Antioxidant proficiency in Serbian mushrooms: a comparative study on Hydnum repandum L. 1753 from mycorrhizal and edible niches.

This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant potential of autochthonous Hydnum repandum through LC-MS/MS profiling, total phenolic content (TP), total protein content (TPR), and antioxidant capabilities (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays) across various extracts (CHCl3, acetone, 70% EtOH, 80% MeOH, and hot water). LC-MS/MS analysis revealed a predominant presence of quinic acid in polar solvents (ranging from 531.37 to 676.07 ng/mL), while EtOH and MeOH extracts exhibited elevated total phenolic levels (27.44 ± 0.32 and 28.29 ± 3.62 mg GAE/g d.w., respectively). Impressively, H. repandum showcased remarkable antioxidant properties, as evidenced by its FRAP values (57.29 to 199.96 mg AAE/g d.w.), ABTS values (5.69 to 29.95 mg TE/g d.w.), and IC50 values in the DPPH assay (91.40 to 372.55 µg/mL), which exhibited a strong correlation with TP. Notably, the acetone extract exhibited the most robust antioxidant activity where the highest TPR was observed, suggesting synergism of primary and secondary metabolites.

Variations in Proline Content, Polyamine Profiles, and Antioxidant Capacities among Different Provenances of European Beech (Fagus sylvatica L.).

International provenance trials are a hot topic in forestry, and in light of climate change, the search for more resilient beech provenances and their assisted migration is one of the challenges of climate-smart forestry. The main aim of the study was to determine intraspecific variability in European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) among 11 beech provenances according to total antioxidant capacities estimated by various assays, such as DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic) acid), FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) assay, and radical scavenging capacity against nitric oxide (RSC-NO assays), as well as osmolyte content, primarily individual polyamines (putrescine, spermidine, and spermine), and free proline content. Polyamine amounts were quantified by using HPLC coupled with fluorescent detection after dansylation pretreatment. The highest values for radical scavenger capacity assays (ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP) were measured in the German provenances DE47 and DE49. Also, the highest NO inhibition capacity was found in the provenance DE49, while the highest content of proline (PRO), total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC) was recorded in DE47. The Austrian AT56 and German provenance DE49 were most abundant in total polyamines. This research underlines the importance of the application of common antioxidant assays as well as osmolyte quantification as a criterion for the selection of climate-ready beech provenances for sustainable forest management.

Comparison of fatty acids and amino acids profiles of the selected perennial and annual wheat varieties from Kazakhstan.

This study applied various chromatographic methods to assess the chemical composition of five selected perennial and annual wheat seed varieties cultivated in Kazakhstan. Gas Chromatography (GC) analysis revealed distinct fatty acid profiles, with perennial, soft, and durum annual wheat seeds displaying varying levels of saturated fatty acids (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (SFA: 10.538 - 19.676%, MUFA: 17.124 - 23.131%, PUFA: 58.649 - 66.938%). HPLC analysis uncovered significant differences in the content of total non-essential amino acids (TNEA) and essential amino acids (TEA). Among the analysed varieties, "Sova" had the highest TNEA content (4464.70 mg/g) with aspartic acid as the predominant amino acid (4146.35 mg/g), while "704" displayed the highest TEA content (579.95 mg/g) with tyrosine as the dominant amino acid (219.98 mg/g). These findings highlight the potential of Kazakh wheat varieties as rich sources of essential nutrients and hold promise for improving public health.

Macrofungi as Medicinal Resources in Uzbekistan: Biodiversity, Ethnomycology, and Ethnomedicinal Practices.

