Nutritional Composition and Bioactive Constituents of Artificial Culture of Ophiocordyceps longissima (Ascomycetes).

ABSTRACT

In this study, the compositions of Ophiocordyceps longissima mycelia, synnemata, and fruiting bodies were first analyzed in order to clarify its chemical basis for development as a health food or medicine. We found that the contents of crude protein, polysaccharides, and macroelements were highest in mycelia, whereas effective components, including mannitol, ergosterol, adenosine, inosine, Zn, and Se, were lowest in mycelia. Polysaccharide, mannitol, and ergosterol levels in synnemata (2.33, 4.54, and 0.66 g/100 g, respectively) were similar to those in fruiting bodies, but was significantly different from those of mycelia (4.79, 1.77, and 0.43 g/100 g). Trehalose content in fruiting bodies (2.15 g/100 g) was >4 times higher than that in synnemata (0.5 g/100 g). Adenosine content in fruiting bodies (0.024 g/100 g) was 3-4 times higher than that of synnemata, whereas inosine, cytosine, guanosine, and uridine (0.093, 0.145, 0.053, and 0.073 g/100 g) were highest in synnemata. Cu and Se were lower in mycelia (3.30 × 10⁻4 and 3.1 × 10⁻5 g/100 g) than in synnemata (1.85 × 10⁻³ and 7.2 × 10⁻5 g/100 g) and fruiting bodies (1.67 × 10⁻³ and 4.3 × 10⁻5 g/100 g). As, Hg, Cd, and Pb in mycelia were under the limit of edible fungus health standard; Pb was not found, but Cd, Hg, and As were detected in fruiting bodies. These findings suggest that O. longissima could be utilized in different culture methods according to market demand and might be a possible health food or medicinal resource.