Anti-microbial Activity and Biochemical Constituents of Two Edible and Medicinal Mushrooms of Mid-Western, Uganda

As a contribution to a search of alternative drugs against emerging resistant pathogenic strains, this study aimed at determination of anti-microbial activity and identification of the potential bioactive compounds in two medicinal mushrooms (Termitomyces sp. (Bunyanaka) and Termitomyces microcarpus) used for treating coughs, boils, sore throat or tonsillitis. To achieve this target, the fractions were obtained from petroleum ether and methanol crude extracts and tested in vitro for anti-microbial activities against selected bacterial strains and a fungus. The bioactive compounds were identified using GC-MS. Gram positive bacteria were more sensitive than gram negative ones. Isolated fractions had activity at a MIC value of 3.13-200 μg mL-1. Similarly, petroleum ether fractions had high activity than methanol ones. Interestingly, Pseudomonas aeruginosa was more sensitive to Termitomyces sp. fractions with a MIC value of 50-75 μg mL-1. Several bioactive compounds were identified in the mushrooms. Further studies should be done to elucidate these compounds as a contribution towards drug development.