Antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities of a polysaccharide from Flammulina velutipes

Research progress and future development potential of Flammulina velutipes polysaccharides in the preparation process, structure analysis, biology, and pharmacology: A review

In recent years, Flammulina velutipes (F. velutipes) has attracted consequential attention in various research fields due to its rich composition of proteins, vitamins, amino acids, polysaccharides, and polyphenols. F. velutipes polysaccharides (FVPs) are considered as key bioactive components of F. velutipes, demonstrating multiple physiological activities, including immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. Moreover, they offer health benefits such as antioxidant and anti-aging properties, which have exceptionally valuable clinical applications. Polysaccharides derived from different sources exhibit a wide range of biomedical functions and distinct biological activities. The varied biological functions of polysaccharides, coupled with their extensive application in functional foods and clinical applications, have prompted a heightened focus on polysaccharide research. Additionally, the extraction, deproteinization, and purification of FVPs are fundamental to investigate the structure and biological activities of polysaccharides. Therefore, this review provides a comprehensive and systematic overview of the extraction, deproteinization, purification, characterization, and structural elucidation of FVPs. Furthermore, the biological activities and mechanisms of FVPs have been further explored through in vivo and in vitro experiments. This review aims to provide a theoretical foundation and guide future research and development of FVPs.

Research progress in the preparation, structural characterization, and biological activities of polysaccharides from traditional Chinese medicine

Traditional Chinese medicines are tremendous sources of polysaccharides, which are of great interest in the human welfare system as natural medicines, food, and cosmetics. This review aims to highlight the recent trends in extraction (conventional and non-conventional), purification and analytic techniques of traditional Chinese medicine polysaccharides (TCMPs), and the chemical structure, biological activities (anti-tumor, hypoglycemic, antioxidant, intestinal flora regulation, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, hypolipidemic, hepatoprotective, and other activities), and the underlying mechanisms of polysaccharides extracted from 76 diverse traditional Chinese medicines were compared and discussed. With this wide coverage, a total of 164 scientific articles were searched from the database including Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, and China Knowledge Network. This comprehensive survey from previous reports indicates that TCMPs are non-toxic, highly biocompatible, and good biodegradability. Besides, this review highlights that TCMPs may be excellent functional factors and effective therapeutic drugs. Finally, the current problems and future research advances of TCMPs are also introduced. New valuable insights for the future researches regarding TCMPs are also proposed in the fields of therapeutic agents and functional foods.

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.

Immunostimulatory Activity of Cordyceps militaris Fermented with Pediococcus pentosaceus SC11 Isolated from a Salted Small Octopus in Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunocompromised Mice and Its Inhibitory Activity against SARS-CoV 3CL Protease

In this study, we investigated the immune-enhancing and anti-viral effects of germinated Rhynchosia nulubilis (GRC) fermented with Pediococcus pentosaceus SC11 (GRC-SC11) isolated from a salted small octopus. The cordycepin, β-glucan, and total flavonoid contents increased in GRC after SC11 fermentation. GRC-SC11 inhibits 3CL protease activity in severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV). GRC-SC11 significantly increased thymus and spleen indices in immunocompromised mice. The rate of splenocyte proliferation was higher in GRC-SC11-treated immunocompromised mice than that in GRC-treated immunocompromised mice in the presence or absence of concanavalin A. In addition, GRC-SC11 increased the phagocytic activity and nitric oxide production in immunocompromised mice. The mRNA expression of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), interferon-alpha (IFN-α), and interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) was up-regulated in GRC-SC11 treated RAW 264.7 macrophages, compared to GRC. Our study indicates that GRC-SC11 might be a potential therapeutic agent for immunocompromised patients who are vulnerable to SARS-CoV infection.

Extraction, purification, structural characterization, and gut microbiota relationship of polysaccharides: A review

Intestinal dysbiosis is one of the major causes of the occurrence of metabolic syndromes, such as obesity, diabetes, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular diseases. Polysaccharide-based microbial therapeutic strategies have excellent potential in the treatment of metabolic syndromes, but the underlying regulatory mechanisms remain elusive. Identification of the internal regulatory mechanism of the gut microbiome and the interaction mechanisms involving bacteria and the host are essential to achieve precise control of the gut microbiome and obtain valuable clinical data. Polysaccharides cannot be directly digested; the behavior in the intestinal tract is considered a "bridge" between microbiota and host communication. To provide a relatively comprehensive reference for researchers in the field, we will discuss the polysaccharide extraction and purification processes and chemical and structural characteristics, focusing on the polysaccharides in gut microbiota through the immune system, gut-liver axis, gut-brain axis, energy axis interactions, and potential applications.

