Search Results (80)

Mushrooms have long been recognized as a rich source of bioactive compounds, including phenolics, that possess important antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antibacterial properties, including activity against drug-resistant bacteria. This study evaluated total phenolic profile and content, total flavonoids content, the antioxidant activities, antimicrobial and antibacterial activities, of water extracts of edible mushrooms from Romanian deciduous forests, including Cantharellus cibarius, Russula virescens, Lactarius piperatus, and Boletus edulis. The extracts were characterized using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. Antioxidant activity was determined using DPPH radical-scavenging activity and ABTS radical cation decolorization assay. Antimicrobial and antibacterial activities were tested using standard strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis, and Streptococcus pneumoniae following diffusion testing and time-killing assay, respectively. The HPLC-MS results indicated that major compounds in all the mushrooms belonged to the subclass of hydroxybenzoic acids. Trans-cinnamic acid and hydroxybenzoic acids, particularly gallic acid, 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid, and gentisic acid, were the predominant compounds detected in BEE and CCE. Their concentrations were measured as follows: 24 μg/mL, 63 μg/mL, 56 μg/mL, and 14 μg/mL, respectively, for BEE, and 26 μg/mL, 42 μg/mL, 7 μg/mL, and 5 μg/mL, respectively, for CCE. Among phenolic compounds, 2-dihydroxybenzoic acid, 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid, p-anisaldehyde, and gentisic acid were positively correlated with both DPPH (45% and 21% inhibition rate for BEE and CCE, respectively) and ABTS (64 and 31% inhibition rate for BEE and CCE, respectively) antioxidant activities. The FTIR analysis revealed the presence of lipids, proteins, and polysaccharides, extracted in different ratios in the water extract. All mushroom extracts showed a dose-dependent response with higher antimicrobial and antibacterial activities at the highest concentration (26.3 µg phenolics BEE, 12.7 µg pphenolics CCE, 28.3 µg phenolics LPE, and 14.5 µg phenolics RVE per well for antimicrobial activity and 175.2 µg phenolics/mL BEE, 84.4 µg phenolics/mL CCE, and 188.9 µg phenolics/mL LPE for antibacterial activity). These species demonstrate potential for the development of alternative antimicrobial formulations, particularly relevant in the context of antibiotic resistance. Full article

Forest ecosystems undergo seasonal shifts in bacterial and fungal communities, but little is known about the specific microbiota associated with Quercus robur–Boletus edulis systems. This study represents the first examination of seasonal changes in soil microbiota in pedunculate oak habitats in Galicia (NW Spain) and their relationship with Boletus edulis and Boletus reticulatus mycelium prevalence and concentration. Soil microbiota richness, diversity, and composition, as well as seasonal variation in Boletus mycelium, were assessed using DNA metabarcoding and qPCR, respectively. Sampling was conducted in autumn at two 30–40-year-old Q. robur stands. Bacterial communities were dominated by Acidobacteria (34%) and Proteobacteria (33%), with Acidobacterium (12%), Paludibaculum (9%), and Edaphobacter (7%) identified as most abundant. Fungal communities were primarily Basidiomycota (93%), led by Russula (46%). For both bacteria and fungi, the highest OTU richness was observed in September, followed by a significant decrease in October and a partial recovery in November. Boletus species were found to exhibit positive correlations with specific bacteria (e.g., Massilia, Rhizobium) and fungi (e.g., Amanita, Clavaria, Inocybe, Scleroderma, Suillus and Mortierella), suggesting a potential influence of these microbes on mycelium development. This study provides novel insights into the seasonal dynamics of soil microbiota and their potential role in Boletus ecology, thereby advancing understanding of host–microbe interactions in temperate forests. Full article

Silvicultural practices significantly influence the diversity and composition of soil fungal communities, which play crucial roles in maintaining forest ecosystem functionality. This study evaluated the impact of three silvicultural treatments, consisting of liberation cutting, first thinning, and second thinning, on rhizospheric fungal and ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi communities in Pinus forests located in Puebla, Mexico. Using high-throughput metabarcoding of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) region, we identified 346 fungal genera across all treatments, with Ascomycota and Basidiomycota being the dominant phyla. Alpha diversity indices revealed a trend toward higher fungal richness for first thinning, followed by liberation cutting and lower values for second thinning. A beta diversity analysis demonstrated significant shifts in the fungal community composition across treatments, highlighting the influence of the thinning intensity. The proportions of different functional guilds were consistent across the treatments. However, compositional differences were observed, mainly in soil and wood saprotrophs and in pathogenic taxa. Liberation cutting showed enrichment in ECM taxa such as Russula and Cenococcum, whereas Tuber, Humaria, and Tricholoma were decreased for first thinning and Russula was decreased for second thinning. These findings underscore the need for sustainable forest management practices that balance productivity with the conservation of fungal biodiversity to ensure ecosystem stability and functionality. Full article

