Assessment of Total Phenolic Content, Antioxidant Potential, and Vitamin D2 Enrichment in Pleurotus membranaceus (Agaricomycetes).

In India, Pleurotus mushroom is generally known as "dhingri," a remarkable functional food because of its various bioactive components and outstanding nutritional properties. These experiments were aimed to investigate the total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity (2,2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay), vitamin D2 content and nutraceutical attributes of P. membranaceus. The ranges for the total phenolic content and 2,2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay scavenging activity were 1.80-1.85 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g and 96.97-97.96%, respectively. Protein (22.95%), fiber (12.08%), potassium (3435.35 mg/100 g), phosphorus (787.17 mg/100 g), magnesium (238.43 mg/100 g), iron (14.06 mg/100 g), zinc (9.84 mg/100 g), manganese (3.22 mg/100 g) and carbohydrates (62.32%) are all abundant in P. membranaceus in terms of nutraceutical qualities. Additionally, the fruiting bodies of the mushroom were exposed to UV-A and UV-B radiation for 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 min. A maximal increase in vitamin D2 content (1692.24 μg/100 g) was achieved after 15 min of exposure to UV-B rays, confirming their status as a sustainable dietary supply of this vital element. As a natural food that promotes health, P. membranaceus shows great promise. It has substantial antioxidant and nutraceutical effects.