Ipshita Kundu

Bio: Ipshita Kundu is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Phytochemical & Volvariella volvacea. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 1 publications receiving 3 citations.

Pharmacognostic standardization of a well known edible mushroom, Volvariella volvacea -

Abstract: From ancient times, Volvariella volvacea has been recognized as a dietary addition in many Asian and European countries. Clinical evaluations have also revealed that the fruit body contains a great diversity of pharmacologically active constituents that posses remarkable medicinal activities. However pharmacognostic studies of the mushroom have not been carried out so far. So the present study was conducted with a view to establish a pharmacognostic standard of the dried powder of V. volvacea. Study was executed on the basis of microscopic, physical characters and phytochemical parameters using standard methods. Fluorescence analysis of the dried powder was also conducted using different chemical reagents. On the other hand, a fresh methanol soluble extract was prepared and prelimiminary screening of phytochemicals revealed the presence of phenols, flavonoids, ascorbic acid, β-carotene and lycopene. In addition, HPLC profile was recorded and results showed existence of 12 peaks as detected at 278 nm which might be of phenolic compounds. Furthermore, DPPH radical scavenging activity (EC50-0.12 mg/ml) and total antioxidant capacity (23.75±1.25 μg ascorbic acid equivalent/mg of extract) were conducted to evaluate antioxidant potentiality of the methanol extract. All these above mentioned standards developed from this study will help in maintaining quality and purity as well as ascertain the identity and authenticity of dried powder of V. volvacea.

Reviewing the world's edible mushroom species: A new evidence-based classification system

Abstract: Wild mushrooms are a vital source of income and nutrition for many poor communities and of value to recreational foragers. Literature relating to the edibility of mushroom species continues to expand, driven by an increasing demand for wild mushrooms, a wider interest in foraging, and the study of traditional foods. Although numerous case reports have been published on edible mushrooms, doubt and confusion persist regarding which species are safe and suitable to consume. Case reports often differ, and the evidence supporting the stated properties of mushrooms can be incomplete or ambiguous. The need for greater clarity on edible species is further underlined by increases in mushroom-related poisonings. We propose a system for categorizing mushroom species and assigning a final edibility status. Using this system, we reviewed 2,786 mushroom species from 99 countries, accessing 9,783 case reports, from over 1,100 sources. We identified 2,189 edible species, of which 2,006 can be consumed safely, and a further 183 species which required some form of pretreatment prior to safe consumption or were associated with allergic reactions by some. We identified 471 species of uncertain edibility because of missing or incomplete evidence of consumption, and 76 unconfirmed species because of unresolved, differing opinions on edibility and toxicity. This is the most comprehensive list of edible mushrooms available to date, demonstrating the huge number of mushrooms species consumed. Our review highlights the need for further information on uncertain and clash species, and the need to present evidence in a clear, unambiguous, and consistent manner.

Recent Progress in Research on the Pharmacological Potential of Mushrooms and Prospects for Their Clinical Application

Abstract: Fungi are considered one of the most diverse, ecologically significant, and economically important organisms on Earth. The edible and medicinal mushrooms have long been known by humans and were used by ancient civilizations not only as valuable food but also as medicines. Mushrooms are producers of high- and low-molecular-weight bioactive compounds (alkaloids, lectins, lipids, peptidoglycans, phenolics, polyketides, polysaccharides, proteins, polysaccharide-protein/peptides, ribosomal and non-ribosomal peptides, steroids, terpenoids, etc.) possessing more than 130 different therapeutic effects (analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiplatelet, antiviral, cytotoxic, hepatoprotective, hypocholesterolemic, hypoglycemic, hypotensive, immunomodulatory, immunosuppressive, mitogenic/regenerative, etc.). The early record of Materia Medica shows evidence of using mushrooms for treatment of different diseases. Mushrooms were widely used in the traditional medicine of many countries around the world and became great resources for modern clinical and pharmacological research. However, the medicinal and biotechnological potential of mushrooms has not been fully investigated. This review discusses recent advances in research on the pharmacological potential of mushrooms and perspectives for their clinical application.

Pharmacognostic standardization of a widely explored medicinal mushroom, Pleurotus ostreatus

Abstract: From ancient times Pleurotus ostreatus is a popular edible mushroom for its test, flavor, texture and gastronomic delicacy. In addition, recent literature reports have revealed diverse therapeutic importance of this mushroom. However quality standard of this species is still unexplored. Therefore the present study aims at investigating the microscopic, physical and fluorescent characters of dry powder derived from basidiocarp with the objective to establish pharmacognostic standard of this popular oyster mushroom. Furthermore, a methanolic fraction was prepared from the macrofungus and preliminary mycochemical screening revealed presence of phenols, flavonoids, ascorbic acid, β-carotene and lycopene. For chromatographic study, HPLC was performed to achieve a phenolic fingerprint which indicated existence of 13 components. DPPH and total antioxidant assays were executed to determine the antioxidant potential of this methanolic fraction. Result demonstrated high efficiency of the mushroom as radical scavenger indicating potentiality to be used as a therapeutic drug. The aforementioned data presented in this work are valuable to assist identification of crude drugs prepared from P. ostreatus.

The Potential of Mushrooms in Developing Healthy Food and Biotech Products

Abstract: Wild and cultivated edible and medicinal mushrooms have long been known by humans as a source of valuable food and medicines in Asian and European countries. Currently, only a small fraction of estimated fungal biodiversity has been investigated for their bioactivities and medicinal properties, while mushrooms possess a potential in pharmacy, medicine, cosmetics and food industry. In the kingdom of fungi, mushrooms taxonomically belong to phyla Basidiomycota (class Agaricomycetes) and Ascomycota (class Pezizomycetes) of the subkingdom Dikarya. Mushrooms, such as truffles (Tuber), morels (Morchella), Agaricus bisporus, Boletus edulis and oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus species), are considered gourmet healthy food. Mushrooms (Ganoderma and Trametes species, Hericium erinaceus, Lentinula edodes, etc.) are also perspective sources for myco- pharmacological research as source of bioactive molecules (alkaloids, lipids, phenolics, polysaccharides, proteins, steroids, terpenoids, etc.) with more than 130 medicinal effects (anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antitumor, antiviral, cytotoxic, hepatoprotective, hypocholesterolaemic, hypoglycaemic, hypotensive, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, etc.). There is scientific evidence of using mushroom-derived biotech products as dietary food, pharmaceuticals, cosmeceuticals and other products available in the market. The current review discusses recent advances in research on the biotechnological potential of mushrooms to develop novel biotech products and perspectives for their applications in human welfare.