In vitro ?-amylase and ?-glucosidase inhibitory potential of Pleurotus ostreatus cv. Florida extract

Pleurotus ostreatus cv. Florida is one of the widely used edible mushroom. The polysaccharides from this mushrooms have been studied for antidiabetic potential; however, no efforts have been made to explore the potential of this mushroom to influence carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes viz. ?-amylase and ?-glucosidase. The present work was undertaken to investigate the inhibitory potential of Pleurotus ostreatus cv. Florida on enzymes ?-amylase and ?-glucosidase. Several concentrations of extracts were used to study inhibition of enzymatic activity of ?-amylase and ?-glucosidase. A dose dependent inhibitory effect on enzymes was observed. The current study, for the first time, uncovered ?-amylase and ?-glucosidase inhibitory potential of Pleurotus ostreatus cv. Florida. The study could be helpful to isolate and characterize compounds responsible for it.

Biological efficiency and nutritional value of Pleurotus ostreatus cultivated in agroindustrial wastes of palm oil fruits and cocoa almonds / Eficiência biológica e valor nutricional de Pleurotus ostreatus cultivados em resíduos agroindustriais de dendê e amêndoa de cacau

The cocoa and palm oil agro-industries active in the state of Bahia, Brazil, generate high quantities of lignocellulosic wastes that could be recycled through their use in the formulation of substrates to cultivate edible mushrooms. Pleurotus ostreatus, also known as oyster mushroom, is the second most cultivated mushroom in the world due to its highly appreciated gastronomic, nutritional, and medicinal characteristics. This work evaluated the vertical mycelium growth, biological efficiency, mushroom yield, and nutritional composition of P. ostreatus produced in substrates formulated with a combination of palm oil fruit mesocarp (POFM) and cocoa almond peels (CAP) processing wastes. The substrates were formulated with the following POFM/CAP proportions (%/%): S1 ­ 86.4/9.6; S2 ­ 76.8/19.2; S3 ­ 67.2/28.8; S4 ­ 57.6/38.4, and S5 ­ 48.0/48.0. Substrates also received 3% powdered charcoal and 1% calcium carbonate. Substrates S1, S2, S3, and S4 were superior for vertical mycelium growth. S2 promoted the best biological efficiency (148.8%) and yield (560.5g·kg-1).The mushrooms produced in all substrates presented good nutritional values, although mushrooms produced using the S2 presented the highest crude protein content. Overall, S1 is the recommended substrate as it results in higher yields of nutrient rich mushrooms. Production of P. ostreatus in substrates composed of POFM and CAP represents a good alternative for recycling these wastes with potential economic and ecological benefits to regions where palm oil and cocoa are grown.(AU)

As indústrias de cacau e óleo de dendê no estado da Bahia, Brasil, geram grandes quantidades de resíduos lignocelulósicos que podem ser reciclados na formulação de substratos para o cultivo de cogumelos comestíveis. Pleurotus ostreatus ou cogumelo ostra é o segundo cogumelo mais cultivado no mundo por apresentar características gastronômicas, nutricionais e medicinais muito apreciadas. Este estudo avaliou o crescimento micelial vertical, a eficiência biológica, a produção e a composição nutricional de P. ostreatus produzido em substratos formulados com a combinação de resíduos do processamento de frutos de dendê (mesocarpo do fruto de dendê ­ MFD) e de amêndoas de cacau (tegumento de amêndoas de cacau ­ TAC). Os substratos foram formulados com as seguintes proporções de MFD e TAC (%/%): S1: 86,4/9,6; S2: 76,8/19,2; S3: 67,2/28,8; S4: 57,6/38,4 e S5: 48,0/48,0. Os substratos também receberam 3% de carvão e 1% de carbonato de cálcio. Os substratos S1, S2, S3 e S4 foram superiores quanto ao crescimento micelial vertical. S2 promoveu os melhores resultados para eficiência biológica (148,8%) e produção (560.5 g·kg-1). Os cogumelos produzidos em todos os substratos apresentaram valores nutricionais promissores. Entretanto, os cogumelos produzidos com o substrato S2 apresentaram o maior conteúdo de proteína bruta. De modo geral, S1 é o substrato recomendado por resultar na maior produção de cogumelos ricos em nutrientes. A produção de P. ostreatus em substratos compostos por MFD e TAC representa uma boa alternativa para a reciclagem desses resíduos com potenciais benefícios econômicos e ecológicos para as regiões produtoras de dendê e cacau.(AU)