This study systematically documented macrofungal diversity in Beijing, China (field surveys conducted from 2020 to 2024) using line-transect and random sampling. A total of 1056 species were identified, spanning 2 phyla, 7 classes, 25 orders, 109 families, and 286 genera. The inventory includes 12 new species, 456 new records for Beijing, 79 new records for China, and comprises 116 edible, 56 edible–medicinal, 123 medicinal, and 58 poisonous species. Among these, 542 species were assessed against China’s Macrofungi Redlist, revealing eight species needing conservation attention (seven Near Threatened, one Vulnerable). Analysis revealed stark differences in dominant taxa between natural ecosystems (protected areas) and urban green spaces/parks. In natural areas, macrofungi are dominated by 31 families (e.g., Russulaceae, Cortinariaceae) and 47 genera (e.g., Russula, Cortinarius). Ectomycorrhizal lineages prevailed, highlighting their critical role in forest nutrient cycling, plant symbiosis, and ecosystem integrity. In urban areas, 10 families (e.g., Agaricaceae, Psathyrellaceae) and 17 genera (e.g., Leucocoprinus, Coprinellus) were dominant. Saprotrophic genera dominated, indicating their adaptation to decomposing organic matter in human-modified habitats and the provision of ecosystem services. The study demonstrates relatively high macrofungal diversity in Beijing. The distinct functional guild composition—ectomycorrhizal dominance in natural areas versus saprotrophic prevalence in urban zones—reveals complementary ecosystem functions and underscores the conservation value of protected habitats for maintaining vital mycorrhizal networks. These findings provide fundamental data and scientific support for regional biodiversity conservation and sustainable macrofungal resource development. Full article

Plant microbiomes are vital for the growth and health of their host. Tree-associated microbiomes are shaped by multiple factors, of which the host is one of the key determinants. Whether different host genotypes affect the structure and diversity of the tissue-associated microbiome and how specific taxa enriched in different tree tissues are not yet well illustrated. Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) is an important tree species for both economy and ecosystem in the subtropical regions of Asia. In this study, we investigated the tissue-specific fungal community structure and diversity of nine different Chinese fir genotypes (39 years) grown in the same field. With non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) analysis, we revealed the divergence of the fungal community from rhizosphere soil (RS), fine roots (FRs), and thick roots (TRs). Through analysis with α-diversity metrics (Chao1, Shannon, Pielou, ACE, Good‘s coverage, PD-tree, Simpson, Sob), we confirmed the significant difference of the fungal community in RS, FR, and TR samples. Yet, the overall fungal community difference was not observed among nine genotypes for the same tissues (RS, FR, TR). The most abundant fungal genera were Russula in RS, Scytinostroma in FR, and Subulicystidium in TR. Functional prediction with FUNGuild analysis suggested that ectomycorrhizal fungi were commonly enriched in rhizosphere soil, while saprotroph–parasite and potentially pathogenic fungi were more abundant in root samples. Specifically, genotype N104 holds less ectomycorrhizal and pathogenic fungi in all tissues (RS, FR, TR) compared to other genotypes. Additionally, significant correlations of several endophytic fungal taxa (Scytinostroma, Neonothopanus, Lachnum) with the growth traits (tree height, diameter, stand volume) were observed. This addresses that the interaction between tree roots and the fungal community is a reflection of tree growth, supporting the “trade-off” hypothesis between growth and defense in forest trees. In summary, we revealed tissue-specific, as well as host genotype-specific and genotype-common characters of the structure and functions of their fungal communities. Full article

