Earticle

Gyeonggi Province is a major oyster mushroom production region, and most of the mushrooms are cultivated in bottle. Most oyster mushrooms are produced year-round using a bottle cultivation system, so a stable supply of substrate materials plays a significant role in farm management. Therefore, we aim to analyze the farm culture substrate and raw material components to use the information for a stable substrate supply. In June 2024, substrate production, sterilization conditions and bottle size were investigated for 20 farms status. In September 2025, 16 raw materials and 15 mixed substrates were analyzed for physicochemical properties and particle size distribution. The daily production of substrate was found to range from 4,000 to 11,000 bottles, and bottles with a volume of 1,100 ml and an opening diameter of 70 to 75 mm were used. The mixed substrate had a pH of 4.7~6.0, a moisture content of 65~74%, and a total nitrogen content 1.3~2.0%. The sawdust particle size distribution varied by company, with the 1.0~2.0 mm size accounting for the majority. To address the unstable prices and supply of substrate materials, continuous monitoring of raw materials and farm substrate current situation is necessary.

Protein is an essential nutrient for human health, functioning not only as an energy source but also in tissue formation and the activity of hormones and enzymes. Mushrooms are rich in β-glucans, which can enhance macrophage activity and help reduce blood cholesterol and glucose levels. Laetiporus cremeiporus, a polypore of the family Laetiporaceae, typically grows on coniferous trees and is easily recognized by its vivid yellow–orange color. This study evaluated the functional components of the mycelium and fruiting bodies of L. cremeiporus. Five strains (76, 1790, 2277, 2327, and 5379) were analyzed in this study. Experimental materials included primordia of strain 1790 grown on Quercus acutissima sawdust, mycelia cultured in potato dextrose broth (PDB), and fruiting bodies cultivated on cut logs. Protein analysis showed that the 1790 primordia had the highest content (15.2%). In strain 2327, mycelial protein (13.4%) exceeded that of the fruiting body (10.9%). β-glucan analysis indicated that 2327 mycelia had the highest content (46.4 g/100 g), while 5379 fruiting bodies contained the most among fruiting samples (33.8 g/100 g). These results demonstrate that L. cremeiporus accumulates substantial protein and β-glucan even at the mycelial stage, suggesting its potential as a functional food ingredient without requiring fruiting body production. Strain selection and cultivation optimization are essential to maximize these bioactive components.

This study systematically evaluated the anti-inflammatory and whitening activities of Gloeostereum incarnatum, along with metabolite profile changes according to cultivation substrate composition. Crude extract (CE) and solvent-partitioned fractions (HEF, DCMF, EAF) were tested for nitric oxide (NO) inhibition in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages, melanin synthesis suppression in α -MSH-induced B16F10 melanoma cells, and cytotoxicity in HCT116 colon cancer cells. Furthermore, primordia grown on various sawdust media supplemented with agricultural by products were analyzed by HPLC to compare metabolite patterns. The DCMF and EAF fractions significantly inhibited NO and melanin production in a concentration dependent manner, without detectable cytotoxic effects at 50 μg/mL. HPLC chromatograms revealed distinct peak profiles depending on substrate composition, with rice bran containing media showing intensified peaks presumed to represent active compounds. These findings indicate that the DCMF and EAF fractions of G. incarnatum hold strong potential as natural agents for inflammation control and skin-whitening, and highlight the importance of substrate formulation in optimizing bioactive metabolite yield.