LOCAL HERBS

The mushroom Pleurotus tuber-regium formed tea formulation with some local herbs such as Moringa, Bitter leaf and Scent leaf. P. tuber-regium formed three (3) different combinations with each of the three (3) herbs. That is, the tea formulations were of nine (9) different ratio combinations, which are: MU/MO 5:45, MU/MO 10:40, MU/MO 20:30; MU/SL 5:45, MU/SL 10:40, MU/SL 10:40; MU/BL 5:45, MU/BL 10:40, MU/BL 20:30. The combinations were each made into infusions by adding water into a cup with the tea mixture. The infusions were given to fifty (50) participants to consume at different time and location. After consuming the tea, the participants then gave their responses based on two (2) categories, taste and acceptability. Generally, the responses from the participants were positive and encouraging, and a few not so, which can be tackled by organizing programs/seminars for creating public awareness about the health benefits of mushrooms, through individual and government involvement in mushroom commercialization, through the development of adaptable mushroom cultivation, among others. It is worthy of note that none of the participants had complaints of a significant side effects like stomach upset, dizziness and allergies. This shows that this tea formulation is safe for consumption and that it fits the description of an ideal component of a healthy dietary habit that can be used to promote health.