Coffee with Cordyceps militaris and Hericium erinaceus Fruiting Bodies as a Source of Essential Bioactive Substances.

Drinking coffee is a daily routine for many people. Supplement manufacturers have proposed adding powdered Cordyceps militaris, known for its ergogenic and immunostimulating properties, and Hericium erinaceus, known for its nerve growth factor (NGF)-stimulating properties, to coffee. The aim of this work was to compare the bioactive substances in three types of coffee: machine-brewed, instant, and traditionally brewed, prepared with the addition of H. erinaceus and C. militaris fruiting bodies. The analysis of bioactive substances was performed using AAS and RP-HPLC methods. Among the control samples of coffee, traditionally brewed coffee was the best source of bioelements. Considering the mushroom species tested, the best additional source of Mg, Zn, Cu, Na, K, and Ca was C. militaris. A slightly higher Fe content was determined for H. erinaceus. With the addition of C. militaris, the amounts of 4-feruloylquinic acid (18.6 mg/200 mL) and 3,5-di-caffeoylquinic acid (3.76 mg/200 mL) also increased. In conclusion, the C. militaris species has been proven to be a better source of bioactive substances as a coffee additive in the daily diet. The combination of brewed coffee and the tested mushrooms seems to be the most beneficial in terms of health-promoting effects.

Accumulation of Bisphenol A® by Pleurotus spp.-Flow Injection Analysis.

A specific feature of mushrooms (including those of the genus Pleurotus) is their natural ability to absorb and accumulate many chemical substances present in their immediate environment, which makes them an excellent natural sorption material. Hence, fruiting bodies of mushrooms have been recognized for years as excellent indicators of the environment, reflecting its current state. Nevertheless, mushrooms can accumulate both health-promoting substances, such as bioelements, and toxic substances, such as heavy metals and organic compounds, including bisphenol A® (BPA). This organic chemical compound in the phenol group, although it has been withdrawn in the EU since 2010, is widely present in the environment around us. In the present experiment, we aimed to determine the effect of adding BPA to liquid media for in vitro cultures of Pleurotus spp. The biomass increases were determined. Moreover, the degrees of adsorption and desorption of BPA from the obtained freeze-dried biomass in two different environments (neutral and acidic) were determined as a function of time. This is the first study to determine the bioavailability of adsorbed BPA in obtained biomass by extracting the mycelium into artificial digestive juices in a model digestive system. BPA was added to the liquid Oddoux medium in the following amounts: 0.01, 0.5, and 0.5 g/250 mL of medium. The amounts of adsorbed and desorbed BPA were determined by flow injection analysis (FIA) with amperometric detection. The addition of BPA to the substrate reduced the biomass growth in each of the discussed cases. BPA adsorption by the mycelium occurred at over 90% and depended on the morphology of the mushroom (structure, surface development, and pore size). BPA desorption depended on the pH of the environment and the desorption time. Mushrooms are an excellent natural remedial material, but BPA is extracted into artificial digestive juices; therefore, consuming mushrooms from industrialized areas may have health consequences for our bodies.

Effects of Dietary Supplementation with In Vitro-Cultivated Arboreal Medicinal Mushrooms on Long-Term Memory and Anxiety-Like Behavior of Male Mice.

Health-promoting effects of medicinal mushrooms have been postulated for centuries in folk medicine in Asia and Europe and are currently being verified by scientific research. Lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus, HE) is an arboreal medicinal mushroom that has been shown to improve short-term memory of healthy mice, and to modulate stress-coping strategies of rodents. HE shares bioactive compounds with other arboreal medicinal mushrooms such as the pink oyster mushroom (Pleurotus djamor, PDJ) and agarikon (Fomitopsis officinalis, FO), but their effects in vivo have not been investigated. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of dietary supplementation with HE, FO, or PDJ on long-term memory, anxiety-like behavior, and hippocampal gene expression of healthy male mice. CD-1 mice were fed with either control or mushroom-supplemented (2 mg/g of dry chow) diets for 40 days and underwent object novelty recognition and elevated plus maze tests before hippocampi collection. Only HE-supplemented animals displayed long-term memory (one sample t-test against chance level of novelty preference ratio). Supplementation had no effect on anxiety-like behavior, but its effect on the frequency of arm visits of the elevated plus maze apparatus was modulated by the amount of ingested food - an effect that was absent in control animals. We also observed that mice with higher weight gain had lower expression of Gsk3ß and Mtor in their hippocampi. We discuss the relevance of these results for rodent behavioral studies of dietary mushroom supplementation.

