Phytochemical and Toxicological Properties of Sclerotium from the Edible Fungus - Pleurotus tuber-regium

doi.org/10.26538/tjnpr/v2i5.6

Abstract

Edible fungi such as mushrooms have been known to possess great potentials in the production of useful bioactive metabolites for drugs and nutraceuticals. The aim of this study was to investigate the phytochemical constituents present in sclerotium from pleurotus tuber regium and to determine its safety dose using animal model toxicity assay. Phytochemical tests used for preliminary evaluation of the secondary metabolites present in sclerotium was carried out on the n-hexane and 50 % ethanol extracts while the n-hexane extract was subjected to Gas-chromatographic-Mass spectrometric (GC-MS) techniques for the identification of the compounds present. Acute toxicity studies were carried out on aqueous methanol extract of sclerotium using standard in vivo model. Hematological and histopathological parameters were evaluated. Phytochemical analysis results showed the presence of alkaloids, steroids in the n-hexane extract and the presence of cardenolides and steroids in the 50% ethanolextract. GC-MS results showed
the presence of nine compounds; Squalene, Dibutyl phthalate, Octadecane, Heneicosane, 9, 17 octacadienal, 2-octyl-cyclopropaneoctanal, carbonic acid, Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, Nonacosane. The toxicity studies showed no death at the highest dose (5000 mg/kg) administered, although moderate portal and lobular inflammation were observed. The present study has shown that the Sclerotium from the edible fungus - Pleurotus tuber-regium is not toxic to experimental mice at the highest dose of 5000 mg/kg. Hence, the extract is relatively safe when administered orally.