Diseases and pests noxious to Pleurotus spp. mushroom crops / Enfermedades y plagas nocivas en el cultivo del hongo Pleurotus

The Pleurotus genus is one of most extensively studied white-rot fungi due to its exceptional ligninolytic properties. It is an edible mushroom that possesses biological effects, as it contains important bioactive molecules. It is a rich source of nutrients, particularly proFun gal di se a ses; teins, minerals as well as vitamins B, C and D. In basidiomycete fungi, intensive cultivations of edible mushrooms can often be affected by some bacterial, mold and virus diseases that rather frequently cause dramatic production loss. These infections are facilitated by the particular conditions under which mushroom cultivation is commonly carried out such as warm temperatures, humidity, carbon dioxide (CO2) levels and presence of pests. There is not much bibliographic information related to pests of mushrooms and their substrates. The updated review presents a practical checklist of diseases and pests of the Pleurotus genus, providing useful information that may help different users.

El Pleurotus es uno de los hongos de la podredumbre blanca más extensamente estudiados debido a sus excepcionales propiedades lignocelulolíticas. Es un hongo comestible y también tiene varios efectos biológicos, ya que contiene importantes moléculas bioactivas. Es una fuente rica de nutrientes, particularmente de proteínas y minerales, así como de vitaminas B, C y D. Los cultivos intensivos de hongos comestibles del tipo basidiomicetos a menudo son afectados por enfermedades bacterianas, fúngicas y virales, lo que con frecuencia produce pérdidas significativas en la producción. Estas infecciones son facilitadas por las condiciones particulares bajo las cuales comúnmente se cultivan los hongos, tales como temperaturas cálidas y elevada humedad. Esta revisión presenta una lista práctica y actualizada de enfermedades y plagas frecuentes durante el cultivo del hongo comestible Pleurotus, y proporciona información que puede ser de utilidad para los productores.

Use of Plant Extracts for Substrate Sterilization and Its Effect on Competitor Moulds and Biological Efficiency of Oyster Mushroom

Mushrooms are recognized as nutritionally functional food and a source of physiologically beneficial and nontoxic medicines. Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus spp.) is an efficient lignin degrading mushroom and can grow well on different types of lignocellulosic materials including agricultural and forest waste. Cultivation technique for oyster mushroom is very simple and the production cost is low, which gives consistent growth with high biological efficiency. Plant derivatives have shown considerable promise as an effective alternative of chemicals used in surface sterilization. To develop a suitable method for substrates treatment, six different plants extract were evaluated along with most popular chemical treatment (bavistin 75 ppm + formalin 500 ppm) for cultivation of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus florida). Chemical treatment (bavistin 75 ppm + formalin 500 ppm) was found to be most effective among all the treatments and exhibited 120.50% Biological Efficiency (B.E.). Among the phyto-extracts, Zingiber officinale was found to be excellent in controlling the growth of competitor mould fungi (114% B.E.) followed by Azadirachta indica (109.25%) and Allium cepa (98.75%). Chemically treated substrate was taken minimum (20 days) for spawn run and gave 7.10 gm average weight of sporophore followed by Zingiber officinale (22 days and 6.740 gm). In vitro study revealed the superiority of chemicals and reduced 61.80 to 70.67% mycelium growth of four contaminants. Extract of Zingiber officinale was found excellent in inhibiting the mycelium growth of Penicillium sp., Aspergillus niger and Coprinus sp. but, reported to be less effective against Sclerotium rolfsii. While, Azadirachta indica seed oil was found very effective against the mycelium growth of Sclerotium rolfsii, Penicillium sp, and Coprinus sp. Extract of Allium cepa, Lantana camera, Eucalyptus hybrida and Allium sativum showed moderate effects on the mycelium growth of competitor moulds.

