Researchers in Germany have discovered a mushroom-derived compound that is the most bitter substance known on Earth. The compound, found in the Amaropostia stiptica – or bitter bracket fungus – has been identified as one of three new bitter molecules discovered by studying the mushroom.
The study aims to help scientists better understand how animals like humans evolved to detect bitterness and address unanswered questions about the nature of taste. The researchers used functional bitter taste receptor screening on mushroom-derived compounds for the first time, which may lead to new applications in food and health research.
Amaropostia stiptica is not toxic but practically inedible due to its intense bitterness. The study found that some of its taste can be explained by previously known compounds, but also discovered three new similar compounds called oligoporins D through F. One of these compounds, oligoporin D, is extremely bitter and can trigger human bitter taste receptors at a very low concentration.
The discovery may shed light on the evolution of bitterness in animals and provide insights into why certain tastes are perceived as unpleasant. Understanding the molecular diversity and mode of action of natural bitter compounds could enable new applications in food and health research, such as developing sensorially appealing foods that positively influence digestion and satiety.
Source: https://gizmodo.com/this-unassuming-mushroom-packs-the-bitterest-taste-ever-measured-2000589176