Purification, characterization and biological activity on hepatocytes of a polysaccharide from Flammulina velutipes mycelium

Structure and strain specificity for polysaccharides from king oyster mushroom (Pleurotus eryngii) fruiting bodies

King oyster mushroom Pleurotus eryngii is cultivated worldwide for culinary and to improve human health. However, the potential of some Mediterranean representatives of this species is still not evaluated. This work focuses on the study of polysaccharides from fruiting bodies of two Tunisian strains, P. eryngii var. elaeoselini and P. eryngii var. ferulae, and, for comparison, one deposited P. eryngii originated from Korea. Polysaccharides were successively extracted with hot water using microwave heating and 1 mol L-1 aqueous sodium hydroxide. The crude hot water extracts were purified by treating them with proteolytic enzymes, and the alkaline extracts were purified by re-dissolving with dimethyl sulphoxide. In both cases, a decrease or removal of proteins was detected. Glucans predominated in all these products; the insoluble parts also contained chitin. The purified hot water extracts contained glycogen, β-d-glucans and mannogalactan. Branching (1 → 3)(1 → 6)-β-d-glucan was the major polysaccharide in the alkali-soluble fractions, while (1 → 3)-α-d-glucan was only a minor component. The Tunisian strains demonstrated a higher proportion of water-soluble polysaccharides, compared to the alkaline soluble ones, and more β-d-glucan in the insoluble chitin-glucan complexes. Fruiting body proteins of these strains are more available for solubilisation and enzymatic or alkaline degradation and, thus, may have higher nutritional value than those of the reference strain. As a source of proteins or polysaccharides, the Tunisian endemic P. eryngii strains of this study are promising for the domestication and cultivation of fruiting bodies for gastronomic purposes in the North African region.

Anti-proliferative potential of extracellular beta-glucans isolated from Trametes hirsuta in carcinoma and leukemic cell lines

This study aims to extract, purify, and characterize water-soluble extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) from Trametes hirsuta and evaluate their antiproliferative effects. The anionic fraction (AF), a purified form extracellular polysaccharide consisting of glucose-based polymeric units, was isolated through chromatographic purification. The FTIR spectrum showed characteristic absorption peaks at 876.12 cm-1 and 826.89 cm-1 corresponding to β configuration and absorption peaks at 1019.63 cm-1, 1118.10 cm-1, and 1187.92 cm-1 corresponding to pyranose form of the glucosyl residue. 1H NMR signals at δ 4.90 ppm and δ 4.28 ppm were representative of anomeric protons, while 13C NMR spectrum signals around δ 97.85 ppm, δ 93.12 ppm, δ 77.79 ppm, δ 75.89 ppm, δ 71.51 ppm, and δ 62.28 ppm attributed to C-1, C-3, C-5, C-2, C-4, and C-6 carbon atom of EPS. The aforementioned results showed that the purified EPS was made of β-D (1 → 3) glucan moiety. The anti-proliferative activity of EPS was screened against four carcinoma cell lines, HepG2, HEp-2, HT-29 and PC3, and one leukemic cell line, MOLT-4, was used. Purified EPS demonstrated significantly greater cytotoxicity against HT-29, followed by MOLT-4, HepG2, and HEp2, compared to crude EPS. However, it was ineffective against PC-3, a prostate cancer cell line.

Structural characterization of the glucan from Gastrodia elata Blume and its ameliorative effect on DSS-induced colitis in mice

The polysaccharide glucan was extracted from Gastrodia elata Blume, and its structural characterizations and beneficial effects against acute dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis were investigated. The results showed that a polysaccharide GP with a molecular weight of 811.0 kDa was isolated from G. elata Blume. It had a backbone of α-D-1,4-linked glucan with branches of α-d-glucose linked to the C-6 position. GP exhibited protective effects against DSS-induced ulcerative colitis, and reflected in ameliorating weight loss and pathological damages in mice, increasing colon length, inhibiting the expression of inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), decreasing the levels of inflammatory related proteins NLRP3 and ASC, and elevating the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10) level in mouse colon tissues. GP supplementation also reinforced the intestinal barrier by promoting the expression of ZO-1, Occludin, and MUC2 of colon tissues, and positively regulated intestinal microbiota. Thus, GP treatment possessed a significant improvement in ulcerative colitis in mice, and it was expected to be developed as a functional food.

