Boletus edulis, also known as cep or porcini, is a genus of mushrooms, comprised of over 100 species. The genus Boletus was originally defined and broadly described around early 1800s, where essentially all fungi with pores were included.
Almost all fungi grow in symbiotic association with trees, forming mycorrhizas - these specific structures that help the uptake of mineral nutrients from the soil. The major role of the mycorrhiza is believed to enhance nutrient and water uptake by the host plant by exploiting a larger volume of soil than roots alone can do. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/mycorrhizae
The mycorrhiza relationship is known to change the performance of individual species within the community, and in that way influence plant community composition, enhance competition, and create synergies through the sharing of resources between various plant species. It is no surprise then that various mushrooms are super rich in nutrients and antioxidants!
The nutritional profile of Boletus edulis, or ceps, looks great! Not only these are super tasty mushrooms, making delectable additions to many dishes, they are diverse bioactive compounds. Boletus edulis are comprised of polysaccharides, phenolic compounds and phytosterols. They are rich in carbohydrates, proteins and minerals, while being low in calories.
The phytonutrients (plant compounds beneficial for health) extracted from Boletus edulis have been found to offer antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral and cancer-preventative properties.
Ceps are rich in antioxidants & nutrients, such as calcium, potassium, iron, vitamin C, vitamin A, group B vitamins. They contain beta-carotene and lycopene, these two antioxidants have been widely researched to protect us against cancer.
B. edulis collected in the European regions are known as rich sources of selenium, zinc, and also potassium, copper and phosphorous. They can be also rich in magnesium. https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/1/417/htm
Due to their high antioxidant content, ceps can reduce oxidative stress linked to the buildup of free radicals. Oxidative stress buildup leads to chronic diseases like inflammatory disorders, such as heart disease, high blood pressure and cancer.
In a study on mice that were induced to have acute alcohol liver damage, Boletus aereus (Queen Bolete mushroom) was found to reduce the levels of ALT - alanine aminotransferase and AST - aspartate aminotransferase in the liver. Both AST and ALT are the liver enzymes that are analysed for the liver function and potential liver damage. The researchers also found that Boletus aereus increased the activity of liver alcohol dehydrogenase and serum acetaldehyde dehydrogenase. While the ADH breaks down alcohol into acetaldehyde, and then another enzyme, aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), these processes speed up alcohol exit from the body, as the final by-product acetate leaves the body as carbon dioxide and water.
In this study, the Boletus aereus were shown to decrease reactive oxygen species production (ROS) due to their high antioxidant activity, and also inhibit the activation of the NF-kB signalling. The latter is attributed to cellular inflammation, cancers, and nervous system dysfunction.
For their cancer protective benefits, studies have shown the natural compounds in ceps can inhibit and block colon cancer cells growth. In breast cancer, the Boletus edulis due to their cold-water-soluble polysaccharide was able to induce cancer cells death.
Another recent study examined the actions of the Boletus mushrooms biopolymers (polysaccharides and glycoproteins) in the human colon cancer cells environment. The researchers found that the components extracted from the Boletus edulis mushrooms were able to block, and inhibit carcinogenesis. The researchers concluded that Boletus edulis “anticancer potential may provide a new therapeutic/preventive option in colon cancer chemoprevention”.
These scientific discoveries about the health benefits of one of the most ancient plants are exciting. Ceps are seasonal, if you enjoy them, make sure you get out and pick some now!