Analysis of Physicochemical Parameters to Evaluate the Mycelia Growth of Pleurotus pulmonarius

Pleurotus pulmonarius commonly known as the grey oyster mushroom is the most widely cultivated species for its nutritional, medicinal and economical values. Two strains (China & Thailand) of P. pulmonarius were grown in potato dextrose agar (PDA) and sawdust substrate in different salinity conditions with different water collected from four resources to analyse the vegetative growth of mycelium. The water samples were labelled as W1-lab water (control), W2- Nas-Agro farm water, W3- Ganofarm water and W4- 7-star agricultural farm water. The present research evidently indicated that the two strains of P. pulmonarius showed relative similarities regarding their development and physiochemical characteristics. The mycelia of P. pulmonarius showed considerable growth for 0% and 1% NaCl in both PDA and substrate medium. The slight growth for 5% NaCl was observed only in sawdust substrate for W2 (water collected from Nas-Agro Farm) while remaining 10% NaCl plates (PDA) and test tubes (sawdust substrate) remained uncolonised. Among the NaCl concentrations tested, the best mycelia yield was recorded in the medium with low concentrations of NaCl as an essential element for the mycelial growth. Variation of mycelial growth was also observed with different water samples, growth medium and strains of the mushroom. The best results were observed in W2 with PDA media showing high vegetative growth. Moreover, the China strain showed faster and uniform results. This suggests that salinity, growth medium and water are effective for the growth of mycelium.

Isolation and Physico-Chemical Characterization of Extracellular Ligno-Cellulolytic Enzymes of Pleurotus Pulmonarius in Submerged Fermentation.

Pleurotus pulmonarius, a member of oyster mushroom can produced lignocellulosic enzymes laccase, peroxidise and cellulase in liquid potato-dextrose medium in submerged stationary condition. The lignocellulolytic activities were assayed using the extracellular culture filtrate which was partially purified using 0- 80% ammonium sulphate saturation. Different physico-chemical studies were performed using the partially purified culture filtrate. The fungus produced more laccase and peroxidase than the cellulase. The optimum laccase production was found on 17th day whereas cellulase & peroxidase productions were found on 9th& 10th day, respectively. Km of laccase is 4.1mM against guaiacol and 1.25 mM against o-dianisidine whereas Km of peroxidase was 0.72mM and cellulase was 0.06 mM. Optimum pH of laccase was 6.0 but for peroxidase and cellulase it was 7.0. The temperature optima of cellulase (50⁰C) was more than laccase (40⁰C) and peroxidase (30⁰C). All the lignocellulosic enzymes showed a wide range of temperature and pH stabilities. Laccase and peroxidase were fully inhibited by NaCl but it was not so effective against cellulase. P. pulmonarius showed higher ligninolytic (Laccase and peroxidase) activity than cellulolytic (cellulase) activity. The lignocellulosic enzymes isolated from submerged fermentation of P. pulmonarius might be industrially significant as they showed a wide range of temperature and pH stabilities.

The Effects of Temperature and Nutritional Conditions on Mycelium Growth of Two Oyster Mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus and Pleurotus cystidiosus)

The influences of temperature and nutritional conditions on the mycelium growth of oyster mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus (PO) and Pleurotus cystidiosus (PC) were investigated in laboratory experiment during the summer season of 2014. The results of the experiment indicated that potato dextrose agar (PDA) and yam dextrose agar (YDA) were the most suitable media for the mycelium growth of oyster mushroom PO while four media (PDA, YDA, sweet potato dextrose agar, and malt extract agar medium) were not significantly different in supporting mycelium growth of oyster mushroom PC. The optimal temperature for mycelium growth of both oyster mushroom species was obtained at 28degrees C. Mycelium growth of oyster mushroom PO was improved by carbon sources such as glucose, molasses, and at 1~5% sucrose concentration, mycelium colony diameter of mushroom PO was achieved the highest value. Whereas glucose, dextrose, and sucrose as carbon sources gave the good mycelium growth of oyster mushroom PC, and at 1~3% sucrose concentration, mycelium colony diameter of PC was achieved the maximum value. Ammonium chloride concentrations at 0.03~0.09% and 0.03~0.05% also gave the greatest values in mycelium colony diameter of mushroom PO and PC. Brown rice was found to be the most favourable for mycelium growth of two oyster mushroom species. In addition, sugarcane residue, acasia sawdust and corn cob were selected as favourable lignocellulosic substrate sources for mycelium growth of both oyster mushrooms.

