Extraction and optimization of polyphenols from Morchella spp. using ultrasound-assisted deep eutectic solvents:...

Edible fungi, specifically Morels (Morchella spp.), are esteemed for their high concentration of bioactive compounds, with polyphenols being a notable component. This research focused on optimizing the ultrasound-assisted deep eutectic solvent extraction method to obtain polyphenols from Morels. The optimized process yielded 6.95 ± 0.18 mg/g of polyphenols, with optimal conditions identified as a solid-liquid ratio of 29.92 g/mL, a water content of 31.32%, an extraction temperature of 36.31°C, and a 10-min ultrasonic exposure duration. The Morchella polyphenols (MPs) demonstrated significant antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities. The phenolic compounds of MPs were analyzed via ultra performance liquid chromatography high-resolution/mass spectrometry (UPLC-HRMS/MS). Network pharmacology analysis identified caffeic acid as the main active compound, with core genes such as ALB, TNF, and EGFR. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses indicated that the hypoglycemic effects of MPs are likely linked to the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Collectively, these findings highlight the potential of Morchella spp. as a promising source of functional foods for managing Type 2 diabetes mellitus. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The study introduces an environmentally sustainable approach to extract polyphenols from Morels (Morchella spp.), which have shown their potent antioxidant and hypoglycemic effects. The Morchella polyphenols could serve as functional food ingredients or natural supplements for managing Type 2 diabetes mellitus, providing a sustainable and health-oriented alternative for the food and nutraceutical industries.