Search

The genus Ganoderma holds profound importance in traditional medicine and modern scientific research. It is renowned for its medicinal properties and ecological significance, particularly in East Asian cultures, which have been revered for centuries. This mushroom has garnered significant attention in recent decades due to its ethnomedicinal use. The importance of Ganoderma genus in traditional medicine and scientific research cannot be overstated. Furthermore, extensive research has been conducted worldwide on the taxonomy and nomenclature of this fungus, although it remains controversial. However, research into the diversity and characterisation of Ganoderma species in Sri Lanka has been relatively limited, and the species diversity of Ganoderma is still not well known. Hence, we collected and identified Ganoderma species in the Sabaragamuwa and Western Provinces, Sri Lanka, aiming to increase research interest in this important mushroom genus. The collected specimens were identified based on comprehensive morphological analyses and rDNA-ITS sequence-based phylogeny. Three Ganoderma species, Ganoderma angustisporum J.H. Xing, B.K. Cui & Y.C. Dai, G. ellipsoideum Hapuar., T.C. Wen & K.D. Hyde, and G. orbiforme (Fr.) Ryvarden were identified in Sri Lanka for the first time. Additionally, a fungicolous strain of Trichoderma atroviride P. Karst. associated with the basidiocarps of G. angustisporum was identified for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined chemical and textural attributes as well as sensory acceptability of chicken and mushroom (oyster and big cup) meatloaves. Simplex lattice design was used to create eight formulations of chicken-oyster mushroom (COM) and chicken-big cup mushroom (CBM), respectively. The samples were analyzed for proximate and mineral composition, crust and crumb color, pH, and texture. The optimized meatloaf samples were subjected to sensory evaluation. The optimized chicken-mushroom ratios were determined to be 83.82% chicken meat and 16.18% oyster mushroom, and 84.78% chicken meat and 15.22% big cup mushroom. Chicken-oyster meatloaf was rated as more acceptable than chicken-big cup meatloaf and control samples in all aspects by sensory panelists. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) between the sensory attributes, except for aroma (p < 0.05). The study concluded that inclusion of oyster or big cup mushroom in chicken meatloaf had significant influence (p < 0.05) on nutritional, color, pH, and texture characteristics of chicken meatloaf. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mushroom is a macrofungus with precious fruiting body, as a food, a tonic, and a medicine, human have discovered and used mushrooms for thousands of years. Nowadays, mushroom is also a "super food" recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and favored by consumers. Discrimination of mushroom including species, geographic origin, storage time, etc., is an important prerequisite to ensure their edible safety and commodity quality. Moreover, the effective evaluation of its chemical composition can help us better understand the nutritional properties of mushrooms. Modern analytical technologies such as chromatography, spectroscopy and mass spectrometry, etc., are widely used in the discrimination and evaluation researches of mushrooms, and chemometrics is an effective means of scientifically processing the multidimensional information hidden in these analytical technologies. This review will outline the latest applications of modern analytical technology combined with chemometrics in qualitative and quantitative analysis and quality control of mushrooms in recent years. Briefly describe the basic principles of these technologies, and the analytical processes of common chemometrics in mushroom researches will be summarized. Finally, the limitations and application prospects of chromatography, spectroscopy and mass spectrometry technology are discussed in mushroom quality control and evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fresh mushrooms have a long history of cultivation and consumption, but high postharvest losses are a concern in the commercial production of mushrooms worldwide. Thermal dehydration is widely used in the preservation of commercial mushrooms, but the flavor and taste of mushrooms are significantly altered after dehydration. Non-thermal preservation technology, which effectively maintains the characteristics of mushrooms, is a viable alternative to thermal dehydration. The objective of this review was to critically assess the factors affecting fresh mushroom quality after preservation is remarkable, with the ultimate goal of developing and promoting non-thermal preservation technology for preserving fresh mushroom quality, effectively extending the shelf life of fresh mushrooms. The factors influencing the quality degradation process of fresh mushrooms discussed herein include the internal factors associated with the mushroom itself and the external factors associated with the storage environment. We present a comprehensive discussion of the effects of different non-thermal preservation technologies on the quality and shelf life of fresh mushrooms. To prevent quality loss and extend the shelf life after postharvest, hybrid methods, such as physical or chemical techniques combined with chemical techniques, and novel nonthermal technologies are highly recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bruno Latour's concept of translation provides ways to both extend the 'material turn' in translation studies and conceptualise translation as process. This concept cannot be understood apart from Latour's critique of Modern epistemology which requires an alternative conception of temporality and, in the context of the Anthropocene, provides a means to imagine futures and pasts beyond the tropes of growth vs contraction or progress vs regression. In this article, Latour's concept of translation is read through Anna Tsing's anthropological account of the matsutake mushroom trade, engaging this thick descriptive case-study to further develop translation as times of indeterminate encounters. This approach provides a means to conceptualise translation in terms of material agency, from which notions of translation-as-meaning, and linguistic translation can be more credibly theorised, contributing both within and beyond translation studies to discussions on new materialist philosophy and its implications, arguing for the importance of translational thinking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, we investigated the effect of supercritical carbon-oxide (scCO2) extraction on antioxidant capacity, enzyme inhibitory potential, and levels of ergosterol and ganoderic acid in both cultivated and wild-grown G. lucidum. Extraction yields were slightly