The Effects of Different Substrates on the Growth, Yield, and Nutritional Composition of Two Oyster Mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus and Pleurotus cystidiosus)

The study was conducted to compare the effects of different agro-wastes on the growth, yield, and nutritional composition of oyster mushrooms Pleurotus ostreatus (PO) and Pleurotus cystidiosus (PC). Seven substrate formulas including sawdust (SD), corncob (CC), sugarcane bagasse (SB) alone and in combination of 80 : 20, 50 : 50 ratio between SD and CC, SD and SB were investigated. The results indicated that different substrate formulas gave a significant difference in total colonization period, characteristics of fruiting bodies, yield, biological efficiency (BE), nutritional composition and mineral contents of two oyster mushrooms PO and PC. The results showed that increasing CC and SB reduced C/N ratio, and enhanced some mineral contents (Ca, P, and Mg) of substrate formulas. The increased amount of CC and SB of substrate formulas enhanced protein, ash, mineral contents (Ca, K, Mg, Mn, and Zn) of fruiting bodies of both mushrooms. Substrates with 100% CC and 100% SB were the most suitable substrate formulas for cultivation of oyster mushrooms PO and PC in which they gave the highest values of cap diameter, stipe thickness, mushroom weight, yield, BE, protein, fiber, ash, mineral content (Ca, K, and Mg) and short stipe length. However, substrate formula 100% CC gave the slowest time for the first harvest of both mushrooms PO and PC (46.02 days and 64.24 days, respectively). It is also found that the C/N ratio of substrate formulas has close correlation with total colonization period, mushroom weight, yield, BE and protein content of mushroom PO and PC.

Optimization of submerged culture for biomass and polysaccaharide of Pleurotus ostreatus BPPTCC 6017 using response surface methodology

Aims: Polysaccharide of Pleurotus ostreatus is one of the fungal polysaccharide which has been widely studied, produced by extracting the fruiting body. An alternative method for producing polysaccharide of P. ostreatus directly from the mycelia instead of the fruiting body is through submerged culture. This study was aimed to determine the optimum submerged culture conditions for producing biomass and intracellular polysaccharide of the oyster mushroom. Methodology and results: P. ostreatus BPPTCC 6017 was collected from traditional mushroom farm in West Java, Indonesia. Submerged fermentation was conducted in 1000 mL medium (2 L flask). Four variables were tested: temperature, pH, agitation, and fermentation time, using central composite design of the response surface methodology. Mycelial biomass produced, was extracted to obtain water-soluble and alkali-soluble polysaccharide. Experimental data obtained were fitted to a second-order polynomial equation using multiple regression analysis and also analysed by appropriate statistical methods. The 3-D response surface plots derived from the mathematical models were applied to determine the optimum conditions: temperature 27.89 °C, initial pH medium 5.49, agitation 124.08 rpm, and fermentation time 11.44 days. The predicted results of the models were 33.75 g/L mycelia, 0.33 g/L water-soluble polysaccharide, and 0.64 g/L alkali-soluble polysaccharide. Those results were then verified on the optimum conditions, and produced 32.00±1.25 g/L mycelia, 0.29±0.01 g/L water-soluble polysaccharide and 0.60±0.02 g/L alkali-soluble polysaccharide, were close to the theoretical predictions. Conclusion, significance and impact study: The present study was a first effort to assess and obtain the optimum conditions for producing the biomass and polysaccharides of the strain P. ostreatus BPPTCC 6017 using submerged fermentation

Effect of Oyster mushroom in Paracetamol Induced Toxicity of Liver in Wistar albino Rats.

Backgroud: Liver is an important metabolic organ. It has wide range of functions including detoxification, storage of glycogen, vitamins A, D and B12, production of several coagulation factors, growth factors such as insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), angiotensinogen, and biochemicals necessary for digestion (bile). Its damage occurs due to its multidimensional functions, various xenobiotics and oxidative stress leading to distortion of all of its functions. Oyster mushroom which is excellently edible and nutritious has got free radical scavenging activity, and so may be considered as a hepatoprotective agent. Objective: To observe the hepatoprotective effect of Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus florida) against paracetamol induced liver damage in Wistar albino rats. Materials and Methods: This experimental study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, Sir Salimullah Medical College (SSMC), Dhaka from 1st July 2009 to 30th June 2010. Thirty four Wistar albino rats, aged 90 to 120 days, weighing between 150 to 210 grams were used for the study. After acclimatization for 14 days, they were divided into two groups –– control group (Group A) and experimental group (Group B, mushroom-pretreated and paracetamol-treated group). Control group was again subdivided into Group A1 (baseline control group) and Group A2 (paracetamol-treated control group). Animals of all groups received basal diet for 30 consecutive days. In addition, Group A1 rats received propylene glycol (2 mL/kg body weight orally) only on 30th day, Group A2 rats received single dose of paracetamol suspension (750 mg/kg body weight orally) only on 30th day and Group B rats received mushroom extract (200 mg/kg body weight orally) for 30 consecutive days and paracetamol suspension (750 mg/kg body weight orally) only on 30th day. All the animals were sacrificed on 31st day. Then liver specimens were collected. Histology of liver was done by using standard laboratory procedure. Statistical analysis was done by one way ANOVA test by using SPSS version 15.0. Result: In this study, histological examination of liver reveals abnormal histological findings in 100% of rats in paracetamol-treated group (Group A2), almost normal structure in 80% of rats and mild histological changes in 20% rats in mushroom-pretreated and paracetamol-treated group (Group B). Conclusion: The present study reveals the hepatoprotective effect of Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus florida) against paracetamol induced liver damage in Wistar albino rats.