Structure and immunostimulatory activity studies on two novel Flammulina velutipes polysaccharides: revealing potential impacts of →6)-α-D-Glcp(1→ on the TLR-4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway

Two novel Flammulina velutipes (F. velutipes) polysaccharides, FVPH1 and FVPH2, were isolated and purified after hot water extraction. The structural characterization revealed that the backbone of FVPH1 consisted mainly of →6)-α-D-Glcp(1→, →3,4)-α-D-Galp(1→, →4)-α-L-Fucp(1→, and →4)-β-D-Manp(1→, while the backbone of FVPH2 consisted of →3)-α-D-Galp(1→, →3,4)-α-D-Manp(1→,→6)-α-D-Glcp(1→. The branches of FVPH1 contained →6)-α-D-Glcp(1→ and α-D-Glcp(1→ and the branches of FVPH2 consisted of →3)-α-D-Galp(1→, →6)-α-D-Glcp(1→, and β-L-Fucp(1→. FVPH2 exhibited significantly better immunostimulatory activity than FVPH1 (P < 0.05), as evidenced by the increased expression of NO, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α and pinocytic activity of RAW264.7 cells. As the most abundant structure in the polysaccharides of F. velutipes, the content of →6)-α-D-Glcp(1→ might play a crucial role in influencing the immunostimulatory activity of F. velutipes polysaccharides. The F. velutipes polysaccharide with a lower content of →6)-α-D-Glcp(1→ and a higher branching degree could significantly enhance the immunostimulatory activity of F. velutipes polysaccharides via activating the TLR-4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway more effectively.

Comprehensive review on recent trends and perspectives of natural exo-polysaccharides: Pioneering nano-biotechnological tools

Exopolysaccharides (EPSs), originating from various microbes, and mushrooms, excel in their conventional role in bioremediation to showcase diverse applications emphasizing nanobiotechnology including nano-drug carriers, nano-excipients, medication and/or cell encapsulation, gene delivery, tissue engineering, diagnostics, and associated treatments. Acknowledged for contributions to adsorption, nutrition, and biomedicine, EPSs are emerging as appealing alternatives to traditional polymers, for biodegradability and biocompatibility. This article shifts away from the conventional utility to delve deeply into the expansive landscape of EPS applications, particularly highlighting their integration into cutting-edge nanobiotechnological methods. Exploring EPS synthesis, extraction, composition, and properties, the discussion emphasizes their structural diversity with molecular weight and heteropolymer compositions. Their role as raw materials for value-added products takes center stage, with critical insights into recent applications in nanobiotechnology. The multifaceted potential, biological relevance, and commercial applicability of EPSs in contemporary research and industry align with the nanotechnological advancements coupled with biotechnological nano-cleansing agents are highlighted. EPS-based nanostructures for biological applications have a bright future ahead of them. Providing crucial information for present and future practices, this review sheds light on how eco-friendly EPSs derived from microbial biomass of terrestrial and aquatic environments can be used to better understand contemporary nanobiotechnology for the benefit of society.

Coffee leaf extract exhibits anti-obesity property and improves lipid metabolism in high-fat diet-induced C57BL6 obese mice

In the present study, the effect of coffee leaf extract (CLE) on in vitro enzyme inhibition was studied. Furthermore, its impact on the high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice (C57BL/6) at the levels of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight along with positive control (orlistat) and the normal group maintained with starch-fed diet (SFD) was observed. CLE had significant α amylase and lipase enzyme inhibitory properties. In HFD-induced obese mice, treatment with CLE significantly reduced the body weight gain. The investigation demonstrated that CLE administration lowered blood glucose, total cholesterol, total triglycerides and LDL levels while increasing the HDL levels. It reduced the development of fatty liver by reducing hepatic fat accumulation and decreased the fat cell size in the adipose tissue. Further, CLE significantly increased the liver antioxidant enzyme activities and lowered the levels of hepatotoxicity markers in the serum when compared to the HFD-fed mice. The treatment also downregulated the mRNA expression of lipogenic transcription factors (SREBP-1c, CEBP-α) and enzymes (ACC, FAS) than HFD. Overall, the results indicate that coffee leaves have anti-obesity potential and can be used as functional ingredients in the development of innovative products for managing lifestyle disorders such as obesity.

Recent Progress in 1,2-cis glycosylation for Glucan Synthesis

Controlling the stereoselectivity of 1,2-cis glycosylation is one of the most challenging tasks in the chemical synthesis of glycans. There are various 1,2-cis glycosides in nature, such as α-glucoside and β-mannoside in glycoproteins, glycolipids, proteoglycans, microbial polysaccharides, and bioactive natural products. In the structure of polysaccharides such as α-glucan, 1,2-cis α-glucosides were found to be the major linkage between the glucopyranosides. Various regioisomeric linkages, 1→3, 1→4, and 1→6 for the backbone structure, and 1→2/3/4/6 for branching in the polysaccharide as well as in the oligosaccharides were identified. To achieve highly stereoselective 1,2-cis glycosylation, including α-glucosylation, a number of strategies using inter- and intra-molecular methodologies have been explored. Recently, Zn salt-mediated cis glycosylation has been developed and applied to the synthesis of various 1,2-cis linkages, such as α-glucoside and β-mannoside, via the 1,2-cis glycosylation pathway and β-galactoside 1,4/6-cis induction. Furthermore, the synthesis of various structures of α-glucans has been achieved using the recent progressive stereoselective 1,2-cis glycosylation reactions. In this review, recent advances in stereoselective 1,2-cis glycosylation, particularly focused on α-glucosylation, and their applications in the construction of linear and branched α-glucans are summarized.