Interest in edible and medicinal macrofungi is millennial in terms of their uses in health and food products in Central Asia, while interest in inedible and medicinal macrofungi has grown in popularity in recent years. Edible and inedible medicinal basidiomycetes were collected during field surveys from different regions of Uzbekistan. The morphological characters and similarity assessment of rDNA-Internal Transcribed Spacer sequence data were used to measure diversity and habitat associations. A number of 17 species of medicinal macrofungi of ethnomycological and medicinal interest was found associated with 23 species of trees and shrubs belonging to 11 families and 14 genera. Polyporaceae and Hymenochaetaceae were represented by the highest number of species followed by Ganodermataceae, Fomitopsidaceae, Auriculariaceae, Cerrenaceae, Grifolaceae, Phanerochaetaceae, Laetiporaceae, Schizophyllaceae, and Stereaceae. The highest number of medicinal basidiomycete species was reported in the following host genera: Acer, Betula, Celtis, Crataegus, Juglans, Juniperus, Lonicera, Malus, Morus, Platanus, Populus, Prunus, Quercus, and Salix. An updated list of edible and inedible medicinal mushrooms identified in Uzbekistan, their morphological characteristics, and phylogenetic placement are given for the first time. Information is provided on their uses in traditional and modern medicine. Their bioactive compounds and extracts can be applied as medicines, as well as food and cosmetic ingredients.

Do Ganoderma Species Represent Novel Sources of Phenolic Based Antimicrobial Agents?

Ganoderma species have been recognized as potential antimicrobial (AM) agents and have been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for a long time. The aim of this study is to examine the AM potential of autochthonous Ganoderma species (G. applanatum, G. lucidum, G. pfeifferi and G. resinaceum) from Serbia. The extraction of fungal material was prepared in different solvents (ethanol-EtOH, water-H2O, chloroform-CHCl3). Antibacterial activity (ABA) was determined using disk-diffusion, agar-well diffusion, and micro-dilution method, while for antifungal properties disk-diffusion and pour plate method were applied. Antiviral activity was tested on model DNA virus LK3 and determined by plaque assay. Statistical PCA analysis was applied for detection of correlation effects of phenolics and AM activities, while LC-MS/MS was performed for phenolics quantification. G. resinaceum CHCl3 extract expressed the most potent ABA against P. aeruginosa (MIC = 6.25 mg/mL), probably due to presence of flavonoids and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid. Among H2O extracts, the highest ABA was determined for G. pfeifferi against both E. coli and S. aureus (21 and 19 mm, respectively). EtOH extracts of G. pfeifferi and G. resinaceum were the most effective against A. niger (23.8 and 20.15 mm, respectively), with special impact of phenolic acids and flavonoid isorhamnetin, while C. albicans showed the lowest susceptibility. The most potent antiviral inhibitor was G. lucidum (70.73% growth inhibition) due to the high amount of phenolic acids. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a methodical AM profile of G. pfeifferi and G. resinaceum from the Balkan region including PCA analysis.

Effects of UV Stress in Promoting Antioxidant Activities in Fungal Species Тrametes versicolor (L.) Lloyd and Flammulina velutipes (Curtis) Singer.

Trametes versicolor and Flammulina velutipes, after submerged cultivation, with intermittent exposure to ultraviolet light (UV), were studied for Total Phenolic content (TP) and Total Proteins (TPR) contents and antioxidant properties against free radicals. The TP and TPR were determined by a spectrophotometric method and Lowry's assay, respectively. Liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used to quantify polyphenols. Different in vitro assays determined the antioxidant activities of the extracts. Mycelia extract from F. velutipes after 14 days and filtrate from T. versicolor after 21 days of incubation gave the highest TP 59.60 ± 0.14 and 50.03 ± 0.66 mg GAE/g d.w., respectively. Mycelia extract from T. versicolor after 28 days of incubation had the highest TPR (183.53 ± 2.84 mg BSAE/g d.w.). The LC-MS/MS analysis indicated that p-hydroxybenzoic and protocatechuic acids are the most abundant. Trametes versicolor filtrate after 14 days and F. velutipes filtrate after 21 days (71.29 ± 0.54% and 73.5 ± 1.81, respectively) had the highest scavenging activity in SOA. Correlation analysis indicated that all extracts' antioxidant (AO) potential strongly correlated with TP (R2 = 0.83-1.0). The data confirmed that stress factors such as UV exposure could stimulate the production of secondary metabolites and natural AOs, especially phenolic acids in test fungi.