Composição mineral de substratos à base de resíduos de bananeira durante o cultivo de Pleurotus ostreatus / Mineral composition of substrates based on banana waste during the Pleurotus ostreatus cultivation

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a composição mineral (macro e micronutrientes) dos substratos [(inicial e residual (pós-colheita)] à base de diferentes combinações de resíduos (folha, pseudocaule e pseudocaule + folha) e cultivares de bananeira - Musa spp. (Thap Maeo, Prata Anã, Pelipita e Caipira), durante 49 dias de cultivo da linhagem POS 09/100 de Pleurotus ostreatus. Verificaram-se que todos os substratos à base de resíduos de diferentes cultivares de bananeira apresentaram quantidades satisfatórias de nutrientes para o cultivo de P. ostreatus, tanto na fase inicial de cultivo como na final.(AU)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the mineral composition (macro e micronutrients) of the substrates [initial and residual (postharvest)] based on different combinations of waste (leaf, pseudo-stem and pseudo-stem + leaf) and banana cultivars - Musa spp. (Thap Maeo, Prata Anã, Pelipita and Caipira) during 49 days for the cultivation of POS 09/100 strain of P. ostreatus. It was verified that all of the substrates based on different combinations of waste and banana cultivars presented satisfactory amounts of nutrients for the cultivation of P. ostreatus, both in the initial phase of cultivation and in the end.(AU)

Characterization of an Anti-gout Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitor from Pleurotus ostreatus

We selected Pleurotus ostreatus from among several edible mushrooms because it has high anti-gout xanthine oxidase (XOD) inhibitory activity. The maximal amount of XOD inhibitor was extracted when the Pleurotus ostreatus fruiting body was treated with distilled water at 40degrees C for 48 hr. The XOD inhibitor thus obtained was purified by Sephadex G-50 gel permeation chromatography, ultrafiltration, C18 solid phase extraction chromatography and reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with 3% of solid yield, and its XOD inhibitory activity was 0.9 mg/mL of IC50. The purified XOD inhibitor was a tripeptide with the amino acid sequence phenylalanine-cysteine-histidine and a molecular weight of 441.3 Da. The XOD inhibitor-containing ultrafiltrates from Pleurotus ostreatus demonstrated dose-dependent anti-gout effects in a Sprague-Dawley rat model of potassium oxonate-induced gout, as shown by decreased serum urated levels at doses of 500 and 1,000 mg/kg, although the effect was not as great as that achieved with the commercial anti-gout agent, allopurinol when administered at a dose of 50 mg/kg.

Comparative evaluation of polysaccharides isolated from Astragalus, oyster mushroom, and yacon as inhibitors of α-glucosidase / 中国天然药物

The incidence of diabetes has increased considerably, and become the third serious chronic disease following cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Though acarbose, metformin, and 1-deoxynojirimycin have good efficacy for clinical application as hypoglycemic drugs, their expensive costs and some degree of side effects have limited their clinical application. Recently, increasing attention has concentrated on the polysaccharides from natural plant and animal sources for diabetes. In order to illustrate the pharmaceutical activity of polysaccharides as natural hypoglycemic agents, polysaccharides isolated from Astragalus, oyster mushroom, and Yacon were evaluated for their inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase. Polysaccharides were extracted and purified from Astragalus, Oyster mushroom, and Yacon with hot water at 90 °C for 3 h, respectively. The total sugar content of the polysaccharide was determined by the phenol-sulfuric acid method. The α-glucosidase inhibitory activity was measured by the glucose oxidase method. The results exhibited that the inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase were in decreasing order, Astragalus > oyster mushroom > Yacon. The α-glucosidase inhibition percentage of Astragalus polysaccharide and oyster mushroom polysaccharide were over 40% at the polysaccharide concentration of 0.4 mg·mL(-1). The IC50 of Astragalus polysaccharide and oyster mushroom polysaccharide were 0.28 and 0.424 mg·mL(-1), respectively. The information obtained from this work is beneficial for the use polysaccharides as a dietary supplement for health foods and therapeutics for diabetes.

