Lignicolous mushroom Fomitopsis pinicola as a potent inhibitor of lipid peroxidation

Abstract

Excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) often results in irreversible cell damage and leads to a number of disorders such as hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, inflammation, premature aging and cancer. Considering the importance of diet in prevention of diseases associated with oxidative stress, this study was conducted to evaluate antioxidant activity of the methanol extract of wild lignicolus mushroom Fomitopsis pinicola as natural source of functional food ingredients. Nowadays functional food products based on the lignicolous mushroom species are increasingly available on the market. Their powders and extracts are consumed as dietary supplements in the form of capsules or tablets and as additives in the formulation of healthier food products.