergostane-Type Steroids from Fungi

Mushrooms are known not only for their taste but also for beneficial effects on health attributed to plethora of constituents. All mushrooms belong to the kingdom of fungi, which also includes yeasts and molds. Each year, hundreds of new metabolites of the main fungal sterol, ergosterol, are isolated from fungal sources. As a rule, further testing is carried out for their biological effects, and many of the isolated compounds exhibit one or another activity. This study aims to review recent literature (mainly over the past 10 years, selected older works are discussed for consistency purposes) on the structures and bioactivities of fungal metabolites of ergosterol. The review is not exhaustive in its coverage of structures found in fungi. Rather, it focuses solely on discussing compounds that have shown some biological activity with potential pharmacological utility.

Cell death induction by mycelium extracts from Pleurotus spp. on cervical cancer cell lines

Mushrooms have health benefits, including anti-tumoral properties. We evaluated the cytotoxic and cell death induction effects of water-soluble extracts of Pleurotus ostreatus and Pleurotus eryngii mycelium in the cervical cancer cell lines HeLa (HVP18⁺) and SiHa (HVP16⁺) as well as the non-tumoral cell line HaCaT. Both Pleurotus extracts presented similar protein patterns from 190 to 10 kDa and displayed protease activity on a gelatine substrate. The mycelium extracts of both Pleurotus strains induced a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect on HPV⁺ cells IC₅₀ 65 µg), whereas HaCaT cells were less susceptible (IC₅₀ 90 µg). The cytotoxic effect at the IC₅₀ concentration was not associated with apoptosis, the activation of Caspases-3/7 was not significantive; only P. eryngii induced a moderate (1.2-fold) increase in SiHa cells. Pleurotus extracts induced autophagy, mainly in SiHa cells (4.3-fold). Neither extracts induced changes in p53 protein expression, suggesting that the cytotoxic effect could be due to p53-independent pathways.

Mushrooms on the plate: Trends towards NAFLD treatment, health improvement and sustainable diets

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a most important cause of liver disease. Similar to other non-communicable diseases (NCD), such as obesity and type II diabetes mellitus, NAFLD can strongly affected by diet. Diet-related NCD and malnutrition are rising in all regions being a major cause of the global health, economic and environmental burdens. Mushrooms, important dietary components since the hunter-gathering communities, have increasingly gained momentum in biomedical research and therapeutics due to their interplay in metabolism traits. We emphasize here the beneficial effects of mushroom-enriched diets on the homeostasis of lipid and sugar metabolism, including their modulation, but also interfering with insulin metabolism, gut microbiota, inflammation, oxidative stress and autophagy. In this review, we describe the cellular and molecular mechanisms at the gut-liver axis and the liver-white adipose tissue (WAT) axis, that plausibly cause such positive modulation, and discuss the potential of mushroom-enriched diets to prevent or ameliorate NAFLD and related NCD, also within the shift needed towards healthy sustainable diets.

Seleno-Amino Acids in Vegetables: A Review of Their Forms and Metabolism

Seleno-amino acids are safe, health-promoting compounds for humans. Numerous studies have focused on the forms and metabolism of seleno-amino acids in vegetables. Based on research progress on seleno-amino acids, we provide insights into the production of selenium-enriched vegetables with high seleno-amino acids contents. To ensure safe and effective intake of selenium, several issues need to be addressed, including (1) how to improve the accumulation of seleno-amino acids and (2) how to control the total selenium and seleno-amino acids contents in vegetables. The combined use of plant factories with artificial lighting and multiple analytical technologies may help to resolve these issues. Moreover, we propose a Precise Control of Selenium Content production system, which has the potential to produce vegetables with specified amounts of selenium and high proportions of seleno-amino acids.

Natural Bridged Bicyclic Peptide Macrobiomolecules from Celosia argentea and Amanita phalloides

Bridged peptide macrobicycles (BPMs) from natural resources belong to types of compounds that are not investigated fully in terms of their formation, pharmacological potential and stereo-chemical properties. This division of biologically active congeners with multiple circular rings, has merits over other varieties of peptide molecules. BPMs form one of the most hopeful grounds for establishment of drugs because of their close resemblance and biocompatibility to proteins, and these bio-actives are debated as feasible realistic tools in diverse biomedical applications. Despite huge potential, poor metabolic stability and cell permeability limit the therapeutic success of macrocyclic peptides. In this review, we have comprehensively explored major bicyclic peptides sourced from plants and mushrooms including βs-leucyl-tryptophano-histidine bridged and tryptophano-cysteine bridged peptide macrobicycles. The unique structural features, structure activity relationship, synthetic routes, bioproperties and therapeutic potential of the natural BPMs are also discussed.