Recent advances in quality preservation of postharvest golden needle mushroom (Flammulina velutiper)

The golden needle mushroom (Flammulina velutiper) is one of the most productive mushrooms in the world. However, F. velutiper experiences continuous quality degradation in terms of changes in color and textural characteristics, loss of moisture, nutrition and flavor, and increased microbial populations due to its high respiratory activity during the postharvest phase. Postharvest preservation techniques, including physical, chemical and biological methods, play a vital role in maintaining postharvest quality and extending the shelf life of mushrooms. Therefore, in this study, the decay process of F. velutiper and the factors affecting its quality were comprehensively reviewed. Additionally, the preservation methods (e.g., low-temperature storage, packaging, plasma treatment, antimicrobial cleaning and 1-methylcyclopropene treatment) for F. velutiper used for the last 5 years were compared to provide an outlook on future research directions. Overall, this review aims to provide a reference for developing novel, green and safe preservation techniques for F. velutiper. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of Oral Intake of Flammulina velutipes (Enokitake) on Skin Condition in Healthy Adult Women: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study on Mental and Physical Health

Nutritional foods are concentrated sources of molecules with a nutritional or physiological effect which contain nutrients. There is a category, “nutricosmetics”, defined as ingestible natural health products that enhance the function and appearance of human skin, nails, and hair. A new variety of Flammulina velutipes (F. velutipes), Oki-Shirayuki 919, was explored to ascertain whether its components have functions of nutricosmetics. We focused on physiological effects for enhancing the human skin condition, such as moisturizing or barrier functions in F. velutipes. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study was performed between January and March 2022. Among healthy men and women (n = 30) aged 20 to 59 years, the test group (n = 15) took a test product which included F. velutipes dry powder, and the placebo group (n = 15) took a placebo (a similar product in which the F. velutipes dry powder was replaced with plum fruit paste). Since the amount of increase in skin hydration over four weeks in the test group was significantly larger than that in the placebo group, a significant difference between the two groups was observed (p = 0.033). F. velutipe was suggested to have some physiological functions such as improving skin moisture.

Extraction, purification, structural characterization, and hepatoprotective effect of the polysaccharide from purple sweet potato

BACKGROUND

Purple sweet potato Ipomoea batatas (L.) has long been used as a medicine and a food. It contains various bioactive substances such as polysaccharides, anthocyanins, and flavonoids. Purple sweet potato polysaccharides are known to have anti-oxidant, anti-tumor, and immunomodulatory functions. Nevertheless, studies on the structural characterization of purple sweet potato polysaccharides and their ability to prevent non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have rarely been reported.

RESULTS

A novel polysaccharide (PSPP-A) was extracted and isolated from purple sweet potato, and its structural characteristics and preventive effects on NAFLD were investigated. The results indicated that PSPP-A was composed of l-rhamnose, d-arabinose, d-galactose, d-glucose, and d-glucuronic acid with molar ratios of 1.89:8.45:1.95:1.13:1. Its molecular weight was 2.63 × 10³  kDa. Methylation and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis indicated that the glycosidic linkages were →3)-α-L-Araf-(1→, α-L-Araf-(1→, →2,4)-α-L-Rhap-(1→, 4-O-Me-β-D-GlcAp-(1→, →4)-α-D-Glcp-(1→, →4)-β-D-Galp-(1→, and →6)-β-D-Galp-(1→. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated that the structure of PSPP-A was irregular. Subsequently, the protective effect of PSPP-A on NAFLD was investigated. The results indicated that bodyweight, liver index, and triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), aspartate transaminase (AST), and alanine transaminase (ALT) content were significantly reduced by intervention of purple sweet potato polysaccharide-A (PSPP-A) compared with the - high-fat diet group. Liver histopathological analysis indicated that PSPP-A attenuated irregular hepatocyte patterns and excessive lipid vacuoles.

