Kamgoue N.Y.B, Parmar G., Meman S., Donkeng V.S.M. and Patel L.
Abstract
Oyster mushrooms are fungi with high nutritional and therapeutic value. They constitute an important source of food and medicine for humans. The present study aimed to evaluate the nutritional values and antioxidant activities of Pleurotus ostreatus, Pleurotus florida, and Pleurotus sajor caju. We looked into the nutritional content of mushrooms by checking their moisture, ash, protein, carbohydrates, crude fiber, lipids, minerals, and vitamins. This was done using standard methods like drying, ignition, colorimetric analysis, extraction, and spectrophotometry. To evaluate their antioxidant activity, we prepared extracts using methanol, ethanol, and double distilled water through Soxhlet extraction. Then, we assessed their ability to scavenge free radicals with the DPPH assay, measuring absorbance at 517 nm. Pleurotus species each have their own unique nutritional profiles, packed with minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. For instance, Pleurotus ostreatus stands out with the highest moisture content at 92%, along with notable levels of ash (9.46 g/100g), fiber (24.34 g/100g), and essential minerals like iron (55.45 mg/100g) and calcium (36.05 mg/100g). On the other hand, Pleurotus sajor caju takes the lead in protein content (25.63 g/100g) and is rich in vitamins B1 (1.76 mg/100g) and B3 (14.23 mg/100g). Meanwhile, Pleurotus florida shines with its carbohydrate content (42.93 g/100g) and is also a great source of vitamins C (25.36 mg/100g) and B9 (0.81 mg/100g). When it comes to antioxidant activity, all species show an increase with dosage: methanol extracts from P. ostreatus and P. florida achieve an impressive 70 -78% inhibition, while the water extract from P. sajor caju hits a peak at 79%. These findings reveal that Pleurotus species are packed with a wealth of nutrients, minerals, vitamins, and impressive antioxidant properties. Each type shines in its own way, making them excellent additions to our diets. Their exceptional nutritional value and natural ability to fight oxidative stress underscore their role as functional mushrooms that promote health.