Mushrooms are a valuable source of proteins and vitamins as well as a food source with several pharmacological values. Hence, Higher mushroom consumption can lower the risk of certain diseases. However, a literature survey revealed that published scientific information on the therapeutic potential of some edible mushrooms is still being determined. Hence, this study evaluated and compared the antioxidant and α -amylase potential of some of the three commonly used mushroom varieties in Sri Lanka i.e. Agaricus bisporus (Button mushroom), Pleurotus cystidiosus (Abalone mushroom) and Pleurotus ostreatus (American oyster). The antioxidant activity of hot aqueous extracts of the above three mushrooms was evaluated by using a 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay and Ascorbic acid was used as a positive control. In-vitro anti-diabetic activity was measured by following in-vitro α -amylase enzyme inhibition procedure and Acarbose was used as a positive control. Among the tested mushroom species Pleurotus ostreatus was identified as the mushroom species with the highest α -amylase inhibitory activity (IC50 = 4.33 mg/mL). Further, Agaricus bisporus was identified as the mushroom species with the highest antioxidant (IC50= 28.28 mg/mL) among the tested mushroom species. In conclusion, this study provides scientific support for the medicinal validity of selected mushrooms grown in Sri Lanka and will enhance consumers' preference to add mushrooms to their daily diet.
Siriwardene et al. (Mon,) studied this question.