CONCLUSIONS

The novel polysaccharide, PSPP-A, mainly contains arabinose, which has certain preventive effects on NAFLD. This study provides a theoretical basis for further elucidating the hepatoprotective effect of purple sweet potatoes as a functional food. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Structure and hepatoprotective activity of Usp10/NF-κB/Nrf2 pathway-related Morchella esculenta polysaccharide

The water-soluble Morchella esculenta polysaccharide 2 (MEP2) was purified and isolated from an aqueous extract of the Morchella esculenta fruiting bodies. MEP2, having a molecular weight of 959 kDa, has a →4)-α-D-Glcp-(1→ glucan backbone, and this branch was substituted at the H-6 position by an α-D-Glcp-(1 → 4)-α-D-Glcp-(1→ residue and an α-D-Glcp-(1→ residue. The hepatoprotective activity and potential mechanism of action of MEP2 were also investigated. MEP2 ameliorated severe liver damage and regulated the liver function indicators and the alcohol-related enzyme levels in chronic alcohol-induced mice. Combined with biochemical detection, the gut microbiota, metabolites, and proteomics results revealed that MEP2 regulates the levels of hepatic cytokines related to inflammatory response and oxidative stress, as well as those of intestinal Bacteroides, Oscillospira, Parabacteroides, Alistipes, and Prevotella, through the ubiquitin-specific peptidase 10 (Usp10)/nuclear factor κB (NF-κB)/nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway in the liver of mice induced by long-term alcohol intake. These data provide experimental evidence for the application of MEP2 in chronic alcohol-induced liver injury.

Flammulina velutipes Polysaccharides Modulate Gut Microbiota and Alleviate Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatic Oxidative Injury in Mice

A carbon tetrachloride-induced acute liver injury mouse model is used to study the regulation of gut microbiota and hepatoprotective effect of polysaccharides from Flammulina velutipes (FVPs). The hepatoprotective effect of the FVPs leads to reduced levels of serum aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), total bile acid (TBA) content, and change in liver histopathology. Their anti-oxidant activity is exhibited by decreased levels of hepatic malonaldehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl (PC) content and increased catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) content. The anti-inflammatory ability of the FVPs is reflected in a decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines (including IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α). 16S rRNA sequencing shows that the FVPs change the composition of the gut microbiota. A subsequent metabolomics analysis of the gut bacteria (UHPLC-MS/MS-based) revealed that fatty acid biosynthesis, tryptophan metabolism, and metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450 play important roles in the hepatoprotective effect. This study provides a potential way to modulate gut microbiota and manage liver diseases using natural products.

A review of the therapeutic and biological effects of edible and wild mushrooms

Throughout history, mushrooms have occupied an inseparable part of the diet in many countries. Mushrooms are considered a rich source of phytonutrients such as polysaccharides, dietary fibers, and other micronutrients, in addition to various essential amino acids, which are building blocks of vital proteins. In general, mushrooms offer a wide range of health benefits with a large spectrum of pharmacological properties, including antidiabetic, antioxidative, antiviral, antibacterial, osteoprotective, nephroprotective, hepatoprotective, etc. Both wild edible and medicinal mushrooms possess strong therapeutic and biological activities, which are evident from their in vivo and in vitro assays. The multifunctional activities of the mushroom extracts and the targeted potential of each of the compounds in the extracts have a broad range of applications, especially in the healing and repair of various organs and cells in humans. Owing to the presence of the aforementioned properties and rich phytocomposition, mushrooms are being used in the production of nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals. This review aims to provide a clear insight on the commercially cultivated, wild edible, and medicinal mushrooms with comprehensive information on their phytochemical constituents and properties as part of food and medicine for futuristic exploitation. Future outlook and prospective challenges associated with the cultivation and processing of these medicinal mushrooms as functional foods are also discussed.

A comprehensive review on α-D-Glucans: Structural and functional diversity, derivatization and bioapplications

Glucans are the most abundant natural polysaccharides across the living kingdom with tremendous biological activities. Now a days, α-D-glucans are gaining importance as a prebiotics, nutraceuticals, immunostimulants, antiproliferative agents and biodegradable polymers in pharmaceutical and cosmetic sectors. A wide variety of bioresources including bacteria, fungi, lichens, algae, plants and animals produce α-D-glucans either as an exopolysaccharide (EPS) or a cell wall component or an energy storage polymer. The α-D-glucans exhibit great structural and functional diversity as the type of linkage and percentage of branching dictate the functional properties of glucans. Among the different linkages, bioactivities are greatly confined to the α-D-(1 → 3) linkages whereas starch and other polymers consisting of α-D-(1 → 4) (1 → 6) linkages are specific for food and pharmaceutical applications. However, the bioactivities of the α-D-(1 → 3) glucans in native form is limited mainly due to their hydrophobic nature. Hence several derivatization techniques have been developed to improve the bioavailability as well as bioactive features such as antiviral, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory and antitumor properties. Though, several reports have presented about α-D-glucans, still there is an ambiguity in terms of their structure among different natural sources and moreover no comprehensive information was available on their derivatization techniques and application potential. Therefore, the present review summarizes distinct description on diverse sources, type of linkages, derivatization techniques as well as the application potential of the native and modified α-D-glucans.

