Some physical and chemical properties of fruitbodies of cordyceps militaris collected in Turkey

Abstract

Aim of study: Turkish Cordyceps militaris was collected in order to determine its certain quality characteristics such as color, texture, total phenolics level and antioxidant activity.

Material and method: Samples (not cultivated, wild) which were harvested from a field of Istanbul in 2018 were analyzed by using Eurx genematrix universal isolation kit for determining total genomic DNA. Color and textural properties of C. militaris body were measured by a colorimeter (according to Munsell system) and texture analyzer (applying texture profile analysis, TPA) respectively. The methanolic extract of C. militaris was subjected to total phenolic determination (by Folin Ciocalteu method) and antioxidant activity (by DPPH method) tests.

Main results: L*, a*, b*, C*, H degrees (color) values were recorded as 34.96, 18.84, 21.22, 28.41 and 48.57 respectively. Hardness of samples was 26.25 N. Total phenolic amounts and DPPH radical scavenging activity of specimens were found as 2316.22 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/L extract and 3.98 mg trolox equivalent (TE)/L extract.

Highlights: The recommendation of this preliminary study is that C. militaris may be useful in various food formulations as an ingredient because of its high bioactive molecule and antioxidant potential.