Abstract

Mushrooms are recognized as important sources of bioactive compounds with antioxidant, antidiabetic, and neuroprotective properties. However, cup mushrooms remain relatively understudied despite their potential for producing unique secondary metabolites. This study evaluated the effects of culture medium, pH, temperature, agitation, and incubation period on the mycelial biomass production of Sarcoscypha spp., Phillipsia domingensis, and Cookeina tricholoma, and assessed their chemical profiles and bioactivities. Among the culture media tested, rice bran broth supported the highest biomass for Sarcoscypha spp. (326.3 mg/100 mL) and P. domingensis (342.3 mg/100 mL), whereas coconut water was optimal for C. tricholoma (312 mg/100 mL). Maximum growth occurred at pH 6.0, with optimal temperatures of 20°C for Sarcoscypha spp. and P. domingensis and 30°C for C. tricholoma, and agitation at 150 rpm significantly enhanced biomass accumulation. Peak biomass was achieved after 20 days for Sarcoscypha spp. (1585 mg/100 mL) and P. domingensis (1293 mg/100 mL), and 10 days for C. tricholoma (1314 mg/100 mL). Thin-layer chromatography analysis revealed essential oils, coumarins, and anthrones in all species; triterpenes and sterols in P. domingensis and C. tricholoma; alkaloids in Sarcoscypha spp. and P. domingensis; steroids in Sarcoscypha spp. and C. tricholoma; and phenols, tannins, and flavonoids exclusively in P. domingensis. 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity ranged from 17.17–57.42% for mycelial extracts and 40.96–53.20% for exopolysaccharides. Mycelial extract of Sarcoscypha spp. at 10 μg/mL exhibited the highest α-glucosidase inhibition (23.03%) and acetylcholinesterase inhibition (12.74%), indicating its promising antidiabetic and neuroprotective potential. These findings underscore the biotechnological significance of cup mushrooms as sources of antioxidant, antidiabetic, and neuroprotective metabolites.

Key words: Keywords: Cup mushrooms, Sarcoscypha sp., submerged cultivation, anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, neuroprotective.