Levels of physiologically active indole derivatives in the fruiting bodies of some edible mushrooms (Basidiomycota) before and after thermal processing

Indole compounds were found in the fruiting bodies of selected mushroom species both before and after thermal processing. On the basis of HPLC analyses the following indole compounds were detected: l-tryptophan, 5-hydroxytryptophan, 5-methyltryptophan, tryptamine, 5-methyltryptamine, serotonin, indole and melatonin. The compound that was present in the largest amounts in the methanolic extracts from unprocessed mushrooms was 5-hydroxytryptophan in the amount of 7.32 mg/100 g DW in the case of the fruiting bodies of Auricularia polytricha; 15.83 in Suillus bovinus; 22.94 in Macrolepiota procera, and 24.83 in Lentinula edodes. In the methanolic extracts from thermally processed mushrooms the amount of 5-hydroxytryptophan was: 3.52 mg/100 g DW in the case of A. polytricha; 5.65 for Leccinum scabrum and 10.11 for M. procera. In addition, serotonin was found in unprocessed fruiting bodies of two mushroom species: 1.03 mg/100 g DW in L. edodes and 13.99 in L. scabrum, and also in thermally processed mushrooms.

► Analysis of indole compounds in unprocessed and in thermal processed edible mushrooms.
► The largest amount of l-tryptophan and 5-hydroxytrypyophan were investigated with antidepressant activity.
► The highest total amounts of indole compounds are in unprocessed and in processed Jersey cow mushroom.
► The greatest variety of indole compounds are found in unprocessed and in processed Parasol mushroom.