Bioactive potential of Auricularia cornea: Cytotoxicity, antioxidant activity, and beta-glucan content of mycelium and fruiting bodies

Auricularia cornea, an underexplored species within the medicinal Auricularia genus, was investigated for its bioactive potential, including cytotoxicity, antioxidant activity, and β-glucan content, promoting good health and well-being through natural nutraceuticals. This study compared three A. cornea isolates (MFLUCC 23-0084, MFLUCC 18-0346, and MFLUCC 18-0347) with commercial Auricularia spp. to evaluate their therapeutic and functional food applications. The methanolic extracts of mycelium were analyzed for free radical scavenging (DPPH assay), cytotoxicity against lung cancer cells (A549) and normal cells (Raw 264.7). β-Glucan content from fruiting bodies was also quantified by exploring sustainable fungal cultivation for high-value bioactive compounds. The results revealed strain-specific bioactivity: MFLUCC 23-0084 exhibited the highest antioxidant (IC50 5,530 ± 1,039 µg/mL), while MFLUCC 18-0346 showed low cytotoxicity against A549 cells (IC50 367.27 μg/mL). β-Glucan content varied significantly, with lab-cultivated isolates (12.14–13.22%) yielding less than A. auricula (18.86–24.94%). Low cytotoxicity to normal cells (IC50 >500 μg/mL) and moderate bioactivity suggest A. cornea’s suitability for functional foods, though strain optimization or extraction enhancements may be needed to rival leading species. This study positions A. cornea as a candidate for further development in sustainable nutraceuticals, through antioxidant applications and evaluating cultivation practices for enhanced β-glucan production.