Bioactive Properties of Selected European Phellinus Species: A Comprehensive Study

This study conducted a multi-directional evaluation of the chemical potential and biological properties of selected European fungal species of the genus <i>Phellinus</i>. We investigated 30 samples belonging to 22 <i>Phellinus</i> species. Fruiting bodies were collected, among other specimens, in the Białowieża Forest (Poland); Village Kozhle (North Macedonia); Estremadura, Sesimbra, and Lagoa de Albufeira (Portugal); Zlatari close to Prishtina (Kosovo); and Spoleto and the Bosco Siro Negri State Nature Reserve (Italy). Morphological identification of the collected fungi was carried out, and genetic tests were performed to confirm the identity of the collected specimens. Methanol extracts for biological activity tests were prepared. Screening of antimicrobial activity of 30 methanolic extracts was performed on strains of bacteria (<i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i>, <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>, <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>, <i>Staphylococcus epidermidis</i>, and <i>Kocuria rhizophila</i>) and fungi (<i>Candida albicans</i>). Antioxidant activity tests (DPPH and ABTS) were also performed. The three most biologically active fungi species were selected (<i>Phellinus igniarius</i>, <i>Fomitiporia robusta</i>, and <i>Porodaedalea pini</i>) for further research. The chemical composition of the extracts was determined using GC-MS analysis. Thermal decomposition studies and spectroscopic analysis of the dry fruiting bodies were performed. The extracts were tested for their antimicrobial activity against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Cytotoxic activity was also tested.