Structural Identification and Coagulation Effect of Flammulina velutipes Polysaccharides

Two polysaccharides were isolated successfully from Flammulina velutipes and identified as CHFVP-1 (24.44 kDa) and CHFVP-2 (1497 kDa). Based on the results of Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), gas chromatography (GC), gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy regarding the structure of CHFVP-1 and CHFVP-2, CHFVP-1 was constructed with the backbone of→6)-α-D-Galp-(1→ and the branch of Galp by an →3,6)-α-D-Manp-(1→attached with T-β-D-Glcp or t-α-L-Fucp side chains. Meanwhile, the CHFVP-2 was a glucan with the construction of →6)-β-D-Glcp-(1→ and T-β-D-Glcp. Moreover, the coagulant activity in vitro of CHFVP-1 and CHFVP-2 was evaluated, and the results showed that CHFVP-1 exerts procoagulant activity by shortening the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and thrombin time (TT), while CHFVP-2 did not reveal a definite coagulant activity. The finding would benefit the further application of F. velutipes in the field of medicine.

Advances in the extraction, purification, structural-property relationships and bioactive molecular mechanism of Flammulina velutipes polysaccharides: A review

With the further research in recent years, Flammulina velutipes (F. velutipes), an edible mushroom, has great application value in many fields. As one of the main bioactive components in F. velutipes, polysaccharide has a series of functions such as anti-oxidation, immune regulation, anti-inflammation, liver protection, anti-tumor, anti-hyperlipidemia and so on. In this paper, the current progress in the extraction, purification, structural characteristics and bioactivities of F. velutipes polysaccharides (FVPs) were reviewed. Meanwhile, the structural-property relationships of FVPs were further discussed. In addition, based on in vitro and in vivo experiments, the possible mechanisms of bioactivities of FVPs were summarized. In order to understand FVPs more comprehensively, the application status and the future research work of FVPs were also introduced. Finally, we hope that our research can provide a reference for further research and development of FVPs.

Isolation and structure elucidation of polysaccharides from fruiting bodies of mushroom Coriolus versicolor and evaluation of their immunomodulatory effects

Coriolus versicolor is an edible medicinal mushroom in China. Two polysaccharides, named as CVPn and CVPa were separated from the dried fruiting bodies of Coriolus versicolor by water extraction and ethanol precipitation. Their chemical structures were well elucidated with overall consideration of monosaccharide composition, methylation analysis and 1D/2D-NMR spectra data. The bioactivities on RAW 264.7 macrophages cells were evaluated, and further structure-bioactivity relationships were concluded. With molecular weight of 29.7 kDa for CVPn and 50.8 kDa for CVPa, the two isolated polysaccharides were both composed of (l → 4)-β-/(1 → 3)-β-d-glucopyranosyl group as backbone with branches attached at O-6 site. Comparing to CVPn, CVPa with relative high molecular weight and less branches showed significant induction of NO production, obvious augmentation of iNOS and TNF-α mRNA expression level, and phagocytosis on RAW 264.7 cells. These results clarified that CVP polysaccharides with less branches and high molecular weight possessed enhanced immunomodulatory ability, and this finding could be a reference for the utilization of Coriolus versicolor.

M. B. Morais A, Freitas AC, C. F. R. Ferreira I, Pintado M. Valorization of Mushroom By-Products as a Source of Value-Added Compounds and Potential Applications

Nowadays, the food sector is highly concerned with environmental issues and foreseen to develop strategies to reduce waste and losses resulting from activities developed in the food system. An approach is to increment added value to the agro-industrial wastes, which might provide economic growth and environmental protection, contributing to a circular economy. Mushroom by-products represent a disposal problem, but they are also promising sources of important compounds, which may be used due to their functional and nutritional properties. Research has been developed in different fields to obtain value added solutions for the by-products generated during mushroom production and processing. Bioactive compounds have been obtained and applied in the development of nutraceutical and pharmaceutical formulations. Additionally, other applications have been explored and include animal feed, fertilizer, bioremediation, energy production, bio-based materials, cosmetics and cosmeceuticals. The main purpose of this review is to highlight the relevant composition of mushroom by-products and discuss their potential as a source of functional compounds and other applications. Future research needs to explore pilot and industrial scale extraction methods to understand the technological feasibility and the economic sustainability of the bioactive compounds extraction and valorization towards different applications.

Constituent and effects of polysaccharides isolated from Sophora moorcroftiana seeds on lifespan, reproduction, stress resistance, and antimicrobial capacity in Caenorhabditis elegans