Hypsizygus marmoreus as a Source of Indole Compounds and Other Bioactive Substances with Health-Promoting Activities.

Hypsizygus marmoreus is an edible medicinal mushroom species with a high dietary value. In this study, the fruiting bodies of commercial and self-cultivated crops and mycelium from in vitro H. marmoreus cultures (both white and brown varieties) were evaluated. This study aimed to analyze the presence of indole compounds and other biologically active substances and determine the effect that the addition of zinc and magnesium ions to the culture medium has on the content of the tested compounds in mycelial cultures. The content of indole compounds and other organic compounds was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography, the content of bioelements was determined using flame atomic absorption spectrometry, the glucan content was determined spectrophotometrically, and the antioxidant activity of extracts was estimated using DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS methods. The results showed that H. marmoreus mycelium from in vitro cultures is a good source of indole compounds, bioelements, glucans, and lovastatin. Mycelia from in vitro cultures showed the most diverse composition of indole compounds (L-tryptophan, 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan, tryptamine, 5-methyltryptamine, and melatonin). Additionally, in vitro cultures of H. marmoreus enriched with Zn and Mg salts increased the contents of Na, Ca, Zn, 5-methyltryptamine, melatonin, protocatechuic acid, sterols, and total glucans. Only in the case of the white variety of mycelial enriched cultures, ergothioneine and Mg levels also increased. To summarize, the content of the active compounds differed depending on the H. marmoreus variety and the tested material.

Cordyceps militaris-Fruiting Bodies, Mycelium, and Supplements: Valuable Component of Daily Diet.

Cordyceps militaris has long been used in Eastern medicine for alleviating fatigue and as an immunostimulant. The present study aimed to determine the content of biologically active substances (bioelements and organic compounds), the total phenolic content, and the antioxidant activity of fruiting bodies (commercially available and self-cultivated), mycelia, and two food supplements. The results show that substrate composition and cultivation method had an influence on the properties of mushroom materials. An important aspect of the study is the estimation of the content of bioactive substances present after extraction into digestive juices in the artificial gastrointestinal tract model, which can allow for determining the amount of these substances that is potentially bioavailable for the human body. The best results for cordycepin (81.4 mg/100 g d.w.) and lovastatin (53.6 mg/100 g d.w.) were achieved for commercially available food supplements. Furthermore, after digestion in artificial intestinal juice, the highest amount of cordycepin was determined in the fruiting bodies from commercially obtained (25.9 mg/100 g d.w.) and self-cultivated mushroom (25.8 mg/100 g d.w.). In conclusion, the mycelium and fruiting bodies of C. militaris are ideal food supplements and pharmaceutical agents and can serve as a good source of prohealth substances potentially bioavailable for humans.

Combined hyperforin and lanicemine treatment instead of ketamine or imipramine restores behavioral deficits induced by chronic restraint stress and dietary zinc restriction in mice.

Clinical and preclinical studies show evidence that chronic stress or nutritional deficits in dietary zinc (Zn) intake may be risk factors for developing major depressive disorder (MDD). Furthermore, there may be possible links between low serum Zn levels and development of treatment-resistant depression. In the present work, we combined chronic restraint stress (CRS) and a low-zinc diet (ZnD) in mice and carried out a set of behavioral and biochemical studies. The mice were treated with four different antidepressant compounds, namely, ketamine, Ro 25-6981 (Ro), hyperforin and lanicemine (Hyp + Lan), and imipramine (IMI). We show that CRS or ZnD alone or a combination of CRS and ZnD (CRS + ZnD) induces anhedonia observed in the sucrose preference test (SPT). The behavioral effects of CRS were restored by ketamine or IMI. However, only Hyp + Lan restored the deficits in behavioral phenotype in mice subjected to CRS + ZnD. We also showed that the antidepressant-like effects observed in Hyp + Lan-treated CRS + ZnD mice were associated with changes in the morphology of the dendritic spines (restored physiological level) in the hippocampus (Hp). Finally, we studied the metabolism of ketamine and its brain absorption in CRS and CRS + ZnD mice. Our results suggest that CRS + ZnD does not alter the metabolism of ketamine to (2R,6R;2S,6S)-HNK; however, CRS + ZnD can induce altered bioavailability and distribution of ketamine in the Hp and frontal cortex (FC) in CRS + ZnD animals compared to the control and CRS groups.

