SCREENING OF PREBIOTICS FROM AGARICUS BISPORUS AND PLEUROTUS ASTREATUS

Author (s) : K.Gokuladhass & G.Krishnajayashree

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Abstract :
Prebiotics are non-digestible food components that selectively stimulate the growth and/or activity of beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, promoting gut health and overall well-being. Agaricus bisporus (commonly known as button mushroom) and Pleurotus astreatus (often referred to as oyster mushroom) are widely consumed edible fungi known for their nutritional and medicinal properties. In this study, we aimed to screen and identify potential prebiotics present in these mushroom species.Mushroom extracts were prepared from Agaricus bisporus and Pleurotus astreatus using aqueous and ethanol-based solvents. The extracts were then subjected to prebiotic screening assays to evaluate their ability to stimulate the growth of known beneficial probiotic strains, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species. Additionally, in vitro fermentation studies were performed to assess the prebiotic potential of the mushroom extracts by monitoring the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are important metabolites associated with gut health. Our results demonstrated that both Agaricus bisporus and Pleurotus astreatus extracts exhibited prebiotic properties. The aqueous and ethanol extracts from each mushroom species selectively enhanced the growth of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains, suggesting the presence of fermentable substrates that support the proliferation of beneficial gut bacteria.Furthermore, the in vitro fermentation studies revealed significant increases in SCFA production when the mushroom extracts were used as substrates. SCFAs, particularly acetate, propionate, and butyrate, play a crucial role in maintaining gut health by regulating intestinal pH, supporting the gut barrier function, and modulating immune responses. In conclusion, the findings from this study indicate that both Agaricus bisporus and Pleurotus astreatus contain prebiotic compounds capable of selectively promoting the growth of beneficial probiotic bacteria and facilitating the production of SCFAs. Further research is warranted to isolate and characterize these prebiotics to fully unlock their potential for improving gut health and overall human well-being.

Keywords : Probiotic bacteria,Agaricus bisporus,Prebiotic compound

Conference Date : 30/08/2019

Pages : 174

Paper ID : 19170