higher for wild samples (1.29%) than for cultivated ones (1.13%). The levels of ganoderic acid and ergosterol were higher in cultivated in comparison to wild samples. In addition, the total phenolic content in cultivated samples (13.42 mg GAE g−1) was higher than in wild samples (10.38 mg GAE g−1). In general, cultivated samples exhibited stronger antioxidant potential when compared with wild ones. Regarding enzyme inhibitory properties, it was validated that the wild samples (14.01 mg OE g−1) possessed greater lipase activity in comparison to cultivated samples (5.36 mg OE g−1). Based on our findings, cultivated G. lucidum might be considered a valuable source of natural bioactive agents in the preparation of health-promoting products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past few years, psilocybin, a psychedelic compound found in “magic mushrooms” (psilocybin mushrooms), has undergone decriminalization in numerous cities across the US and has been legalized in Oregon and Colorado. Proponents of psilocybin decriminalization have emphasized its therapeutic potential in treating mental health disorders. Furthermore, psilocybin mushrooms are considered the safest psychedelic option, with lower potency and a reduced risk of overdoses and emergency hospitalizations compared to other prevalent psychedelics, such as LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) and MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine). We analyzed the impact of psilocybin reforms on public interest in psilocybin, as well as their cross-commodity effects on LSD and MDMA, utilizing extensive web-based search data. We observe a significant increase in psilocybin search volume and a notable reduction in search volume associated with LSD and MDMA. Our results are consistent nationwide across states, irrespective of their stance on psilocybin reforms. The shift in public interest toward psilocybin, which is considered the safest psychedelic, away from LSD and MDMA, carries positive implications for public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data on medication interactions with psychedelics are limited. Here we present what may be the first published report of a hypertensive emergency following the combination of psilocybin mushrooms with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). A 42-year-old man with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder took 1 g of Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms, while prescribed tranylcypromine, extended-release dextroamphetamine-amphetamine, and other medications. Approximately half an hour later, he developed severe hypertension with chest pain, palpitations, and headache. Upon hospital presentation, the electrocardiogram demonstrated ST-elevation. The patient was diagnosed with a myocardial infarction and treated with lorazepam, nitroglycerin, and aspirin. He subsequently underwent emergency cardiac catheterization, which revealed no significant cardiac abnormalities. Following overnight hospitalization, he was discharged home with no lasting physical sequelae. Though data are few, past studies suggest that classic serotonergic psychedelics (5HT-2A receptor agonists) such as dimethyltryptamine (DMT), lysergic acid (LSD), and synthetic psilocybin should not produce hypertensive emergency when combined with MAOIs. We suspect phenylethylamine, found in Psilocybe cubensis and other species of psilocybin mushrooms, interacted with tranylcypromine and dextroamphetamine-amphetamine to produce this hypertensive emergency. Patients prescribed MAOIs should be warned of the potential for hypertensive emergency when consuming psilocybin mushrooms, particularly when also prescribed norepinephrine releasers such as dextroamphetamine-amphetamine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2023, two fatalities attributed to the ingestion of uncooked morels (Morchella spp.) were reported in the United States; both patients developed severe gastrointestinal symptoms. Morel-induced gastrointestinal toxicity is well recognized, but no deaths had been reported until 2023, suggesting a potential shift in the severity of morel poisoning. Using the Poisoning Severity Score, we analyzed the severity of symptomatic cases of morel ingestion recorded in the French National Database of Poisonings from 2010 to 2020. We found 446 cases of exposure in which morels were the sole mushroom species involved. Of these, 83.6 per cent and 53.3 per cent developed gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms, respectively. Eight patients developed shock attributed to severe gastrointestinal symptoms, resulting in two deaths. Morel ingestion can lead to severe complications. As in the United States, the deaths reported in this study were attributed to imported cultivated morels. The shift, since 2006, towards a predominance of cultivated over wild morel sales may have played a role in the reporting of severe cases of morel poisoning. Reports of severe morel poisoning highlight the need for cautious consumption, particularly of raw or undercooked preparations. Emerging complications signal potential changes in toxicity. Surveillance and awareness are key to reducing the risks of consuming morels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inonotus obliquus, also known as Chaga, is a medicinal mushroom that has been used for therapeutic purposes since the sixteenth century. Collections of folk medicine record the application of Chaga for the treatment of diseases such as gastrointestinal cancer, diabetes, bacterial infection, and liver diseases. Modern research provides scientific evidence of the therapeutic properties of I. obliquus extracts, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, hepatoprotective, renoprotective, anti-fatigue, antibacterial, and antiviral activities. Various bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, triterpenoids, polyphenols, and lignin metabolites have been found to be responsible for the health-benefiting properties of I. obliquus. Furthermore, some studies have elucidated the underlying mechanisms of the mushroom's medicinal effects, revealing the compounds' interactions with enzymes or proteins of important pathways. Thus, this review aims to explore available information on the therapeutic potentials of Inonotus obliquus for the development of an effective naturally sourced treatment option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the author's experiences with nature, particularly mushrooms, during the lockdown, highlighting the therapeutic and inspiring effects of nature on mental health.

