Structure and functions of γ-dodecalactone isolated from Antrodia camphorata for NK cell activation

Study on color and flavor changes of 4D printed white mushroom gel with microcapsules containing gelatin / β-cyclodextrin induced by microwave heating

The feasibility of microwave heating to induce color/flavor changes of 4D printed white mushroom gel containing curcumin or γ-dodecalactone (γ-DDL) microcapsules was studied. Using gelatin/ β-cyclodextrin as wall material and soy protein isolate as emulsifier, microcapsules containing curcumin or γ-DDL were prepared by spray drying method. The microcapsules containing curcumin were mixed into white mushroom powder at different mass ratios (0, 0.1, 1, 3, 5 %, w/w) as printing ink. With the increase of microcapsule content, the viscosity, storage modulus and loss modulus of printing ink increased, but the water distribution and recovery performance did not change significantly. With the extension of heating time, the brightness value (L*) and the redness value (a*) of the printed sample increased, and the yellowness value (b*) decreased. After adding 3 % (w/w) microcapsules containing γ-DDL, the content change of the target flavor substance in the printed sample during microwave treatment was determined based on Gaschromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results showed that microwave treatment could promote the release of flavor substances, and the content was 272.37 μg/kg when heated for 3 min. This study provides a new idea for the development of 4D printed food with special color and target flavor based on microcapsule technology.

Immunomodulation of Chinese Herbal Medicines on NK cell populations for cancer therapy: A systematic review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Immunomodulation has become a crucial modality for cancer treatment. Chinese Herbal Medicines (CHMs) are expected as adjuvant therapy for immunomodulation against cancer, but face the key challenge of poor scientific evidence. Changes of natural killer (NK) cells on numbers and/or cytotoxicity are a novel respect to evaluate the immunomodulation of CHMs.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The purpose of this review is to investigate the immunomodulation of Chinese Herbal Medicines (CHMs) on NK cell populations for cancer therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic review was conducted and outside mainstream electronic databases were screened for potential reference articles. This review tried to report and critically analyzed all the correlative studies, especially these clinical trials (3 CHM extracts and 11 CHM formulas).

RESULTS

Evidence-based functions of CHMs against cancer could be summarized as: (1) enhancement of NK cells activity or relative percentage; (2) prevention of tumor growth and metastasis; (3) relief on side-effects or complications of therapeutic strategies (i.e. chemotherapy, radiotherapy and resection). Briefly, most of cellular studies and two thirds animal studies were based on the extract or components of single herbs, whilst most of clinical trials were keen on formula or prescription of CHMs. The main components of CHMs were demonstrated active on promoting the cytotoxicity of NK cells, including Angelica sinensis, Ganoderma lucidum, Panax ginseng, Radix Astragali, Lentinus edodes, etc. CONCLUSIONS: This comprehensive review demonstrated NK cells activity was positively associated with quality of life but not survival benefit of cancer patients. Thus exploring the roles of NK cells in adjuvant therapy against cancer is confirmed to be beneficial to explore the underlying relationship between immunomodulation and quality of life.

A new lanostane triterpenoid from Ganoderma resinaceum

A new 23,24,25,26,27-five-nortriterpenoid (1), named resinacein T, was isolated from an ethanol extract of the fruiting bodies in Ganoderma resinaceum of family Ganodermataceae, together with two known lanostane triterpenoids, 3β,7β,15α,24-tetrahydroxy-11,23-dioxo-lanost-8-en-26-oic acid (2), and resinacein O (3). The structures of compounds (1-3) were elucidated using NMR and MS methods.

Succinct synthesis of saturated hydroxy fatty acids and in vitro evaluation of all hydroxylauric acids on FFA1, FFA4 and GPR84

Saturated hydroxy fatty acids make up a class of underexplored lipids with potentially interesting biological activities. We report a succinct and general synthetic route to saturated hydroxy fatty acids hydroxylated at position 6 or higher, and exemplify this with the synthesis of hydroxylauric acids. All regioisomers of hydroxylauric acids were tested on free fatty acid receptors FFA1, FFA4 and GPR84. The results show that the introduction of a hydroxy group and its position have a high impact on receptor activity.

Purification and identification of a polysaccharide from medicinal mushroom Amauroderma rude with immunomodulatory activity and inhibitory effect on tumor growth

Medicinal mushrooms in recent years have been the subject of many experiments searching for anticancer properties. We previously screened thirteen mushrooms for their potential in inhibiting tumor growth, and found that the water extract of Amauroderma rude exerted the highest activity. Previous studies have shown that the polysaccharides contained in the water extract were responsible for the anticancer properties. This study was designed to explore the potential effects of the polysaccharides on immune regulation and tumor growth. Using the crude Amauroderma rude extract, in vitro experiments showed that the capacities of spleen lymphocytes, macrophages, and natural killer cells were all increased. In vivo experiments showed that the extract increased macrophage metabolism, lymphocyte proliferation, and antibody production. In addition, the partially purified product stimulated the secretion of cytokines in vitro, and in vivo. Overall, the extract decreased tumor growth rates. Lastly, the active compound was purified and identified as polysaccharide F212. Most importantly, the purified polysaccharide had the highest activity in increasing lymphocyte proliferation. In summary, this molecule may serve as a lead compound for drug development.

Changes in volatile compound composition of Antrodia camphorata during solid state fermentation

BACKGROUND

Although the volatiles present in mushrooms and fungi have been investigated by many researchers, including Antrodia camphorata in submerged fermentation, there are few data available regarding changes in volatile compounds during fermentation. Our research has revealed that solid state fermentation of A. camphorata is highly odiferous compared with submerged cultures and the odor changed with increasing culture time. Therefore the aim of this study was to investigate the changes in volatile compound composition of A. camphorata during solid state fermentation.

RESULTS

Altogether, 124 major volatile compounds were identified. The volatile compounds produced by A. camphorata during growth in solid state fermentation were quite different. Oct-1-en-3-ol, octan-3-one and methyl 2-phenylacetate were predominant in exponential growth phase production, while the dominant volatiles produced in stationary phase were octan-3-one and methyl 2-phenylacetate. In stationary phase, lactone compounds in A. camphorata, such as 5-butyloxolan-2-one, 5-heptyloxolan-2-one, 6-heptyloxan-2-one, contributed greatly to peach and fruit-like flavor. Terpene and terpene alcohol compounds, such as 1-terpineol, L-linalool, T-cadinol, (E, E)-farnesol, β-elemene, cis-α-bisabolene and α-muurolene, made different contributions to herbal fresh aroma in A. camphorata. Nineteen volatile sesquiterpenes were detected from solid state fermentation of A. camphorata. The compounds 5-n-butyl-5H-furan-2-one, β-ionone, (-)-caryophyllene oxide, aromadendrene oxide, diepi-α-cedrene epoxide, β-elemene, α-selinene, α-muurolene, azulene, germacrene D, γ-cadinene and 2-methylpyrazine have not hitherto been reported in A. camphorata.

CONCLUSION

The preliminary results suggest that the aroma-active compounds produced by A camphorata in solid state fermentation might serve as an important source of natural aroma compounds for the food and cosmetic industries or antibiotic activity compounds. The sesquiterpenes could be identified as possible taxonomic markers for A. camphorata.