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Fungal Wonders: Investigating the Diverse Biological Activities of Fungal-Derived Compounds
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Fungal Wonders: Investigating the Diverse Biological Activities of Fungal-Derived Compounds

A special issue of Journal of Fungi (ISSN 2309-608X). This special issue belongs to the section "Fungal Cell Biology, Metabolism and Physiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2025 | Viewed by 4532

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Milena Rašeta

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
Interests: biochemistry; mycology; fungi; medicinal mushrooms; biological properties; phenolics; polyamines; primary metabolites; secondary metabolites
Prof. Dr. Maja Karaman

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
Interests: microbiology; mycology; biodiversity; environment; biochemistry; biotechnology; bioactive compounds of medicinal mushrooms; lignicolous macrofungi; bioactivity of fungal metabolites; fungal based biomaterials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue, "Biological Activity of Fungal Extracts", delves into the remarkable diversity of biologically active compounds derived from fungi, including proteins, polysaccharides, polyphenolics, and more. Through a multidisciplinary approach, this Special Issue aims to showcase the latest research on fungal-derived compounds through a multidisciplinary lens, thereby emphasizing their roles in medicine, particularly as nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals. This collection of articles provides insights into the rich diversity and untapped potential of fungal bioactive compounds, paving the way for future discoveries and applications in various fields.

Scientists are encouraged to explore the potential medicinal applications of these compounds, such as their antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antilipolytic properties, as well as others. Moreover, we seek to publish papers that uncover the applications of these compounds in edible, non-edible, and traditionally used fungal species, whether in the form of teas, extracts, food supplements, or as direct food sources, with a particular focus on edible fungi. We aim to unravel the inherent wonders of fungi and shed light on their significant contributions to human health and well-being. The overarching topic, "Fungal Wonders: Investigating the Diverse Biological Activities of Fungal-Derived Compounds", underscores the multifaceted nature of fungal bioactive compounds and their potential impact on various aspects of life and healthcare. The focus is on examining these effects to reveal the possible therapeutic and ecological importance of fungal extracts.

Dr. Milena Rašeta
Prof. Dr. Maja Karaman
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Fungi is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • fungal extracts
  • edible fungi
  • mushrooms
  • biological activity
  • medicinal applications
  • antioxidant properties
  • antidiabetic effects
  • polyphenolics
  • multidisciplinary research
  • traditional medicine