This study developed dried shiitake mushrooms through belt-conveyor combined microwave-hot air (MWHAB) drying, comparing it with hot air (HA) drying. MWHAB drying, with microwave powers ranging from 300 W to 600 W at 65 °C, was contrasted with HA drying at the same temperature. Both blanched and unblanched samples were dried to a final moisture content of 11.1% (d.b.). The research evaluated drying kinetics, specific energy consumption (SEC), and various quality aspects, including color, shrinkage, rehydration, texture, and microstructure. Results showed that blanched samples dried with MWHAB at 600 W significantly reduced drying times and SEC by 76.9% and 77.3%, respectively, compared to HA drying. Dried MWHAB products exhibited lower shrinkage and hardness but higher rehydration, larger pore sizes, and void area fraction than HA. Although no significant color differences were observed, MWHAB drying at 600 W yielded lower values for shrinkage and hardness, and higher values for rehydration, void area fraction, and larger pore sizes than other cases. Additionally, unblanched dried samples displayed reduced shrinkage and hardness but increased color values, rehydration, larger pore sizes, and void area fraction compared to blanched samples. Optimal shiitake mushroom production is recommended using unblanched samples dried with MWHAB at 600 W microwave power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of mushrooms as a food source is continually increasing. To investigate how environmental factors affect the nutritional value of mushrooms, we harvested them in eastern Poland, south-central Germany, and northwestern Belgium in plots with similar environmental conditions but varying in tree species composition and richness. We used gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to analyze the fatty acid (FA) content of the mushrooms. Fungal species identity explained the largest part (40%) of the total variation in FA concentration and composition. Environmental factors accounted for 1–12% of variation. The concentration of FA, especially saturated fatty acids, decreased with increasing understory cover and increasing nitrogen concentration in the topsoil. The effect of tree species richness or tree species identity was negligible. Our results suggest that the nutritional value of mushrooms depends mainly on the species identity of fungi, but that their FA content is slightly higher in forests with less undergrowth and in nitrogen-poor soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mushroom is a sustainable food option and a meat substitute which yet needs some strategies to enhance sensory attributes. Especially, their taste characteristics (nonvolatile taste components: soluble sugars, organic acids, free amino acids, and 5'-nucleotides) can vary significantly due to operating conditions and parameters during different stages from farm to fork. This review is aimed to provide an overall view of the determined effects of operating conditions and parameters for mushroom taste attributes, suggestions for future research from lacking variables, and some recommendations for improving the taste perception of mushrooms. Taste compounds of mushrooms alter differently based on cultivation (species, cultivation or maturity stage, substrate composition, part, grade, mycelium strain), cooking (cooking method, time, temperature), preservation, and post-harvest storage conditions (drying parameters, pretreatment, preservation method, gamma irradiation, packaging, storage time and temperature). The dominant tastes of mushrooms given by sweet and umami taste active substances can be enhanced significantly with proper control of parameters during cultivation, cooking, drying, or post-harvest storage. The parameters and variations organized in this review can be used to develop a mathematical model for obtaining optimum taste attributes of mushrooms and mushroom-based meat alternatives and to discover the variables of mushroom species not studied yet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tyrosinase inhibitors can reduce melanin production for skin whitening, but some existing products may harm the skin. This study discovered six compounds that inhibit tyrosinase in the mushroom Agaricus bisporus by over 50%. Compound 11 displayed strong inhibition (92.2% and 86.7%) for L-tyrosine and L-DOPA substrates, while compound 13 showed high inhibition (96.0% and 62.0%) for both substrates. Molecular docking simulations revealed compounds 11 and 13 bind at the allosteric site of the enzyme. Xanthone derivatives, based on these findings, hold potential as safe skin whitening agents and for pigmentation-related diseases in the cosmetic industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mushrooms are a source of primary and secondary metabolites. Little is known about the most suitable conditions for production of mushrooms by submerged fermentation. This article reports antioxidant and cytotoxic assays, in addition to quantitatively evaluating the content of proteases with fibrinolytic action in the crude extracts of two species of edible mushrooms produced in different formulations, as well as evaluating the recovery of these enzymes by aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS). The mushrooms Pleurotus ostreatus and Pleurotus eryngii, at concentration of 100 µg/mL, displayed inhibition of DPPH and ABTS radicals below 50%. In the cytotoxicity test, the cells human fibroblast cell lines (MRC-5) showed cell viability greater than 80%. Concerning fibrinolytic activity, P. eryngii presented 226.47 ± 7.26 U/mL, therefore being more efficient than P. ostreatus (71.5 ± 0.56 U/mL). In the recovery of the P. eryngii extract by ATPS, the fibrinolytic protease was partitioned in the salt phase (30.25 U/mL). The molecular mass of the proteases was between 75 and 100 kDa. These results prove the low cytotoxicity of the extracts produced and that fermentation in supplemented malt broth favored the excretion of fibrinolytic proteases compared to the other evaluated media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mushrooms have been an acclaimed food for their unique flavor and medicinal properties since ancient times. Modern research shows that mushrooms are rich in various nutrients and biologically active substances. In recent years, researchers have become increasingly interested in mushrooms because they contain important secondary metabolites, such as phenolic compounds with significant bioactive properties. This review introduces the nutritional components and secondary metabolites in mushrooms, focusing on the bioactive functions and potential applications of mushroom polyphenols. Finally, the current challenges and future research trends of mushroom polyphenols are briefly discussed. In the aspect of nutritional value, mushrooms are high in protein and insoluble fiber, while low in fat and sodium, making them a low-energy, healthy food. Mushrooms contain a large amount of beneficial bioactive substances for health, including phenolic