NL Journal of Agriculture and Biotechnology
(ISSN: 3048-9679)

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Comparative Proximate and Vitamin Compositions of Pleurotus Plumonarius (Oyster) and Ganoderma Lucidum

Author(s) : Anukwuorji Chidozie Azubuike*, Nwachukwu Nnedimkpa Peculiar, Anuagasi Chioma Lilian.
DOI : 10.71168/NAB.03.01.142

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Abstract

This study aimed to comparatively analyze the proximate and vitamin compositions of Pleurotus pulmonarius (oyster mushroom) and Ganoderma lucidum (reishi mushroom) to evaluate their nutritional potential. Fresh specimens of both mushrooms were collected from mushroom farms in Anambra State, Nigeria, and analyzed at the Department of Botany laboratory, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, using standard AOAC procedures for proximate analysis and high-performance analytical techniques for vitamin quantification. Parameters assessed included moisture, ash, crude protein, fat, fiber, carbohydrate, and vitamin content (B-complex vitamins and vitamin C). Results revealed that Pleurotus pulmonarius had higher protein (20.1 ± 0.8%), carbohydrate (54.9 ± 1.5%), and moisture content (84.6 ± 1.2%) compared to Ganoderma lucidum, which had higher fiber (14.2 ± 0.6%) and ash (8.8 ± 0.5%) levels. Vitamin analysis showed Pleurotus was richer in niacin (9.5 ± 0.3 mg/100 g), riboflavin (2.3 ± 0.1 mg/100 g), and ascorbic acid (15.2 ± 0.7 mg/100 g), while Ganoderma contained moderate levels of these vitamins, consistent with its role as a medicinal rather than dietary mushroom. Statistical analysis using independent t-tests confirmed significant differences (p < 0.05) in protein, fiber, ash, moisture, and vitamin levels between species. These findings emphasize Pleurotus pulmonarius as a superior dietary mushroom, ideal for addressing nutritional deficiencies and improving food security, while Ganoderma lucidum offers therapeutic benefits through its higher fiber, mineral, and bioactive compound content. The study highlights their complementary value in nutrition and healthcare, suggesting broader integration of these mushrooms into dietary practices and functional food development. Keywords: Edible basidiomycetes, Proximate nutrient profiling, Vitamin bioaccumulation, Functional mycofoods, Agricultural biotechnology applications.

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