Effects of Guaco (Mikania glomerata S.) and Mil-Folhas (Achillea millefolimL.) Extracts on Pleurotus ostreatus “Florida” Growth in Submerged Culture

Abstract

Biological effects associated with molecules produced by medicinal herbs have been the object of research in Brazil and in other countries since many people worldwide use these plants in every practical way. The current research evaluates the influence of the crude aqueous extract of Achillea millefolium L. and Mikania glomerata S., popularly known as “mil-folhas” and “guaco”, respectively, in two different concentrations, with regard to the growth and production of mycelial fungus Pleurotus ostreatus “florida” variation, cultivated in an immersed culture. The biological effects of the extracts on the microorganism are thus analyzed. The extracts were cultivated in a potato dextrose culture and put in contact with the aqueous extracts of the plants throughout the whole period. The aqueous extract of Achillea millefolium L. seems to have caused an increase in biomass production of Pleurotus ostreatus “florida”, since xcontrol = 2.0 g/l increased to xextract= 2.4 g/l. On the other hand, the Mikania glomerata S. extract seems to negatively influence the growth (xcontrol= 2.3g/l; xextract= 1.33g/l) of Pleurotus ostreatus “florida” within assay conditions. Complementary assays will be undertaken to confirm above results.