EXPLORING THE ANTIOXIDANT POTENTIAL OF METHANOLIC EXTRACTS OF WILD EDIBLE MUSHROOMS FROM DARMA VALLEY, PITHORAGARH, KUMAUN HIMALAYA, INDIA

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the methanolic extracts of nine species of wild edible mushrooms (WEM) native to the Darma Valley in the Kumaun Himalaya region. The investigation encompasses the assessment of various biochemical attributes, including Total Phenolics (TP), Total Flavonoids (TF), Total Tannins (TT) contents, the ABTS assay, and the DPPH radical scavenging assay. Among the nine WEM species examined, C. craniiformis stands out for displaying the highest antioxidant capacities, indicated by exceptional TP (54.94 ± 0.54 mg GAE/g dw) and TT (4.23 ± 0.17 mg TAE/g dw) contents, along with noteworthy ABTS (10.44 ± 0.34 mg AAE/g dw) and DPPH activity (0.335 ± 0.001 mg AAE/g dw). Subsequent in antioxidant potential are R. fennica, G. clavatus, R. sanguinea, R. flava, C. zollingeri, P. ostreatus, R. botrytis, and K. mutabilis. Variations in antioxidant capacities align with distinct phenolic content. This study underscores Clavatia craniiformis as a remarkable source of antioxidants, suggesting its potential suitability for nutraceutical applications. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the antioxidant properties inherent in wild edible mushrooms, particularly emphasizing the prominence of C. craniiformis.