Evaluation of bioactive compounds content and antioxidant properties of soil-growing and wood-growing edible mushrooms

The aim of the study was to estimate the content of the macroelements (Ca, K, Mg, Na), ergosterol, ascorbic acid, and the profile of phenolic compounds in seventeen wild growing edible mushrooms from Poland. Mean content of Ca, K, Mg, Na in wood-growing mushrooms was 315, 12,402, 597, and 130 mg/kg DM. Soil-growing species contained 246, 15,586, 531, and 114 mg/kg DM, respectively. The highest total phenolic and flavonoid contents were confirmed for Leccinum scabrum (9.24 and 0.77 mg/g DM). The highest content of ascorbic acid was indicated in Calvatia gigantea (108.11 mg/kg DM). The richest in phenolic compounds were Lepista gilva and L. scabrum. The soil-growing mushrooms possessed a better scavenging activity in comparison to wood-growing varieties, with L. scabrum as the species with the greatest antioxidant properties. EC value was correlated with total phenolic and flavonoid contents. The content of ergosterol reached 0.540 mg/g DM for Laetiporus sulphureus. Practical applications: Consumers appreciate wild edible mushrooms mainly because of the taste and aroma. This research on both popular and rare edible wild growing mushrooms shows that they are a good source of bioactive compounds including macroelements, phenolics, and ergosterol. This knowledge influences consumers' awareness by enabling them to better match the products of the daily diet, which in consequence can improve well-being and health quality. The results are also valuable for other applications of mushrooms, for example, as extracts or other forms of supplements.