Harnessing Ganoderma casuarinicola: extraction of bioactive compounds and evaluation for its health and nutraceutical...

The genus Ganoderma is considered as the most prolific producer of novel myco-chemicals among medicinally significant mushrooms. More than 430 physiologically and medicinally active chemicals have been identified from several species of Ganoderma. This present study focuses on G. casuarinicola, an unexplored species of Ganoderma. This investigation aimed to extract its bioactive components using three distinct extraction techniques, viz., infusion, decoction, and hydroalcoholic extract, and to assess their mycochemical estimation, antioxidant capacity, antimicrobial efficacy, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. After collection, the sample was preserved and by macroscopic, microscopic, and phylogenetic analysis the genus and species were established as G. casuarinicola. The extracts successfully scavenged 2,2'-azino-bis (3 ethylbenzthiazoline6-sulphonate) (ABTS) radicals, and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) as well as hydroxyl radicals. Hydroalcoholic extract demonstrated the highest ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging activity, antibacterial activity, and anticancer activity. In terms of anticancer properties, the hydroalcoholic extract showed potent cytotoxic and anti-proliferative effects against lung adenocarcinoma (A549 cells). It induced apoptotic cell death, as evidenced by changes in nuclear morphology. Hence, these inquiries yield substantiation for the wild variety of G. casuarinicola that was discovered to be an enormous reservoir of naturally occurring bioactive compounds with potential applications for human benefit.