Agaricus bisporus also known as champignon or white button mushroom was
cultivated on digested organic waste. Its aqueous extract was investigated for the
antioxidant potential, which could strengthen the protection of organism against
oxidative stress damages. Likewise, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity
was observed. The crucial role of AChE in neural transmission makes it a primary
target of a large number of cholinesterase-inhibiting drugs involved in the
prevention of neurodegenerative diseases e.g. Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The
antioxidant activities were evaluated by in vitro models including, 1,1-diphenyl-2-
picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity, prevention of lipid
peroxidation (LPx) in a linoleic acid model system and chelating ability on ferrous
ions. Based on the analysis, hot water extracts showed a typical carbohydrate
pattern with the presence of polyphenols and small amounts of proteins. With
regard to scavenging ability on DPPH radicals, the EC50 value for A. bisporus was
0.89 mg/ml, the EC50 value of the chelating abilities on ferrous ions was 1.38
mg/ml and for inhibition of LPx EC50 value was found to be 1.77 mg/ml. Extract of
A. bisporus had a noticeable inhibition towards AChE, IC50=1.02 mg/ml and
exerted weak toxicity against healthy human peripheral blood mononuclear cells
(PBMC). More than 60% of cell viability was observed at 2 mg/ml. The good
antioxidative properties and AChE inhibitory activity of A. bisporus aqueous
extract make it suitable for everyday use as an inexpensive dietary supplement
