Anti-inflammatory potential of mushroom extracts and isolated metabolites

Health promoting activities of probiotics

In recent years, probiotics have received increasing attention and become one type of popular functional food because of their many biological functions. Among these desirable biological functions, the immune regulation, antioxidative activities, and antimicrobial effects are essential properties to maintain host health. Probiotics can regulate the immune system and improve the antioxidative system by producing microbial components and metabolites. Meanwhile, probiotics also possess antimicrobial abilities owing to their competition for nutrient requirements and mucus adherence, reducing pathogenic toxins, producing antimicrobial metabolites (short-chain fatty acids, bacteriocins, reuterin, linoleic acid, and secondary bile acids) and enhancing intestinal, or systemic immunity. Therefore, probiotics could be used to alleviate heavy metal toxicity and metabolic disorders by improving immunity, the antioxidative system, and intestinal micro-environment. This comprehensive review mainly highlights the potential health promoting activities of probiotics based on their antioxidative, antimicrobial, and immune regulatory effects. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The antioxidative defense and the immune system are essential to maintain human health. However, many factors may result in microbial dysbiosis in the gut, which subsequently leads to pathogenic expansion, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses. Therefore, it is important to explore beneficial foods to prevent or suppress these abnormal responses. Successful application of probiotics in the functional foods has attracted increasing attention due to their immune regulatory, antioxidative, and antimicrobial properties. The aim of this review is to introduce immune regulatory antioxidative and antimicrobial effects of probiotics, which provides some basic theories for scientific research and development of potential functional foods.

Protective Effect of Ganoderma Triterpenoids on Cadmium-Induced Testicular Toxicity in Chickens

Studies have shown that cadmium can cause chicken testicular damage, but a protective effect of Ganoderma triterpenoids on cadmium-induced testicular damage in chickens has not yet been reported. The present study was designed to research the protective effect of Ganoderma triterpenoids on cadmium-induced testicular damage in chicken. Eighty healthy 7-day-old Hyline egg laying chickens were randomly divided into four groups with 20 in each group. The control group was fed with normal full-fodder, the model group was fed with normal full-fodder with 140 mg/kg of CdCl₂, the Ganoderma triterpenoid treatment group was fed with a full-fodder diet containing 140 mg/kg of CdCl₂ and 0.5 mL of Ganoderma triterpenoid solution (20 mg/mL), and the Ganoderma triterpenoid group was fed normal full-fodder and 0.5 mL of Ganoderma triterpenoid solution (20 mg/mL) gavage. The chickens were euthanized at 20, 40, and 60 days, respectively, and the testes were harvested. The changes of cadmium contents, the antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px)), peroxide (malondialdehyde (MDA)), inflammatory factors (interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)), and apoptosis-related proteins (Bax, Bcl-2, and Caspase-3) were detected. The pathological sections of the testes were made at the same time. The results suggested that Ganoderma triterpenoids could reduce the accumulation of cadmium in testis tissue; reduce the content of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in cadmium poisoning testis; significantly increase the activity of SOD and GSH-Px; decrease the content of MDA; regulate the expression of Bax, Caspase-3, and Bcl-2; and reduce the damage of testicular tissue. The results showed that Ganoderma triterpenoids have a protective effect on cadmium-induced testicular injury in chicken.

The impacts of natural polysaccharides on intestinal microbiota and immune responses – a review

This paper presents a comprehensive review of the impacts of natural polysaccharides on gut microbiota and immune responses as well as their interactions.

Antiallergic Activity of the Wild Mushrooms of Nepal and the Pure Compound Hispidin

In the present study, ethanol extracts of 90 wild mushroom samples from Nepal, and the pure compound hispidin, were screened for their ability to inhibit β-hexosaminidase release (BHR) from rat basophilic leukemia-2H3 cells. Simultaneously, the toxicity of the extracts toward the cells was also determined, using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Samples belonging to the groups Hymenochaetales and Polyporales showed promising anti-allergic activity, with Phellinus adamantinus and Ganoderma lingzhi 3 allowing a mere 19.4% and 16.7% BHR, respectively, without any cell cytotoxicity. Moreover, the 50% inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values for Inonotus clemensiae and P. adamantinus were determined to be 51.24 and 50.65 μg/mL, respectively; whereas hispidin, the major bioactive compound in I. clemensiae showed an IC₅₀ value of 82.47 μg/mL. These findings are crucial in underscoring the medicinal value of the wild mushrooms of Nepal, as a source of strong antiallergic agents.