The influence of high-fat and high-sucrose feeding regimes on organ weight, body weight, and serum concentration of bioelements in rats.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is one of the most common diseases of civilization, and approximately 13 % of the world's adult population is obese. Obesity is defined as excessive accumulation of fat in the human body, which leads to adverse health effects such as metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and fatty liver disease (e.g., nonalcoholic liver disease). The development of obesity is accompanied by changes in the levels of certain bioelements such as copper and zinc. These elements may have an influence on the proper functioning of the central nervous system. METHOD: Fifty-six male Wistar rats (initial weight 290-300 g) were divided into seven experimental groups. They were fed with different feeding patterns (constant versus intermittent-binge access) and exposed to different diets (high sucrose versus high fat) to analyze the factors that affect the organ weight gain (pancreas, spleen, liver, testes, and kidneys) and total body weight gain. Further, zinc and copper levels in the serum of the animals were determined. The relationship between organ and body weight and serum metal concentration was analyzed by cluster and principal component analyses. RESULTS: Rats with unlimited access to high fat diet (HF) and restricted intake of high sugar diet (for 2-hours daily-HSB and every second day-IHSB) have elevated body weight in comparison to the control. However, the heaviest organ weights were recorded in the HSB rats compared to the control group (pancreas, 14 %; spleen, 9 %; kidneys, 5 %; and liver, 3 %). On the other hand, an average 20 % decrease in zinc concentration was observed in rats fed with high-fat diet compared to the control. Moreover, an 18 % decrease in copper levels was observed in rats that had periodic access to high-fat diet every 2 h daily and for 2 h every other day compared to the control. CONCLUSION: Both the high-sucrose and high-fat diets had an influence on body and organ weights. This study demonstrates an association between the different types of diet and the parameters investigated (body and organ weights and concentration of serum bioelements).

The history, current state and perspectives of aerosol therapy.

Nebulization is a very effective method of drug administration. This technique has been popular since ancient times when inhalation of plants rich in tropane alkaloids with spasmolytic and analgesic effects was widely used. Undoubtedly, the invention of anasthesia in the 19th century had an influence on the development of this technique. It resulted in the search for devices that facilitated anasthesia such as pulveriser or hydronium. From the second half of the 21st century, when the first DPI and MDI inhalers were launched, the constant development of aerosol therapy has been noticed. This is due to the fact that nebulization, compared with other means of medicinal substance application (such as oral and intravenous routes of administration), is safer and it exhibits a positive dose/efficacy ratio connected to the reduction of the dose. It enables drugs administration through the lung and possesses very fast onset action. Therefore, various drugs prescribed in respiratory diseases (such as corticosteroids, ß-agonists, anticholinergics) are present on the market in a form of an aerosol.

Extraction of selected prohealth substances from Curcuma longa and Zingiber officinale in artificial digestive juices.

BACKGROUND: The study determined the content of selected bioelements, toxic metals and phenolic acids occurring in Curcuma longa L. and Zingiber officinale Rosc. Natural raw materials in the form of powder, slices, dried and fresh rootstock, tablets and capsules were analyzed. To determine the actual bioavailability of the metals and phenolic acids present in the raw materials, they were extracted into artificial digestive juices (artificial gastric and intestinal juices). RESULTS: The maximum amounts of bioelements found in turmeric were as follows (mg kg-1 dry weight): Ca, 1911; Cu, 10.4; Fe, 248; K, 123; Mg, 1896; Mn, 181; Na, 332; Zn, 242. On the other hand, the maximum amounts of these bioelements found in ginger were as follows (mg kg-1 dry weight): Ca, 287; Cu, 7.4; Fe, 113; K, 2903; Mg, 1162; Mn, 11.3; Na, 1678; Zn, 186. It was found that bioelements from all the tested samples of raw materials were released to artificial digestive juices. CONCLUSION: The amount of substances extracted to digestive juices from the analyzed raw materials varied depending on their form. The highest content of bioelements was found in the fresh rhizomes of turmeric and ginger. On the other hand, powdered rhizome was characterized by the highest bioavailability of elements for humans. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Bioactive compounds from Lactarius deterrimus interfere with the invasive potential of gastric cancer cells.

