GC-MS Evaluation, Phytochemical and Antinutritional Screening of Ganoderma lucidum

Aims: To qualitatively and quantitatively determine and evaluate the phytochemicals and anti-nutritional components of Ganoderma lucidum.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at Adekulne Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State and Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife.

Methodology: Twelve mushrooms of Ganoderma lucidum were harvested for the study. The mushrooms were assayed for proximate, antinutritional and phytochemical composition using conventional methods. The metabolite composition was estimated using GC-MS.

Results: The mushrooms contain 29.30% crude fibre, 42.10% total carbohydrate, and 6.33% ash while the antinutritive factors present include cyanide 0.008 mg/100 g, and phytate 0.012. Extract of the fungus in the present study do not contain tannins, anthraquinones, and volatile oils while other phytochemicals were found in it. The GC-MS result showed the mushroom contains saturated and unsaturated fatty acids (organic compounds), organometallic compounds, and alkanes. Compounds like 17-Pentatriacontene, 5-Eicosene, 3-Eicosene, 1-Docosene were extracted by the two solvent systems though more compounds were extracted by N-Hexane than Ethyl acetate. The first compounds were extracted at retention time of 19.195 min.

Conclusion: The study alluded to the fact that unique advantageous compounds abound in the fungus which may be relevant to mans’ health and useful for his day to day activities though further research is still needed to better validate the use of the mushroom.