Chemical Characterization and Potential Health Benefits of Wild Mushrooms from Eastern Bosnia

Biologically active compounds found in mushrooms have long been the subject of interest of researchers for the preparation of natural-based medicinal supplements. Mushrooms are traditionally used and collected in our area from spring to autumn. The aim of this work is to perform a chemical characterization of mushrooms: Tricholomageorgii, Craterelluscornucopioides and Laetiporussulphureus (collected in the mountains of Jahorina and Sjemeč, Eastern Bosnia) on the content of different fatty acids, vitamins and carbohydrates. Metals: Cu, Zn, Ca, K, Co, Mg, Na, Fe, Se, Cu, As, Co, Ni, Cr, Pb and Cd) were measured in lyophylised and microwave digested samples by using an atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Mushrooms are well known potential source of accumulated heavy metals. Furthermore, wild mushrooms are protein rich food. Interelemental correlation and a health risk assessment was made due to the accumulation of metals in the investigated wild mushroom species, and parameter like HI has been calculated. The results pointed the validity of the hypothesis that the selected species are potential sources of nutraceuticals. It is necessary to continue further research on these species.