ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF PLEUROTUS PULMONARIUS (FRIES) QUEL-CHAMP.

Summary Mushrooms have been valued throughout the world as both food and medicine for thousands of years. Several commercial mushrooms are reported to be effective against various diseases by virtue of their antioxidant potential. In this investigation, we examined the antioxidant activities of aqueous extract of oyster mushroom, Pleurotus pulmonarius (Fr.) through various in vitro models. P. pulmonarius showed strong antioxidant activity in DPPH and reducing power assay. It also showed antioxidant potential against hydroxyl radical, nitric oxide, superoxide anion scavenging and hydrogen peroxide scavenging. In addition, the Pleurotus pulmonarius found to contain a significant phenolic content. These results suggested that the P. pulmonarius can be used as natural antioxidants.