GC-MS analysis of five wild mushroom extracts revealed the presence of fifty-one (51) compounds. From the extracts, many important compounds such as acyclic monoterpenoids, alcohol, aldehyde, alkene, alkyl benzene, aromatic organic heterocyclic, benzoic acid ester, cycloalkane methanol, cyclohexane, epoxides, ester, fatty acid, fatty acid ester, fatty alcohol, fatty aldehyde, isoprenoid lipid, organosiloxane, phenol, phthalate, pyrrolidines, siloxane, steroid, and β-carotene were obtained. These different compounds and their pharmacological and biological activities are described below (
Table 1,
Table 2,
Table 3,
Table 4 and
Table 5).
2.1.1. GC-MS Analysis of Auricularia auricula-judae
The HWE of AAJ revealed the presence of fourteen (14) bioactive compounds (Figure 1A,
Table 1). These compounds have demonstrated many biological and pharmacological activities. Phenol, 2,6-bis (1,1-dimethyl ethyl)-4-methyl-, methylcarbamate (14.21%), 2-nonanol, 5-ethyl- (11.34%), octasiloxane, 1,1,3,3,5,5,7,7,9,9,11,11,13,13,15,15-hexadecamethyl- (10.65%), 2-methyl-6-methylene-octa-1,7-dien-3-ol (7.98%), 2-methyl-1-ethylpyrrolidine (7.23%), and silicic acid, diethyl bis (trimethylsilyl) ester (7.12%) were identified as major compounds (
Table 1). These compounds were classified into alcohol, alkene, siloxane, ester, phthalic acid, and phthalate. The fruiting body of AAJ contains proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and enormous quantities of fibers, carotenes, minerals (calcium, phosphorous, iron), and vitamins [
40]. Moreover, AAJ contains some bioactive constituents represented by polysaccharides, melanin, and polyphenols that are vital groups of secondary metabolites and are synthesized in response to biotic (pathogens) and abiotic stresses (salinity, water, and climatic stress) [
19]. A study indicates that siloxanes were generally reported to exhibit significant antimicrobial and antioxidant properties [
41]. Thus, the compounds found in the HWE of AAJ could prevent diseases such as aging, cancer, cardiovascular disease, inflammation, and other disorders that are dangerous to human health occurred due to the overabundance of free radicals in our body [
42]. Phenolic compounds can also affect anti-proliferation, cell cycle regulation, induction of apoptosis, and other biological activities which are mostly mediated by receptor-ligand interactions [
43].

The HWE of AAJ has shown many biological and pharmacological activities such as antidepressant, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antimalarial, anti-inflammatory, insecticidal, hepatoprotective, anti-helminthic, larvicidal, anticholinesterase, antihypertensive, anticancer, antidiabetic, cholesterol-lowering, anti-urolithiasis, and antifertility. Previous studies also confirmed that AAJ extracts exhibit several biological and pharmacological properties such as anticoagulant, anti-diabetic, antioxidant, anticancer, hypolipidemic, anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory, anti-radiation, immunomodulatory, and antimicrobial activities [
40,
44,
45]. A study reported that the HWE of AAJ also contains several phenolic compounds (e.g. epicatechin, catechin, chlorogenic acid, quercetin, and rutin). These phenolic compounds exhibited significant scavenging activity against DPPH free radicals, superoxide anions, and hydroxyl radicals. Crude AAJ extracts exhibit higher antioxidant activities, regulate blood pressure, and lowers cholesterol and lipid levels in the blood [
40].
Crude polysaccharides obtained from AAJ have previously exhibited antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Salmonella typhi, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella pneumonia, Candida albicans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida parapsilosis [
40,
46]. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have shown the presence of many secondary metabolites such as β-glucans, chitin, and ergosterol derivatives. These metabolites exhibit potential anti-inflammatory activities and inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines [
21,
40]. The protective mechanisms of AAJ secondary metabolites against inflammatory activities could be by preventing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, stimulating the anti-inflammatory cytokines, and averting immune response as well as cancer cell formation in the body [
21,
40,
45,
47]. They also defend our body by reducing cholesterol in the blood, supporting the immune system of our body, inhibiting inflammatory diseases, and hindering the onset of cancer [
40,
47,
48]. The cholesterol-lowering properties of the Ergosterol derivatives are mainly because of their structural similarity with the cholesterol, whereas β-glucans and chitin may be due to their binding abilities to cholesterol receptors [
49].
