Harnessing the potential of UVB irradiation for improving the nutraceutical properties of edible xylotrophic mushroom dried powder

From the paper

Abstract

The present study aimed at optimizing the parameters for increasing vitamin D₂ content along with other nutraceutical properties (β-glucans, antioxidants, total phenols, flavonoids, and amino acid contents) in dried mushroom Lentinula edodes (L. edodes) powder using ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation. The dried mushroom powder was irradiated for different time durations (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 h). HPLC studies indicated a significant (p < 0.05) increase in vitamin D₂ (24.94–49.31 μg/g) content in 2 h irradiated sample. An elevated level of total phenols (6.57–8.84 mg GAE/g), total flavonoids (1.55–2.89 mgQE/g), and β-glucan content (41.20–47.74%) along with improved antioxidant activity (DPPH, FRAP) in the 2 h UVB treated sample was also observed. GCMS profiling revealed the presence of bioactives reported to have medicinal potential. Additionally, the study also targets the alterations made by irradiation in amino acid and color profile. The present study provides a sustainable strategy to improve the nutraceutical potential of dried edible mushroom powder, in terms of antioxidant activities, bioactive constituents, etc., particularly vitamin D₂, which holds a significant place in the diet.