Sophora moorcroftiana (S. moorcroftiana) is an endemic leguminous dwarf shrub in Tibet, China. Decoctions of the seeds have been used in Chinese folk medicine for dephlogistication, detoxication, and infectious diseases. The present study aimed to investigate the constituent and biological effects of polysaccharides from S. moorcroftiana seeds in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). Polysaccharides from S. moorcroftiana seeds (SMpol) were extracted with 60% ethanol and constituent was analyzed by GC-MS. SMpol was composed of glucose, galactose and inositol in the molar ratio of 35.7 : 1.3 : 17.0. Synchronized worms were treated with SMpol and then lifespan, motility, reproduction, stress resistance and antimicrobial activity were examined. Compared with the control group, the lifespan was increased to the average of 27.3 days and the number of laying eggs showed a 1.3-fold increase in nematodes treated with SMpol (4 mg·mL^-1). In SMpol (4 mg·mL^-1) treated worms, there was a 1.1-fold increase in 24-h survival of acute heat stress and a 1.6-fold increase in 2-h survival of oxidative stress The colonization of the bacteria in the SMpol treated nematode was significantly lower than that of the untreated group by 68.3%. In vivo studies showed SMpol significantly extended the life span, improved reproduction, increased stress resistance and antimicrobial capacity of C. elegans. In conclusion, those results indicated that the polysaccharides from S. moorcroftiana seeds were involved in a variety of biological activities leading to its modulatory effects on C. elegans which may be developed as a natural supplement agent.

Structural characteristics and bioactive properties of a novel polysaccharide from Flammulina velutipes

A new water-soluble polysaccharide (FVP1) was extracted from Flammulina velutipes by traditional method "water extraction and alcohol precipitation" and purified by column chromatography. Physicochemical characterization showed that FVP1 was a homogeneous polysaccharide with a relative molecular weight of 54.78 kDa. It is composed of mannose (7.74%), glucose (70.41%), and galactose (16.38%). FVP1 (1000 mg/mL) possessed significant immune activity by increasing the secretion of nitric oxide (NO), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (3183 ± 133.84 pg/mL), interleukin (IL)-6 (1133.21 ± 39.05 pg/mL), and IL-12 (579.96 ± 74.53 pg/mL) in macrophages. Furthermore, FVP1 showed significant hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBV) activity through reducing the expression of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA replication. These results suggest a novel role for FVP1 to be applied as an immunomodulators in dietary supplements to prevent HBV infection.

Myo- and cardiotoxic effects of the wild winter mushroom ( Flammulina velutipes) on mice

Rhabdomyolysis (destruction of striated muscle) is a novel form of mushroom poisoning in Europe and Asia indicated by increased circulating creatine kinase levels. Particular wild fungi have also been reported to induce elevated creatine kinase activities in mice. Flammulina velutipes (enokitake or winter mushroom) is one of the most actively cultivated mushroom species globally. As it is marketed as a medicinal mushroom and functional food, it is important to examine whether it could induce potentially harmful health effects similar to some previously studied edible fungi. The present study examined the effects of F. velutipes consumption on the plasma clinical chemistry, hematology, and organ histology of laboratory mice. Wild F. velutipes were dried, pulverized, mixed with a regular laboratory rodent diet, and fed to the animals at 0, 3, 6, or 9 g/kg body mass/day for five days ( n = 6/group). F. velutipes consumption caused increased activities of plasma creatine kinase and the MB-fraction of creatine kinase at 6-9 g/kg/d, indicating potentially deleterious effects on both skeletal and cardiac muscle. The plasma total and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations (at 9 g/kg/d) and white blood cell and lymphocyte counts (at 6-9 g/kg/d) decreased. Although the cholesterol-lowering properties of F. velutipes can be beneficial, the previously unexamined, potentially hazardous side effects of mushroom consumption (myo- and cardiotoxicity) should be thoroughly investigated before recommending this mushroom species as a health-promoting food item. Impact statement This work is important to the field of functional foods, as it provides novel information about the potential myo- and cardiotoxic properties of an edible mushroom, Flammulina velutipes. The results are useful and of importance because F. velutipes is an actively cultivated mushroom and marketed as a health-promoting food item. The findings contribute to the understanding of the complexity of the balance between the beneficial and potentially harmful effects of mushroom consumption.

Multiple fingerprinting analyses in quality control of Cassiae Semen polysaccharides

Quality control issue overshadows potential health benefits of Cassiae Semen due to the analytic limitations. In this study, multiple-fingerprint analysis integrated with several chemometrics was performed to assess the polysaccharide quality of Cassiae Semen harvested from different locations. FT-IR, HPLC, and GC fingerprints of polysaccharide extracts from the authentic source were established as standard profiles, applying to assess the quality of foreign sources. Analyses of FT-IR fingerprints of polysaccharide extracts using either Pearson correlation analysis or principal component analysis (PCA), or HPLC fingerprints of partially hydrolyzed polysaccharides with PCA, distinguished the foreign sources from the authentic source. However, HPLC or GC fingerprints of completely hydrolyzed polysaccharides couldn't identify all foreign sources and the methodology using GC is quite limited in determining the monosaccharide composition. This indicates that FT-IR/HPLC fingerprints of non/partially-hydrolyzed polysaccharides, respectively, accompanied by multiple chemometrics methods, might be potentially applied in detecting and differentiating sources of Cassiae Semen.

