Improvement of Alginate Extraction from Brown Seaweed (Laminaria digitata L.) and Valorization of Its Remaining Ethanolic Fraction.

This study aimed to improve the conventional procedure of alginate isolation from the brown seaweed (Laminaria digitata L.) biomass and investigate the possibility of further valorization of the ethanolic fraction representing the byproduct after the degreasing and depigmentation of biomass. The acid treatment of biomass supported by ultrasound was modeled and optimized regarding the alginate yield using a response surface methodology based on the Box-Behnken design. A treatment time of 30 min, a liquid-to-solid ratio of 30 mL/g, and a treatment temperature of 47 °C were proposed as optimal conditions under which the alginate yield related to the mass of dry biomass was 30.9%. The use of ultrasonic radiation significantly reduced the time required for the acid treatment of biomass by about 4 to 24 times compared to other available conventional procedures. The isolated alginate had an M/G ratio of 1.08, which indicates a greater presence of M-blocks in its structure and the possibility of forming a soft and elastic hydrogel with its use. The chemical composition of the ethanolic fraction including total antioxidant content (293 mg gallic acid equivalent/g dry weight), total flavonoid content (14.9 mg rutin equivalent/g dry weight), contents of macroelements (the highest content of sodium, 106.59 mg/g dry weight), and microelement content (the highest content of boron, 198.84 mg/g dry weight) was determined, and the identification of bioactive compounds was carried out. The results of ultra high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry analysis confirmed the presence of 48 compounds, of which 41 compounds were identified as sugar alcohol, phenolic compounds, and lipids. According to the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay, the radical scavenging activity of the ethanolic fraction (the half-maximal inhibitory concentration of 42.84 ± 0.81 µg/mL) indicated its strong activity, which was almost the same as in the case of the positive control, synthetic antioxidant butylhydroxytoluene (the half-maximal inhibitory concentration of 36.61 ± 0.79 µg/mL). Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, and Bacillus cereus) were more sensitive to the ethanolic fraction compared to Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Shigella sonnei). The obtained results indicated the possibility of the further use of the ethanolic fraction as a fertilizer for plant growth in different species and antifouling agents, applicable in aquaculture.

An Eco-friendly Approach to ZnO NP Synthesis Using Citrus reticulata Blanco Peel/Extract: Characterization and Antibacterial and Photocatalytic Activity.

Emission of greenhouse gases and infectious diseases caused by improper agro-waste disposal has gained significant attention in recent years. To overcome these hurdles, agro-waste can be valorized into valuable bioactive compounds that act as reducing or stabilizing agents in the synthesis of nanomaterials. Herein, we report a simple circular approach using Citrus reticulata Blanco (C. reticulata) waste (peel powder/aqueous extract) as green reducing and capping/stabilizing agents and Zn nitrate/acetate precursors to synthesize ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) with efficient antimicrobial and photocatalytic activities. The obtained NPs crystallized in a hexagonal wurtzite structure and differed clearly in their morphology. UV-vis analysis of the nanoparticles showed a characteristic broad absorption band between 330 and 414 nm belonging to ZnO NPs. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy of ZnO NPs exhibited a Zn-O band close to 450 cm-1. The band gap values were in the range of 2.84-3.14 eV depending on the precursor and agent used. The crystallite size obtained from size-strain plots from measured XRD patterns was between 7 and 26 nm, with strain between 16 and 4%. The highly crystalline nature of obtained ZnO NPs was confirmed by clear ring diffraction patterns and d-spacing values of the observed lattice fringes. ZnNPeelMan_400 and ZnNExtrMan showed good stability, as the zeta potential was found to be around -20 mV, and reduced particle aggregation. Photoluminescence analysis revealed different defects belonging to oxygen vacancies (VO+ and VO+2) and zinc interstitial (Zni) sites. The presence of oxygen vacancies on the surface of ZnAcExtrMan_400 and ZnAcPeelMan_400 increased antimicrobial activity, specifically against Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Salmonella enteritidis (S. enteritidis). ZnNExtrMan with a minimal inhibitory concentration of 0.156 mg/mL was more effective against Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), revealing a high influence of particle size and shape on antimicrobial activity. In addition, the photocatalytic activity of the ZnO NPs was examined by assessing the degradation of acid green dye in an aqueous solution under UV light irradiation. ZnAcPeelMan_400 exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity (94%) within 90 min after irradiation compared to other obtained ZnO NPs.

