Phytochemical characterization of wild edible Boletus sp. from Northeast Portugal
Conference Paper
Overview
Overview
abstract
Our research has been focused on the documentation of nutritional composition and nutraceutical
potential of wild mushrooms, making the information available for a better management and
conservation of these species and related habitats. In the present work, the chemical composition and
bioactivity of three wild edible Boletus sp. (Boletus aereus, Boletus edulis, Boletus reticulatus) from
Northeast Portugal were evaluated, in order to valorise these species as sources of important
phytochemicals. The macronutrient profile in general revealed that they are rich sources of protein
and carbohydrates, having low amounts of fat. The analysis of fatty acid composition by GC/FID
allowed the quantification of twenty six fatty acids. Unsaturated fatty acids and, in particular, oleic and
linoleic acids, were predominant. Mannitol and trehalose were the most abundant sugars, determined
by HPLC/RI. Boletus aereus revealed the highest antioxidant activity, measured by radical
scavenging capacity, reducing power and inhibition of lipid peroxidation assays. Furthermore, these
results are in agreement with the highest content in phenolic compounds (measured by HPLC/DAD).
Boletus reticulates presented the highest tocopherols composition (HPLC-fluorescence) also
presenting a high antioxidant capacity. Overall, this study increases the proportion of investigated
mushrooms and contributes to the establishment of the nutritional/nutraceutical potential of wild
mushrooms.
