Occurrence, use and antioxidant potential of Termitomyces reticulatus in Cameroon

Termitomyces species are among the most utilised mushrooms in tropical Africa and Asia, with some species having putative medicinal properties. However, data on their diversity, distribution, ethnomycology, biological activities and metabolites are still to be completed, especially in central Africa. During field surveys in the Western Highlands of Cameroon, basidiomes of a species of this fungal genus were collected and morphologically described. The extracts were used to screen and measure some antioxidant compounds and their respective activities, including polyphenols, flavonoids, thiols, DPPH radicals scavenging activity, ferric reducing power (FRAP) and the superoxide dismutase-like (SOD-like) activity in comparison to that of vitamin C. Morphological features allowed identifying this fungal species as Termitomyces reticulatus, which is here reported for the first time from Cameroon. This species is used by locals as food. Mycochemical antioxidant analyses revealed polyphenols as the major antioxidant compounds, followed by flavonoids and thiols. Extracts also showed significant DPPH, FRAP and SOD-like activities, although less strongly than those of vitamin C. The global antioxidant potential of this species is comparable to that of many mushroom species, such as T. heimii and T. microcarpus. Extensive work on other metabolites and biological activities of T. reticulatus are needed for a better description of its potential health benefits, especially in the fight against various human oxidative stressrelated diseases.