compounds, as well as tocopherols, terpenoids, and phytosterols. Mushroom polyphenols have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-tyrosine, antihyperglycemic, and other biological activities beneficial to human health and medical applications, especially in the various degenerative disease and cancer treatments. However, based on the properties of phenolic compounds, research and development in commercial applications still face many issues that need to be addressed by researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aurisin A (1) and the culture medium of the luminescent mushroom Neonothopanus nambi showed antifungal activity against Phytophthora palmivora, which causes the root-rot disease of Monthong durian, in a preliminary greenhouse experiment. Moreover, a new natural product, neonambiquinone B (2), was isolated. Their structures were elucidated by mass, IR and extensive analysis of their 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data. The results demonstrated that the culture medium of N. nambi is a promising potential for their agricultural applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Across Northern Thailand, het thop mushrooms (Astraeus) are foraged and sold into an increasingly commodified marketplace. A species of wild fungi that only appears for a short time each year, it is widely enjoyed across the diverse range of communities living in the region and increasingly positioned as part of the Lanna food and cultural aesthetic. Through a rapid rise in price over recent decades and the subsequent forging of supply chains linking rural communities to urban and online markets, foraging practices now provide significant seasonal incomes and form an essential part of annual livelihoods. However, as this paper contends – working closely with the analytical framing of "precarity" put forth by Tsing (2015) in a similar fungal context – there are forms of precariousness and uncertainty that are inherent in wild products, from the indeterminant ecologies from which it emerges, to the unreliable livelihoods that arise from it, and the fickle market for such products. The purpose is not to dismiss this market as frivolous or problematic, but rather to suggest that in a disturbed and distorted environmental and economic context such as Northern Thailand, this is indicative of a wider shift toward a "salvage economy." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new indole alkaloids, 1-methylindole-7-methoxy-3-carboxaldehyde (2) and 7-methoxyindole-3-carboxaldehyde (4), together with 7-methoxyindole-3-carboxylic acid methyl ester (1) and 1-methylindole-3-carbaldehyde (3) were isolated from the fruiting bodies of wild Sanghuang mushroom Tropicoporus linteus (TL663). TLC, 1H-NMR and LC-MS chemical profiles of this mushroom compared with other three genera of wild Sanghuang mushroom extracts were investigated. The TLC, 1H-NMR and LC-MS profiles of TL663 and Sanghuangporus sanghuang (SS664) were similar and significantly different from other mushrooms. These two samples indicated the same TLC chromatograms by showing prominent bands of 1 − 4 when observed under UV 254 nm and having sharp aldehyde proton signals of 3-carboxaldehyde indole type in 1H-NMR spectra. From LC-MS analyses, peaks of isolated compounds 1 − 4 and indole-3-carboxaldehyde (5) in TL663 extract and peaks of protocatechuic acid (6), caffeic aldehyde (7), caffeic acid (8) and 3,4-dihydroxybenzalacetone (9) phenolic acids in TL663 fraction were identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two previously undescribed ergosterols containing a highly conjugated ring system, psathrosterols A and B (1 and 2), have been isolated from the fungus Psathyrella rogueiana. Their structures with absolute configurations were established by extensive spectroscopic methods, as well as single crystal X-ray diffraction. Compounds 1 and 2 showed inhibitory activity against NO production with IC50 values of 22.3 and 16.4 μM, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractIn 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes) hold high nutritional and medicinal value as they contain an abundance of health-promoting compounds. However, the effect of long-term postharvest storage on the variation in the levels of health-promoting compounds has not been extensively studied. In this study, we investigated the changes in the levels of phenolic compounds, antioxidants, eritadenine, and ergothioneine in shiitake mushrooms stored at three different temperatures (1, 3, and 5 °C) for 4 weeks. Compared to mushrooms stored at lower temperatures, those stored at 5 °C exhibited a higher level of total phenolics in their pileus after 2 weeks of storage; however, storage at 5 °C also increased the deterioration of the fruiting body of these mushrooms. In mushrooms stored at all temperatures, the eritadenine content in the pilei tended to increase up to 2 weeks of storage. In contrast, the ergothioneine content in the pileus decreased during storage, with a significantly lower level detected in mushrooms stored at 5 °C for 4 weeks. Together, these results suggest that the mechanisms underlying the accumulation of phenolics and eritadenine may be related to mushroom deterioration during storage. Our findings indicate that the levels of health-promoting compounds in shiitake mushrooms are influenced by storage temperature, suggesting the potential to control adjustments of specific bioactive compounds by regulating storage conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An analytic treatment of a patient with psychopathic traits offers a rich opportunity to examine the multi-layered interactions among the treatment, a psychedelic mushroom journey and Dr. Burton's narrative approach to telling the reader about it. In particular, relational elements were prominent as part of the setting in which the treatment, the journey, and the integration occurred. Unconscious aspects of both therapist and analyst emerged in a particularly vivid way as illuminated by the effects of a psychedelic experience on the clinical process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

