eng Enviro Research Publishers Current Research in Nutrition and Food Science Journal 2347-467X 2322-0007 2026-08-31 14 2 987 1004 10.12944/CRNFSJ.14.2.19 26803 article Hom-Singli Mayirnao 1 Surinder Kaur 1 Yash Pal Sharma 1 Rupam Kapoor 1 Department of Botany, University of Delhi, Delhi, India Department of Botany, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Khalsa College, University of Delhi, Delhi, India Department of Botany, University of Jammu, Jammu, India Cold desert ecosystems impose selective pressures that condition the biochemical architecture of resident macrofungi. The present study provides a comprehensive evaluation of metabolome profile of three wild edible mushrooms namely; Flammulina filiformis, Agaricus campestris, and Cantharellus cibarius, inhabiting the cold desert of the Indian Trans-Himalayas. Our findings highlight how these mushrooms adapt to such adverse conditions while exhibiting nutraceutical potential. Untargeted metabolome profiling identified 88 metabolites, encompassing carbohydrates, polyols, fatty acids, organic acids, amino acids, and nitrogenous compounds. Carbohydrates dominated the metabolome, with trehalose representing 13.68–18.14%, followed by glucitol (7.44–17.25%). Fatty acids constituted 23.65–29.04%, with oleic and linoleic acid predominating among monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, respectively. Protein content was highest in F. filiformis (218.4 mg g⁻¹ dry weight), suggesting potential utility as an alternative to animal-based protein sources. Essential amino acids including threonine and valine were enriched in F. filiformis. Mineral profiling revealed species-specific enrichment: A. campestris was richest in Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, and Mn; C. cibarius in N, Cr, Se, and Mo; and F. filiformis in S, Al, and Cu. Antinutritional factors remained below critical thresholds, ensuring bioavailability of essential minerals. Total phenolic content was highest in F. filiformis, while flavonoid and carotenoids peaked in A. campestris. Quantification of twelve phenolic compounds revealed high concentrations, which were corroborated by antioxidant capacities.Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed diverse functional groups, reinforcing the presence of bioactive metabolites. Collectively, these mushrooms from extremeenvironment are nutrient-dense, bioactive-rich resources with tangible applications in nutraceutical innovation. https://www.foodandnutritionjournal.org/volume14number2/insights-into-the-cold-stress-driven-metabolome-of-edible-mushrooms-from-arid-highlands-of-the-indian-trans-himalayas/ Bioactive Compounds Bioavailability Cold-Desert Macro-fungi Functional Foods Metabolic Profiling Nutritional Composition