Mushroom polysaccharides have proven anti-diabetic activities by maintaining blood glucose homeostasis via the regulation of pancreatic insulin secretion [
50]. A previous study also asserted that polysaccharides obtained from AAJ extracts exhibited significant anti-diabetic activity in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Low-density lipoprotein and total cholesterol levels in the blood were significantly reduced after the administration of AAJ polysaccharides to streptozotocin and high-fat diet-induced diabetic rats [
51]. Moreover, diabetes-induced rats treated with AAJ polysaccharides led to a reduction of blood glucose levels by altering glucose metabolism, increasing insulin levels, and improving the insulin resistance islet damage in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice [
52,
53]. These findings strongly suggested that AAJ-derived polysaccharides can be used as potential therapeutic agents against diabetes via modulation of blood glucose levels [
40].
The HWE of AAJ contains high levels of insoluble fibers. These fibers are crucial to give potential health-promoting benefits through the modulation of gut microbiota [
54,
55]. The insoluble fibers act as prebiotics and are important factors to regulate the environment of the gut microbiota and to mediate their metabolic activities [
56,
57]. Beneficial gut microbiota plays a key role in protecting our body from various disease-causing pathogenic microbes by competing for food and by preventing attachment to the wall of the gut [
58]. During their digestion and fermentation activities, these gut microbiota also help in the production of short-chain fatty acids (e.g. acetate, propionate, and butyrate) for our epithelial cells [
59,
60]. β-glucans obtained from HWE of AAJ have multiple health-promoting effects by maintaining a healthy gut environment and by serving exclusive carbon sources for intestinal bacteria during fermentation. Furthermore, they increased the number of beneficial bacteria (e.g.
Bifidobacteria and
Lactobacillus), which help in the production of short-chain fatty acids in our intestine [
61]. They have also increased levels of serum IgA and IgG during the oral treatment of mice [
62]. Moreover, they prevented unhealthy microbial growth in our gut, which can eventually protect our body from various gut-associated diseases [
63,
64].
Edible mushrooms have biological activities against cardiovascular disease. Species of
Auricularia have been reported to contain cholesterol-lowering compounds [
65]. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (the culprit of cardiovascular disease) levels were reported to be reduced by AAJ extracts [
56]. Using mice with hyperlipidemia as a model, AP obtained from AAJ extract significantly reduced serum and liver total cholesterol (TC), total triglyceride (TG), and serum Lactate dehydrogenase C (LDH-c) levels in mice. It can also protect the liver by enhancing antioxidant effects as a blood lipid-lowering agent [
66].
Medicinal mushrooms are an important source of natural immuno-modulators. They contain diverse immune-regulatory compounds such as terpenes, lectins, immunomodulatory proteins, and polysaccharides. Immunomodulators can be immune-suppressants, immune-stimulants, and immune-adjuvants [
67]. For example, an active compound AF1 β-1,3-d-glucan main chain with two β-1,6-d-glucosyl residues isolated from AAJ has induced apoptosis of cancer cells [
68].
Table 1.
GC-MS Analysis of A. auricula-judae Hot Water Extract.
Table 1.
GC-MS Analysis of A. auricula-judae Hot Water Extract.