The Effect of Green Extraction Technologies on the Chemical Composition of Medicinal Chaga Mushroom Extracts.

The mushroom industry should implement green extraction technologies; however, there is not enough information on the differences between these techniques expressed as the chemical composition of the resulting extract. In this study, selected types of green extraction techniques (GETs) were used on Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) (Fr.) Pilát from Serbia (IS) and Mongolia (IM) to examine the differences that would enable the composition-based technology choices in the mushroom supplement industry. Subcritical water extraction (SWE), microwave-assisted (MW) extraction, and ultrasonic-assisted extraction (VAE) were used to prepare the extracts. SWE was performed at two different temperatures (120 and 200 °C), while 96% ethanol, 50% ethanol, and water were used for MW and VAE. The yield, the content of total phenols, total proteins, and carbohydrates, qualitative and quantitative analysis of phenolic compounds, carbohydrates, including α- and ß- and total glucans, and fatty acids, were determined in the obtained extracts. SWE resulted in a significantly higher yield, total polysaccharide, and glucan content than any other technique. Glucose was the most dominant monosaccharide in the SWE samples, especially those extracted at 200 °C. The MW 50% EtOH extracts showed the highest yield of total phenols. Among the tested phenolic compounds, chlorogenic acid was the most dominant. SWE can be recommended as the most efficient method for extracting commercially important compounds, especially glucans and phenols.

Bioprospecting of Selected Species of Polypore Fungi from the Western Balkans.

Growing mushrooms means meeting challenges while aiming for sustainability and circularity. Wherever the producer is located, commercial strains are the same originating from several producers. Customized strains adapted to local conditions are urgently needed. Before introducing new species to the strain development pipeline, the chemical characterization and biological activity of wild ones need to be assessed. Accordingly, the mycoceutical potential of five polypore mushroom species from Serbia was evaluated including: secondary metabolite composition, oxidative damage prevention, anti-tyrosinase, and anti-angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). The phenolic pattern was comparable in all samples, but the amounts of specific chemicals varied. Hydroxybenzoic acids were the primary components. All samples had varying quantities of ascorbic acid, carotene, and lycopene, and showed a pronounced inhibition of lipid peroxidation (LPx) and ability to scavenge HO•. Extracts were more potent tyrosinase inhibitors but unsuccessful when faced with ACE. Fomitopsis pinicola had the strongest anti-tumor efficacy while Ganoderma lucidum demonstrated strong selectivity in anti-tumor effect in comparison to normal cells. The evaluated species provided a solid foundation for commercial development while keeping local ecology in mind.

Artificial Neural Network Prediction of Antiadhesion and Antibiofilm-Forming Effects of Antimicrobial Active Mushroom Extracts on Food-Borne Pathogens.

The problem of microbial biofilms has come to the fore alongside food, pharmaceutical, and healthcare industrialization. The development of new antibiofilm products has become urgent, but it includes bioprospecting and is time and money-consuming. Contemporary efforts are directed at the pursuit of effective compounds of natural origin, also known as "green" agents. Mushrooms appear to be a possible new source of antibiofilm compounds, as has been demonstrated recently. The existing modeling methods are directed toward predicting bacterial biofilm formation, not in the presence of antibiofilm materials. Moreover, the modeling is almost exclusively targeted at biofilms in healthcare, while modeling related to the food industry remains under-researched. The present study applied an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model to analyze the anti-adhesion and anti-biofilm-forming effects of 40 extracts from 20 mushroom species against two very important food-borne bacterial species for food and food-related industries-Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella enteritidis. The models developed in this study exhibited high prediction quality, as indicated by high r2 values during the training cycle. The best fit between the modeled and measured values was observed for the inhibition of adhesion. This study provides a valuable contribution to the field, supporting industrial settings during the initial stage of biofilm formation, when these communities are the most vulnerable, and promoting innovative and improved safety management.

Molecular Approaches for Detection of Trichoderma Green Mold Disease in Edible Mushroom Production.