Polyamines in Edible and Medicinal Fungi from Serbia: A Novel Perspective on Neuroprotective Properties.

The therapeutic effectiveness of current neurodegenerative disease treatments is still under debate because of problems with bioavailability and a range of side effects. Fungi, which are increasingly recognized as sources of natural antioxidants and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme inhibitors, may thus serve as potent neuroprotective agents. Previous studies have associated the anti-AChE and antioxidant activities of fungi mostly with polysaccharides and phenolic compounds, while other secondary metabolites such as polyamines (PAs) have been neglected. This study aimed to investigate eight edible and medicinal fungi from Serbia, marking the initial investigation into the neuroprotective capabilities of Postia caesia, Clitocybe odora, Clitopilus prunulus, and Morchella elata. Neuroprotective activity was examined using the Ellman assay, while the antioxidant capacity was tested by conducting DPPH, NO, ABTS, and FRAP tests. PA levels were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with fluorescent detection. Ganoderma applanatum and Lepista nuda exhibited the most robust anti-AChE (98.05 ± 0.83% and 99.94 ± 3.10%, respectively) and antioxidant activities, attributed to the synergistic effects of the total protein, total phenolic, and PA levels. Furthermore, P. caesia displayed significant AChE inhibition (88.21 ± 4.76%), primarily linked to the elevated spermidine (SPD) (62.98 ± 3.19 mg/kg d.w.) and putrescine (PUT) levels (55.87 ± 3.16 mg/kg d.w.). Our results highlight the need for thorough research to comprehend the intricate relationships between distinct fungus species and AChE inhibition. However, it is important to recognize that more research is required to identify the precise substances causing the reported inhibitory effects.

Exploring biodiversity and ethnobotanical significance of Solanum species in Uzbekistan: unveiling the cultural wealth and ethnopharmacological uses.

Despite its millennial existence and empirical documentation, the ethnological knowledge of herbs is a more recent phenomenon. The knowledge of their historical uses as food, medicine, source of income and small-scale businesses, and the sociological impacts are threatened due to the slow ethnobotanical research drive. Species of the genus Solanum have long been extensively used in folk medicine to treat various illnesses of humans since the dawn of civilization. All data were systematically obtained from papers, monographs, and books written in Uzbek, Russian, and English through various scientific online databases, including Google, Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Semantic Scholar, Science Direct, and Web of Science using specific keywords focused on eight Solanum species. Eight native and non-native Solanum species as S. dulcamara L., S. lycopersicum L., S. melongena L., S. nigrum L., S. rostratum Dunal., S. sisymbriifolium Lam., S. tuberosum L., and S. villosum Mill. have been recorded in Uzbekistan of Central Asia. In this article we presented recently obtained data on the diversity, morphological characteristics, global distribution, habitat, population status, phenology, reproduction, pharmacology and phytochemistry of these Solanum species in Uzbekistan. Furthermore, relying on a combination of literature reviews and analyses from various scientific papers, we focus on food consumption coupled with global ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological uses in human diseases of the Solanum species growing in Uzbekistan. Since the dawn of civilization, these eight cultivated and non-cultivated species of Solanum have provided sustainable resources of medicinal plants in Uzbekistan to prevent and treat various human diseases. Based on the collected data, it was shown that Solanum species have not been studied ethnobotanically and ethnomedicinally in Uzbekistan and it is necessary to conduct phytochemical and biotechnological research on them in the future. Traditional uses and scientific evaluation of Solanum indicate that S. nigrum, S. sisymbriifolium and S. tuberosum are one of the most widely used species in some parts of the world. Although considerable progress has been made to comprehend the chemical and biological properties of S. nigrum and S. tuberosum species, more research on the pharmacology and toxicology of these species is needed to ensure the safety, efficacy, and quality of their biologically active extracts and isolated bioactive compounds. Additionally, conducting additional research on the structure-activity relationship of certain isolated phytochemicals has the potential to enhance their biological efficacy and advance the scientific utilization of traditional applications of Solanum taxa.