Stomach cancer is the 4th most common cancer diagnosed worldwide. Despite intensive research on its etiopathology, its treatment strategies have not changed in the last 50 years. Mushrooms have recently attracted much attention as the source of bioactive compounds that can potentially complement cancer therapies. Here, we extracted a phenolic fraction from Lactarius deterrimus and analyzed its composition and bioactivity against the gastric cancer (AGS) cells. The complexity of L. deterrimus compounds was revealed by an HPLC assay, and was accompanied by cytostatic, cytotoxic and anti-invasive effects of the L. deterrimus extract (LDE). These are illustrated by inhibition of the AGS cells' proliferation, metabolic activity and motility, and by induction of the cytoskeleton rearrangements. Apparently, these effects are exerted via activation of intracellular oxidative stress and decreased ATP production in AGS cells that could not be compensated by induction of autophagy. Less severe LDE effects were seen on physiology of normal gastric fibroblasts; however, inhibition of their motility indicates that LDE can interfere with gastric cancer development via an effect on stromal cells. Along with the observed synergy of LDE and cisplatin/5-fluorouracil effects on AGS cells, our data show the potential of LDE for supplementation of the gastric cancer therapy.

A New Biotechnology Method of Bioelements' Accumulation Monitoring in In Vitro Culture of Agaricus bisporus.

Agaricus bisporus (J.E. Lange) Imbach is one the most popular species of edible mushrooms in the world because of its taste and nutritional properties. In the research, repeatability of accumulation of bioelements and biomass yield in experimentally chosen in vitro culture medium, was confirmed. The in vitro cultures were conducted on the modified Oddoux medium enriched with bioelements (Mg, Zn, Cu, Fe). The aim of the study was to create an effective method of sampling, which enabled non-invasive monitoring of metals concentrations changes in the medium, during increase of biomass in in vitro cultures. The first, indirect method of sampling was applied. The non-invasive probe (a dipper) for in vitro culture was used; hence, the highest biomass increase and metals accumulation were gained. The method also guaranteed culture sterility. The second method, a direct one, interfered the in vitro culture conditions and growth of mycelium, and as a consequence the lower biomass increase and metals' accumulation were observed. Few cases of contaminations of mycelium in in vitro cultures were observed. The proposed method of non-invasive sampling of the medium can be used to monitor changes in the concentrations of metals in the medium and their accumulation in the mycelium in natural environment. Changes in concentrations of the selected metals over time, determined by the method of atomic absorption spectrometry, made it possible to correlate the obtained results with the specific stages of A. bisporus mycelium development and to attempt to explain the mechanism of sampling metals from the liquid substrate.

Fortified Mycelium of Fomitopsis officinalis (Agaricomycetes) as a Source of Biologically Active Substances Effective in the Prevention of Civilization Diseases.

Fomitopsis officinalis is a popular species of therapeutic arboreal mushroom with a documented history of use in traditional European and Asian medicine. It was chosen as a research material not only due to its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immunostimulatory properties but also because it is endangered in Poland. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of supplementing inorganic zinc and magnesium salts to the culture medium in which F. officinalis was multiplied in vitro in 10-L bioreactors equipped with an aeration and CO2 removal system. The influence of the addition of zinc and magnesium salts to the culture medium on the quantity of bioelements and organic compounds (indole, phenolic compounds, and L-phenylalanine), as well as their bioavailability to the human body (extraction to artificial digestive juices), was determined. The lowest amount of magnesium and zinc was found in the fruiting bodies of F. officinalis (132.1 and 15.3 mg/100 g dry weight [DW], respectively), whereas the highest amount was found in the mycelium obtained on the medium enriched with sulfate salts (1261 and 182.8 mg/100 g DW, respectively). Enrichment of the medium increased the content of the studied bioelements and organic compounds in the F. officinalis mycelium. The results showed that the applied method allowed obtaining fortified mycelium of the tested species as a natural therapeutic material that can supplement the deficiency of bioelements, phenolic compounds, L-phenylalanine, and indole compounds.

Supplementation with Magnesium Salts-A Strategy to Increase Nutraceutical Value of Pleurotus djamor Fruiting Bodies.

