Comparative Metabolomics and Nutritional Profiles of Two Edible Boletus Species From Eastern Mexico

Mushrooms related to Boletus edulis s.l. are globally valued as wild-harvested edibles. This study investigated the nutritional composition, antioxidant activity, and metabolic profile of Boletus rubriceps and B. vigasensis from Pinus forests in the Cofre de Perote mountain, Veracruz, Mexico. Using non-targeted metabolomics and predictive Random Forest models, we identified 180 putative metabolites, 29 with documented bioactivity, and discovered metabolite markers distinguishing both taxa. Integrating morphological, nutritional, and metabolomic data confirmed the taxonomic and molecular separation of B. vigasensis from B. rubriceps. However, distinct metabolic profiles further subdivided B. rubriceps into two groups, B. rubriceps 1 and B. rubriceps 2, consistent with the subtle morphological and nutritional differences, suggesting cryptic diversity. The high protein content, antioxidant capacity, and bioactive potential of these species highlight their nutritional and economic value. This study underscores the need for sustainable management and further metabolomic research to explore their ecological roles and health-promoting properties.