Peaks |
RT (min) |
PA (%) |
IUPAC Name and MF of Compounds |
Nature of Compounds |
Pharmacological and Biological Activities |
Ref. |
1 |
19.98 |
10.65 |
Octasiloxane, 1,1,3,3,5,5,7,7,9,9,11,11,13,13,15,15-hexadecamethyl- (C16H50O7Si8) |
Siloxane |
Antidepressant, antimicrobial |
[41,69] |
2 |
18.43 |
7.12 |
Silicic acid, diethyl bis(trimethylsilyl) ester (C10H28O4Si3) |
Ester |
Antioxidant, antimicrobial, antimalarial, anti-inflammatory |
[70,71] |
3 |
17.19 |
4.43 |
Di-n-octyl phthalate (C24H38O4) |
Phthalic acid |
Antimicrobial, insecticidal |
[72,73] |
4 |
16.87 |
6.12 |
Di-n-decylsulfone (C20H42O2S) |
Phthalate |
Antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-helminthic, antagonistic, larvicidal |
[74,75] |
5 |
16.38 |
7.98 |
2-Methyl-6-methylene-octa-1,7-dien-3-ol (C10H16O) |
acyclic monoterpenoids |
No activity reported |
|
6 |
16.18 |
5.65 |
1-Heptanol, 2,4-dimethyl- (R, R)- (+)- (C9H20O) |
Alcohol |
Antifungal, antioxidant, anticholinesterase |
[76,77,78] |
7 |
15.34 |
4.31 |
Cyclohexano, 2,4-dimethyl- (C8H16O) |
Cyclohexane |
Anticancer |
[79] |
8 |
14.65 |
3.43 |
Carbonic acid, methyl octyl ester (C10H20O3) |
Ester |
Hepatoprotective, antihypertensive, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, cholesterol-lowering, anti-urolithiasis, antifertility |
[80] |
9 |
14.06 |
5.25 |
1-Allylcyclopropyl) methanol (C7H12O) |
Cycloalkane methanol |
No activity reported |
|
10 |
13.64 |
7.23 |
2-Methyl-1-ethylpyrrolidine (C7H15N) |
Pyrrolidines |
Anti-tumor |
[81] |
11 |
13.01 |
6.33 |
Oxirane, 2,2’-(1,4-dibutanediyl) bis- (C8H14O2) |
Epoxides |
Antibacterial |
[82] |
12 |
12.47 |
11.34 |
2-Nonanol, 5-ethyl- (C11H24O) |
Fatty alcohol |
Anticancer |
[83] |
13 |
11.91 |
5.86 |
1-Hexene, 4, 5-dimethyl- (C8H16) |
Alkene |
Antimicrobial |
[84] |
14 |
11.34 |
14.21 |
Phenol, 2,6-bis (1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-methyl-, methyl carbamate (C17H27NO2) |
Alkyl benzene |
Antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, temporarily treat pharyngitis |
[85,86] |
2.1.2. GC-MS Analysis of Hot Water Extract of Microporus xanthopus
From hot water extract (HWE) of
Microporus xanthopus (MX), twelve (12) compounds were identified (Figure 1B,
Table 2). The 1-mono-linoleoyl glycerol trimethylsilyl ether (16.32%), trans-1, 1’-bibenzoindanylidene (14.18%), 2, 2’-divinylbenzophenone (13.76%), and didodecyl phthalate (11.39%) are among the abundant compounds. These compounds were classified into alcohol, epoxides, aldehyde, fatty aldehyde, isoprenoid lipid, n-alkanes, and steroid. These compounds have shown antioxidant, antimicrobial, nematicidal, antimalarial, anti-diuretic, antiasthma, vasodilator, antifouling, anti-dermatophytic, antihypertensive, uric acid excretion stimulant and diuretic, reducing depressive symptoms, and anti-inflammatory activities. Moreover, 1-monolinoleoylglycerol trimethylsilyl ether (steroid) has anti-diuretic, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial antioxidant, anti-arthritic, and antiasthma activities.
Like the present findings, HWE of MX, many mushrooms extracts such as
Agaricus bisporus, Cyclocybe aegerita, Cyclocybe cylindracea, and
Tremella fuciformis were studied for the treatment or prophylaxis of type-2 diabetes–occurred when imbalanced insulin is producing due to the dysfunctions of insulin-secreting beta cells in the pancreas [
87,
88]. As mushrooms contain the least amount of digestible carbohydrates in the diet, they help patients to avoid high levels of glucose in the blood [
89]. Bioactive metabolites isolated from medical mushrooms act as anti-hyperglycemic agents in diabetes treatment [
90,
91].
Inocutis levis and
Antrodia cinnamomea extracts have been reported as a remedy for diabetes by increasing insulin resistance, insulin sensitivity, and glucose uptake in tissues and hence help to control blood glucose levels [
88,
92].
Grifola frondosa has been used as medicine for type 2 diabetes, and its extracts can lessen both hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia [
93]. Moreover, SX-Fraction, ReishiMax capsules, and
Tremella obtained from
Ophiocordyceps sinensis and
Tremella fuciformis, respectively are some examples of anti-diabetic products. These products enhance insulin sensitivity, decrease blood glucose levels, cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and body weight [
88,
94,
95].
