Some species of Basidiomycetes represent a group of organisms that are commonly utilized in natural medicine, especially the families forming macroscopic basidioma. In order to evaluate alternative ways to combat Candida albicans, the in vitro antifungal effect of residual medium (RM), lyophilized residual medium (LRM) and biomass (B) of Ganoderma lucidum, Lentinula edodes and Pleurotus ostreatus grown on coconut water medium were evaluated. The pH, lipids, carbohydrates and proteins of the extracts were analyzed and the susceptibility of the yeast to extracts was also determined. Chemical analysis showed concentration differences among fungal species. Extracts, such as RM of L. edodes and RM and B of P. ostreatus, showed respectively, inhibitory activity of 50, 25 and 25%, after counting of cells in a Neubauer chamber. However, the other extracts did not show satisfactory results in the dosage used. Fungal extracts, especially those belonging to edible species, therefore with no side effects, may be ingested in higher concentrations and represent new therapeutic options for the treatment of candidiasis.

The present study was undertaken to observe the distribution of milk clotting and proteolytic activities of the crude enzymes in the various parts (leaves, tender stem, matured stem, fruits, root and latex) of Calotropis procera (Sodom apple) or Bomubomu in Yoruba Language for use in the manufacturing of cheese and allied milk products and medicine. The results showed that milk clotting enzyme activities were evidenced in all the extract preparations except the root that did not show milk-clotting activity. The latex of the plant had the highest proteolytic and milk clotting activities at 35°C and pH 5.5. The root had higher proteolytic activity than stem, leaf or fruit. All parts of the plant possessed enzymes with proteolytic and milk clotting activities (except milk-clotting activity in root) which can be utilized in food industries and for medicinal purposes.