If produced in large quantity, spent mushroom wastes/compost (SMW/SMC) could constitute an environmental problem due to its leachate contaminating surface and groundwater. It could be re-used as soil amendment due to its rich nutrient composition. The suitability of SMC derived from sawdust cultivation of Pleurotus ostreatus K. for production of Celosia argentea L. in pots (5 kg of topsoil, 1:1 top soil by weight and 5 kg of SMC alone (corresponding to 0, 5 and 10 t∙ha−1, respectively); sole SMC and 100 kg∙ha−1 NPK as control) and field trials (0, 5, 10, and 15 t∙ha−1, with NPK at 60 kg∙ha−1 as control) were examined. The top soil used was of the Alfisol group of the basement complex which is locally classified as Ibadan series. Yield increased significantly with increase in SMC rates in pot and field-trials, relative to control, indicating SMC derived from sawdust cultivation of P. ostreatus as a potential fertilizer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mushrooms containing amatoxin are found worldwide and represent a challenging poisoning for the clinician and consulting poison center. This study evaluates the experience of a large poison system with possible amatoxin-containing mushroom ingestion calls. A 10-year retrospective review of the California Poison Control System database was performed for amatoxin mushroom ingestion calls resulting in hospitalization. Cases found were abstracted and data statistically analyzed for association with a composite endpoint of death, liver transplant, and/or the need for dialysis. Amatoxin-containing mushroom calls are infrequent with the vast majority (98.4 percent) coming from Northern California during the rainier first and fourth quarters (October through March) of the year. Elevated initial aminotransferase activities and international normalized ratios were predictive of the composite negative outcome. The mortality plus liver transplant and hemodialysis composite rate was 8.2 percent, consistent with current literature. The California Poison Control System has relatively few amatoxin-containing mushroom ingestion calls that result in hospitalization but those that are reported mostly occur in Northern California. Treatment bias towards the sickest patients may explain the association of intravenous fluid use or treatment with acetylcysteine or silibinin with meeting the composite outcome. The initial presence of elevated hepatic aminotransferase activity and international normalized ratios are poor prognostic indicators and are likely reflective of late presentation, an advanced toxic phase of amatoxin poisoning, and/or delays in time to obtain poison center consultation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antrodia cinnamomea, a unique Taiwanese fungus (mushroom), has demonstrated the hepatoprotective activities in animals with liver injury. Nevertheless, there are few studies reporting the efficacy of the fungus in subhealth subjects (alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels between 31 and 50 U/L and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels ≤ 50 U/L). In this study, we assessed the ameliorating effect of a A. cinnamomea mycelia extract (ACME) on liver health in asymptomatic individuals with marginally high ALT levels. Forty-four eligible Japanese adults were enrolled in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study and instructed to take an ACME capsule (250 mg of ACME powder) or a placebo capsule daily for 12 weeks. The primary outcomes (i.e. ALT and AST) were analyzed at 0, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. No treatment-related adverse effects were observed throughout this study. In efficacy analyses with the per-protocol (PP) cohort of participants, there were no significant changes in ALT and AST levels within and between groups. However, subgroup analysis showed that ACME could significantly improve the mean ALT level of regular drinkers, consuming alcoholic drinks more than twice a week, after the study in comparison with the result of the placebo group. This exploratory study indicated that the ACME might effectively improve liver health in regular drinkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomass pretreatment incurs 40% of the overall cost of biorefinery operations. The usage of mushroom cultivation as a pretreatment/delignification technique, and bio-ethanol production from spent mushroom substrates, after subsequent pretreatment, saccharification and fermentation processes, have been reported earlier. However, the present pilot-scale, entirely-organic demonstration is one of the very first biorefinery models, which efficiently consolidates: biomass pretreatment; in-situ cellulase production and saccharification; mushroom cultivation, thereby improving the overall operational economy. During pretreatment, the oyster mushroom, Pluerotus florida VS-6, matures into distinct substrate mycelia and fruiting bodies. Consequential variations in the kinetics of growth, biomass degradation/substrate utilization, oxygen uptake and transfer rates, and enzyme production, have been analyzed. Signifying the first-time usage of a biomass mixture, comprising vegetative waste and e-commerce packaging waste, the 30 day-long, bio-economical, non-inhibitor-generating, catabolite repression-limited, solid-state in-situ pretreatment-cum-saccharification, resulted in: 78% lignin degradation; 13.25% soluble-sugar release; 18.25% mushroom yield; 0.88 FPU/g.ds cellulase secretion. The in-situ saccharified biomass, when sequentially subjected to ex-situ enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation, showed 37.35% saccharification, and a bio-ethanol yield of 0.425 g per g of glucose, respectively. Apart from yielding engine-ready bio-ethanol, the model doubles as an agripreneurial proposition, and encourages mushroom cultivation and consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mucor species are a group of common soil-borne fungi, known to cause infections on humans and animals, interfere in food production, and act as useful agents in biotechnological applications. This study reports one new Mucor species, M. yunnanensis, which was found to be fungicolous on an Armillaria sp. from southwest China. Further, M. circinelloides on Phlebopus sp., M. hiemalis on Ramaria sp. and Boletus sp., M. irregularis on Pleurotus sp., M. nederlandicus on Russula sp., and M. yunnanensis on Boletus sp. are reported as new host records. Mucor yunnanensis and M. hiemalis have been collected from Yunnan Province in China, whereas M. circinelloides, M. irregularis, and M. nederlandicus have been collected from Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai Provinces in Thailand. All the Mucor taxa reported herein were identified based on both morphology and phylogenetic analyses of a combined nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer region ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS) and partial nuc 28S rDNA (28S) sequence matrix. Comprehensive descriptions, illustrations, and a phylogenetic tree are provided for all the taxa reported in the study to show the placements of taxa, and the new taxon is compared with its sister taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five wild edible mushroom species, namely, Macrolepiota mastoidea, Macrolepiota konradii, Macrolepiota procera, Suillus collinitus and Cuphophyllus pratensis, were studied for their trace element contents by inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The potential