Bioactive properties and antioxidant activity of wild mushrooms of Tripura

ABSTRACT Aim/Background: Mushrooms are enriched in nutrients and natural bioactive compounds owing antioxidant potential. This study was carried out to assess the bioactive components (ascorbic acid, phenols, lycopene and β-carotene) and antioxidant potentiality (free radical scavenging activity and chelating effects) of two indigenously available wild mushrooms, Pleurotus djamor and Lepiota sistrata. In addition EC50values was also estimated. Methods: Fruiting bodies of both the selected mushroom were plucked from their respective habitat and processed in the laboratory for the estimation of bioactive properties and antioxidant potentiality of both the mushroom. Results: Maximum free radical scavenging activity was noted in methanolic extract of P. djamor with 93.84% inhibition at 16 mg/ml concentration. L.sistrata with 86.61% at 1.5 mg/ml concentration exhibit highest chelating effect. P. djamor has the highest phenol and ascorbic acid was higher in L. sistrata. The fruit body of L. sistrata possesses higher lycopene and β-carotene. Conclusion: The study offers basic information about the bioactive molecules and antioxidant properties of both the mushrooms.