Abstract

Objective: To elucidate the phytochemical content and antioxidant activity of selected wild edible Nigerian mushroom species. Methods: Phytochemical screening was carried out using standard methods while 1,1-Diphenyl picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical and reductive power assays were used to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant properties of the selected edible Nigerian mushroom species. Results: The result obtained revealed the presence of alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, saponins, flavonoids, terpenes, steroids, tannins and phenols in the selected mushrooms extracts. The extract of Pleutorus ostearus showed a significantly (P<0.05) higher total phenol and flavonoid content of (248.80依7.63) mg/g and (42.63依0.63) mg/g respectively compared to other mushroom extracts. Cantherale cibarus had the most significant (P<0.05) amount of alkaloids [(135.57依0.27) mg/g] and saponins [(150.41依0.50) mg/g] when compared to other extracts while the tannin content [(170.56依0.74)] mg/g was highest in the mushroom Temitomyces robustus. All mushroom extracts scavenged DPPH radical in a dose dependent manner. However, Lactarus deliciousus had the highest DPPH scavenging activity compared to the other mushroom extracts. Pleutorus ostearus and Lactarus deliciousus had better reductive power than other mushroom extracts concentrations used. Conclusions: The mushroom species analysed have been shown to be good sources of antioxidants and other phytoconstituents, thus it can be used in the management of oxidative stress induced diseases.

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