Analysis of indole compounds in fruiting bodies and in mycelia from in vitro cultures of Calocera viscosa (Basidiomycota)

Abstract

Calocera viscosa (Pers.: Fr.) Fr. (Basidiomycota) from Dacrymycetaceae family is a widespread species of mushroom in Poland. The aim of this study was to investigate the content of indole compounds in fruiting bodies and in mycelium cultured in vitro on solid and liquid medium of this species. Fruiting bodies of Calocera viscosa were collected in coniferous forests in south Poland and were used to derive in vitro cultures. The optimal medium composition for cultures was determined. Fresh material: fruiting bodies and mycelium from culture in vitro was frozen and then dried by lyophilization. The crushed dry biomass was extracted with petroleum ether to remove oil fraction, material was dried and extracted with methanol. Analysis of indole compounds was performed in methanol extracts using chromatographic methods: TLC, UV Vis, EIMS and HPLC. This analysis presented in all three extracts the following indole compounds: L-tryptophan, 5-hydroxytryptophan, 5-methyltryptophan, melatonin and indole (contents fluctuated in the range: 0.37 to 11.88 mg/100 g d.w.). 5-hydroxytryptophan contents in all extracts were significant and amounted to 11.88 mg/100 g d.w. in fruiting bodies, and 11.42 in mycelium from liquid cultures and and 10.59 in mycelium from solid cultures. In addition, the fruiting bodies and mycelium from cultures on liquid medium revealed the presence of serotonin (0.39 and 3.19 mg/100 g d.w. respectively).