In the present findings, most of the compounds identified from the HWE of MX proved antimicrobial activity. A previous study also corroborated that oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, and polyphenols originating from HWE of MX showed antibacterial activity against Shiga-toxin-producing
E. coli and methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus [
96]. Likewise, CE of MX has also resulted in higher antibacterial activities against
S. aureus (ATCC 25923), MRSA (ATCC 33591), and
K. pneumoniae (ATCC 13883) [
97].
In this study, the HWE of MX illustrated the presence of anti-arthritic compounds. Most mushrooms are known to produce certain bioactive substances which are used as potential treatment strategies against cardiovascular diseases [
98,
99]. Yet, the mechanism of action/treatment of these bioactive substances remains obscure it might be due to the reduction in serum lipid, increase in bile acid secretion and LDL receptor expression, and change in phospholipid metabolism [
100]. Other studies also recognized that mushrooms have molecules that can modify cholesterol absorption, metabolism, and also modulate the gene expression related to cholesterol homeostasis [
99,
101]. For instance, molecules extracted from
Grifola frondosa, Hypsizigus marmoreus, and
Pleurotus ostreatus were able to modulate the gene expression patterns of mice livers [
88,
102].
Table 2.
GC-MS Analysis of M. xanthopus Hot Water Extract.
Table 2.
GC-MS Analysis of M. xanthopus Hot Water Extract.
Peaks |
RT (min) |
PA (%) |
IUPAC Name and MF of Compounds |
Nature of Compounds |
Pharmacological and Biological Activities |
Ref. |
1 |
6.42 |
8.11 |
1-Heptanol, 2,4-dimethyl-, (2S, 4R) -(-)- (C9H20O) |
Alcohol |
Antifungal |
[76,77] |
2 |
7.28 |
4.34 |
Oxirane, 2,2’-(1,4-butanediyl) bias- (C8H14O2) |
Epoxides |
No activity reported |
|
3 |
10.48 |
3.67 |
3-Methyl-2-(2-oxopropyl) furan (C8H10O2) |
Aldehyde |
Antioxidant, antimicrobial |
[103,104] |
4 |
11.32 |
5.50 |
7-Hexadecenal, (Z)- (C16H30O) |
Fatty aldehyde |
Antiviral, antibacterial |
[105,106] |
5 |
12.09 |
7.87 |
1,2,3,3a-Tetrahydro-7-methyl-10-4-methylphenyl) benzo [c] cyclopenta [f] -1,2-diazepine (C20H20N2) |
Aromatic organic heterocyclic |
No activity reported |
|
6 |
12.81 |
4.41 |
Tetradecane, 2,6,10-trimethyl- (C17H36) |
Isoprenoid lipid |
Antifungal, antibacterial, and nematicidal |
[107] |
7 |
13.19 |
4.19 |
Heptacosane (C27H56) |
N-Alkanes |
Antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, antimalarial, antidermatophytic |
[108,109] |
8 |
13.47 |
11.39 |
Didodecyl phthalate (C32H54O4) |
Phthalate |
Vasodilator, antihypertensive, uric acid excretion stimulant and diuretic, antimicrobial, antifouling |
[110,111] |
9 |
14.18 |
1.17 |
Acetamide, N-[3-(10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo [a, d] cyclohepten-5-ylidene)propyl] -2,2,2-triflouro-N-methyl (C21H20F3NO) |
Unknown |
Reducing depressive symptoms
|
[112]
|
10 |
14.97 |
13.76 |
2,2’-Divinylbenzophenone (C17H14O) |
Unknown |
Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant |
[113] |
11 |
15.95 |
14.18 |
Trans-1, 1’-Bibenzoindanylidene (C18H16) |
Unknown |
No activity reported |
|
12 |
17.18 |
16.32 |
1-Monolinoleoylglycerol trimethylsilyl ether (C27H54O4Si2) |
Steroid |
Anti-diuretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, antimicrobial antioxidant, anti-arthritic, antiasthma |
[114,115] |
2.1.3. GC-MS Analysis of 70% ethanol extract of Termitomyces umkowaani
Fourteen (14) compounds were distinguished from 70% ethanol extract (EE) of
Termitomyces umkowaani (TU) (Figure 1C,
Table 3). These compounds were grouped into acids, alcohols, esters, ethers, ketones, aldehydes, and others. Of the 14 compounds, Tetracosamethyl-cyclododecasiloxane (18.90%), 12-methyl-E, E-2, 13-octadecadien-1-ol (15.90%), and 9, 12-octadecadienoic acid, ethyl ester (13.43%) were noticed abundantly (
Table 3).