Inhibitory Effect of Fermented Flammulina velutipes Polysaccharides on Mice Intestinal Inflammation

To investigate the effect of Flammulina velutipes polysaccharides (FVPs) on mice intestinal inflammation, FVPs were extracted from Flammulina velutipes (FV) using a solid anaerobic fermentation technique. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities of FVP and fermented FVP (FFVP) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were investigated in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that the yield of FFVP (9.44%) was higher than that of FVP (8.65%), but the molecular weight (MW) of FFVP (15,702 Da) was lower than that of FVP (15,961 Da). The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities of FFVP were higher than that of FVP in preventing mice diarrhea, enhancing antioxidant capacities, and reducing the secretion and mRNA expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-18, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). The anti-inflammatory mechanisms of FVP and FFVP were analyzed by inhibiting the activation of the NLRP3 signaling pathway using an LPS-induced mice model. This study indicated that FFVP could be used as a functional antioxidant, indicating a potential application in functional food and health 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.

Effects of Pre-Treatment Using Plasma on the Antibacterial Activity of Mushroom Surfaces

Although non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma is an efficient tool for preventing post-harvest microbial contamination, many studies have focused on the post-treatment of infected or contaminated foods. In this study, we examined the antimicrobial quality of mushrooms pre-treated with a non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma jet (NTAPPJ) or plasma-treated water (PTW). The CFU (Colony Forming Unit) number of Escherichia coli inoculated on surfaces of mushrooms pre-treated with NTAPPJ or PTW was significantly reduced (about 60-75% for NTAPPJ and about 35-85% for PTW), and the reduction rate was proportional to the treatment time. Bacterial attachment and viability of the attached bacteria were decreased on NTAPPJ-treated mushroom surfaces. This may be caused by the increased hydrophilicity and oxidizing capacity observed on NTAPPJ-treated mushroom surfaces. In PTW-treated mushrooms, bacterial attachment was not significantly changed, but death and lipid peroxidation of the attached bacteria were significantly increased. Analysis of mushroom quality showed that loss of water content was greater in mushrooms treated with NTAPPJ compared to that in those with no treatment (control) and PTW treatment during storage. Our results suggest that pre-treatment with NTAPPJ or PTW can improve the antibacterial quality of mushroom surfaces by decreasing bacterial attachment (for NTAPPJ) and increasing bacterial lipid peroxidation (for both NTAPPJ and PTW).

Natural Flammulina velutipes-Based Nerve Guidance Conduit as a Potential Biomaterial for Peripheral Nerve Regeneration: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

The treatment and repair of serious peripheral nerve injuries remain challenging in the clinical practice, while the application of multifunctional nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) based on naturally derived polymers has attracted much attention in recent years because of their excellent physicochemical properties and biological characteristics. Flammulina velutipes (Curt. ex FV) is a popular edible mushroom characterized by hollow tubular structures, antibacterial activities, and high nutritional properties. In this study, FV is utilized to construct NGCs (labeled FVC) via a freeze-drying technique without chemical modifications. The morphology, physical properties, cellular biocompatibility, antibacterial properties, and nerve regeneration capacity of FVC were assessed both in vitro and in vivo. FVC is composed of hollow tubes and evenly irregular interconnected micropores with 73.8 ± 5.5% porosity and 476.1 ± 12.9 μm hollow tube diameter. The inner surface of the FVC presents multiple microgrooves elongated parallel to the long axis. Moreover, FVC possessed strong antibacterial activity and could inhibit Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus growth by up to 96.0% and Gram-negative Escherichia coli growth by up to 94.8% in vitro. FVC exhibited excellent biocompatibility and effectively promoted PC-12 cell proliferation and elongation in vitro. When applied to repair critical-sized sciatic nerve defects, FVC could effectively stimulate nerve functional recovery and axonal outgrowth in a rat model. Interestingly, Western blot analysis indicated that growth-associated protein 43 (GAP-43) had increased expression levels in the FVC group compared with the autograft group. This result suggested that by activating the Janus activated kinase2 (JAK2)/Phosphorylation ofsignal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) signaling pathway, FVC upregulated Phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (P-STAT3) in vivo, resulting in the secretion of GAP-43. Collectively, a natural NGC FVC was fabricated based on FV without chemical modifications. The morphology, physical properties, cellular biocompatibility, antibacterial properties, and nerve regeneration capacity of FVC provide new insights for its further optimization and application in the field of nerve tissue engineering.

The biological regulatory activities of Flammulina velutipes polysaccharide in mice intestinal microbiota, immune repertoire and heart transcriptome

The effects of a novel Flammulina velutipes polysaccharide (FVP) on intestinal microbiota, immune repertoire and heart transcriptome were investigated in this study. The results showed that FVP treatment could effectively regulate the abundance of colonic microbiota. And FVP exhibited obvious immunoregulatory effect by influencing V gene and J gene fragments usage on TCRα chain. The usage frequency of TRBV1, TRBJ1-6 and TRBJ1-5 were significantly altered, and 41 V-J pairs were identified with obvious difference after FVP treatment. Furthermore, the mRNA of mice heart was analyzed by transcriptome assay. Total 525 genes and 1587 mRNA were significantly changed after FVP treatment. KEGG annotation indicated that the up-regulated mRNA was enriched in 17 pathways including adherens junction, mTOR signaling pathway, insulin signaling pathway, mitophagy, tight junction, PPAR signaling pathway and TNF signaling pathway, etc. Meanwhile, the down-regulated mRNA was gathered in AMPK signaling pathway, metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450, apelin signaling pathway, PPAR signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, insulin signaling pathway, cardiac muscle contraction, adrenergic signaling in cardiomyocytes, Fc gamma R-mediated phagocytosis, etc. The great potential exhibited by FVP could make it an ideal candidate as complementary medicine or functional food for promotion of health.