Due to the evident aggressive nature of green mold and the consequently huge economic damage it causes for producers of edible mushrooms, there is an urgent need for prevention and infection control measures, which should be based on the early detection of various Trichoderma spp. as green mold causative agents. The most promising current diagnostic tools are based on molecular methods, although additional optimization for real-time, in-field detection is still required. In the first part of this review, we briefly discuss cultivation-based methods and continue with the secondary metabolite-based methods. Furthermore, we present an overview of the commonly used molecular methods for Trichoderma species/strain detection. Additionally, we also comment on the potential of genomic approaches for green mold detection. In the last part, we discuss fast screening molecular methods for the early detection of Trichoderma infestation with the potential for in-field, point-of-need (PON) application, focusing on isothermal amplification methods. Finally, current challenges and future perspectives in Trichoderma diagnostics are summarized in the conclusions.

The role of Gentiana lutea extracts in reducing UV-induced DNA damage.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can result in DNA damage, mainly through direct formation of pyrimidine dimers and generation of reactive oxygen species, which can lead to the skin disorders including cancer. In accordance with this, the use of natural antigenotoxins and/or antioxidants could contribute to human health protection. Considering that plants are rich in both, the aim of this study was to investigate UV-protective and antioxidative properties of yellow gentian (Gentiana lutea), being well established in pharmacopeias and traditional medicine. Tested extracts were derived from root and shoot of the in vitro cultivated plants. Prescreening of the genotoxic properties of UVC, UVA, and the extracts, as well as the extracts' antigenotoxicity were estimated by applying alkaline comet assay on normal fetal lung fibroblast (MRC-5) and human melanoma cells (Hs 294T). Antioxidant potential was tested in ferrous ions chelating ferric reducing antioxidant power and cupric reducing antioxidant capacity assays. Genotoxicity testing, which revealed moderate DNA-damaging potential of root extract on MRC-5 cells and high genotoxicity of shoot extract on both cell lines, pointed out nongenotoxic concentrations that could be used in antigenotoxicity assay. Doses of 63 and 3 J/cm2 for UVC and UVA, respectively, were established for antigenotoxicity study, since they induced sufficient DNA damage without notable cytotoxicity. Results of antigenotoxicity revealed strong protective effect of both extracts against UVC (the highest inhibitions 58% and 47%) and UVA (the highest inhibitions 69% and 60%), in Hs 294T and MRC-5 cells, respectively. Study of the antioxidative properties demonstrated stronger activity of shoot extract. Results obtained proved to be encouraging but further research of the UV-protective role of Gentiana lutea extracts and underlying molecular mechanisms is recommended.

Effects of Agaricus bisporus Mushroom Extract on Honey Bees Infected with Nosema ceranae.

Agaricus bisporus water crude extract was tested on honey bees for the first time. The first part of the cage experiment was set for selecting one concentration of the A. bisporus extract. Concentration of 200 µg/g was further tested in the second part of the experiment where bee survival and food consumption were monitored together with Nosema infection level and expression of five genes (abaecin, hymenoptaecin, defensin, apidaecin, and vitellogenin) that were evaluated in bees sampled on days 7 and 15. Survival rate of Nosema-infected bees was significantly greater in groups fed with A. bisporus-enriched syrup compared to those fed with a pure sucrose syrup. Besides, the anti-Nosema effect of A. bisporus extract was greatest when applied from the third day which coincides with the time of infection with N. ceranae. Daily food consumption did not differ between the groups indicating good acceptability and palatability of the extract. A. bisporus extract showed a stimulative effect on four out of five monitored genes. Both anti-Nosema and nutrigenomic effects of A. bisporus extract were observed when supplementation started at the moment of N. ceranae infection or preventively (before or simultaneously with the infection).

Antimicrobial nanoparticles and biodegradable polymer composites for active food packaging applications.

The food industry faces numerous challenges to assure provision of tasty and convenient food that possesses extended shelf life and shows long-term high-quality preservation. Research and development of antimicrobial materials for food applications have provided active antibacterial packaging technologies that are able to meet these challenges. Furthermore, consumers expect and demand sustainable packaging materials that would reduce environmental problems associated with plastic waste. In this review, we discuss antimicrobial composite materials for active food packaging applications that combine highly efficient antibacterial nanoparticles (i.e., metal, metal oxide, mesoporous silica and graphene-based nanomaterials) with biodegradable and environmentally friendly green polymers (i.e., gelatin, alginate, cellulose, and chitosan) obtained from plants, bacteria, and animals. In addition, innovative syntheses and processing techniques used to obtain active and safe packaging are showcased. Implementation of such green active packaging can significantly reduce the risk of foodborne pathogen outbreaks, improve food safety and quality, and minimize product losses, while reducing waste and maintaining sustainability.

