abstract
The fatty acids of Agaricus essettei, Agaricus bitorquis and Agaricus bisporus were investigated by using GC
and GC–MS. The dominant fatty acids were found to be linoleic (61.82–67.29%) and palmitic (12.67–
14.71%) acids among the 13 fatty acids detected in the oils. Total unsaturation for the oils was calculated
as 77.50%, 77.44%, and 79.72%, respectively. In vitro antioxidant, anticholinesterase and antimicrobial
activities were also studied. The ethyl acetate extract of Agaricus bitorquis showed the highest activity
in b-carotene-linoleic acid, DPPH
and ABTS+ assays, while the hexane extract of Agaricus bisporus exhibited
the best metal chelating activity. The ethyl acetate and hexane extract of Agaricus bitorquis and the
hexane extract of Agaricus essettei showed meaningful butyrylcholinesterase activity being close to that
of galantamine. The extracts were found to be effective on Gram (+) bacteria, especially against Micrococcus
luteus, Micrococcus flavus, Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus cereus. In conclusion, Agaricus bitorquis and
Agaricus essettei demonstrated higher iron content, and better antioxidant, anticholinesterase and
antimicrobial activities than those of Agaricus bisporus commonly consumed mushroom. Hence, Agaricus
species, particularly Agaricus bitorquis might be useful as antioxidant agents and moderate anticholinesterase
agents, and their extracts will probably be used for development of dietary foods, food products
and additives.
2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.