SPECTROSCOPIC AND CHROMATOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISATION OF MUSHROOM EXTRACT (Pleurotus tuberregium) IN COMPARISON WITH SELECTED ANTI-GLAUCOMA MEDICATIONS

Pleurotus tuberregium, the king tuber mushroom, is an edible gilled fungus native to the tropics, including Africa, Asia, and Australia. Experimental studies have shown that extracts of Pleurotus tuberregium caused a decrease in intraocular pressure in steroid induced ocular hypertension stimulating increasing interest in it as a potential anti-glaucoma drug. This study investigated the possible existence of similar active ingredients found in the antiglaucoma medications under study (2% Pilocarpine, 0.5 % Timolol, 0.5% Betaxolol and 0.005% Latanoprost) and the fractions of the mushroom extract. Column chromatography was performed using silica gel to isolate active compounds from the extract of Pleurotus tuberregium. Thin layer chromatographic analysis was then performed on the fractions alongside known anti-glaucoma medications to determine and compare their retardation factors and migration speeds. Further analytical study was carried out using UV-VIS spectrophotometry. Data obtained was presented in bar charts and graphs, and analyzed using one sample t-test in the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0. Thin layer chromatography showed comparative corresponding separation spots of the extracts with those of the antiglaucoma medication, and thus similar retardation factors. This study serves to further corroborate the postulated intraocular pressure lowering effect of P. tuberregium extract thereby contributing to the journey of the possible discovery of a potential anti-glaucoma medication.