health risk assessments of children and adults were evaluated by the weekly intake (EWI), target hazard quotients (THQ), hazard index (HI) and cancer risk (CR). None of the analyzed elements exceeded the THQ value more than 1, but the HI values indicated that M. mastoidea and S. collinitus may be dangerous to children's health. The values of CR for As and Cd for children in all mushroom species were above 1X10-4 suggesting that there was a potential health risk. The CR values for adults suggest that all mushrooms may pose a threat to human health related to Cd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, synthesis of new designated azines-based naphthalene scaffold (3a–10) was assisted by CuCl2.2H2O for the first time. Their biological screening manifested that azines 3a, 4, 7, 9, and 10 exhibit effectual mushroom tyrosinase inhibition with IC50 values within the ambit of 3.75–12.36 µM. Mostly, azines 4 and 9 demonstrated about four-fold enhancement in the activity (IC50 = 3.91 ± 0.16, 3.75 ± 0.15 µM, respectively) comparable to the kojic acid (IC50 = 16.86 ± 0.84 µM). Molecular docking of azines 4 and 9 against mushroom tyrosinase (2Y9X) proved the significant rule of isatin moiety (4) in hydrogen bonding, the importance of 4-dimethylamino styryl unit (9) in hydrophobic interactions, and the overall findings confirmed the momentousness of azine group (N–N) and naphthalene scaffold in the interactions with the histidine key residues of the tyrosinase binding pocket. Evaluation of antiproliferative activity indicated that, azine 4 was the most potent one against both MCF-7 and HCT116 with IC50 values of 4.35 ± 0.18 and 2.41 ± 0.12 µM, respectively. Whereas 9 was the most robust azine toward HepG2 with an IC50 value of 2.19 ± 0.12 µM. Exhaustively, azines 4 and 9 could be promising biomedical lead candidates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In early 2009 nicotine was unexpectedly detected in dried mushroom samples. As its origin has not yet been elucidated, this study addressed possible endogenous synthesis of nicotine. Therefore, Agaricus bisporus fruiting bodies were grown in a representative and controlled (nicotine-free) setup. Fruiting bodies (fresh versus stored, intact versus processed (sliced/cooked)) from different harvest days and flushes were analysed with a validated, sensitive dilute-and-shoot UHPLC-MS/MS methodology for nicotine and its precursors putrescine and nicotinic acid. Neither storage nor processing initiated any endogenous nicotine biosynthesis (detection limit 1.6 ng g−1 fresh weight). In contrast, putrescine and nicotinic acid were detected in all samples, with increasing amounts in the different treatments. In silico analysis of the fully sequenced genome of A. bisporus confirmed its inability to produce nicotine. The data obtained do not provide evidence for natural, endogenous presence of nicotine in mushrooms, indicating an exogenous contamination source (e.g. contamination during hand-picking, sample preparation/analysis). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shiitake mushroom (Lentinus edodes) is one of the most precious edible mushrooms. It has a variety of nutritional and bioactive compounds consumed as both food and medicine. Several preservation approaches were applied to avoid the short shelf-life of fresh shiitake mushroom. The present review aimed to comprehensively discuss the latest development in different preservation methods including drying, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), coating, irradiation and fumigation techniques, and the effect on physicochemical and microbiological properties of shiitake mushroom during storage period. Various influences have been observed in physicochemical properties of shiitake mushroom such as sensory properties, weight loss, respiration rate, nutritional compounds (vitamins, sugars and proteins) and non-nutritional compounds (polysaccharides, phenols and volatile components). Additionally, the microbiological counts, the aerobic mezophilic bacterial count, yeasts and molds count, were reduced. Quality attributes were better maintained by synergistically treatment of two or more preservation approaches. The development of potentially novel preservation approaches should be considered in future trends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new polyketides, pholiotones B and C (1 and 2), and four known compounds, trichodermatide D (3), vermistatin (4), dehydroaltenuene A (5) and terpestacin (6) were isolated from the crude extract of Pholiota sp. Their structures were identified by NMR and MS spectroscopic data. The absolute configurations of compounds 1 and 2 were elucidated by modified Mosher's method, electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations and 13C NMR calculations as well as DP4+ probability analyses. All the compounds were evaluated for their antifungal and cytotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel species of Hericium was recently collected in the Afrotemperate forests (Knysna – Amatole region) of Southern Africa. The novel species shares many similar, dentate features common to other species in Hericium, and its basidiome first appears stark white and yellows with age. However, the substrate choice and gloeocystidia and basidiospore sizes of the specimens collected were distinct from other Hericium species. This was confirmed by sequencing the ITS and 28S genetic markers, respectively. The novel species is described as Hericium ophelieae sp. nov. and appears unique as it grows on hardwoods indigenous to Southern Africa. The species has larger basidiospores and wider gloeocystidia compared to its closest relative. H. ophelieae sp. nov. is the first endemic species of the medicinal mushroom genus Hericium to be described from Southern Africa, and the second to be described from Africa, after its closest relative, H. bembedjaense, which was isolated in Cameroon. Although this is the first Hericium to be described from the Southern African region, there are likely others to be discovered, and this study highlights the need for further research into the fungal diversity of Afrotemperate environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different species and geographic regions of mushrooms differ in nutritional and medicinal value, while traditional chemical methods are destructive, time-consuming and expensive to sample. In contrast, infrared spectroscopy enables accurate, noninvasive, rapid and inexpensive identification of species and quality analysis. But infrared spectroscopy technology has produced a large number of data, common data analysis methods cannot be analyzed, chemometrics can solve this problem. In recent years, the combination of infrared spectroscopy and chemometrics has made some progress in qualitative and quantitative analysis of