Evaluating the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective potential of fruiting body and mycelium extracts from edible yellow morel (Morchella esculenta L. Pers.).

Scope: This study aimed to assess the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and acetylcholinesterase activities of fruiting bodies (FB) and mycelium (M) extracts of Morchella esculenta L. collected from various regions of Pakistan. The samples included Skardu fruiting body (SKFB) and mycelia Skardu (SKM), Malam Jaba fruiting body (MJFB) and Malam Jaba mycelia (MJM), Krair Mansehra fruiting body (KMFB) and Krair Mansehra mycelia (KMM), and Thandiani fruiting body (TFB) and Thandiani mycelia (TM).

Methods And Results: The IC values for free radical scavenging activity of all samples revealed that fruiting body SKFB and MJFB of M. esculenta are significantly involved in relieving oxidative stress. Bovine serum albumin conformation destruction assay showed a significantly increased anti-inflammatory activity of SKFB with an IC value of 10.94 ± 0.098 µg/mL. The human red blood cell protection assay showed that TFB has a lower EC value as compared to other samples. KMFB and KMM extracts of M. esculenta showed significantly higher anti-acetylcholinesterase activity compared to the standard drug, donepezil. The lower IC value of M. esculenta extracts suggested higher efficacy for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition. Enzyme kinetics results showed that KMFB of M. esculenta is a competitive inhibitor, while KMM and Donepezil are noncompetitive AChE inhibitors. Further, molecular docking, physicochemical properties and ADMET analysis of M. esculenta constituents showed smooth drug diffusion and protection against neurodegenerative disorders.

Conclusion: This study indicates that M. esculenta extracts may hold significant therapeutic potential for neurodegenerative diseases, opening a path for potential therapeutic strategies.