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

21 pages, 14616 KiB  
Article
Effects of Drying Treatments on the Physicochemical Characteristics and Antioxidant Properties of the Edible Wild Mushroom Cyttaria espinosae Lloyd (Digüeñe Mushroom)
by Marcelo Villalobos-Pezos, Ociel Muñoz Fariña, Kong Shun Ah-Hen, María-Fernanda Garrido Figueroa, Olga García Figueroa, Alexandra González Esparza, Luisbel González Pérez de Medina and José Miguel Bastías Montes
J. Fungi 2025, 11(1), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11010013 - 28 Dec 2024
Viewed by 337
Abstract
The wild mushroom Cyttaria espinosae, also known as digüeñe, is a parasitic ascomycete of Nothofagus trees endemic to southern Chile. This species of wild mushroom is of great nutritional importance, especially for the Mapuche indigenous communities, and is highly sought after. Edible [...] Read more.
The wild mushroom Cyttaria espinosae, also known as digüeñe, is a parasitic ascomycete of Nothofagus trees endemic to southern Chile. This species of wild mushroom is of great nutritional importance, especially for the Mapuche indigenous communities, and is highly sought after. Edible wild mushrooms, rich in bioactive compounds, are a potential source of health-promoting components. In the case of C. espinosae, research on its bioactive compounds is still lacking as is research, on the effect of preservation treatments on these compounds due to its perishability. This study evaluates the effects of three drying treatments; freeze-drying, hot-air drying, and microwave–vacuum drying. The rehydration capacity, color, and microstructural properties of dried mushrooms were evaluated using SEM, while, total phenolic content, antioxidant activity determined by DPPH and ORAC assays, and ergothioneine levels were investigated in both fresh and dried extracts of C. espinosae. The results showed that freeze-drying and microwave–vacuum drying are recommended treatments for the digüeñe mushroom due to superior outcomes in rehydration rate, color, and structural properties observed through SEM images. Total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were higher in mushroom extracts dried by microwave–vacuum compared to the other drying treatments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Wonders: Investigating the Diverse Biological Activities of Fungal-Derived Compounds)
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16 pages, 3183 KiB  
Article
Comparative Analysis of Freeze-Dried Pleurotus ostreatus Mushroom Powders on Probiotic and Harmful Bacteria and Its Bioactive Compounds
by Gréta Törős, Áron Béni, Ferenc Peles, Gabriella Gulyás and József Prokisch
J. Fungi 2025, 11(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11010001 - 24 Dec 2024
Viewed by 552
Abstract
Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom) holds excellent promise worldwide, bringing several opportunities and augmenting the tool sets used in the biotechnology field, the food industry, and medicine. Our study explores the antimicrobial and probiotic growth stimulation benefits of freeze-dried P. ostreatus powders (OMP-TF, oyster [...] Read more.
Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom) holds excellent promise worldwide, bringing several opportunities and augmenting the tool sets used in the biotechnology field, the food industry, and medicine. Our study explores the antimicrobial and probiotic growth stimulation benefits of freeze-dried P. ostreatus powders (OMP-TF, oyster mushroom powder from the total fresh sample; OMP-CSR, oyster mushroom powder from the cooked solid residue; OMP-CL, oyster mushroom powder from the cooked liquid), focusing on their bioactive compounds and associated activities. Our research examined polysaccharide fractions—specifically total glucans and α- and β-glucans—alongside secondary metabolites, including polyphenols and flavonoids, from freeze-dried mushroom powders. Additionally, carbon nanodots (CNDs) were also characterized. The growth inhibition was tested against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis, while the capacity for stimulating probiotic growth was evaluated using Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus casei. Evidence indicates that OMP-CL and OMP-CSR exhibit significant antimicrobial properties against S. epidermidis Gram-positive bacteria. OMP-CL notably promoted the growth of L. casei. OMP-CL, containing the most significant number of CNDs, has shown to be a valuable source for gut microbiota modulation, with its antimicrobial and probiotic-stimulating efficacy. However, further in vitro and in vivo studies should be performed to explore CNDs and their behavior in different biological systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Wonders: Investigating the Diverse Biological Activities of Fungal-Derived Compounds)
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19 pages, 23440 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Lipid Changes During the Drying Process of Cordyceps sinensis by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS)-Based Lipidomics Technique
by Mengjun Xiao, Tao Wang, Chuyu Tang, Min He, Yuling Li and Xiuzhang Li
J. Fungi 2024, 10(12), 855; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10120855 - 11 Dec 2024
Viewed by 554
Abstract
Comprehensive analysis of the lipid content in Cordyceps sinensis samples is essential for optimizing their effective use. Understanding the lipid profile can significantly enhance the application of this valuable fungus across various fields, including nutrition and medicine. However, to date, there is limited [...] Read more.
Comprehensive analysis of the lipid content in Cordyceps sinensis samples is essential for optimizing their effective use. Understanding the lipid profile can significantly enhance the application of this valuable fungus across various fields, including nutrition and medicine. However, to date, there is limited knowledge regarding the effects of different drying methods on the quality of lipids present in Cordyceps sinensis. In this study, we employed a broadly targeted lipidomic strategy to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the lipid composition in Cordyceps sinensis subjected to various drying methods. A comprehensive analysis identified a total of 765 distinct lipid species from fresh Cordyceps sinensis (FC), vacuum-freeze-dried Cordyceps sinensis (VG), oven-dried Cordyceps sinensis (OG), and air-dried Cordyceps sinensis (AG). Among these, glycerophospholipids (GP) were the most abundant, followed by glycerides (GL) and sphingolipids (SP). In this study, a total of 659 lipids demonstrated statistically significant differences, as indicated by a p-value (p) < 1. Among these lipids, triglycerides (TG) exhibited the highest concentration, followed by several others, including ceramide-ascorbic acid (Cer-AS), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), and phosphatidylserine (PS). OG was the fastest drying method; however, PCA and OPLS-DA analyses indicated that the most significant changes in the lipids of Cordyceps sinensis were observed under the OG method. Specifically, 517 differentially accumulated lipids were significantly down-regulated, while only 10 lipids were significantly up-regulated. This disparity may be attributed to the degradation and oxidation of lipids. The metabolic pathways of glycerolipid, glycerophospholipid, and cholesterol are critical during the drying process of Cordyceps sinensis. This study provides valuable insights that can enhance quality control and offer guidelines for the appropriate storage of this medicinal fungus. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Wonders: Investigating the Diverse Biological Activities of Fungal-Derived Compounds)