Mushroom Species Stereum hirsutum as Natural Source of Phenolics and Fatty Acids as Antioxidants and Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors.

Many lignicolous mushroom species are used as a food supplement and may represent an alternative treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study aimed to evaluate acetylcholinesterase inhibition (AChEI) of Stereum hirsutum together with antioxidant activity (AO) and cytotoxic activity against HepG2 cells. Different extracts (water, ethanol, methanol, polysaccharide) were analyzed, with respect to their mineral composition and chemical content. Ethanol extract was the most potent in AChEI (98.44 %) and demonstrated cytotoxic activity (91.96 % at 900.00 µg/mL), while the highest AO was demonstrated for polar extracts (methanol and water) as well. These activities may be attributed to determined phenolics (hydroxybenzoic and quinic acid) and fatty acids (FA), while biflavonoid amentoflavone may be responsible for cytotoxic activity. The most prevalent FA was linoleic (40.00 %) and the domination of unsaturated FA (UFA) (71.91 %) over saturated (26.96 %) was observed. This is the first report of AChEI of S. hirsutum extracts and first detection of amentoflavone. Due to high amount of UFA and well-expressed AChEI, this species can be considered as a potent food supplement in the palliative therapy of AD.

Comparison of Two Schizophyllum commune Strains in Production of Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors and Antioxidants from Submerged Cultivation.

In recent years, fungi have been recognized as producers of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors, agents important for the prevention of Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study aimed to examine the AChE inhibitory, the antioxidative and antibacterial activity of two different Schizophyllum commune strains that originated from Serbia (SRB) and Italy (IT). Submerged cultivation of grown mycelia (M) and fermentation broth (F) of ethanol (EtOH) and polysaccharide (PSH) extracts lasted for 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. For AChE activity Ellman method was performed, while for antioxidative activity, sevendifferent assays were conducted: DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, SOA, OH, NO together with total phenolic content. Antimicrobial screen, LC-MS/MS technique and FTIR measurements were performed. Different isolates exhibited different AChE activity, with PSH being the strongest (SRB, M, 28 days IC90 79.73 ± 26.34 µg/mL), while in EtOH extracts, IT stood out (F, 14 days, IC50 0.8 ± 0.6 µg/mL). PSH extracts (7 days) exhibit significant antioxidative activity (AO), opposite to EtOH extracts where 14 and 21days periods stood out. Only tw extracts showed antibacterial activity. Following LC-MS/MS analysis p-hydroxybenzoic and gallic acids were the most abundant phenolics. PSH extracts demonstrated remarkable results, making this study debut and introducing S. commune as a valuable resource of AChE inhibitors.

Four selected commercial seaweeds: biologically active compounds, antioxidant and cytotoxic properties.

The aim of this research work was to study the chemical characterisation, antioxidant and cytotoxic activity of ethanolic extracts of four commercial algae species Arame, Kombu, Hijiki and Wakame. The highest scavenging activity has been observed in Arame extract. Antioxidant potential of all extracts was in correlation with total phenol content (Arame extract: 319.15 ± 0.56 mg GAE/g d.w) and it was not in correlation with total carotenoids content (Wakame: 75.15 ± 0.20 mg/g). Polyphenols were quantified using LC-MS/MS technique. Baicalein and amentoflavone were identified in higher amount in relation to other phenols. Intracellular antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity of algae extracts were evaluated on the human prostate cancer cell line PC3. Although presented biomolecules in the extracts have demonstrated in vitro antioxidant activity, they did not show a significant effect on PC3 cells. However, this study opens up broad perspective for the further comprehensive investigation of these, commercial, seaweed's biopotential.

Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant and Enzyme Inhibition Activities in Correlation with Mycochemical Profile of Selected Indigenous Ganoderma spp. from Balkan Region (Serbia).

The aim of this research work was to study the bioactivity potentials (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and enzyme inhibitory) of ethanol (EtOH), water (H2 O) and chloroform (CHCl3 ) extracts of G. applanatum, G. lucidum, G. pfeifferi and G. resinaceum as well as their mycochemical profile: the total content of phenolics (TP) and sugars (TS) and LC/MS/MS detection of phenolics. LC/MS/MS profile showed that p-hydroxybenzoic and protocatechuic acids were mostly found. The highest ABTS and DPPH activities were detected in polar G. applanatum extracts (159.84±0.59 mg TE/g d.w., IC50 =0.85±0.30 µg/mL, respectively), while G. resinaceum CHCl3 extract was the most potent in NO assay (IC50 =41.21±0.18-81.89±0.81 µg/mL). The highest TP and TS were generally determined in G. applanatum EtOH extracts. Enzyme inhibitory effects were determined in H2 O extracts. Generally, CHCl3 extracts showed the most powerful anti-inflammatory potential. These results suggest that analyzed species are a promising source of bioactive compounds and may be considered as candidates for new food supplements or drug formulations.

Bioactive Phenolic Compounds of Two Medicinal Mushroom Species Trametes versicolor and Stereum subtomentosum as Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Agents.

Medicinal mushrooms have tremendous potential in production of bioactive compounds with diverse bioactivities while the biochemical potential of some specific mushroom strains (autochthonous for the region) in production of specific bioactive agents may be of the main importance in a continuous search for novel strains with supreme activities all over the world. In this study, the ethanolic (EtOH) and water (H2 O) extracts of wild-growing polypore mushroom species were investigated: Trametes versicolor (L.) Lloyd and Stereum subtomentosum Pouzar. This study was designed to determine total phenol (TP), flavonoid (TF) and protein content (TPR) as well as LC/MS/MS phenolic profile related to in vitro antioxidant, antiproliferative (MTT assay) (AP) and DNA fragmentation properties. The H2 O extracts expressed better antioxidant scavenging potential than EtOH showing the highest activity for the T. versicolor (IC50 =5.6 µg/mL, IC50 =0.6 µg/mL for DPPH. and OH. , respectively) while O2 .- activity achieved the best activity for S. subtomentosum (IC50 =4.1 µg/mL). In contrary, the highest AP activity was obtained for the EtOH extracts of S. subtomentosum (IC50 =141.1 µg/mL). The EtOH extracts of both species showed the highest TP, TF and TPR content. Obtained results of DNA degradation indicate genotoxicity potential of the extracts at high concentration. The LC/MS/MS detection showed that the majority of analyzed extracts contained phenolic acids, p-hydroxybenzoic and protocatechuic acid. The obtained results suggest that analyzed medicinal mushroom species, T. versicolor and S. subtomentosum, could be of potential interest as new sources of strong natural antioxidants as well as antiproliferative agents in the future.

Antidiabetic effect of two different Ganoderma species tested in alloxan diabetic rats.

This study was designed to define total protein, phenol and flavonoid content as well as LC-MS/MS phenolic profile related to antioxidant and antidiabetic activity of ethanolic (EtOH) and water extracts of G. pfeifferi and G. resinaceum. G. resinaceum water extract possessed the highest ability to scavenge DPPH˙ and O2˙-, while the EtOH extract of the same species showed better activity on NO˙ related to other extracts. The highest level of bioactive compounds was determined generally in EtOH extracts. Antidiabetic action was evaluated by the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and histological examination of pancreas and liver in normoglycemic and alloxan-induced diabetic animals. Histological examination of pancreatic tissue demonstrated that G. pfeifferi extracts have protective effects. To conclude, analysed extracts could be considered as a promising candidate for further research with the aim to promote antidiabetic activity, which is for the first time reported for G. pfeifferi.