Protein-Bound Polysaccharide from Corbicula fluminea Inhibits Cell Growth in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 Human Breast Cancer Cells

A novel protein-bound polysaccharide, CFPS-1, isolated from Corbicula fluminea, is composed predominantly of mannose (Man) and glucose (Glc) in a molar ratio of 3.1:12.7. The polysaccharide, with an average molecular weight of about 283 kDa, also contains 10.8% protein. Atomic force microscopy, high-performance liquid chromatography, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy analyses revealed that CFPS-1 has a backbone of 1,6-linked and 1,4,6-linked-α-D-Glc, which is terminated with a 1-linked-α-D-Man residue at the O-4 position of 1,4,6-linked-α-D-Glc, in a molar ratio of 3:1:1. Preliminary in vitro bioactivity tests revealed that CFPS-1 effectively and dose-dependently inhibits human breast cancer MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell growth, with an IC50 of 243 ± 6.79 and 1142 ± 14.84 μg/mL, respectively. In MCF-7, CFPS-1 produced a significant up-regulation of p53, p21, Bax and cleaved caspase-7 and down-regulation of Cdk4, cyclin D1, Bcl-2 and caspase-7. These effects resulted in cell cycle blockade at the S-phase and apoptosis induction. In contrast, in MDA-MB-231, with limited degree of change in cell cycle distribution, CFPS-1 increases the proportion of cells in apoptotic sub-G1 phase executed by down-regulation of Bcl-2 and caspase-7 and up-regulation of Bax and cleaved caspase-7. This study extends our understanding of the anticancer mechanism of C. fluminea protein-bound polysaccharide.

Golden Needle Mushroom: A Culinary Medicine with Evidenced-Based Biological Activities and Health Promoting Properties

Flammulina velutipes (enoki, velvet shank, golden needle mushroom or winter mushroom), one of the main edible mushrooms on the market, has long been recognized for its nutritional value and delicious taste. In recent decades, research has expanded beyond detailing its nutritional composition and delved into the biological activities and potential health benefits of its constituents. Many bioactive constituents from a range of families have been isolated from different parts of the mushroom, including carbohydrates, protein, lipids, glycoproteins, phenols, and sesquiterpenes. These compounds have been demonstrated to exhibit various biological activities, such as antitumour and anticancer activities, anti-atherosclerotic and thrombosis inhibition activity, antihypertensive and cholesterol lowering effects, anti-aging and antioxidant properties, ability to aid with restoring memory and overcoming learning deficits, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anti-bacterial, ribosome inactivation and melanosis inhibition. This review aims to consolidate the information concerning the phytochemistry and biological activities of various compounds isolated from F. velutipes to demonstrate that this mushroom is not only a great source of nutrients but also possesses tremendous potential in pharmaceutical drug development.

Structure and antioxidant activity of a novel polysaccharide derived from Amanita caesarea

A heteropolysaccharide was isolated from the fruiting bodies of Amanita caesarea using a diethylaminoethyl-cellulose column, Sephacryl S‑300 gel column and Sephadex G‑200 column. The Amanita caesarea polysaccharide was predominantly composed of α-D-glucose and α-D-lyxose at a ratio of 2:1, and it had a molecular weight of 19,329 Da. The structural features of the Amanita caesarea polysaccharide were investigated by a combination of total hydrolysis, methylation analysis, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and infrared spectra and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The results showed that Amanita caesarea polysaccharide (termed AC‑1) had a backbone of 1,4‑linked α‑D‑glucose and 1,3,6‑linked α‑D‑glucose, with branches of one 1‑linked α‑D‑lyxose residue. The antioxidant activity of AC‑1 was evaluated by two biochemical methods, 2,2-azino-bis diammonium (ABTS+) radical scavenging activity and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH-) radical scavenging activity. The uncontrolled production of free radicals is involved in various diseases, including cancer, atherosclerosis and degenerative aging processes. The results indicated that the Amanita caesarea polysaccharide exhibits strong antioxidant activity, thus, it may be a useful natural product antioxidant.

The structure of mushroom polysaccharides and their beneficial role in health

Mushroom is a kind of fungus that has been popular for its special flavour and renowned biological values. The polysaccharide contained in mushroom is regarded as one of the primary bioactive constituents and is beneficial for health. The structural features and bioactivities of mushroom polysaccharides have been studied extensively. It is believed that the diverse biological bioactivities of polysaccharides are closely related to their structure or conformation properties. In this review, the structural characteristics, conformational features and bioactivities of several mushroom polysaccharides are summarized, and their beneficial mechanisms and the relationships between their structure and bioactivities are also discussed.