The use of substrates supplemented with minerals is a promising strategy for increasing the nutraceutical value of Pleurotus spp. The current research was performed to analyze the effect of substrate supplementation with magnesium (Mg) salts on the Mg content, biomass, and chemical composition of pink oyster mushroom (Pleurotus djamor) fruiting bodies. Before inoculation, substrate was supplemented with MgCl2 × 6 H2O and MgSO4, both salts were applied at three concentrations: 210, 420, and 4200 mg of Mg per 2 kg of substrate. The harvest period included three flushes. Substrate supplementation with 4200 mg of Mg caused the most significant decrease in mushroom productivity, of about 28% for both Mg salts. The dry matter content in fruiting bodies was significantly lower in the treatment in which 210 mg of Mg was applied as MgSO4 in comparison to the control. Supplementation effectively increased the Mg content in fruiting bodies of P. djamor by 19-85% depending on the treatment, and significantly affected the level of remaining bioelements and anions. One hundred grams of pink oyster fruiting bodies, supplemented with Mg salts, provides more than 20% of the Mg dietary value recommended by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); thus, supplementation can be an effective technique for producing mushrooms that are rich in dietary Mg. Although P. djamor grown in supplemented substrate showed lower productivity, this was evident only in the fresh weight because the differences in dry weight were negligible. Mg supplementation increased the antioxidant activity of the fruiting bodies, phenolic compounds, and some amino acids, including L-tryptophan, and vitamins (thiamine and l-ascorbic acid).

Determining the amount of potentially bioavailable phenolic compounds and bioelements in edible mushroom mycelia of Agaricus bisporus, Cantharellus cibarius, and Lentinula edodes.

Release of bioelements and phenolic compounds from edible mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus, Cantharellus cibarius, and Lentinula edodes) enriched with zinc, selenium, l-phenylalanine, alone and as a mixture was examined using a simulated human gastrointestinal digestion method. Due to the extensive amount of data obtained, in order to interpret them more precisely in the work, the methods of chemometric analysis (Cluster Analysis-CA and Principal Compenent Analysis-PCA) were additionally applied. The results showed mycelium of L. edodes has the best health-promoting properties and addition of mixture to the media increased significantly the synthesis of p-hydroxybenzoic and protocatechuic acid (267 and 16.3 mg/100 g d.w.). After extraction into artificial digestive juices, 97.4 mg/100 g d.w. p-hydroxybenzoic acid and 15.6 mg/100 g d.w. of protocatechuic acid were released. The greatest amounts of Se and Zn were extracted from enriched A. bisporus mycelium (32.3 and 342 mg/100 g d.w., respectively). This study confirmed that mycelium might prevent nutritional deficiencies in the diet through use of functional foods.

Effect of conservation methods on the bioaccessibility of bioelements from in vitro-digested edible mushrooms.

BACKGROUND: The release of bioelements from edible mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus, Cantharellus cibarius, and Imleria badia) was examined using in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion to assess their health-promoting potential. The following samples were tested: fresh, frozen, dried in a food dryer, dried in the sun, and lyophilized. The samples were incubated in gastric juice (pepsin, NaCl, HCl) and in intestinal juice (NaHCO3 , pancreatin, bile salts) with the aim of verifying the bioaccessibility of the bioelements and the digestibility of mushrooms. Four bioelements that are essential for the human body were studied: Mg, Zn, Cu, and Fe. RESULTS: It was found that Mg was extracted in the highest amounts from the sun-dried A. bisporus (1.620 g kg-1 d.w.). In the case of microelements, the lyophilized fruiting bodies of I. badia released Zn in the highest quantities (0.180 g kg-1 d.w.). Lyophilization and sun-drying methods were more advantageous than other methods. Fresh material was a more valuable source of bioelements than frozen material. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that edible mushrooms have a high content of bioelements that are easily bioaccessible, which indicates their health-promoting properties. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Imipramine Influences Body Distribution of Supplemental Zinc Which May Enhance Antidepressant Action.