The polysaccharide extracts from the fungi Coprinus comatus and Coprinellus truncorum do exhibit AChE inhibitory activity.

The polysaccharide (PSH) extracts from the edible mushroom species Coprinus comatus and Coprinellus truncorum were screened in liquid for their acetylcholinesterase inhibitory (AChE) activity. Both extracts were found to display inhibition of the aforementioned enzyme reaching similar IC50 values of 0.62 ± 0.07 and 0.61 ± 0.03 mg/mL, respectively. According to the means of FTIR spectroscopy, these PSH extracts mostly contained ß-glucans. However, the presence of some proteins and polyphenolics as minor ingredients were also detected. Compared with existing literature data for anti-AChE activity of the sugar samples, the findings within this study may be treated as a profound bioactivity. Consequently, this study puts some light on the possible use of the screened macrofungi in the palliative treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

A comparative overview of antioxidative properties and phenolic profiles of different fungal origins: fruiting bodies and submerged cultures of Coprinus comatus and Coprinellus truncorum.

Bioactive properties of fungi considerably differ between the fruiting body (FB) and the submerged culture as regards mycelia (M) and the fermentation broth (F). Antioxidant properties of hot-water extracts obtained from three different fungal origins: FB, M and F of two autochthonous fungal species (Northern Serbia), Coprinus comatus and Coprinellus truncorum were investigated. Free radical scavenging capacity (RSC) was evaluated in vitro by the DPPH assay and reducing power ability (FRAP assay). Considering possible bioactive properties of different compounds present in fungal extracts, the content of total proteins (TP), phenols (TC) and flavonoids (TF) were investigated colorimetrically. The chemical characterisation of the examined extracts was evaluated using the HPLC-MS/MS method. C. comatus showed the strongest RSC activity; more precisely, fermentation broth extract (FCc) on DPPH radicals (IC50 = 5.06 µg mL-1) and fruiting body extract (FBCc) for the FRAP assay (42.86 mg ascorbic acid equivalents (AAE)/g). Submerged M extract of both species showed the highest TC (MCc 81.95 mg gallic acid eq (GAE)/g d.w.; MCt 81.64 mg GAE/g d.w.), while FB extracts contained the highest content of TP. Comparing LC-MS phenolic profiles between species-interspecifically and among different fungal origins-intraspecifically (fruiting bodies and submerged cultures), high variations were noticed. In submerged M or F extracts of C. comatus, vanillic, gallic, gentisic and cinnamic acids were detected, as opposed to FB. Considering that diverse phenolic profiles of detected antioxidant compounds were obtained by submerged cultivation, this type of cultivation is promising for the production of antioxidant substances.

Antioxidant activities of Melittis melissophyllum L. (Lamiaceae).

Extracts of Melittis melissophyllum leaves in ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and water were evaporated to dryness and dissolved in 50% ethanol to make 10% (w/v) solutions. The potential protective action of the extracts was assessed by the corresponding in vitro and in vivo tests. In the in vitro experiments extracts were tested as potential scavengers of free radicals (DPPH, O2·â», NO, and OH radicals), as well as inhibitors of liposomal peroxidation (LPx). The results obtained show that all extracts (exept n-BuOH extract) are good scavengers of radicals and reduce LPx intensity in liposomes, which points to their protective (antioxidant) activity. In vivo experiments were concerned with antioxidant systems (activities of GSHPx, GSHR, Px, CAT, XOD, GSH content and intensity of LPx) in liver homogenate and blood-hemolysate of experimental animals after their treatment with extracts of M. melissophyllum leaves, or in combination with CCl4. On the basis of the results obtained it can be concluded that the examined extracts have protective (antioxidative) effect and this antioxidative behaviour is more pronounced in liver than in blood-hemolysate. The reason is probably the fact that liver contains other enzymatic systems, which can also participate in the antioxidative mechanism. Of all the extracts the H2O one showed the highest protective activity.