Selenium biofortification and antioxidant activity in the medicinal mushroom Cordyceps militaris

Selenium (Se) is a naturally-occurring non-metallic element that serves as an essential micronutrient for humans and animals. Insufficient intake of Se by mammals can contribute to the onset of “Keshan disease” and “white muscle disease”, whereas excessive amounts can lead to toxicoses. Cordyceps militaris is a highly nutritious ascomycetous fungus which is one of the most popular edible and medicinal mushrooms worldwide. The scavenged 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals of both water and ethanol extracts from Sebiofortified C. militaris were significantly higher than that corresponding concentration from control C. militaris . The water crude extracts of C. militaris tested showed much stronger scavenging activities against DPPH compared to ethanol crude extracts. The water crude extract of C. militaris contained more active substances, including polysaccharid, adenosine, cordycepin, and cordycepic acid, than ethanol extract. The presented results provide novel insights relevant to the cultivation of Se-biofortified C. militaris fruiting bodies.