Influência da composição química do substrato no cultivo de Pleurotus florida / Influence of the chemical composition of the substrate in the cultivation of Pleurotus florida

Com o objetivo de avaliar a influência da composição química do substrato no cultivo do cogumelo comestível Pleurotus florida, seis resíduos agrícolas foram testados: palha de arroz, palha de feijão, palha de trigo, folha de bananeira, palha de sorgo e sabugo de milho. O substrato palha de feijão apresentou resultados semelhantes para a produção (189,8 g kg-1), eficiência biológica (89,2 por cento) e número de cogumelos (12) à palha de arroz, substrato utilizado tradicionalmente no cultivo de Pleurotus em escala comercial. Não foi possível atribuir apenas a um fator químico as altas produções e eficiências biológicas observadas em palha de arroz e palha de feijão e muito menos para a baixa produção em palha de sorgo (77,8 g kg-1) e sabugo de milho (53,2 g g-1). No geral, substratos com relação C/N em torno de 45 (N = 1,0 por cento), maior conteúdo de cinzas, acrescido de altos teores de P, K, Ca, Mg and Mn foram os melhores para o cultivo de P. florida.

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the influence of the chemical composition of the substrate in the cultivation of the edible mushroom Pleurotus florida. Six agricultural by-products were tested: rice straw, bean straw, wheat straw, banana leaf, sorghum straw and maize cobs. Using bean straw as the substrate showed similar results for yield (189.8 g kg-1), biological efficiency (89.2 percent) and number of mushrooms (12) as rice straw substrates traditionally used for the cultivation of Pleurotus on a commercial scale. It was not possible to attribute the high yields and biological efficiency observed in rice and bean straw solely to chemical factors and, even less so for the low yields presented by sorghum straw (77.8 g kg-1) and maize cobs (53.2 g kg-1). In general, substrates with C/N ratio around 45 (N = 1.0 percent), high ash content and high levels of P, K, Ca, Mg and Mn were the best for the cultivation of P. florida.

Effect of Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus Florida) on Paracetamol Induced Changes of serum bilirubin level and liver tissue protein in Rats.

Backgroud: Liver is continuously exposed to a variety of toxic agents like drugs and chemicals that may interfere with hepatic function and may cause hepatic damage. Oyster mushroom is excellently edible, nutritious and has got free radical scavenging activity, thereby may be considered as hepatoprotective agent. Objective: To observe the effect of Oyster mushroom on paracetamol induced changes in serum bilirubin and liver tissue protein in rats. Method: This experimental study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, Sir Salimullah Medical College (SSMC), Dhaka from 1st July 2009 to 30th June 2010. A total number of 34 Wistar albino rats, age ranged from 90 to 120 days, weighing between 150 to 210 grams were selected for the study. After acclimatization for 14 days, they were divided into two groups, control group (Group A) and experimental group (Group B- mushroom pretreated and paracetamol treated group). Control group was again subdivided into group A1 (baseline control) and group A2 (paracetamol treated control group). All groups of animals received basal diet for 30 consecutive days. Group A1 consisted of 10 rats, received propylene glycol (2 ml/kg bw, orally) only on 30th day. Group A2 consisted of 14 rats, received single dose of paracetamol suspension (750 mg/ kg bw, orally) only on 30th day. Group B consisted of 10 rats, received mushroom extract (200 mg/ kg bw, orally) for 30 consecutive days and paracetamol suspension (750 mg/ kg bw, orally) only on 30th day. All the animals were sacrificed on 31st day. Then blood and liver sample were collected. Estimation of serum total bilirubin level and assessment of protein concentration in liver tissue homogenate were done by using standard laboratory kits. The statistical analysis was done by one way ANOVA and Bonferroni test as applicable. Result: The mean serum total bilirubin was significantly (p< 0.001) higher in paracetamol treated group in comparison to that of baseline control group. Again, the mean serum total bilirubin was significantly (p<0.001) lower in mushroom pretreated and paracetamol treated group (experimental group) when compared to that of paracetamol treated group (control). The protein concentration in liver tissue homogenate was significantly (p<0.01) lower in paracetamol treated group in comparison to that of baseline control group. Again, in the liver tissue homogenate protein concentration was significantly (p<0.001) higher in mushroom pretreated and paracetamol treated group (experimental group) when compared to that of paracetamol treated group (control). Conclusion: The present study revealed that Oyster mushroom can protect liver tissue against paracetamol induced liver damage.

