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A Review of Nature-Based Solutions for Valorizing Aromatic Plants’ Lignocellulosic Waste Through Oyster Mushroom Cultivation

Author

Listed:
  • Mirca Zotti

    (Laboratory of Mycology, Department of Earth, Environment and Life Science, University of Genoa, Corso Europa 26, 16132 Genoa, Italy)

  • Grazia Cecchi

    (Laboratory of Mycology, Department of Earth, Environment and Life Science, University of Genoa, Corso Europa 26, 16132 Genoa, Italy)

  • Laura Canonica

    (Laboratory of Mycology, Department of Earth, Environment and Life Science, University of Genoa, Corso Europa 26, 16132 Genoa, Italy)

  • Simone Di Piazza

    (Laboratory of Mycology, Department of Earth, Environment and Life Science, University of Genoa, Corso Europa 26, 16132 Genoa, Italy)

Abstract

A creative, nature-based way to solve environmental issues and promote sustainable development could be the cultivation of Pleurotus spp. mushrooms to use the lignocellulosic waste from Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs). Pleurotus species are characterized by flexibility and biodegradative capacities to generate bioactive compounds with antibacterial, antioxidant, and nutraceutical properties using lignocellulosic substrates. Aromatic plant residues, such as those from lavender, sage, and mint, can improve the resultant mushrooms’ metabolic profiles and act as nutrient-rich substrates. Higher levels of phenols, flavonoids, and terpenoids can be among these enhancements, which could make mushrooms useful as functional foods. This strategy could provide scalable and affordable waste management solutions by utilizing already existing agricultural systems, including mushroom cultivation, during slow times. Incorporating Pleurotus -based systems can help to produce renewable bio-based products, reduce pollution, and improve soil health. This study not only attempts to demonstrate how Pleurotus species may convert industrial and agricultural waste into valuable, bioactive products, reducing waste and promoting ecological remediation in a circular economy, but also to highlight the viability of using natural processes for economic and environmental sustainability. To exploit the potential of this nature-based approach, future research should concentrate on maximizing substrate consumption, scaling these solutions to industrial levels, and guaranteeing regulatory compliance.

Suggested Citation

  • Mirca Zotti & Grazia Cecchi & Laura Canonica & Simone Di Piazza, 2025. "A Review of Nature-Based Solutions for Valorizing Aromatic Plants’ Lignocellulosic Waste Through Oyster Mushroom Cultivation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(10), pages 1-20, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:10:p:4410-:d:1654395
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hassan El-Ramady & Neama Abdalla & Zakaria Fawzy & Khandsuren Badgar & Xhensila Llanaj & Gréta Törős & Peter Hajdú & Yahya Eid & József Prokisch, 2022. "Green Biotechnology of Oyster Mushroom ( Pleurotus ostreatus L.): A Sustainable Strategy for Myco-Remediation and Bio-Fermentation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(6), pages 1-21, March.
    2. Hassan El-Ramady & Neama Abdalla & Khandsuren Badgar & Xhensila Llanaj & Gréta Törős & Peter Hajdú & Yahya Eid & József Prokisch, 2022. "Edible Mushrooms for Sustainable and Healthy Human Food: Nutritional and Medicinal Attributes," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-30, April.
    3. Sara Marcelino & Pedro Dinis Gaspar & Arminda Paço, 2023. "Sustainable Waste Management in the Production of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants—A Systematic Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(18), pages 1-20, September.
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