Sarah Brown
Mushrooms are a type of fungus that has been consumed by humans for centuries. They are known for their distinct taste and texture, as well as their nutritional benefits. One of the most notable benefits of mushrooms is their high melatonin content. Melatonin is a natural hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating sleep-wake cycles and promoting good sleep. It is produced by the body in response to darkness and is also found in certain foods, including mushrooms. The presence of melatonin in mushrooms has been the subject of various studies, exploring its potential health benefits and its role in enhancing the shelf life and quality of mushrooms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Do mushrooms have melatonin? | Yes |
| Types of mushrooms with melatonin | Edible mushrooms, Reishi mushrooms, Agaricus, Pleurotus, Volvariella volvacea, Lentinula edodes, Agaricus bisporus, White mushrooms |
| Melatonin's role in mushrooms | Enhances the cadmium tolerance of mushrooms, Retards senescence, Enhances growth, Enhances preservation |
| Melatonin's role in humans | Helps promote good sleep, Anti-cancer, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-oxidant |
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What You'll Learn
Mushrooms are rich in melatonin
In mushrooms, melatonin serves a variety of roles. For example, it can reduce the harm caused by oxidation and UV radiation, and it has been shown to enhance the cadmium tolerance of mushrooms through antioxidant-related metabolites and enzymes. This means that melatonin can help mushrooms to defend against various abiotic stresses and potentially improve their growth.
Additionally, melatonin has been found to retard the aging of mushrooms by inhibiting electron leakage and regulating respiratory states. It boosts the oxidative phosphorylation and efficiency of mitochondria, ultimately delaying the senescence of mushrooms.
The presence of melatonin in mushrooms also has implications for human health. Mushrooms are a good source of natural melatonin, which can assist the body in its production of this important hormone. By consuming mushrooms, people can increase their melatonin intake, which may be beneficial for those with low melatonin levels.
Furthermore, melatonin in mushrooms can contribute to their preservation and shelf life. Melatonin can shield edible mushrooms from oxidative stress and enhance their antioxidant activity, making it a favorable option for maintaining the quality and prolonging the storage of mushrooms.
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The role of melatonin in fungi
Melatonin is a natural hormone that plays a significant role in the sleep-wake cycles of humans. It is produced in response to darkness and is also found in some foods like pistachios, tart cherries, eggs, tomatoes, and mushrooms. Mushrooms, in particular, are a rich source of melatonin.
Melatonin has been shown to enhance the cadmium tolerance of mushrooms through antioxidant-related metabolites and enzymes. Cadmium is a heavy metal that can cause oxidative stress and toxicity in organisms. Melatonin-mediated nitric oxide improves tolerance to cadmium toxicity by reducing oxidative stress. Comparative metabolic and proteome analyses reveal that tryptophan, proline, and tyrosine metabolism, along with oxidation-reduction processes, are enriched in the presence of cadmium and melatonin, indicating an antioxidant mechanism.
Additionally, melatonin has been found to retard the aging of mushrooms, specifically white mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus), by inhibiting electron leakage. This is achieved by regulating respiratory states, boosting oxidative phosphorylation, and improving the efficiency of mitochondria. The application of melatonin has also been explored for the preservation of mushrooms, particularly the Lentinula edodes variety, commonly known as shiitake mushrooms. Melatonin's antioxidant and antibacterial properties can enhance the shelf life and quality of mushrooms.
Overall, melatonin plays a critical role in the reduction of biotic and abiotic stressors in fungi, triggering defence systems and improving their ability to withstand various environmental challenges.
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Melatonin enhances the cadmium tolerance of mushrooms
Mushrooms are known to be immune to heavy metals, but the mechanism behind this occurrence is not yet fully understood. Melatonin (MT), a bioactive compound and signaling molecule, has been proven to play a crucial defensive role against various abiotic stresses in plants and animals. It is also involved in several biological functions, such as root growth, seed germination, and seedling growth.
In a study by Zouari et al. (2016), the role of melatonin in plant tolerance to soil stressors, including heavy metals, was investigated. This study, along with others, highlights the potential of melatonin to enhance cadmium tolerance in mushrooms through antioxidant-related metabolites and enzymes. Comparative metabolic and proteome analyses revealed that specific metabolic processes were enriched after Cd (cadmium) and/or MT addition, indicating the activation of an antioxidant mechanism.