Fungal biodiversity and ethnomycological knowledge are fundamental components of the biocultural identity of communities within the La Malinche National Park (PNM), a region of ecological and cultural significance in Mexico. This study documented the diversity of wild fungi and their uses in San Miguel Canoa, Puebla, through field excursions with local mushroom gatherers, interviews, and qualitative analysis. Key species such as Russula delica, Boletus aff. edulis, and Amanita basii were identified, playing a vital role in local gastronomy with traditional recipes like mole and pipián. Intergenerational knowledge transmission, crucial for identifying edible fungi and avoiding intoxications, highlights the importance of oral tradition. However, deforestation, illegal logging, and land-use change threaten fungal diversity, a problem exacerbated by the lack of effective conservation policies. The discussion highlights the interplay between biodiversity and culture, emphasizing the significance of the Wild Mushroom Fair organized by the Yolaltepetl collective as an effort to disseminate ethnomycological knowledge and promote the conservation of the PNM. Such community-driven initiatives represent a sustainable model that integrates environmental protection with cultural strengthening. The study concludes that protecting the PNM requires a holistic approach, merging ecological conservation with the recognition of biocultural knowledge. This is essential to preserve both biodiversity and cultural heritage, ensuring their sustainability for future generations. Full article

The cold temperate forest ecosystem is a crucial ecological zone in China, significantly impacted by human activities. To understand the impact of restoration on soil microbial communities following disturbance, this study employed high-throughput sequencing technology to systematically examine the assembly patterns and processes of soil microbial communities under two restoration modes (nature restoration (NR) and artificial restoration (AR)) in this forest ecosystem. The results indicated that the concentrations of total nitrogen (TN), alkaline hydrolysable nitrogen (AN), dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and soil organic carbon (SOC) were significantly higher in soils under natural restoration compared to artificial restoration. The α-diversity of soil bacteria remained unchanged, while soil fungal α-diversity changed significantly across different restoration modes. Furthermore, different restoration modes significantly alter the β-diversity of soil microbial (bacterial and fungal) communities. The relative abundance of soil microbial (bacterial and fungal) changed significantly across different forest restoration strategies, i.e., the relative abundance of Pajaroellobacter increased in natural restoration compared to that in natural forest; similarly, both Podila and Russula showed higher relative abundances in natural restoration than those in natural forest. Furthermore, analysis of variance for differences between groups shows that Incoybe plays a crucial role in artificial restoration. Community assembly analyses indicated that that soil microbial (bacterial and fungal) communities were primarily driven by deterministic processes in both restoration models. In short, our study improves our comprehension of how soil microbial communities respond to different restoration methods in temperate forest ecosystems, providing valuable insights for their sustainable management. Full article

Soil microorganisms are crucial in global biogeochemical cycles, impacting ecosystems’ energy flows and material cycling. This study, via high-throughput sequencing in four forests—the original Larix gmelinii (Rupr.) Kuzen. forest (LG), the conifer–broad-leaved mixed Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica Litv. forest (PS), the original pure Betula platyphylla Sukaczev forest (BP), and the original pure Populus L. forest (PL) in Shuanghe National Nature Reserve, Daxing’anling mountains—explored soil microbial community structures and diversities. The results indicated that the BP and PL forests had the lowest soil bacterial ACE and Chao1 indices, and the original pure birch forest’s Shannon index was higher than that of the poplar forest. The soil’s fungal Chao1 index of the birch forest was higher than that of the larch forests. Bradyrhizobium and Roseiarcus were the dominant soil bacterial genera; the dominant soil fungal genera were Podila, Russula, and Sebacina. RDA and mantel analyses indicated that soil microbial community structures varied across forest types mainly because of the effective phosphorous and pH levels, soil’s total nitrogen level, and available phosphorus level. This study offers a scientific foundation for cold-temperate-forest ecosystem management regarding soil microbial diversity and community structural changes in different forest types. Full article

