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Free radical scavenging activity ofRamaria aurea, an edible mushroom, naturally grown in Shilong, India, was evaluated. A heat-stable, polyphenol-rich extract (RauPre) was prepared from the dried basidiocarps and analyzed. The major chemical constituent of RauPre was phenols (26.86 μg gallic acid equivalents [GAE] mg−1of dry extract); flavonoids, β-carotene, lycopene, and ascorbic acid were present in minor amounts. Main phenolic acids identified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were caffeic acid > cinnamic acid > gallic acid. Results from antioxidant assays demonstrated potential for superoxide and DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity (EC500.283 mg mL−1and 0.384 mg mL−1, respectively). RauPre chelated ferrous ion (EC500.95 mg mL−1) and had Fe3+to Fe2+reducing power (EC501.025 mg mL−1). The activity of 1 mg of RauPre was equivalent to 86.7 μg ascorbic acid for total antioxidant capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The genus Cantharellus is known to have a global distribution and to form ectomycorrhizal associations with a diverse set of host plants. Here we describe Cantharellus pseudoformosus as a species new to science with a possible association with Cedrus deodara. ITS and LSU data demonstrated that the material from India is distinct from Cantharellus formosus and other closely related species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pleurotus spp. are listed among "mushroom nutraceutical" accredited to their nutritional and medicinal attributes. In this present study, five different common edible mushrooms i.e., Pleurotus (P.) ostreatus , Pleurotus (P.) florida , Pleurotus (P.) sajor-caju , Agaricus (A.) bisporus and Lentinus (L.) edodes were screened for the highest prebiotic content. Their beneficial bioactive (eritadenine, flavonoid and polyphenol) and prebiotic (β-glucan and inulin) components were quantified by different biochemical and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The mushroom extracts were then evaluated for their compatibility with the potential probiotic lactic acid bacteria (Enterococcus (E.) faecium and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum) to formulate synbiotic microcapsules. P. florida extract showed highest β-glucan and very high inulin content so it could act as a great source of prebiotics. Besides, the extract from P. florida contained the highest concentration of eritadenine and was also found to be most compatible with E. faecium, confirmed by its high prebiotic activity score in comparison with the commercial prebiotic i.e., inulin. Furthermore, the probiotics selected for the formulations of the microcapsules have high potential for therapeutic applications, antihypertensive and hypocholestromeic activity. Therefore, the formulated microcapsules as such or when incorporated into food matrices (therapeutic food) might be effective in decreasing blood pressure and blood cholesterol. [Display omitted] • Eritadenine, flavonoid & polyphenol (bioactive) contents of 5 mushrooms quantified. • Prebiotic components (β-glucan and inulin) of the mushrooms were estimated. • Potential probiotics & the mushroom extracts were evaluated for best combination. • Highest compatibility was seen between P. florida extract & E. faecium (probiotic). • Short-chain fatty acids produced upon fermenting P. florida extract by E. faecium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq.: Fr.) P. Kumm. is one of the edible mushrooms currently gaining attention as environmental restorer. The present study explores the potential of P. ostreatus (Jacq.: Fr.) P. Kumm. in degradation of textile dyes and effluents. The mushroom cultivation was carried out using paddy bed as substrate. The fully grown mushroom fruit bodies were used as a bioremediation agent against two industrially important azo dyes such as nylon blue and cotton yellow and few effluents collected from various textile industries in Karnataka, India. The ideal growth parameters such as temperature, pH, and dye concentrations for effective degradation were carried out. One of the main enzymes, laccase, responsible for biodegradation, was partially characterized. The degradation was found to be ideal at pH 3.0 and temperature at 26-28 °C. This study demonstrated a percentage degradation of 78.10, 90.81, 82.5, and 64.88 for dye samples such as nylon blue (50 ppm), cotton yellow (350 ppm), KSIC effluents, and Ramanagar effluents at 28 °C within 15th days respectively in comparison with other temperature conditions. Similarly, a percentage degradation of 35.99, 33.33, 76.13 and 25.8 for nylon blue (50 ppm), cotton yellow (350 ppm), Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation (KSIC) effluents and Ramnagar effluents were observed at pH 3.0 within 15 days, respectively (p < 0.05). Thus, the current study concluded that the utilization of P. ostreatus (Jacq.: Fr.) P. Kumm. at ideal environmental conditions is a cost-effective and eco-friendly approach for the degradation of various azo dyes and textile effluents which are harmful to the ecosystem.