Further research by Gao et al. (2020) observed that melatonin increased Tyr metabolism in mushrooms, contributing to the ameliorative effect of melatonin on Cd stress. Additionally, Morcillo-Parra et al. (2020) found that melatonin regulates the fermentative capacity of yeasts by interacting with glycolytic proteins. Exogenous melatonin has also been shown to enhance cadmium tolerance in Volvariella volvacea, an edible mushroom species.
The application of exogenous melatonin has been found to improve the quality of mushrooms. In one study, mushrooms treated with 0.1 mM melatonin exhibited reduced electron leakage, higher adenosine triphosphate levels, and delayed senescence. These findings suggest that melatonin plays a significant role in enhancing the cadmium tolerance of mushrooms, primarily through its interaction with antioxidant-related metabolites and enzymes, and its potential to improve mushroom quality.
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Melatonin's impact on mushroom preservation
Melatonin is a multifaceted compound that is found in nature and has a significant impact on mushroom preservation. It is a growth-stimulating compound that influences several biological functions in plants, including root growth, seed germination, seedling growth, and senescence. In the context of mushroom preservation, melatonin plays a crucial role in enhancing the shelf life and maintaining the quality of mushrooms, particularly shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes).
Shiitake mushrooms are highly prized for their nutritional value, but their inherent biodegradability makes them susceptible to spoilage, resulting in a short shelf life. Melatonin has been found to effectively address this challenge by suppressing electron leakage, which is a major cause of deterioration in mushrooms. By upregulating certain genes, melatonin enhances the activities of complexes I and III, thereby reducing electron leakage. This preservation effect was observed when shiitake mushrooms were stored at 3 ± 1°C and treated with 0.1 mM melatonin, resulting in superior quality and texture compared to untreated mushrooms.
Additionally, melatonin's antibacterial and antioxidant properties contribute to its preservative effects in mushrooms. It increases the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GR), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX), while decreasing the activity of browning-related enzymes like polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD). This combination of enhanced antioxidant activity and inhibited browning reactions helps maintain the freshness and quality of mushrooms during storage.
Moreover, melatonin has been found to improve mushrooms' tolerance to cadmium, a heavy metal that can induce oxidative stress. By enhancing antioxidant activity through various metabolic processes, melatonin shields edible mushrooms from Cd-induced damage. This protective mechanism has been observed in species such as Volvariella volvacea, where melatonin distribution was widespread across experimental subjects. The presence of melatonin in these mushrooms helped alleviate Cd-induced oxidative stress and its associated negative effects.
In conclusion, melatonin has a significant impact on mushroom preservation by improving their tolerance to abiotic stressors, enhancing their antioxidant capacity, and suppressing electron leakage. Its antibacterial properties further contribute to extended shelf life and improved quality. The application of melatonin in mushroom preservation offers a favorable option for maintaining the freshness and nutritional value of mushrooms, particularly those susceptible to spoilage, such as shiitake mushrooms.
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The health benefits of melatonin
Melatonin is a common dietary supplement that has gained popularity worldwide. It is often referred to as the "sleep hormone" and is renowned as a natural sleep aid. Melatonin has been shown to be effective in treating insomnia and seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also known as seasonal depression. It may also help to prevent and treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) by blocking the secretion of stomach acids and decreasing the production of nitric oxide, which allows stomach acid to enter the oesophagus.
Melatonin is high in antioxidants, which can help prevent cell damage and keep eyes healthy. It has been found to reduce the amount of hydrogen peroxide, a molecule that is crucial to pathogen-plant interactions. Additionally, it stimulates anti-oxidant enzyme activities. It also plays a critical role in reducing biotic and abiotic stressors in plants, triggering defence systems and reducing pathogen diminutions.
Melatonin has been found to have therapeutic effects on various diseases, including cancer, obesity, coronavirus, and cardiovascular diseases. It has anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and immune-regulating properties. It also contributes to crop protection and mushroom cultivation.
Furthermore, melatonin serves as a growth-stimulating compound, promoting the growth of roots and coleoptiles, seed germination, seedling growth, and senescence. It has been found to increase the number and intensity of primordia in T. guangdongense, indicating its potential to enhance the cultivation of edible and medicinal mushrooms.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, mushrooms contain melatonin. It is a natural hormone that helps promote good sleep and has other health benefits.
Melatonin in mushrooms helps enhance the antioxidant activity of mushrooms, making them rich in melatonin and tryptophan. It also helps shield edible mushrooms from oxidative stress.
Melatonin helps mushrooms by triggering defence systems and reducing biotic and abiotic stressors. It also helps in the growth of roots, seed germination, seedling growth, and senescence.
