In this study, the anti-oxidant, anti-tumorigenic, anti-hypertensive, anti-thrombic, anti-diabetic, and anti- inflammatory properties of 18 different species of genus Pleurotus were investigated. In addition, the amino acid, β-glucan, and polyphenol contents were also measured. The β-glucan and polyphenol contents were the highest in Pleurotus cornucopiae var. citrinopileatus (yellow Pleurotus) of all species. The yellow Pleurotus also exhibited the highest physiological activity as assessed by the DPPH IC, Cytotoxic activity, ACE activity and so on. To confirm the mechanism for the physiological activity of the yellow Pleurotus, we performed further examinations within ICR mice. The yellow Pleurotus reduced glucose, triglyceride and total cholesterol levels in the ICR mice blood for 4 weeks after feeding, and also significantly lowered both GOT and GPT levels. Taken together, our data indicates the yellow pleurotus is a promising functional food ingredient.

This study was carried out to investigate amino acid contents of golden mushroom and pink mushroom. The amino acid analysis was followed by AccQ-Tag method and HPLC on gradient conditions. Seventeen amino acids were analyzed and sixteen amino acids were found in golden mushroom ; fifteen amino acids in pink mushroom respectively. Among total amino acid in golden mushroom, cystein content was the highest and glycine, glutamic acid, proline were followed. Among total amino acid in pink mushroom, cystein was the highest and glycine, lysine, methionine were followed. As shown in Fig.1, 2, concerning amino acids, cystein was dominant. and alanine was detectied in golden mushroom but pink mushroom.