Determination of total phenol, flavonoid and antioxidant activity of edible mushrooms Pleurotus florida and Pleurotus eous

The antioxidant potential of two commonly used edible mushrooms Pleurotus florida and Pleurotus eous was estimated in this study. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined as these compounds have profound antioxidant properties and antioxidant capacity was tested by phosphomolybdenum assay and metal chelating activity. The total phenolic content and total flavonoid content of the two mushroom extracts revealed that Pleurotus florida showed higher activity in both solvents. The total antioxidant activity was determined by using phosphomolybdenum assay where Pleurotus eous have higher activity. Among the two mushrooms, Pleurotus florida has higher chelating activity against ferrous ion when compared to Pleurotus eous. Thus the study revealed that the consumption of oyster mushrooms may enhance the immune power of our body against diseases due to free radicals. So it can be used as a dietary supplement along with other foods or as a drug itself.