Polysaccharide isolated from Phellinus linteus mycelia exerts anti-inflammatory effects via MAPK and PPAR signaling pathways

In the present study, the anti-inflammatory function of Phellinus linteus polysaccharide (PLP) was investigated in animal and cell inflammation models, and the anti-inflammatory mechanism of PLP was also explored. Sixty 8-week ICR mice were randomly divided into 3 groups, and DSS group and DSS + PLP group mice received 2.0% DSS and PLP was orally administered at 500 mg/kg/day. Our data showed that PLP administration obviously improved the health status of mice and inhibited DSS-induced pathological alterations and significantly reduced inflammatory cytokine expressions in the colonic tissues. In lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation cell model, PLP supplement also significantly reduced inflammatory cytokine expressions and inhibited MAPK pathway as well as the translocations of NF-κB and AP-1. Meanwhile, PLP supplement regulated PPARα and PPARγ phosphorylation and blocked MAPK activation. Taken together, PLP exhibits anti-inflammatory function and its molecular mechanism may be involved in MAPK and PPAR signal pathways, which reduce the expressions of inflammatory cytokines.

Chemical composition and bioactive properties of the wild mushroom Polyporus squamosus (Huds.) Fr: a study with samples from Romania

In Eastern Europe, wild mushrooms are widely collected in mountain areas and used for their medicinal properties or as healthy foods. This study aimed at determining the chemical composition (nutritional value, free sugars, organic acids, phenolic compounds, fatty acids and tocopherols) and bioactive properties (antioxidant, antimicrobial and antiquorum sensing) of wild Polyporus squamosus (Huds.) Fr from Romania. The results indicate that the fruiting bodies of P. squamosus are rich in carbohydrates (74.22 g per 100 g dw) and proteins (18.7 g per 100 g dw). Trehalose was the main free sugar, while malic acid was the organic acid detected in the highest amount (2.21 g per 100 g dw), and p-hydroxybenzoic acid was the main phenolic compound. Among tocopherols, β-tocopherol was the most abundant form (114.7 μg per 100 g dw). Additionally, regarding the fatty acids' pattern, polyunsaturated acids represent more than 57% of all fatty acids, followed by monounsaturated fatty acids (24.96%). The highest measured antioxidant effect of P. squamosus extract was found using the TBARS inhibition assay (EC₅₀ = 0.22 mg mL^-1), followed by the β-carotene/linoleate assay (EC₅₀ = 1.41 mg mL^-1). A minimal inhibitory concentration of the tested extracts was obtained between 0.61-20.4 mg mL^-1, while the bactericidal effect was achieved between 1.2-40.8 mg mL^-1. Antibiofilm potential was obtained at all tested concentrations, and subinhibitory concentrations of the extract exhibited an antiquorum effect and reduced the formation of P. aeruginosa pili, which all together influenced the virulence of this bacterium. Due to the investigated bioactivities and compounds of P. squamosus and its well-balanced nutritional profile, this mushroom can be further used as a medicinal ingredient based on its antioxidative and antimicrobial potential.

Extraction of triterpenoids and phenolic compounds from Ganoderma lucidum: optimization study using the response surface methodology

The extraction of triterpenoids and phenolic compounds from Ganoderma lucidum was optimized by using the response surface methodology (RSM), using heat and ultrasound assisted extraction techniques (HAE and UAE). The obtained results were compared with that of the standard Soxhlet procedure. RSM was applied using a circumscribed central composite design with three variables (time, ethanol content, and temperature or ultrasonic power) and five levels. The conditions that maximize the responses (extraction yield, triterpenoids and total phenolics) were: 78.9 min, 90.0 °C and 62.5% ethanol and 40 min, 100.0 W and 89.5% ethanol for HAE and UAE, respectively. The latter was the most effective, resulting in an extraction yield of 4.9 ± 0.6% comprising a content of 435.6 ± 21.1 mg g^-1 of triterpenes and 106.6 ± 16.2 mg g^-1 of total phenolics. The optimized extracts were fully characterized in terms of individual phenolic compounds and triterpenoids by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS. The recovery of the above-mentioned bioactive compounds was markedly enhanced using the UAE technique.

Immunomodulatory effects of phytogenics in chickens and pigs - A review

Environmental stressors like pathogens and toxins may depress the animal immune system through invasion of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) tract, where they may impair performance and production, as well as lead to increased mortality rates. Therefore, protection of the GIT tract and improving animal health are top priorities in animal production. Being natural-sourced materials, phytochemicals are potential feed additives possessing multiple functions, including: anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-viral and antioxidative properties. This paper focuses on immunity-related physiological parameters regulated by phytochemicals, such as carvacrol, cinnamaldehyde, curcumin, and thymol; many studies have proven that these phytochemicals can improve animal performance and production. On the molecular level, the impact of inflammatory gene expression on underlying mechanisms was also examined, as were the effects of environmental stimuli and phytochemicals in initiating nuclear factor kappa B and mitogen-activated protein kinases signaling pathways and improving health conditions.

