No abstract

In recent decades, mushrooms have been recognized as an important resource and efforts to characterize their potential to aid nutrition and human health have increased. Phlebopus beniensis specimen from a semi-urban community in Paraguay were analyzed for its biochemical properties, nutritional value, and toxicity. The species was identified by morpho-anatomical and molecular tools. Analyses for antioxidants by Ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) and nutritional content revealed that P. beniensis is a favorable source of antioxidants, proteins, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and fats. Spectrometry through Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) further showcased other mycochemicals such as the specific phenolic, antioxidant, and fatty acid compounds that serve important biological roles in human diets. Applying an ethnomycological framework across local Paraguayan populations, we also report accounts of histories, knowledge, and usage of P. beniensis in South America among settlers and Paraguayan people.

Laccaria fraterna is recorded for the first time from the Cordillera Department, Paraguay and from northern Argentina. Both macroscopic and microscopic morphological characteristics of the basidiomata are described. Photographs of fresh material are presented along with photographs of the microscopic characters. Comments regarding the distribution and taxonomy are provided.

En el presente trabajo fue aislado uno de los metabolitos secundarios mayoritarios de la especie vegetal Handroanthus heptaphyllus (Vell.) Mattos, que posteriormente fue purificado por el método de recristalización. El mencionado metabolito mayoritario es el 2- hidroxi - 3 -(3-metil-butenil)-nafto-1,4-diona, denominado lapachol. Su pureza, testada por el método HPLC, arrojó un resultado del 100%, con posterior confirmación de su peso molecular (242 g.mol-1) por el método de GC-MS. Se llevó a cabo la identificación botánica y la morfoanatomía de la especie vegetal en estudio, con el fin de comprobar su autenticidad. El ensayo de toxicidad sobre Daphnia magna a las 48 horas generó una DL50 de 24,08 ppm. El Screening antibacteriano efectuado, utilizando el método de difusión en disco, sobre las cepas S. aureus; S. epidermidis; E. coli y Salmonella sp. generó halos de inhibición de entre 15 mm a 31 mm para la concentración de 1000 µg.mL-1, presentando mejor actividad sobre S. aureus y S. epidermidis. El poder termicida del lapachol fue estudiado por medio de dos bioensayos, el de confinamiento y el selectivo, además de la prueba por contacto. El método selectivo demostró que las termitas tuvieron preferencia por el papel control antes que por cada papel impregnado con la iésima concentración de lapachol. Lo mismo sucedió en la prueba de confinamiento, en la que el porcentaje de termitas muertas se elevó en casi todas las concentraciones del experimento, siendo las más efectivas las de 0,5 y 2,5 mg.mL-1, en referencia al control.

To further knowledge of the biological activity of native neotropical fungal species, this study aimed to determine the chemical composition and microbiological activity of <i>Hornodermoporus martius</i>. Ethanol, hexane, diethyl ether, and ethyl acetate fractions and the water residue were analyzed and resulted in a total phenolic compound content between 13 and 63 mg of gallic acid equivalents per gram of crude extract. The total antioxidants ranged between 3 and 19 mg of ascorbic acid equivalents per gram of crude extract, and the percentage of antioxidant activity was determined to be between 6 and 25&#37;. A preliminary profile of compounds is provided for the first time for the species; the results from the nonpolar fraction showcased the presence of saturated and unsaturated acids, fatty alcohol, sterols, and cis-vaccenic acid. Our findings also revealed antimicrobial properties from compounds within the hexane and diethyl ether fractions at concentrations of 1 mg mL^-1, which inhibited the growth of certain gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. For the first time in academic literature, our work analyzed and documented the chemical characteristics and microbial properties of <i>H. martius</i>, suggesting potential for medicinal applications.