mushrooms. In this review, the basic principle of infrared spectroscopy and chemometrics are introduced, and their typical applications in different directions of mushrooms are summarized. Finally, we point out the limitation of infrared spectroscopy, but with the development of chemometrics, infrared spectroscopy will have a broader prospect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycotourism is an innovative tourist product linked to rural tourism and offered as an alternative to the use of a forest resource. Here we aim to identify which tourism products have a connection to mycotourism and which mycological activities most attract people to the product. Results identify wine tourism, religious tourism, and spa tourism as the tourism products most closely connected to mycotourism. Visiting truffle festivals, mycological parks and hiring a mycological guide are the most frequent activities. Practical applications of the study include marketing that can be used by public policymakers and private companies alike to promote the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wild mushroom (macrofungi) picking has become a popular activity in Israel in recent years. Besides the estimated 135 edible species, the mycobiota of Israel includes also around 65 poisonous and potentially dangerous species. We conducted a long-term retrospective study to monitor the frequency, severity, seasonal character, species composition, and geographic distribution of mushroom exposure and poisoning in Israel. Using data collected by the Israel Poison Information Center in Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, during the years 2010–2021, we report that only 4% of cases of exposures due to biological agents were caused by mushrooms. Males were significantly (P < 0.004) more affected than females. Most cases involved either above 18 years of age (41%) or below the age of 6 years (39%). Most of the children under 6 years of age did not develop signs or symptoms of toxicity. During 2017–2021, 128 cases (82.5%) involved the consumption of raw mushrooms, mostly by children under 6 years of age. The most common season of mushroom exposure was rainy winters (P < 0.05). Mushrooms collected from irrigated lawns in the summer also posed a risk. Ingestion of Chlorophyllum molybdites was the leading mushroom ingestion in summer and that of Inocybe species in winter. Our study contributes to improved awareness of mushroom exposure and poisoning patterns among the Israeli population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biogenic synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) is emerging as a feasible, economical, sustainable, biocompatible, and alternative approach to utilize biomolecules derived from the organisms. The use of microbes or their metabolites for biogenic NPs synthesis also imparts the biological active antimicrobial potential of the organism which has widened the application of NPs in an effective and economically friendly way. The biological reduction of metals provides NPs of desirable size and morphology with higher physiochemical characteristics, lower toxicity, and high stability. Fungi are the most preferred for the biogenic synthesis of NPs due to high biomass production, secretion of a high quantity of extracellular nano-particles stabilizing proteins, ease in handling, and high metal tolerance. The present review provides an overview of the biogenic synthesis of metal NPs using micro and macrofungi, mechanism, their optimization process and their applications in the field of agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The field of psychedelic research is undergoing a revival, yet research focused on non-clinical psychedelic use remains relatively limited. The current qualitative study sheds light on how people use magic mushrooms, what they perceive the effects of such use to be, and the meanings that users attach to their magic mushroom experiences. To be eligible to participate in the study, participants were required to be young adults who had used magic mushrooms within the past three months and residents of Victoria, Canada. Semi-structured, one-on-one in-person interviews regarding magic mushroom use habits, culture, knowledge and other factors were conducted with each participant and subsequently analyzed thematically. Participants associated magic mushroom use with lasting impacts on their lives including transformation and learning experiences. Additionally, participants described strategies to optimize their magic mushroom experiences, including engaging in research regarding magic mushrooms as well as making use of peer supports. Furthermore, aspects of magic mushroom experiences conceptualized as harmful in previous studies were described by participants as associated with learning experiences and few harms. Participants' perceived positive outcomes and relatively low risk profile warrants further research to inform how magic mushroom users can maximize potential positive outcomes and also minimize harms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the adsorption and enzymatic degradation of azo dyes when using SMS. The laccase present in the SMS was characterised, and the maximum activity was obtained at pH 2, a temperature of 45°C, a Michaelis–Menten constant (Km) of 0.264 mM, and a maximum reaction rate (Vmax) of 117.95 µmol L−1 min−1. The presence of NaCl at 5 mM inhibited enzyme activity while no inhibition was observed by Na2SO4, typically found in textile wastewater. The maximum dye adsorption (57.22%) was achieved at pH 8.0, 25°C, and 100 g L−1 of SMS while the maximum enzymatic degradation (14.18%) was obtained under the same conditions, except at pH 4.0. The enzymes laccase, lignin peroxidase, and manganese peroxidase trapped in the SMS resulted in higher dye discolouration when compared to that extracted with aqueous solution, meaning that SMS has strong adsorption capacity and is a natural immobilisation matrix, which improves the enzymatic degradation of the dyes. Thus, SMS can be used in the treatment of textile effluents for dye removal by simultaneous mechanisms of adsorption and enzymatic degradation, with reduction of environmental impacts for SMS disposal and reduction of the costs associated with commercial enzymes and adsorbents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To compare the accuracy of three popular mushroom identification software applications in identifying mushrooms involved in exposures reported to the Victorian Poisons Information Centre and Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. Over the past 10 years, an increasing number of software applications have been developed for use on smart phones and tablet devices to identify mushrooms. We have observed an increase in poisonings after incorrect identification of poisonous