Ameliorative effects of morel mushroom (Morchella esculenta) against Cadmium-induced reproductive toxicity in adult male rats

Cadmium (Cd) is one of the major toxicants, which affects human health through occupational and environmental exposure. In the current study, we evaluated the protective effects of morel mushrooms against Cd-induced reproductive damages in rats. For this purpose, 30 male rats were divided into 6 groups (n=5/group), the first group served as the control group, second group was treated with an intraperitoneal (i.p) injection of 1 mg/kg/day of Cd. Third and fourth groups were co-treated with 1 mg/kg/day of Cd (i.p) and 10 and 20 mg/kg/day of morel mushroom extract (orally) respectively. The final 2 groups received oral gavage of 10 and 20 mg/kg/day of morel mushroom extract alone. After treatment for 17 days, the animals were euthanized, and testes and epididymis were dissected out. One testis and epididymis of each animal were processed for histology, while the other testis and epididymis were used for daily sperm production (DSP) and comet assay. Our results showed that Cd and morel mushrooms have no effect on animal weight, but Cd significantly decreases the DSP count and damages the heritable DNA which is reversed in co-treatment groups. Similarly, the histopathological results of testes and epididymis show that morel mushrooms control the damage to these tissues. Whereas the morel mushroom extract alone could enhance the production of testosterone. These results conclude that morel mushrooms not only control the damage done by Cd, but it could also be used as a protection mechanism for heritable DNA damage.

Total Phenolics, Antioxidative and Antimicrobial Activities of Some Edible Ascomycota Collected from Niğde

Mushrooms have been used as food and medicinal purposes for centuries. In this study, some edible Ascomycota were collected in 2018 and 2019 from Niğde, Turkey. Molecular identifications of the samples were performed afterward. PCR products were sent for sequence analysis after ITS fragments were amplified with suitable primers concerning DNA isolation of samples. The obtained data were compared with the Genbank database for samples’ determination. The mushroom samples were determined to be Terfezia claveryi Chatin and Morchella esculenta (L.) Pers. Samples were extracted by ethanol and methanol to determine antimicrobial activity using the disc diffusion method. Antimicrobial zones against microorganisms were measured. Then DPPH radical scavenging effects and total phenolic content of T. claveryi and M. esculenta mushroom samples were studied. The highest antimicrobial activity was observed in ethanol extracts of M. esculenta. When the DPPH radical scavenging activities are taken into account, the activity is increased depending on the concentration. The highest DPPH scavenging activity was found in the extract of M. esculenta with 40.86%. It was determined that the total phenolic substances in methanol extracts of mushroom samples varies between 533.28 ± 1,15-537.34 ±2.20 μg GAE / mg extract.

Biochemical and Morphological Characteristics of Some Macrofungi Grown Naturally

Recently, the production of macro-fungi (mushrooms) has steadily increased, and so has their economic value, in global terms. The use of functional foods, dietary supplements, and traditional medicines derived from macro-fungi is increasing as they have numerous health benefits as well as abundant nutrients. This study aimed to determine some biochemical contents (pH, soluble solid contents (SSC), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total phenolic contents (TPC)) of eight edible macro-fungi species growing naturally (in the wild) in Turkey. The samples were collected in the Van Yuzuncu Yil University (VAN YYU) campus area in the months of April–May 2018, in different locations, and brought to the laboratory, and the necessary mycological techniques were applied for their identification. Location, habitats, collection dates and some morphological measurements were determined for all identified species. Biochemical parameters of the macro-fungi species were analyzed separately both in cap and stem. The color values (L, a, b, Chroma and hue) were separately evaluated on cap surface, cap basement and stem. Results showed that there were significant differences for most of the biochemical parameters in different organs between and within species. The pH, SSC, TAC and TPC values varied from 6.62 to 8.75, 2.25 to 5.80° brix, 15.72 to 57.67 TE mg−1 and 13.85 to 60.16 gallic acid equivalent (GAE) fresh weight basis. As a result of the study, it was concluded that the parameters such as total antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content and soluble content in Morchella esculenta, Helvella leucopus, Agaricus bitorquis and Suillus collinitus were higher than for the other species and clearly implied that they may be further exploited as functional ingredients in the composition of innovative food products.

Economic evaluation of extraction, value addition and contribution of medicinal plants to household economy in district Ganderbal, Jammu & Kashmir

The present study was carried out in four community blocks of district Ganderbal viz., Lar, Kangan, Gund and Sherpathri of the Kashmir valley owing to the majority of medicinal plant collectors in these blocks of Ganderbal district. A total number of 120 respondents i.e. Medicinal plant collectors were selected for the study. An all-around organized meeting plan was developed for the assortment of essential information from the respondents. Information got from the interviewees was investigated by utilizing both engaging and inferential insights. Description of fourteen species of medicinal plants was made in the study area. The study led to conclude that there were 14 major medicinal plants collected, consumed and marketed by the local people in Ganderbal. The medicinal plants comprised of twenty one types of plant parts which were extensively collected from herbs, shrubs, trees, climbers, fungi, fern etc. and consumed for curing sixteen different types of diseases by the local population and to meet their livelihood needs. The collection, value addition and marketing of medicinal plant generated a gross income of Rs.37670.50/HH/year and net income of Rs.24869.70/HH/year and an employment opportunity of 7052.40/Man-days/year among the sampled households. Morchella esculenta generated maximum income and employment among all the medicinal plants while the Taraxacum officinale accrued minimum income and employment in the sample households.

Isolation, Characterization, and Medicinal Potential of Polysaccharides of Morchella esculenta

Mushroom polysaccharides are active medicinal compounds that possess immune-modulatory and anticancer properties. Currently, the mushroom polysaccharides krestin, lentinan, and polysaccharopeptides are used as anticancer drugs. They are an unexplored source of natural products with huge potential in both the medicinal and nutraceutical industries. The northern parts of Pakistan have a rich biodiversity of mushrooms that grow during different seasons of the year. Here we selected an edible Morchella esculenta (true morels) of the Ascomycota group for polysaccharide isolation and characterization. Polysaccharopeptides and polysaccharides from this mushroom were isolated using the green chemistry, hot water treatment method. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed the sugar nature and possible beta-glucan type structure of these polysaccharides. Antioxidant assays showed that the deproteinized polysaccharides have moderate free radical scavenging activity. These isolated polysaccharides exhibited good acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyryl cholinesterase (BChE) inhibition activities. Therefore, these polysaccharides may be valuable for the treatment of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Further bioassays are needed to discover the true potential of M. esculenta polysaccharides for medicinal purposes.