Comparative analysis of taxonomy, physicochemical characteristics and mycochemical screening of two wood degrading Phellinus mushrooms (P. fastuosus (Lév.) S. Ahmad and P. sanfordii (Lloyd) Ryvarden)

Abstract

Phellinus mushrooms are of great interest for their nutritive and medicinal properties. Indian fungal flora is rich in economically important Phellinus species. Of these some are in use against various human ailments since ages. However physicochemical characterization and biochemical composition of all the Phellinus species has not been evaluated. In the present investigation, Phellinus fastuosus and P. sanfordii were evaluated for taxonomy, physicochemical characteristics and mycochemical composition of hydroalcoholic (70% ethanol) extract. Both the tested mushrooms showed comparable foreign matter, moisture content, dry weight, bulk density, tapped density, Carr’s index, Hausner ratio, ethanol soluble extractives, water soluble extractives and ash values. The values of oil absorption capacity, water absorption capacity, emulsion capacity and emulsion stability vary significantly among the tested mushrooms. The two tested mushrooms did not possess foaming and swelling properties. This information can prove beneficial for future utilization of Phellinus fastuosus and P. sanfordii in nutraceutical and pharmaceutical products. The mycochemical screening showed that each tested mushroom extract consisted of carbohydrates, reducing sugars, proteins, amino acids, steroids, terpenoids, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, tannins, anthraquinone glycosides, cardiac glycosides and alkaloids.