Improved mycelia and polysaccharide production of Grifola frondosa by controlling morphology with microparticle Talc

Background

Mushroom showed pellet, clump and/or filamentous mycelial morphologies during submerged fermentation. Addition of microparticles including Talc (magnesium silicate), aluminum oxide and titanium oxide could control mycelial morphologies to improve mycelia growth and secondary metabolites production. Here, effect of microparticle Talc (45 μm) addition on the mycelial morphology, fermentation performance, monosaccharide compositions of polysaccharides and enzymes activities associated with polysaccharide synthesis in G. frondosa was well investigated to find a clue of the relationship between polysaccharide biosynthesis and morphological changes.

Results

Addition of Talc decreased the diameter of the pellets and increased the percentage of S-fraction mycelia. Talc gave the maximum mycelial biomass of 19.25 g/L and exo-polysaccharide of 3.12 g/L at 6.0 g/L of Talc, and mycelial polysaccharide of 0.24 g/g at 3.0 g/L of Talc. Talc altered the monosaccharide compositions/percentages in G. frondosa mycelial polysaccharide with highest mannose percentage of 62.76 % and lowest glucose percentage of 15.22 % followed with the corresponding changes of polysaccharide-synthesis associated enzymes including lowest UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (UGP) activity of 91.18 mU/mg and highest UDP-glucose dehydrogenase (UGDG) and GDP-mannose pyrophosphorylase (GMPPB) activities of 81.45 mU/mg and 93.15 mU/mg.

Conclusion

Our findings revealed that the presence of Talc significantly changed the polysaccharide production and sugar compositions/percentages in mycelial and exo-polysaccharides by affecting mycelial morphology and polysaccharide-biosynthesis related enzymes activities of G. frondosa.

Hydroxycinnamic Acids and Their Derivatives: Cosmeceutical Significance, Challenges and Future Perspectives, a Review

Bioactive compounds from natural sources, due to their widely-recognized benefits, have been exploited as cosmeceutical ingredients. Among them, phenolic acids emerge with a very interesting potential. In this context, this review analyzes hydroxycinnamic acids and their derivatives as multifunctional ingredients for topical application, as well as the limitations associated with their use in cosmetic formulations. Hydroxycinnamic acids and their derivatives display antioxidant, anti-collagenase, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anti-tyrosinase activities, as well as ultraviolet (UV) protective effects, suggesting that they can be exploited as anti-aging and anti-inflammatory agents, preservatives and hyperpigmentation-correcting ingredients. Due to their poor stability, easy degradation and oxidation, microencapsulation techniques have been employed for topical application, preventing them from degradation and enabling a sustained release. Based on the above findings, hydroxycinnamic acids present high cosmetic potential, but studies addressing the validation of their benefits in cosmetic formulations are still scarce. Furthermore, studies dealing with skin permeation are scarcely available and need to be conducted in order to predict the topical bioavailability of these compounds after application.

Development of Mushroom-Based Cosmeceutical Formulations with Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Tyrosinase, Antioxidant, and Antibacterial Properties

The cosmetic industry is in a constant search for natural compounds or extracts with relevant bioactive properties, which became valuable ingredients to design cosmeceutical formulations. Mushrooms have been markedly studied in terms of nutritional value and medicinal properties. However, there is still slow progress in the biotechnological application of mushroom extracts in cosmetic formulations, either as antioxidants, anti-aging, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory agents or as hyperpigmentation correctors. In the present work, the cosmeceutical potential of ethanolic extracts prepared from Agaricus bisporus, Pleurotus ostreatus, and Lentinula edodes was analyzed in terms of anti-inflammatory, anti-tyrosinase, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities. The extracts were characterized in terms of phenolic acids and ergosterol composition, and further incorporated in a base cosmetic cream to achieve the same bioactive purposes. From the results obtained, the final cosmeceutical formulations presented 85%-100% of the phenolic acids and ergosterol levels found in the mushroom extracts, suggesting that there was no significant loss of bioactive compounds. The final cosmeceutical formulation also displayed all the ascribed bioactivities and as such, mushrooms can further be exploited as natural cosmeceutical ingredients.

In Vitro Antileishmanial Activity of Sterols from Trametes versicolor (Bres. Rivarden)

Two ergostanes, 5α,8α-epidioxy-22E-ergosta-6,22-dien-3β-ol (1) and 5α-ergost-7,22-dien-3β-ol (2), and a lanostane, 3β-hydroxylanostan-8,24-diene-21-oic acid (trametenolic acid) (3), were isolated from an n-hexane extract prepared from the fruiting body of Trametes versicolor (Bres. Rivarden). The activity of the isolated sterols was evaluated against promastigotes and amastigotes of Leishmania amazonensis Lainson and Shaw, 1972. The lanostane, compound (3), showed the best inhibitory response (IC₅₀ promastigotes 2.9 ± 0.1 μM and IC₅₀ amastigotes 1.6 ± 0.1 μM). This effect was 25-fold higher compared with its cytotoxic effect on peritoneal macrophages from BALB/c mice. Therefore, trametenolic acid could be regarded as a promising lead for the synthesis of compounds with antileishmanial activity.