Many fatty acids (FAs) such as linolenic acid, butanedioic acid diethyl ester, octadecanoic acid, ethyl ester, h-hexadecanoic acid, hexadecanoic acid, ethyl ester, i-propyl hexadecanoate, 9, 12-octadecadienoic acid (Z, Z)-, 9, 12-octadecadienoic acid, ethyl ester, and 7-hexadecenal, (Z)- were noticed in the EE of TU. These FAs showed antimicrobial, antioxidant, antispasmodic, antitumor, anti-hypocholesterolemic, anti-inflammatory, nematicide, pesticide, anti-androgenic, immunostimulant, anti-acne, inhibitor, insecticide, antiarthritic, anti-eczemic hepatoprotective, antihistaminic, and anti-coronary [
116,
117,
118]. Besides FAs, the EE of TU revealed other bioactive compounds including isopropyl linoleate (β-carotene), 1-monolinoleoylglycerol trimethylsilyl ether (steroid), and 12-Methyl-E, E-2, 13-octadecadien-1-ol (alcohol). These compounds also have antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiasthma, anti-diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic properties. Linoleic acid and oleic acid exhibited an antimicrobial effect against
Staphylococcus aureus, by inhibiting its cell growth and biofilm formation [
119].
Hexadecanoic acid, ethyl ester (palmitic acid ester) found in the EE of TU has antioxidant, hypocholesterolemic, nematicide, pesticide, antiandrogenic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, immunostimulant, hemolytic 5-α reductase inhibitor, lipooxygenase inhibitor activities. Palmitic acid (PLA) is ubiquitously present in dietary fat guaranteeing an average intake of about 20 g/d. The relatively high requirement in the human body (20–30% of total fatty acids), is justified by its relevant nutritional role [
120]. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that palmitic acid impacted several signaling pathways including lipid metabolism in neurons. By contrast, overconsumption of palmitic acid could cause neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease [
121,
122]. However, at low doses, PLA causes mild stress that can activate the stress response pathway to counteract deleterious damages such as oxidative stress and has a key role in the regulation of the longevity pathway [
121]. Moreover, PLA is reported to possess antibacterial and anti-cholesterolaemic effects [
123].
The 9, 12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z, Z)- (aka conjugated linoleic acid) was found in the EE of TU. Linolenic acid (LA) contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. LA helps to reduce body inflammation and can also lower risk factors related to heart disease and arthritis. Omega-3 fatty acid transforms into prostaglandin E1 which has blood cholesterol-reducing properties and increases immunity [
124,
125]. Omega-3 fatty acid has a beneficial effect on cardiovascular health and reduces risk factors associated with strokes, heart attacks, and high blood pressure [
125,
126]. Unsaturated fatty acid levels are generally higher than saturated ones in mushrooms [
127]. This polyunsaturated acid ensures the production of bile acids in the liver, prevents hormonal imbalance, and influences the production of prostaglandins [
128].
Currently, LA has shown antimicrobial activity. In corroborative to the present findings, methanol and ethanol extracts of
Termitomyces species revealed potent antimicrobial activity against
Escherichia coli,
Bacillus cereus,
Staphylococcus aureus,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa,
Salmonella typhimurium,
Candida albicans of pathogenic microbes [
129]. The dichloromethane extract of
Termitomyces striatus also showed antimicrobial activity against bacteria (
P. aeruginosa E. coli,
B. subtilis, and
S. aureus) and fungi (
C. albicans and
S. cerevisiae) [
130]. Many
Termitomyces species showed significant antimicrobial activity against different pathogenic microorganisms, for example, water extract of
T. clypeatus, (
Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, and
Staphylococcus aureus), water extract of
T. heimii, (
Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas sp.,
Staphylococcus aureus,
Streptococcus pyogenes, Ralstonia sp.,
Salmonella sp., and
Streptococcus sp.) [
24].