Pink oyster mushroom Pleurotus flabellatus mycelium produced by an airlift bioreactor-the evidence of potent in vitro biological activities.

Four types of mycelial extracts were derived from the airlift liquid fermentation (ALF) of Pleurotus flabellatus, namely exopolysaccharide (EX), endopolysaccharide (EN), hot water (WE), and hot alkali (AE) extracts. Such extracts were screened for their active components and biological potential. EN proved to be most effective in inhibition of lipid peroxidation (EC50 = 1.71 ± 0.02 mg/mL) and in Cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) assay (EC50 = 2.91 ± 0.01 mg TE/g). AE exhibited most pronounced ability to chelate ferrous ions (EC50 = 4.96 ± 0.08 mg/mL) and to scavenge ABTS radicals (EC50 = 3.36 ± 0.03 mg TE/g). ß-glucans and total phenols contributed most to the chelating ability and quenching of ABTS radicals. Inhibition of lipid peroxidation correlated best with total glucans, total proteins, and ß-glucans. Total proteins contributed most to CUPRAC antioxidant capacity. Antifungal effect was determined against Candida albicans ATCC 10231 (MIC: 0.019-0.625 mg/mL; MFC: 0.039-2.5 mg/mL), and towards C. albicans clinical isolate (MIC and MFC: 10.0-20.0 mg/mL). Comparison of cytotoxicity against colorectal carcinoma HCT 116 cells (IC50: 1.8 ± 0.3-24.6 ± 4.2 mg/mL) and normal lung MRC-5 fibroblasts (IC50: 17.0 ± 4.2-42.1 ± 6.1 mg/mL) showed that EN, and especially AE possess selective anticancer activity (SI values 3.41 and 9.44, respectively). Slight genotoxicity was observed only for AE and EX, indicating the low risk concerning this feature. Notable antioxidative and anticandidal activities, selective cytotoxicity against colorectal carcinoma cells, and absence/low genotoxicity pointed out that ALF-cultivated P. flabellatus mycelium could be considered as a valuable source of bioactive substances.

The Antimicrobial Activities of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized from Medicinal Mushrooms.

Crude polysaccharide extracts derived from Agaricus bisporus (A), A. brasiliensis (B), and Phellinus linteus (P) were used for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs, labeled AAgNP, BAgNP, PAgNP, respectively). UV and FT-IR spectra, size distribution, and zeta potential of the respective particles were recorded, and TEM and SEM-EDS characterization was done. UV-Vis spectroscopy showed maximum absorbance at 415 nm for A, at 400 nm for P, and at 420 nm for B. SEM-EDS analysis showed BAgNP to consist of almost 90% of silver, while silver content in AAgNP and PAgNP was much lower, 46.5 and 52.3%, respectively. Individual extracts as well as the Ag-NPs were tested against a panel of clinically isolated and ATCC derived pathogens. In almost all cases minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was significantly lower than those of antibiotics, suggesting up to 100 times more effectivity. BAgNP, PAgNP, and AAgNP appeared very active against Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 (MIC: 0.19, 0.19, 0.97 µg/mL, respectively). The same nanoparticles were also very effective toward Candida albicans ATCC 10231 (MIC: 0.39, 0.78, 0.97 µg/mL, respectively). Our study indicates that the bactericidal effect of PAgNP, AAgNP, BAgNP on E. coli 25922 ATCC (MBC: 1.56, 0.97, 6.25 µg/mL, respectively) is significantly more pronounced than that of amoxicillin. A pure solution of colloidal silver nanoparticles showed significantly weaker microbiostatic/microbiocidal potential than all tested mushroom extracts' AgNPs, as well as amoxicillin. Silver nanoparticles made with extracts of A, B, and P seem welcome as an addition to the inventory of antimicrobial compounds used in clinical medicine against bacterial and yeast infection.

The Effect of Cantharellus Cibarius Addition on Quality Characteristics of Frankfurter during Refrigerated Storage.

The antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of Cantharellus cibarius decoction and the effect of mushroom addition on the physicochemical and microbiological properties of frankfurters during refrigerated storage were studied. Mushroom addition significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the formation of total aerobic mesophilic bacteria during storage. Regarding the texture, there was no negative effect in frankfurters with the mushroom added, compared to the control group of sausages. Generally, C. cibarius can be used as a natural ingredient in order to prevent the growth of microorganisms in cooked pork sausages, causing an extension in shelf life during chilled storage.

Achieving high antimicrobial activity: Composite alginate hydrogel beads releasing activated charcoal with an immobilized active agent.

New composites based on Ca-alginate hydrogels were produced that release activated charcoal (AC) particles with adsorbed povidone iodine (PVP-I) as a model antimicrobial substance in a physiological-like environment. Composite beads with different alginate (0.5-1.5%w/w) and AC (1-20%w/w) concentrations were analyzed by FE-SEM and characterized regarding textural parameters, swelling, and AC release kinetics. PVP-I was easily adsorbed onto AC particles within the optimized beads (0.5%w/w alginate, 20%w/w AC) as indicated by UV-vis spectroscopy, EDX and FT-IR analyses. The obtained beads have shown strong bactericidal effects against two standard bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and clinical multi-resistant wound isolates (MRSA, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Еnterococcus faecalis and Proteus mirabilis) and, at the same time, exhibited negligible PVP-I desorption in physiological saline solution. Thus, the obtained composites could provide utilization of potent antiseptics such as iodine, in wound dressings, without the concern of systemic absorption.

Total quality index of Agaricus bisporus mushrooms packed in modified atmosphere.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to develop a total quality index and examine the effects of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on the quality of Agaricus bisporus mushrooms stored for 22 days at 4 °C. Mushrooms were packaged under three MAPs: high nitrogen packaging (HNP), low carbon dioxide packaging (LCP) and low oxygen packaging (LOP). Passive MAP with air inside initially was used as the atmosphere treatment (AIR). RESULTS: This research revealed two phases in quality deterioration of A. bisporus mushrooms. During the first week, most of the quality parameters were not statistically different. Thereafter, odor intensities were stronger for all four types of packaging. Color difference and browning index values showed significantly lower color changes for AIR and LOP compared with HNP and LCP mushrooms. CONCLUSION: The best total quality index was calculated for LOP, followed by LCP and AIR. The findings of this study are useful with respect to examining two-component MAPs, separating the limiting factors (O2 and CO2 ) and evaluating quality deterioration effects and the total quality index of A. bisporus mushrooms. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Addition of Zeolites to Improve the Functional Characteristics of the Hen of the Wood or Maitake Medicinal Mushroom, Grifola frondosa (Agaricomycetes).

Kaolinite and the modified natural zeolite minazel plus (M+) were used as supplements in substrate used for the production of the medicinal mushroom Grifola frondosa. Growth stimulation, expressed as yield and biological efficiency, was observed when M+ (1%) was added. The production cycle was shortened by half as a result of the zeolites' ion-exchange ability, stimulation of enzyme activity, and water retain capacity. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry of fruiting bodies showed the absence of heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium, and lead), whereas the concentration of calcium increased greatly and the concentrations of iron, magnesium, and zinc increased moderately under the influence of M+. Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance showed a positive impact on the ß-glucan ratio, which could have been caused by the epimerization reaction stimulated by zeolites. The functionality of the mushroom was evaluated through several antioxidant activity assays, and in all cases a positive effect was established: M+ was statistically more effective in comparison with kaolinite. A strong correlation was established between the antioxidative activity of cultivated fruiting bodies and the tested compounds (total phenolic compounds, carbohydrates, and minerals).

Antioxidants of Edible Mushrooms.