Antioxidative and renoprotective effects of residue polysaccharides from Flammulina velutipes

Three extractable polysaccharides including Ac-RPS, Al-RPS and En-RPS were extracted from the residue of Flammulina velutipes and their antioxidative and renoprotective effects on STZ-induced mice were investigated. Biochemical and antioxidant analysis showed that the En-RPS had potential effects in decreasing the serum levels of CRE, BUN, ALB and GLU significantly, increasing the renal activities of SOD, CAT and GSH-Px remarkably, and reducing the renal contents of MDA prominently. Furthermore, the histopathological observations also displayed that En-RPS could alleviate kidney damage. These results demonstrated that En-RPS extracted from the residue of F. velutipes possessed potent antioxidant activities, and could be used as a promising therapeutic agent for inhibiting the progression of diabetic nephropathy. In addition, the monosaccharide compositions of these three RPS were also analyzed.

Structural Characterization and Immunostimulatory Activity of a Homogeneous Polysaccharide from Sinonovacula constricta

Sinonovacula constricta has been widely used as a health food and medicine in China, Japan, and Korea. In the present study, a water-soluble polysaccharide fraction (SCP-1) was prepared from S. constricta by enzyme-assisted extraction and purification of chromatography with DEAE-52 cellulose anion-exchange column and Sephadex G-100 size exclusion column. On the basis of the analytical results of high-performance liquid chromatography, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, methylation analysis, and NMR spectroscopy, SCP-1 was found to have an average molecular weight of 15.63 kDa and a linear backbone of (1→4)-linked α-D-Glcp residue with one branch, α-D-Glcp, attached to the main chain by a (1→6) glycosidic bond at every five α-D-Glcp units. Furthermore, it was found that SCP-1 could significantly increase the viability of macrophages, enhance the capability of macrophage phagocytosis, increase the activity of acid phosphatase, and promote the production of nitric oxide, mouse tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, mouse interferon (IFN)-γ, and mouse interleukin (IL)-1β. The results suggest that SCP-1 possesses potent immunomodulating effect and may be explored as a potential biological response modifier.

Characterization and antihyperglycemic activity of a polysaccharide from Dioscorea opposita Thunb roots

A polysaccharide DOTP-80 from Dioscorea opposita Thunb was obtained by using the method of acid water-extraction and ethanol-precipitation. After being purified by chromatography, the structure characteristics of DOTP-80 were established. Based on the calibration curve obtained with standard dextrans, the molecular weight of the polysaccharide fraction DOTP-80 was calculated to be 123 kDa. The results of Infrared spectrum (FT-IR) indicated that the polysaccharide contained the α-configuration of sugar units. GC-MS analysis revealed that DOTP-80 was mainly composed of mannose and glucose. Alloxan-induced diabetic rats and mice models were developed to evaluate the in vivo hypoglycemic activity of the polysaccharide. The results indicated that a high dose DOTP-80 (400 mg/kg) had strong hypoglycemic activity. Moreover, DOTP-80 could increase the level of antioxidant enzymes (SOD) activity in alloxan-induced diabetic mice and stimulate an increase in glucose disposal in diabetic rats. Therefore, the polysaccharide DOTP-80 should be evaluated as a candidate for future studies on diabetes mellitus.

Multiple-fingerprint analysis for investigating quality control of Flammulina velutipes fruiting body polysaccharides

Quality control issues overshadow potential health benefits of the edible mushroom Flammulina velutipes, with the detection and isolation of polysaccharides posing particular problems. In this study, multiple-fingerprint analysis was performed using chemometrics to assess polysaccharide quality and antioxidant activity of F. velutipes fruiting bodies from different sources. The authentic source exhibited differences in both oxygen radical absorbance capacity and ferric reducing antioxidant power from foreign sources. IR spectroscopic/HPLC fingerprints of polysaccharide extracts from the authentic source were established and applied to assess the polysaccharide quality of foreign sources. Analysis of IR fingerprints using Pearson correlation coefficient gave correlation coefficient r values of 0.788 and 0.828 for two foreign sources, respectively, indicating distinctness from the authentic source. Analysis of HPLC fingerprints using the supervised method by Traditional Chinese Medicine could not discriminate between sources (r > 0.9), but principal component analysis of IR and HPLC fingerprints distinguished the foreign sources.

Preparation of the oligosaccharides derived from Flammulina velutipes and their antioxidant activities

The oligosaccharides were prepared from Flammulina velutipes by hydrolysis of F. velutipes polysaccharides with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The yields of F. velutipes derived oligosaccharides (FVOs) were monitored during the hydrolysis process. FVOs yields were affected by three factors, i.e. reaction temperature, H2O2 concentration, and time, which were optimized by using an orthogonal design experiments as follows: reaction temperature 70°C, H2O2 concentration 3%, and reaction time 6h. Under these optimum conditions, the maximal yield of the oligosaccharides reached 17.10%, which was higher than that of hot water extraction method. The oligosaccharides were partially characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrum, monosaccharide composition, and antioxidant activity. The results indicate that the oligosaccharides derived from F. velutipes showed strong hydroxyl radical activity and reducing capacity at the concentration of 100 μg/mL.