species as edible, using these applications. We compared the accuracy of three iPhone™ and Android™ mushroom identification applications: Picture Mushroom (Next Vision Limited©), Mushroom Identificator (Pierre Semedard©), and iNaturalist (iNaturalist, California Academy of Sciences©). Each app was tested independently by three researchers using digital photographs of 78 specimens sent to the Victorian Poisons Information Centre and Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria over a two-year period, 2020–2021. Mushroom identification was confirmed by an expert mycologist. For each app, individual and combined results were compared. Picture Mushroom was the most accurate of the three apps and correctly identified 49% (95% CI [0–100]) of specimens, compared with Mushroom Identificator (35% [15–56]) and iNaturalist (35% [0–76]). Picture Mushroom correctly identified 44% of poisonous mushrooms [0–95], compared with Mushroom Identificator (30% [1–58]) and iNaturalist (40% [0–84), but Mushroom Identificator identified more specimens of Amanita phalloides correctly (67%), compared to Picture Mushroom (60%) and iNaturalist (27%). Amanita phalloides was falsely identified, twice by Picture Mushroom and once by iNaturalist. Mushroom identification applications may be useful future tools to assist clinical toxicologists and the general public in the accurate identification of mushrooms species but, at present, are not reliable enough to exclude exposure to potentially poisonous mushrooms when used alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scientists are exploring the use of fungi to grow furniture, building insulation, siding, and even entire structures. The construction industry, responsible for a significant amount of greenhouse gas pollution, is interested in using grown materials to reduce plastic waste and reliance on fossil fuels. Mycelium, the hidden part of the fungal organism, can be grown as sheets, blocks, or customized forms and has the potential to process low-value materials into high-value products. Mycelium-based materials offer advantages such as customization, energy efficiency, fireproofing, and biodegradability. Researchers are also investigating the use of mycelium for extraterrestrial structures due to its ability to support less weight in lower gravity environments. [Extracted from the article]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Edible mushrooms are important in the human diet as a source of nutritive compounds with an appreciated taste. The split gill mushroom (Schizophyllum commune) is popularly consumed in Asia owing to its umami taste relating to a meaty flavor. Typically, blanching and drying are performed to preserve food quality and extend shelf-life and may affect the taste characteristics and bioactivity of mushrooms. This work investigated the effect of different methods of blanching – hot-water (HW) or microwave-assisted (MW) – and drying – hot air drying (HAD) and freeze-drying (FD) – on the characteristics, taste profile, and bioactivity of S. commune. The results showed that S. commune contained umami-related compounds, and the umami level was influenced by the processing conditions. Compared to HW blanching, MW blanching was more efficient at prohibiting polyphenol oxidase activity and maintaining the umami taste of the mushroom. Drying, particularly FD, successfully improved the umami level of S. commune. Nevertheless, HAD tended to provide the mushroom with higher bioaccessibility to phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity levels. The results suggested that S. commune could be promising as a functional ingredient with an umami taste. Pre-treatment using MW blanching, followed by FD could preserve appropriately the umami taste and quality of the mushroom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine accumulation of heavy metals and metalloids which are widely distributed in the environment and in food chain using wild edible mushrooms belonging to the Boletaceae family mushrooms. In addition, methanol extracts of mushrooms were tested for in vitro protective effect by the cytochalasin-B blocked micronucleus (CBMN) assay using chromosome aberrations in human peripheral lymphocytes as a model. The genotoxic activity of methanol extracts prepared at 4 different concentrations (1, 2, 3 or 6 µg/ml) was examined using amifostine and mitomycin C as positive controls. Extracts of species B. regius and B. edulis exhibited the greatest reduction in the frequency of micronuclei (MN). Extract of B. regius at concentrations of 2 µg/ml showed the highest decrease in number of MN. In comparison, extract of mushroom B. edulis at a concentration of 3 µg/ml displayed less reduction. However, as heavy metals and metalloids are found in mushrooms, another aim was to examine whether these agents affected genotoxicity. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified clustering differences between control and heavy metals and metalloids groups and might explain the influence of heavy element content and genotoxic activity in mushrooms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban foraging provides city dwellers with numerous ecosystem services, but this human-nature interaction is largely missing from the urban ecosystem services scholarship. This exploratory study aims to address this gap in the literature and examines the benefits and values associated with foraging in New York City, United States. We focus on Russian-speaking mushroom foragers, a previously unstudied community. Data from 10 interviews reveals that for some groups, foraging is primarily about cultural ecosystem services, with a provisioning attribute. Foraging supports multiple benefits, most notably contributions to social relations, cultural heritage, and recreational experiences; these nonmaterial contributions often intertwine with material benefits. Our findings further demonstrate the mutual exchange of benefits between humans and nature, including services to ecosystems and species. Participants reported engagement in multiple stewardship practices and actively maintained and enhanced ecosystem services. We encourage future ecosystem services assessments to recognize foraging as an urban activity and consider the bi-directional exchange of benefits between humans and ecosystems. To some participants, foraging was an integral part of their relationship with the natural world, intertwined with relational values of connection to nature, kinship, love, and care. Our results suggest that relational values can be central for understanding the value of ecosystem services. Our study further illustrates that some ecosystem services may be associated with practices, rather than places, and future work should examine these links in more detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]