Fatty acids such as octadecanoic acid, ethyl ester, h-hexadecanoic acid, 9, 12-octadecadienoic acid (Z, Z)-, and 9, 12-octadecadienoic acid, ethyl ester obtained from the EE of TU have shown hypocholesterolemic activity. Edible mushrooms possess high dietary fiber levels and other components such as eritadenine, guanylic acid, and ergosterol which play a significant role in the prevention of nutrition-related diseases (e.g. atherosclerosis) by lowering hypocholesterolemic levels [
131,
132]. Dietary intake of TU was reported to lower serum levels of total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol [
133]. Fed diets mixed with mushrooms reduced levels of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides in rats [
128]. Polysaccharides and fibers obtained from water extract of edible mushrooms also lowered the serum triglyceride concentration in hypertensive and hyperlipidaemic rats by altering lipid metabolism and by inhibiting both the accumulation of liver lipids and the elevation of serum lipids [
134].
Table 3.
GC-MS Analysis of T. umkowaani 70% Ethanol Extract.
Table 3.
GC-MS Analysis of T. umkowaani 70% Ethanol Extract.
Peaks |
RT (min) |
PA (%) |
IUPAC Name and MF of Compounds |
Nature of Compounds |
Pharmacological and Biological Activities |
Ref. |
1 |
4.88 |
5.68 |
Butanedioic acid diethyl ester (C8H14O4) |
Fatty acid |
Antimicrobial, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory |
[135] |
2 |
7.87 |
4.11 |
Octadecanoic acid, ethyl ester (C20H40O2) |
Fatty acid esters |
Hypocholesterolemic 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, lubricant, and antimicrobial |
[11,136] |
3 |
9.86 |
2.45 |
h-Hexadecanoic acid (C16H32O2) |
Fatty acid (aka palmitic acid) |
Antioxidant, hypocholesterolemic, nematicide, pesticide, antiandrogenic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, immunostimulant, hemolytic 5-α reductase inhibitor, lipooxygenase inhibitor |
[3,137] |
4 |
10.04 |
7.90 |
Hexadecanoic acid, ethyl ester (C18H36O2) |
Fatty acid ester (aka palmitic acid ester) |
Antioxidant, hypocholesterolemic, nematicide, pesticide, anti-androgenic, hemolytic 5-α reductase inhibitor |
[3] |
5 |
10.24 |
8.78 |
i-Propyl hexadecanoate (C19H38O2) |
Fatty acid |
No activity reported |
|
6 |
10.97 |
9.98 |
9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z, Z)- (C18H32O2) |
Fatty acid (aka conjugated linoleic acid) |
Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hypocholesterolemic, antimicrobial, antitumor, insecticide, antiarthritic, antieczemic hepatoprotective, antiandrogenic, nematicide, antihistaminic, antiacne, hemolytic 5-α reductase inhibitor, anti-coronary |
[3,80,137,138,139] |
7 |
11.09 |
13.43 |
9,12-Octadecadienoic acid, ethyl ester (C20H36O2) |
Fatty acid ester (aka omega-6) |
Hypocholesterolemic, nematicide, antiacne, antiarthritic, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, antiandrogenic, hemolytic 5-α reductase inhibitor, antihistaminic, anti-coronary, insecticide, antieczemic |
[3,70,80] |
8 |
11.27 |
0.89 |
Isopropyl linoleate (C21H38O2) |
β-carotene |
Antimicrobial, antioxidant |
[22,43,140,141] |
9 |
13.19 |
1.50 |
1-Monolinoleoylglycerol trimethylsilyl ether (C27H54O4Si2) |
Steroid |
Antimicrobial, antiasthma, anti-diuretic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic |
[114] |
10 |
14.18 |
15.90 |
12-Methyl-E, E-2, 13-Octadecadien-1-ol (C19H36O) |
Alcohol |
Antimicrobial |
[142] |
11 |
14.97 |
1.12 |
7-Hexadecenal, (Z)- (C16H30O) |
Fatty aldehyde |
Antiviral, antibacterial |
[105,106] |
12 |
15.95 |
3.60 |
1, 2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, diisooctyl ester (C24H38O4) |
Ester |
Antimicrobial, antifouling |
[143] |
13 |
17.20 |
18.90 |
Tetracosamethyl-cyclododeca siloxane (C24H72O12Si12) |
Siloxane |
No activity reported |
|
14 |
18.53 |
5.76 |
Heptasiloxane hexadecamethyl (C16H48O6Si7) |
Organosiloxane |
No activity reported |
|
2.1.4. GC-MS Analysis of chloroform extract of Trametes elegans
In the chloroform extract (CE) of
Trametes elegans (TRE), the presence of three (3) compounds was detected (Figure 1D,
Table 4). The identified compounds include n-hexadecanoic acid (16.89%), oleic acid (72.90%), and octadecanoic acid (10.21%). These compounds are grouped under essential fatty acids which are playing important roles in the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hypocholesterolemic activities. The deficiency of linoleic acid, typical essential fatty acid, in the diet, causes mild skin scaling, hair loss [
21], and poor wound healing in rats [
22].