Litter decomposition dynamics are largely governed by microbial interactions. While the involvement of endophytic fungi in early-stage decomposition and microbial succession is well established, their species-specific contributions to decomposer community assembly remain insufficiently understood. This study investigated the effects of single-strain endophytic colonization using dominant species (Tubakia dryina, Tubakia dryinoides, Guignardia sp.) and rare species (Neofusicoccum parvum, Penicillium citrinum) on Quercus acutissima leaf decomposition through a controlled field experiment in a karst ecosystem. Endophytes accelerated decomposition rates across treatments but paradoxically reduced transient CO₂ emissions, linked to intensified microbial carbon and phosphorus limitations in late stages. Contrary to expectations, decomposition efficiency was governed by endophytic fungal species traits rather than colonization abundance, with rare species outperforming dominant taxa. Endophytes induced significant fungal community restructuring, reducing Ascomycota while enriching lignin-degrading Basidiomycota, but minimally affected bacterial composition. Co-occurrence networks revealed endophyte-driven fragmentation of microbial connectivity, with only two keystone fungal hubs (Trechispora sp. and Russula carmesina) identified compared to natural communities. Endophytic colonization improved fungal community assembly, mediated by an increase in lignin-degrading Basidiomycota and the suppression of pathogenic Leotiomycetes lineages. Our findings demonstrate that endophytes hierarchically regulate decomposer communities through phylogenetically conserved fungal interactions, prioritizing functional trait selection over competitive dominance, thereby stabilizing decomposition under nutrient constraints. This mechanistic framework advances predictions of litter decay dynamics in forest ecosystems undergoing microbial community perturbations. Full article

Russula, a genus of Basidiomycetes with considerable taxonomic diversity, holds significant potential in both traditional and modern medicinal practices. This comprehensive review explores the bioactive compounds identified in various Russula species, detailing their characterization, structural elucidation, and classification. The medicinal properties of these fungi are examined, with a focus on their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects, supported by both historical usage and contemporary preclinical pharmacological research. The review also highlights emerging biotechnological applications including environmental remediation, antimicrobial agents, and functional food development. Safety and toxicological considerations are evaluated to provide a balanced perspective on the medicinal use of Russula. The review concludes by summarizing the key findings and emphasizing the importance of Russula in both traditional medicine and future clinically validated innovations. Full article

Mushrooms play an important role in ecosystem sustainability and are highly valued in medicine and human nutrition. Using AAS and biochemical methods of analysis, the antioxidant status and mineral composition of seven mushroom species (Armillaria mellea, Xeromocus illudens, Leccinum aurantiacum, Leccinum scrabum, Lactarium pubescens, Rusula vesca, and Lycoperpon molle Pers.) gathered near the Pechenganikel smelting plant in the Pasvik Nature Reserve of the Murmansk region were evaluated. The concentrations of Ni and Cu in the fruiting bodies of mushrooms were in the ranges of 0.43–39.7 and 7.9–45.9 mg kg⁻¹ d.w., respectively. An unusually high biological concentration factor (BCF) for Ni, Cu, and Zn levels in mushrooms grown in soils with a low amount of these elements indicates the low suitability of the mentioned parameter for mushroom characteristics in territories with an uneven distribution of elements in soil. On the other hand, selenium (Se) showed high BCF levels, exceeding 1, for all mushrooms tested, with the highest values associated with L. saccatum (5.17) and the lowest values with A. mellea (1.36). A significant excess (3.4) of the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) level per 30 g of dry mushrooms was recorded for Ni in Russula vesca gathered 6 km from the Ni/Cu smelting plant, and 1.3 excess of the RDA was recorded in L. scrabum grown in the vicinity of the Shuonyoka waterfall. No RDA excess was revealed for Cu. Positive correlations between Se, polyphenol content, and total antioxidant activity (AOA) (r = 0.915–0.926; p < 0.001) and a negative correlation between Cu–Se and Cu–AOA in Leccinum species indicate the important role of antioxidant defense and Se, particularly in Arctic mushroom growth and survival, providing a specific protection of mushrooms against Cu toxicity. Full article

Russula griseocarnosa is an important ectomycorrhizal edible fungus whose economic and nutritional value are both high. To better understand which abiotic and biotic factors affect the growth of R. griseocarnosa, this study examined the mycosphere soil of R. griseocarnosa growing in five sites. The soil fungal communities of R. griseocarnosa from five sites of Fujian, Guangxi, and Yunnan Provinces were sequenced by Illumina MiSeq technology, and their community structure comprehensively analyzed in combination with a suite of soil physicochemical properties. The results revealed significantly greater levels of available potassium (AK), available nitrogen (AN), and available phosphorus (AP) in mycosphere soil than bulk soil, and that R. griseocarnosa prefers acidic soil, with Penicillium, Trichoderma, Talaromyces, Mortierella, Tolypocladium, Chloridium, Oidiodendron, and Umbelopsis being the main dominant fungal taxa. Different geographical sites had different indicator fungal genera, and the similarity of fungal communities in the mycosphere decreased with increasing geographical distance among them. Soil pH was the major abiotic factor influencing the structure of the mycosphere fungal communities. Management strategies such as nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus mixed fertilizer, and fungal fertilizer can promote the conservation and sustainable utilization of R. griseocarnosa. Full article