Cinética micelial dos fungos comestíveis Pleurotus ostreatus e Lentinula edodes em resíduos lignocelulósicos / Mycelial kinetics of edible fungi Pleurotus ostreatus and Lentinula edodes in lignocellulosic residues

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o crescimento micelial, em placa de Petri, de dois fungos comestíveis (Pleurotus ostreatus e Lentinula edodes) em seis meios de cultura [(malte-ágar, serragemdextrose-ágar-marupá (SDA-MA), serragem-dextrose-ágar-cajuí (SDA-CA), serragem-dextroseágar-açaí (SDA-AÇA), serragem-dextrose-ágar-banana 50% (BAN 50%) e serragem-dextroseágar-banana 100% (BAN 100%)]. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 6 x 2. Cada tratamento constou de seis repetições, correspondente a uma placa de Petri, totalizando 72 unidades experimentais. Verificou-se que, em todos os meios à base de resíduos, o P. ostreatus apresentou um melhor desenvolvimento micelial (81,00; 64,66; 81,00; 50,16; e 33,33 mm, para SDA-MA, SDA-CA, SDA-AÇA, BAN 50% e BAN 100%, respectivamente) que o L. edodes (32,00; 31,66; 27,66; 37,33; e 21,83 mm, para SDA-MA, SDA-CA, SDA-AÇA, BAN 50% e BAN 100%, respectivamente). Também constatou-se que, para os L. edodes, não houve vantagem, em relação ao crescimento micelial, no uso de meios à base de resíduos comparado ao meio malteágar (testemunha), o qual obteve o melhor desempenho (62,17mm). Já para o P. ostreatus, os meios SDA-MA e SDA-AÇA apresentaram as maiores médias de crescimento (81 mm), o que representa um incremento de crescimento de 34% em relação ao meio testemunha (malte-ágar), cujo média de crescimento foi de 60,33mm. Assim, de uma forma geral, os resíduos testados indicam potencial de aproveitamento na fungicultura, especialmente para o cultivo de P. ostreatus.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the mycelial growth of 2 edible fungi (Pleurotus ostreatus and Lentinula edodes) in 6 culture media [(malt-agar, sawdustdextrose-agar-marupá (SDA-MA), sawdust-dextrose-agar-cajuí (SDA-CA), sawdust-dextrose-agaraçaí (SDA-AÇA), sawdust-dextrose-agar-banana 50% (BAN 50%) and sawdust-dextrose-agar-banana 100% (BAN 100%)], in Petri dishes. The experimental design was totally randomized, in a 6x2 factorial scheme. Each treatment consisted of six repetitions in 1 Petri dish, totaling 72 experimental units. It was verified that P. ostreatus presented better mycelial development (81.00; 64.66; 81.00; 50.16 and 33.33mm for SDA-MA, SDA-CA, SDA-AÇA, BAN 50% and BAN 100%, respectively) than L. edodes (32.00; 31.66; 27.66; 37.33 and 21.83mm for SDA-MA, SDA-CA, SDA-AÇA, BAN 50% and BAN 100%, respectively). It was also verified that there was no advantage for L. edodes in relation to mycelial growth, when media based on residues were used, compared to malt-agar medium (control), which obtained the best performance (62.17mm). As for P. ostreatus, SDA-MA and SDA-AÇA medium presented the highest growth averages (81 mm), representing a growth increase of 34% in relation to the control medium (malt-agar), whose growth average was 60.33mm. Thus, the residues tested present potential to be used in fungiculture, especially for the cultivation of P. ostreatus.

Study on the Hepatoprotective Effect of Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus Florida) Against Paracetamol Induced Liver Damage in Wistar Albino Rats.