The majority of the identified compounds were reported to have antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, anti-androgenic, hypocholesterolemic, nematicide, pesticide, and anti-biofilm formation properties (
Table 4). These comprehensive activities might be correlated with the presence of many compounds such as tocopherols, flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins, and lignins in the extract [
144]. The antioxidant activity of the TRE extract is acting by blocking the reactions of the oxidizing chain of free radicals in the molecules and by reducing the oxidative damage caused by oxidative stress [
145]. Antioxidants protect our bodies from diabetes, cancer, aging, atherosclerosis, and other severe health issues [
146].
Three essential fatty acids isolated from the CE of TRE have shown anti-biofilm formation activity. Fungal metabolites have promising anti-quorum-sensing activities for the reduction of drug resistance by inhibiting the biofilm formation of pathogenic microbes. Previous studies also confirmed that many edible mushrooms are sources of many secondary metabolites which have biofilm inhibitory activities. For instance, coprinuslactone, roussoellenic acid, and microporenic acid A derived from
Coprinus comatus, Roussoella sp, and Kenyan basidiomycete, respectively have shown active anti-biofilm inhibitory activity against
Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus aureus and
Candida albicans [
147,
148]. Biofilm inhibitors enhance the activity of the antibiotics by increasing their ability to penetrate the biofilms [
149].
The CE of TRE possesses anticancer activity. Several promising anticancer drugs derived from fungi are currently in the preclinical and clinical developmental stages [
150]. For example, irofulven is a semi-synthetic drug derived from illudin S, a natural toxin isolated from
Omphalotus illudens [
151]. Irofulven has been evaluated in phase I and II clinical trials with promising results against the brain and central nervous system, breast, blood, colon, sarcoma, prostate, lungs, ovarian, and pancreas cancers [
152,
153]. Aphidicolin is also another anticancer compound isolated from
Akanthomyces muscarius and
Nigrospora sphaerica fungal species. Although, aphidicolin targets the specific binding site on DNA polymerase α, δ, and ε enzymes, it has not yet been marketed as an anticancer drug [
88].
The n-hexadecanoic acid, one of the fatty acids, identified from CE of TRE revealed nematicidal activity (
Table 4). Although effective chemical nematicides (e.g. methyl bromide) have been marketed, they can cause serious problems to the environment by killing all life forms in the soil and contributing to the depletion of the ozone layer. Recently there have been great efforts in both academia and industry to find ecologically viable alternatives [
88]. Several nematotoxic compounds such as fatty acids, alkaloids, peptide compounds, terpenes, condensed tannins, phenolic compounds, and proteases have been identified in edible mushrooms [
154]. Linoleic acid is one of the nematicidal compounds that have been isolated from
Arthrobotrys species and other fungi [
155]. On the other hand,
Pleurotus pulmonarius and
Hericium coralloides are two basidiomycetes that have exhibited strong nematicidal effects against
Caenorhabditis elegans [
156]. Metabolites (3, 14′-bihispidinyl and hispidin and phelligridin L) with moderate nematicidal activity against
Caenorhabditis elegans have been reported from a
Sanghuangporus sp. collected in Kenya [
157]. Chaetoglobosin A and its derivate 19-O-acetylchaetoglobosin A isolated from
Ijuhya vitellina are recently demonstrated nematicidal activity against eggs of
Heterodera filipjevi [
158].
Table 4.
GC-MS Analysis of T. elegans Chloroform Extract.
Table 4.
GC-MS Analysis of T. elegans Chloroform Extract.