Zinc (Zn) was found to enhance the antidepressant efficacy of imipramine (IMI) in human depression and animal tests/models of depression. However, the underlying mechanism for this effect remains unknown. We measured the effect of intragastric (p.o.) combined administration of IMI (60 mg/kg) and Zn (40 mg Zn/kg) in the forced swim test (FST) in mice. The effect of Zn + IMI on serum, brain, and intestinal Zn concentrations; Zn transporter (ZnT, ZIP) protein levels in the intestine and ZnT in the brain; including BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and CREB (cAMP response element-binding protein) protein levels in the brain were evaluated. Finally, the effect of IMI on Zn permeability was measured in vitro in colon epithelial Caco-2 cells. The co-administration of IMI and Zn induced antidepressant-like activity in the FST in mice compared to controls and Zn or IMI given alone. This effect correlated with increased BDNF and the ratio of pCREB/CREB protein levels in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) compared to the control group. Zn + IMI co-treatment increased Zn concentrations in the serum and brain compared to the control group. However, in serum, co-administration of IMI and Zn decreased Zn concentration compared to Zn alone treatment. Also, there was a reduction in the Zn-induced enhancement of ZnT1 protein level in the small intestine. Zn + IMI also induced an increase in the ZnT4 protein level in the PFC compared to the control group and normalized the Zn-induced decrease in the ZnT1 protein level in the hippocampus (Hp). The in vitro studies revealed enhanced Zn permeability (observed as the increased transfer of Zn through the intestinal cell membrane) after IMI treatment. Our data indicate that IMI enhances Zn transfer through the intestinal tract and influences the redistribution of Zn between the blood and brain. These mechanisms might explain the enhanced antidepressant efficacy of combined IMI/Zn treatment observed in the FST in mice.

Selected edible medicinal mushrooms from Pleurotus genus as an answer for human civilization diseases.

Edible mushrooms are classified as a functional food. The study aimed to initiate in vitro cultures of selected species of Pleurotus: P. citrinopileatus, P. djamor, P. eryngii, P. florida, P. ostreatus, and P. pulmonarius and to optimize the method of cultivation of these species to obtain raw materials characterized by pro-health properties. Another objective was to analyze the biologically active substances in the obtained mushroom materials. By determining the organic compounds and bioelements present in the species selected for the study, it was found that the fruiting bodies obtained by cultivation were characterized by a high content of phenolic and indole compounds. Similarly, the mycelia obtained from in vitro culture were found to contain significant amounts of organic compounds exhibiting biological effects such as lovastatin. The study revealed that the composition of biologically active substances varied between the mycelia obtained from in vitro cultures and the fruiting bodies obtained by cultivation.

Correction to: Lentinula edodes as a Source of Bioelements Released Into Artificial Digestive Juices and Potential Anti-inflammatory Material.

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake.

Lentinula edodes as a Source of Bioelements Released into Artificial Digestive Juices and Potential Anti-inflammatory Material.

Lentinula edodes (shiitake), an edible and medicinal mushroom, was chosen for this study with the aim of evaluating the possibility of release of bioelements into artificial digestive juices and analyzing the anti-inflammatory properties. The extracts were prepared from fruiting bodies and biomass enriched with copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and selenium (Se). The content of bioelements was analyzed by total reflection X-ray fluorescence method. Relatively low content of elements was observed in the fruiting bodies: Cu-1.6, Zn-7.6, and Se-0.12 mg/100 g d.w. compared to mycelial cultures. The anti-inflammatory properties were evaluated in RAW 264.7 cells. Based on the levels of cyclooxygenase 2 protein, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ determined using Western blot technique, it was found that the addition of bioelements enhanced the anti-inflammatory properties of mycelium. This indicates that L. edodes cultured on a suitable medium may be used as a potential component of anti-inflammatory products.

Pleurotus spp. Mycelia Enriched in Magnesium and Zinc Salts as a Potential Functional Food.

Worldwide, mushrooms belonging to the Pleurotus spp. such as P. citrinopileatus, P. djamor, and P. pulmonarius are highly valued not only for their taste and aroma but also for their health-promoting properties. These species are rich in bioelements, vitamins, and above all, compounds that exhibit immunostimulatory activity. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to determine the effect of the supplementation of culture media using inorganic Mg and Zn salts. This is the first study to establish the bioavailability of the selected elements (Mg and Zn) and anions (Cl-, SO42-) from the enriched biomass by means of the extraction of lyophilized mycelium into artificial digestive juices. The following salts were added to the liquid Oddoux medium: ZnSO4·7H2O, ZnCl2, MgSO4·7H2O or MgCl2·6H2O. The bioelements, anions and organic compounds in the obtained biomass were determined. The addition of Zn and Mg salts to the media increased the production of biomass by 30% and increased the bioaccumulation of the inorganic salts. Maintaining in vitro cultures under optimized and controlled conditions produced mycelium with a better composition and health properties than otherwise. Such enriched biomass may be classified as potential functional foods, aiding in overcoming deficiencies of elements and organic compounds with biological activity in humans.