Background: Liver damage can be occurred due to prolonged use of higher doses of some drugs, exposure to some chemicals or infectious agents. But liver protective drugs are not available in modern medicine. Some hepatoprotective herbal medicines are often used in the treatment of liver damage. Objective: This experimental study was carried out to observe the hepatoprotective effect of Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus florida) against paracetamol induced liver damage in Wistar albino rats. Method: This experimental study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, Sir Salimullah Medical College (SSMC), Dhaka from 1st July 2009 to 30th June 2010. A total number of 34 Wistar albino rats, age ranged from 90 to 120 days, weighing between 150 to 210 grams were selected for the study. After acclimatization for 14 days, they were divided into two groups, control group (Group A) and experimental group (Group B- mushroom pretreated and paracetamol treated group). Control group again subdivided into group A1 (baseline control) and group A2 (paracetamol treated control group). All groups of animals received basal diet for 30 consecutive days. Group A1 consisted of 10 rats, received propylene glycol (2 ml/kg bw, orally) only on 30th day. Group A2 consisted of 14 rats, received single dose of paracetamol suspension (750 mg/ kg bw, orally) only on 30th day. Group B consisted of 10 rats, received mushroom extract (200 mg/ kg bw, orally) for 30 consecutive days and paracetamol suspension (750 mg/ kg bw, orally) only on 30th day. All the animals were sacrificed on 31st day. Then blood and liver samples were collected. Initial body weight, final body weight and liver weight were measured. Then measurement of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in serum and assessment of malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in liver tissue homogenate were done by using standard laboratory kits. The statistical analysis was done by one way ANOVA and Bonferroni test as applicable. Result: The mean serum AST, ALT levels and in the liver tissue MDA concentration were significantly (p<0.001) higher in paracetamol treated group in comparison to those of baseline control group. Again, the mean serum AST (p<0.05), ALT (p<0.05) levels and in the liver tissue homogenate MDA concentration (p<0.001) were significantly lower in mushroom pretreated and paracetamol treated group (experimental group) when compared to those of only paracetamol treated group (control). Conclusion: This study reveals that Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus florida) which is excellently edible and nutritious, may have some hepatoprotective role.

Isolation of Genes Specifically Expressed in Different Developmental Stages of Pleurotus ostreatus Using Macroarray Analysis

The oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) is one of the most important edible mushrooms worldwide. The mechanism of P. ostreatus fruiting body development has been of interest both for the basic understanding of the phenotypic change of the mycelium-fruiting body and to improve breeding of the mushrooms. Based on our previous publication of P. ostreatus expressed sequence tag database, 1,528 unigene clones were used in macroarray analysis of mycelium, fruiting body and basidiospore developmental stages of P. ostreatus. Gene expression profile databases generated by evaluating expression levels showed that 33, 10, and 94 genes were abundantly expressed in mycelium, fruiting body and basidiospore developmental stages, respectively. Among them, the genes specifically expressed in the fruiting body stage were further analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Northern blot to investigate temporal and spatial expression patterns. These results provide useful information for future studies of edible mushroom development.

An Improved Compost Using Cotton Waste and Fermented Sawdust Substrate for Cultivation of Oyster Mushroom

A composting technique was assessed to enhance efficiency in oyster mushroom substrate. Poplar sawdusts and by-product of winter mushroom added by 10% of rice bran were composted outdoors at 20degrees C to 28degrees C for 12 days. The duration of fermentation was shortened 3 days in fermented sawdust plot. The yield obtained from waste cotton substrate with fermented poplar sawdust was 742 g, whereas the yield from control 663 g. In addition, the substrate with by-product of winter mushroom was the most effective to composting. It was useful to apply the fermented sawdust and by-product to waste cotton for compost and sporophore production of oyster mushroom.

Effect of Fermented Sawdust on Pleurotus Spawn

A method of spawn making procedures through the application of fermented sawdust for the purpose of avoiding contamination by undesirable fungi in the course of Pleurotus ostreatus mycelial growth was evaluated. Of three kinds of supplements, rice bran was the most effective to raise temperature up to 70degrees C. Mycelial activity and density was more considerably improved in the case of using fermented sawdust supplemented with rice bran than the case of non-fermented sawdust. Primordia of Pleurotus ostreatus were formed on fermented sawdust. The substrate of fermented sawdust showed potential to prevent the growth of Trichoderma sp. which caused a symptom on mushroom mycelium, whereas there was nothing to inhibit the growth of Trichoderma sp. during 30 days after inoculation in non-fermented sawdust.