Peaks |
RT (min) |
PA (%) |
IUPAC Name and MF of Compounds |
Nature of compounds |
Pharmacological and Biological Activities |
Ref. |
1 |
9.86 |
16.89 |
n-Hexadecanoic acid (C16H32O2) |
Fatty Acid |
Antioxidant, antiandrogenic, hypocholesterolemic, nematicide, pesticide, antibiofilm formation |
[137,159] |
2 |
10.97 |
72.90 |
Oleic acid (C18H34O2) |
Fatty Acid |
Antioxidant, apoptotic activity in tumor cells, anticancer, antibiofilm formation |
[159,160] |
3 |
11.12 |
10.21 |
Octadecanoic acid (C18H36O2) |
Fatty Acid |
Antimicrobial, antibiofilm formation |
[161,159] |
2.1.5. GC-MS Analysis of hot water extract of Trametes versicolor
Eight (8) compounds were identified from hot water extract (HWE) of
Trametes versicolor (TRV) (Figure 1E,
Table 5). The most dominant compounds were phenol, 2, 6-bis (1, 1-dimethyl ethyl)-4-methyl, methylcarbamate (26.56%), 1-mono-linoleoyl glycerol trimethyl silyl ether (22.40%), and 1, 2-benzene dicarboxylic acid, diisooctyl ester (19.10%).
9, 12-Octadecadienoic (Z, Z)-, a polyunsaturated fatty acid, found in the TRV has shown anticancer activity. The TRV extract contains anticancer and immuno-stimulatory compounds including polysaccharides, β-glucans, lignins, and ergosta-7, 22-dien-3 beta-ol [
162]. polysaccharides isolated from TRV extract demonstrated cytotoxic activity against cancer cells [
36]. Polysaccharides containing peptides not only greatly uplift the quality of life of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy but also contribute to prolonging survival and bettering the quality of life in patients afflicted with hepatitis, hyperlipidemia, and other chronic diseases [
36,
162]. An aqueous extract of TRV prohibited migration and invasion of 4T1 breast cancer cells and downregulated the activities of tumor necrosis factor-α, interferon-γ, interleukin-2, interleukin-6, and interleukin-12) inducing roles in xenograft-bearing mice [
163]. The TRV protein-bound polysaccharides exhibited tumor necrosis factor-α-dependent anti-proliferative activity toward MCF-7 cells and augmented the proliferative response of blood lymphocytes which was associated with interleukin-6 and interleukin-1β mRNA up-regulation [
164].
Table 5.
GC-MS Analysis of T. versicolor Hot Water Extract.
Table 5.
GC-MS Analysis of T. versicolor Hot Water Extract.
Peaks |
RT (min) |
PA (%) |
IUPAC Name and MF of Compounds |
Nature of compounds |
Pharmacological and Biological Activities |
Ref. |
1 |
6.42 |
26.56 |
Phenol, 2,6-bis (1,1-dimethyl ethyl)-4- methyl, methylcarbamate (C17H27NO2) |
Phenol |
Antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, oral anesthetic/analgesic, temporarily treat pharyngitis |
[85,86] |
2 |
9.86 |
2.20 |
n-Hexadecanoic acid (C16H32O2) |
Palmitic acid |
Antioxidant, nematicide, pesticide, hypocholesterolemic, antiandrogenic |
[165] |
3 |
10.73 |
3.40 |
Nonadecane (C19H40) |
Hydrocarbon |
No activity reported |
|
4 |
11.12 |
8.41 |
9,12-Octadecadienoic (Z, Z)- (C18H32O2)
|
Polyunsaturated fatty acid |
Anti-inflammatory, hypocholesterolemic, antitumor, hepatoprotective, nematicide, insecticide, antibiofilm formation, antihistaminic, antieczemic, antiacne, hemolytic 5-α reductase inhibitor, antiandrogenic, antiarthritic, anti-coronary, antimicrobial |
[114,159,166,167,168] |
5 |
11.34 |
5.73 |
7-Hexadecenal, (Z)- (C16H30O) |
Fatty aldehyde |
Antiviral, antibacterial |
[105,106] |
6 |
13.19 |
12.20 |
9,12,15-Octadecatrienoic acid, 2-[(trimethylsilyl) oxy]-1-[[(trimethylsilyl) oxy] methyl] ethyl ester (Z, Z, Z)- (C27H52O4Si2) |
polyunsaturated fatty acid |
Antimicrobial, antioxidant
|
[169,170] |
7 |
15.97 |
22.40 |
1-Momolinoleoylglycerol trimethylsilyl ether (C27H54O4Si2) |
|
Antimicrobial, antiasthma, anti-diuretic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic |
[114] |
8 |
18.11 |
19.10 |
1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, diisooctyl ester (C24H38O4) |
Benzoic acid ester |
Biopesticides, antibacterial |
[171,172] |