Ethnomycology, myco-chemical analyzes and antioxidant activity of eleven species of the genus Amanita (Basidiomycota, fungi) from Benin (West Africa)

Abstract

Fungi of the genus Amanita (Basidiomycota) contain secondary metabolites very useful for human welfare. They are much exploited by tropical African people for various purposes. The objective of this study is to identify the myco-chemical groups and evaluate the antioxidant activity of eleven macromycetes of the genus Amanita harvested in woodlands of Benin. The species were selected based on ethnomycological surveys conducted on a sample of 68 randomly selected persons from three ethnic groups in the Angaradebou village (Borgou Province, central Benin). All target species were subjected to chemical screening according to standard methods. The antioxidant activity was determined using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl. Ethnomycological investigates reported three (03) edible and eight (08) inedible species with chemical compounds and antioxidant activity. The eleven species of Amanita can be useful in primary health care of local people.