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16 pages, 4614 KiB  
Article
Determination of Biological Activity and Biochemical Content of Ethanol Extract from Fruiting Body of Tricholoma bufonium (Pers.) Gillet
by Atakan Benek, Dilay Turu and Kerem Canli
J. Fungi 2024, 10(11), 761; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10110761 - 2 Nov 2024
Viewed by 881
Abstract
The current study investigates the biochemical composition and biological activities of ethanol extract from the fruit body of Tricholoma bufonium, marking the first detailed examination of this species. The primary goal was to assess the antimicrobial, anti-biofilm, and antioxidant properties of ethanol [...] Read more.
The current study investigates the biochemical composition and biological activities of ethanol extract from the fruit body of Tricholoma bufonium, marking the first detailed examination of this species. The primary goal was to assess the antimicrobial, anti-biofilm, and antioxidant properties of ethanol extract from the fruit body of T. bufonium against a range of bacterial strains. Conventional microbiological and biochemical techniques were employed to assess the antimicrobial efficacy of the extract and to determine its minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values. Furthermore, a GC-MS analysis identified bioactive compounds, such as palmitic acid and oleic acid, which are likely contributors to the observed antimicrobial activity. The anti-biofilm activity was tested using glucose monohydrate-modified environments for biofilm formation, while the antioxidant potential was measured using the DPPH radical scavenging assay, CUPRAC (cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity) assay, and FRAP (ferric ion reducing antioxidant power) assay. The ethanol extract exhibited potent antimicrobial activity, particularly against Enterococcus faecium, Bacillus subtilis, and Staphylococcus aureus MRSA, with MIC values as low as 0.0338 mg/mL for several pathogens. Additionally, the extract exhibited significant anti-biofilm activity against Bacillus cereus and antioxidant activity with an EC50 value of 11.745 mg/mL. These results suggest that ethanol extract from the fruit body of T. bufonium may be a potent candidate for developing novel antimicrobial agents, particularly against resistant strains such as MRSA, while also providing antioxidant benefits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Wonders: Investigating the Diverse Biological Activities of Fungal-Derived Compounds)
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18 pages, 2408 KiB  
Article
Ganoderma pfeifferi Bres. and Ganoderma resinaceum Boud. as Potential Therapeutic Agents: A Comparative Study on Antiproliferative and Lipid-Lowering Properties
by Milena Rašeta, Marko Kebert, Jovana Mišković, Saša Kostić, Sonja Kaišarević, Nebojša Stilinović, Saša Vukmirović and Maja Karaman
J. Fungi 2024, 10(7), 501; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10070501 - 19 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1273
Abstract
Medicinal mushrooms, especially Ganoderma species, hold immense promise for the production of a wide range of bioactive compounds with various effects. The biochemical potential of indigenous fungal strains, specific to a region, could play a critical role in the continuous search for novel [...] Read more.
Medicinal mushrooms, especially Ganoderma species, hold immense promise for the production of a wide range of bioactive compounds with various effects. The biochemical potential of indigenous fungal strains, specific to a region, could play a critical role in the continuous search for novel strains with superior activities on a global scale. This research focused on the ethanolic (EtOH) and hot-water (H2O) extracts of fruiting bodies of two wild-growing Ganoderma species: G. pfeifferi and G. resinaceum, with the aim of assessing their nutritional (total carbohydrate content-TCC) and mineral composition in relation to bioactive properties: antioxidant, antiproliferative and lipid-lowering. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) revealed that G. pfeifferi is a promising source of minerals that are essential for numerous physiological functions in the human body like bone health and muscle and nerve function, with Ca (4.55 ± 0.41 mg/g d.w.) and Mg (1.33 ± 0.09 mg/g d.w.) being the most abundant macroelement present. Zn, Mn, and Cr were particularly notable, with concentrations ranging from 21.49 to 41.70 mg/kg d.w. The EtOH extract of G. pfeifferi demonstrated significantly elevated levels of TCC, essential macromolecules for energy and structural functions in the body, with higher quantities of all three standard carbohydrates detected in this type of extract. Similar to the revealed composition, the same species, G. pfeifferi, stood out as the most prominent antioxidant agent, with the H2O extract being stronger than EtOH in the ABTS assay (86.85 ± 0.67 mg TE/g d.w.), while the EtOH extract displayed the highest anti-OH• scavenging ability (IC50 = 0.18 ± 0.05 μg/mL) as well as the most notable reducing potential among all. The highest antiproliferative effect against the breast cancer cell line (MCF-7), were demonstrated by the H2O extracts from G. resinaceum with the most pronounced activity after 24 h (IC50 = 4.88 ± 0.50 μg/mL), which surpasses that of the standard compound, ellagic acid (IC50 = 33.94 ± 3.69 μg/mL). Administration of both Ganoderma extracts mitigated diabetic lipid disturbances and exhibited potential renal and hepatic protection in vivo on white Wistar rats by the preservation of kidney function parameters in G. resinaceum H2O pre-treatment (urea: 6.27 ± 0.64 mmol/L, creatinine: 50.00 ± 6.45 mmol/L) and the reduction in ALT levels (17.83 ± 3.25 U/L) compared to diabetic control groups treated with saline (urea: 46.98 ± 6.01 mmol/L, creatinine: 289.25 ± 73.87 mmol/L, and ALT: 60.17 ± 9.64 U/L). These results suggest that pre-treatment with G. resinaceum H2O extracts may have potential antidiabetic properties. In summary, detected microelements are vital for maintaining overall health, supporting metabolic processes, and protecting against various chronic diseases. Further research and dietary assessments could help determine the full potential and applications of the two underexplored Ganoderma species native to Serbia in nutrition and health supplements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Wonders: Investigating the Diverse Biological Activities of Fungal-Derived Compounds)
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