Mushrooms are a raw material rich in many nutritional compounds, and that is why a number of them are widely known as functional food. They contain fatty acids, carbohydrates, lycopene, sterols, lovastatin, trace elements, and other valuable compounds that show a wide range of properties, such as hepatoprotective, anticancer, antiviral, etc. For more efficient utilisation of mushrooms’ biologically active substances, widespread supercritical carbon dioxide extraction (Sc-CO₂) was used as an efficient way to isolate the high-value phytoconstituents from this type of raw material. Using Sc-CO₂, the extracts of five types of edible mushrooms—Lycoperdon saccatum, Pleurotus ostreatus, Craterellus cornucopioides, Russula Cyanoxantha and Cantharellus cibarius—were obtained. During the Sc-CO₂ process, the extraction time was reduced to 4 h compared to the prolonged process time applied in the typical traditional techniques (6–24 h). The extraction pressure (30 MPa) and temperature (40 °C) were constant. Fatty acids and the compounds of steroid structures were determined in the obtained extracts using GC–MS and GC–FID methods of analysis. The dominant compounds identified in the lipid extracts were fatty acids (linoleic, oleic, palmitic and stearic) and sterols (ergosterol, 7,22-ergostadienone and 7,22-ergostadienol). For complete insight into the process and to obtain the value of the extracts, chemometric analysis is provided. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), as well as k-means clustering, showed that Craterellus cornucopioides was distinguished based on the extraction yield results. Full article

Constructed wetlands, as an emerging wastewater treatment system, have been widely used worldwide due to their high purification efficiency and low investment and operating costs. Wetland plants, on the other hand, together with their inter-root microbes, significantly affect the ecological functions of constructed wetlands. The mangrove constructed wetland within Futian District, Shenzhen, China, is a typical wastewater treatment area, but the structure and function of its soil microbial community remain largely unexplored. In this study, the assembly and processes of the soil microbial communities in this constructed wetland were intensively investigated using high-throughput sequencing technology. Our results showed that the three mangrove plants had significant effects on the soil bacterial microbial community α-diversity, insignificant effects on β-diversity, and significant effects on fungal α-diversity and β-diversity. The abundance of genera changed significantly between the treatment groups, such as the genus Candidatus_Udaeobacter for bacteria versus Russula for fungi, and the random forest model showed that rare genera (e.g., Acidibacter, Dyella, Sebacina, and Lachnellula) also play an important role in microbial community construction. Community assembly revealed the deterministic process of soil bacterial and fungal communities under different mangrove species. Overall, this study enhanced our understanding of soil microbial community composition and diversity in constructed wetlands ecosystems, providing insights into their manageability. Full article

The tree-associated microbiome is vital for both individual trees and the forest ecosystem. The microbiome is dynamic; however, it is influenced by the developmental stages and environmental stresses experienced by host trees. Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) is an economically important tree species in the subtropical regions of China. This study investigated the diversity of microbial communities, including bacteria and fungi, in the roots and bulk soil of young (2 years old) and old (46 years old) Chinese fir. It specifically examined the functional characteristics of these microbial communities. Through a non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) analysis, we examined differences in microbial community structures among root and soil samples of Chinese fir. Evaluations using α-diversity metrics (Chao1, Shannon, Pielou, etc.) confirmed significant differences in diversity and structure between soil and root samples but high similarity between young and old tree samples. A network analysis identified key bacterial and fungal genera, such as Burkholderia and Russula, which play pivotal roles in the microbiome structure. We also demonstrated significant variations in microbial metabolic functions, such as dioxin and benzoic acid degradation metabolic pathways, which might relate to stress alleviation for tree fitness. Additionally, for the detection of endophytic microorganisms in Chinese fir seeds, only small amounts (less than 10%) of fungal endophytes and bare bacterial endophytes were identified. In summary, this study revealed that the stable structure of the rhizosphere microbiome was established in the early stage of tree life in Chinese fir, which mostly originated from surrounding soil rather than seed endophytes. The associated microbial metabolic activity naturally decreased with tree aging, implicating the tree microbial dynamics and the need for the addition of an actively functional synthetic community for tree fitness. Full article