Nutritional and therapeutic importance of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus eryngii)

One of the most important members of the oyster mushroom family is a special fungus called the edible king oyster mushroom (Pleurotus eryngii) with the scientific name of Pleurotus. This fungus has many medicinal properties such as antihypertensive, antioxidant, anti-cholesterol, anti-hyperglycemic, immune-boosting, anti-tumor, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and anti-osteoporosis. A compound called aringeolysin has been identified in oyster mushroom that inhibits the proliferation of leukemia cells. The fruit of the oyster mushroom is rich in carbohydrates, dietary fiber, chitin and polysaccharides. Aspartic acid, glutamic acid and arginine are the three most abundant amino acids in Erinji. The fruit of the oyster mushroom is a good source of vitamins A, B and D and minerals, especially potassium, magnesium, sodium and calcium.

Keywords:

Pleurotus eryngii , Medicinal properties , nutritional application