Oxidative stress caused by an imbalanced metabolism and an excess of reactive oxygen species (ROS) lead to a range of health disorders in humans. Our endogenous antioxidant defense mechanisms and our dietary intake of antioxidants potentially regulate our oxidative homeostasis. Numerous synthetic antioxidants can effectively improve defense mechanisms, but because of their adverse toxic effects under certain conditions, preference is given to natural compounds. Consequently, the requirements for natural, alternative sources of antioxidant foods identified in edible mushrooms, as well as the mechanistic action involved in their antioxidant properties, have increased rapidly. Chemical composition and antioxidant potential of mushrooms have been intensively studied. Edible mushrooms might be used directly in enhancement of antioxidant defenses through dietary supplementation to reduce the level of oxidative stress. Wild or cultivated, they have been related to significant antioxidant properties due to their bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, polysaccharides, vitamins, carotenoids and minerals. Antioxidant and health benefits, observed in edible mushrooms, seem an additional reason for their traditional use as a popular delicacy food. This review discusses the consumption of edible mushrooms as a powerful instrument in maintaining health, longevity and life quality.

Nutraceutical properties of the methanolic extract of edible mushroom Cantharellus cibarius (Fries): primary mechanisms.

The methanolic extract of the wild edible mushroom Cantharellus cibarius Fr. (chanterelle) was analyzed for in vitro antioxidative, cytotoxic, antihypertensive and antibacterial activities. Various primary and secondary metabolites were found. Phenols were the major antioxidant components found in the extract (49.8 mg g(-1)), followed by flavonoids, whose content was approximately 86% of the total phenol content. Antioxidant activity, measured by four different methods, was high for inhibition of lipid peroxidation (EC50 = 1.21 mg mL(-1)) and chelating ability (EC50 = 0.64 mg mL(-1)). The antioxidant activity of the C. cibarius methanol extract was achieved through chelating iron compared to hydrogen atom and/or electron transfer. The extract showed good selectivity in cytotoxicity on human cervix adenocarcinoma HeLa, breast carcinoma MDA-MB-453 and human myelogenous leukemia K562, compared to normal control human fetal lung fibroblasts MRC-5 and human lung bronchial epithelial cells BEAS-2B. The extract had inhibitory activity against angiotensin converting I enzyme (ACE) (IC50 = 0.063 mg mL(-1)). The extract revealed selective antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria with the highest potential against E. faecalis. The medicinal and health benefits, observed in wild C. cibarius mushroom, seem an additional reason for its traditional use as a popular delicacy food.

Raspberry wine fermentation with suspended and immobilized yeast cells of two strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

The objectives of this study were to assess the differences in fermentative behaviour of two different strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (EC1118 and RC212) and to determine the differences in composition and sensory properties of raspberry wines fermented with immobilized and suspended yeast cells of both strains at 15 °C. Analyses of aroma compounds, glycerol, acetic acid and ethanol, as well as the kinetics of fermentation and a sensory evaluation of the wines, were performed. All fermentations with immobilized yeast cells had a shorter lag phase and faster utilization of sugars and ethanol production than those fermented with suspended cells. Slower fermentation kinetics were observed in all the samples that were fermented with strain RC212 (suspended and immobilized) than in samples fermented with strain EC1118. Significantly higher amounts of acetic acid were detected in all samples fermented with strain RC212 than in those fermented with strain EC1118 (0.282 and 0.602 g/l, respectively). Slightly higher amounts of glycerol were observed in samples fermented with strain EC1118 than in those fermented with strain RC212.

Did the Iceman Know Better? Screening of the Medicinal Properties of the Birch Polypore Medicinal Mushroom, Piptoporus betulinus (Higher Basidiomycetes).

The birch polypore Piptoporus betulinus was among two mushrooms that were found in the Iceman's bag. Recent studies indicated that P. betulinus was probably used as a religious and medicinal item. In order to examine the medicinal potential of P. betulinus, hot water (HW), partially purified (PP), and alkali extract (HA) were prepared and tested for antioxidant, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity. All tested samples exhibited moderate cytotoxic activity, and HW appeared as the most effective (IC50 = 0.8 ± 0.1 mg/ml for HeLa cells). HA proved to be a good 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenger and exhibited the strongest ferric-reducing power (EC50 = 0.07 ± 0.3 mg/ml). The same extract (HA) also expressed the strongest ferric-reducing power (EC50 = 0.99 ± 0.1 mg/ml). Hot alkali extraction contributed significantly to ACE inhibitory activity (EC50 = 0.06 ± 0.00 mg/ml) and to antimicrobial activity, especially against highly resistant Enterococcus faecalis (minimum inhibitory concentration: 0.156 ± 0.000 mg/ml; and minimum bactericidal concentration: 1.25 ± 0.00 mg/ml).