Termitomyces mushroom extracts and its biological activities

Abstract

Termitomyces mushrooms are affluent in bioactive components contributing to their therapeutic properties. This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal activities and the toxicity of Termitomyces extracts. Termitomyces mushrooms were collected from the South of Vietnam, separated into different parts, air-dried, ground into powder, and extracted with methanol and ethanol at a divergent temperature of evaporation. Termitomyces mycelial biomass extract was discovered to be efficient in scavenging the free radicals through DPPH assay. The extract exhibited potent efficacy against Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella typhimurium) and Gram-positive (Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria along with Candida albicans fungus applying the disc-diffusion method. Termitomyces extract underwent in vitro and in vivo experiments revealed no toxicity. The Termitomyces mycelial biomass extract is a potential source in developing novel antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal agents.