TRICHOLOMA NUDUM AS A SOURCE OF AMINO ACIDS, VITAMINS AND UNIDENTIFIED FACTORS

Abstract

Feeding trials with mice were used to evaluate the nutritional quality of dried mycelia from Tricholoma nudum grown in submerged culture. The material proved to be non-toxic at dietary levels as high as 50 per cent. Chemical and bio-assays indicated methionine and phenylalanine to be the first and possibly the only limiting amino acids when Tricholoma supplied all the dietary protein at a level of 18 per cent. The product was relatively rich in arginine and tryptophane.Tricholoma residue, at a level of 5 per cent in the diet, provided all the necessary B-vitamins for normal growth in the mouse. Chemical or microbiological assays were obtained for riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, choline and thiamin and, in all cases except niacin, the levels exceeded those reported for average Torula yeast.Tricholoma was found to possess a factor having strong antioxidant properties. The inclusion of 10 per cent Tricholoma in the diet was more effective in preventing a rise in peroxide values than was 0.05 per cent DPPD.