Superior component compositions and antioxidant activity of Volvariella volvacea oil compared to those of Agrocybe cylindracea and two Lentinula edodes oils

The biological activity of an oil not only depends on its fatty acid composition but also the lipid composition and trace components. In this paper, to select the optimal mushroom oil, the component compositions (fatty acids, lipids, polyphenols, flavones, tocopherols, and unsaponifiable matters) and antioxidant activities in vitro of four mushroom oils (Agrocybe cylindracea, two Lentinula edodes, and Volvariella volvacea) were investigated and compared. The results showed that the four tested oils had the same fatty acid composition in different amounts, but the lipid component, minor components, and free radical scavenging activity in the tested oils varied widely depending on the type of mushroom. Overall, Volvariella volvacea oil was considered superior to the other three tested oils, as it had the largest contents of polar lipids, diglycerides, polyunsaturated fatty acids (74.38%), unsaponifiable matter (319.09 mg/kg), total phenols (124.08 mg/100 g), tocopherols (139.86 mg/100 g), as well as the highest ABTS and FRAP values (349.45 and 3801.70 mu mol Trolox/100 g). This finding suggests that Volvariella volvacea oil is a promising resource that should be further researched.