ILLUMINATION

This study examined the effects of illumination on the vitamin D and secondary metabolite contents of Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom) under different exposure durations. Fresh samples of the mushroom were subjected to varying illumination periods using both sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) light for 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 hours. Ethanol extracts of the samples were subsequently analyzed for vitamin D and secondary metabolite contents. The results revealed that exposure to sunlight for six hours yielded the highest vitamin D content, indicating this as the optimum illumination period for vitamin D synthesis in P. ostreatus. Conversely, exposure to ultraviolet light showed inconsistent effects, with prolonged exposure leading to denaturation and a decline in vitamin D concentration. The impact of illumination on secondary metabolite constituents varied according to the observed secondary metabolite, light-sensitive compounds such as flavonoids and phenols decreased with extended exposure with flavonoids showing an optimum value display at 6 hours (0.39 mg/g) but decreased slightly to 0.36 mg/g after 8 hours, while saponins and terpenoids increased, possibly due to the softening of tissue cells that enhanced their production. Cardiac glycosides, being more resistant to light, remained relatively stable across treatments, maintaining (0.35 mg/g), with no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). These findings highlight the significance of the effects of exposure of mushroom samples to sunlight and ultraviolet light at different time periods. The study also provides a basis for further research on optimal illumination at different time points to enhance and maximize vitamin D and phytochemical components of Pleurotus ostreatus.