Species Identification and Functional Components of Wild Mushrooms from Rakuno Gakuen University, Hokkaido

This study focuses on the identification and characterization of wild mushrooms grown on the campus of Rakuno Gakuen University, using DNA sequencing and analysis of functional metabolites. Forty-eight samples of fruiting bodies were collected between June 2012 and November 2014. The samples were hot-air dried and powdered, and subsequently extracted with alkaline hot water to obtain beta-glucans, or 50% ethanol for total polyphenols (TPP) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity. Functional metabolites were assessed by colorimetric assays, using Congo Red reagent for beta-glucans, Folin-Denis reagent for TPP level, and DPPH radical scavenging for antioxidant activity. Total DNA was extracted from each sample and subjected to DNA sequencing for the inter spacer regions of ribosomal RNA gene. Sequencing analysis identified 27 independent species or genus of mushrooms. Beta-glucan contents showed clear differences between species. The TPP levels and DPPH radical scavenging activity showed similar tendencies and were significantly correlated (p <0.0001).