Hot alkali-extracted antioxidative crude polysaccharide from a novel mushroom enhances immune response via TLR-mediated NF-κB activation: A strategy for full utilization of a neglected tribal food

Mushroom polysaccharides have been revered for decades as incredibly versatile compounds suitable for application in biomedical, pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries. In that essence Russula alatoreticula, a traditionally appraised unique macrofungus, has earlier been explored to contain functional macromolecules elicited by hydrothermal and cold alkali systems. Remnants of that multistep extraction could further be utilized not only to isolate high-value components, but also to reduce waste material. With this in mind, we decided to recycle leftover residue of the tribal delicacy, rather than undervalue, by following heated NaOH reflux. Intriguingly, the effort resulted productive isolation of carbohydrate fraction (RualaHap) enriched in β-glucan that showed excellent antioxidant activity in terms of radical scavenging, chelating ability, and reducing power with EC₅₀ of 207-5000 μg/ml. Besides strong immune boosting prowess was also witnessed as exposure of RAW 264.7 cells to the metabolites influenced macrophage viability and phagocytosis in a time-dependent manner. Induction of intracellular NO and ROS generation was also enumerated along with aggrandized production of pseudopods representing hallmark of monocyte stimulation. Moreover, the treatment drastically triggered level of TLR-2, TLR-4, NF-κB, Iκ-Bα, iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-10 maintaining balance between M1 and M2 cytokines via TLR coordinated NF-κB pathway. Conclusively the research offers a roadmap for better utilization of a species boasted in traditional practice aiding future implementation of RualaHap as ingredients of nutraceuticals or functional foods. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: At present, macrofungal polysaccharides are regarded as an ideal resource for a range of safe uses encompassing direct contact or ingestion by human. In this context, RualaHap isolated from the wild edible mushroom, R. alatoreticula, could have a broad application prospect, particularly in development of natural therapeutics to ameliorate radical-induced ailment and immune-deficiency condition. The biopolymers could thus be utilized in functional diet or complementary medicine to improve health that in turn might raise local cost of the abandoned taxon boosting rural empowerment.

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.

Plasma-Treated Flammulina velutipes-Derived Extract Showed Anticancer Potential in Human Breast Cancer Cells

Natural products with medicinal properties are among alternative therapies of interest due to their high body tolerance. We aimed to determine whether nonthermal gas plasma could enhance the medicinal value of Flammulina velutipes mushrooms. Generated gas plasma was characterized by its emission spectrum in ambient air, pH, temperature, and H2O2 and NOx concentrations after exposure for various periods. Phenolic and flavonoid contents in the extracts were measured using antioxidant assays and Fourier transform infrared and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. We analyzed the effects of the plasma-treated mushroom-derived extracts against breast carcinoma using the MCF7 and MDA-MB231 cell lines. The extracts significantly and concentration dependently inhibited the growth of breast cancer cells without inducing toxicity in normal MCF10A cells, and induced apoptosis via oxidative stress, evidenced by DNA damage (γ-H2AX foci formation), and increased the population of MCF7 breast cancer cells arrested in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle. The extracts also induced mitochondrion-mediated apoptosis of MCF7 cells through cytochrome c release and caspase cleavage activity. The plasma improved the biological activity of mushrooms by increasing their phenolic compounds that prevented the growth of breast cancer cells in vitro.

Flammulina velutipes polysaccharide improves C57BL/6 mice gut health through regulation of intestine microbial metabolic activity

Flammulina velutipes polysaccharides (FVP) can improve gut health through gut microbiota and metabolism regulation. In this study, the 28-days fed experiment was used to investigate gut microbime and metabolic profiling induced by FVP. After treatment, intestinal tissue section showed the higher villus height and villus height/crypt depth (V/C) value in FVP-treated group. The 16 s rRNA gene sequencing revealed microbiota composition alteration caused by FVP, as the Firmicutes phylum increased while Bacteroidetes phylum slightly decreased. The metabolic profiling was detected by LC/MS and results showed 56 and 99 compounds were dramatically changed after FVP treatment in positive and negative ion mode, respectively. Annotation in Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways displayed the adjustment of energy metabolism, amino acid metabolism, nucleotide metabolism and other related basic pathways after FVP treatment. Our study suggested that FVP can be developed as a dietary supplement for intestine health promotion.

Genome-wide analysis and prediction of genes involved in the biosynthesis of polysaccharides and bioactive secondary metabolites in high-temperature-tolerant wild Flammulina filiformis

Background

Flammulina filiformis (previously known as Asian F. velutipes) is a popular commercial edible mushroom. Many bioactive compounds with medicinal effects, such as polysaccharides and sesquiterpenoids, have been isolated and identified from F. filiformis, but their biosynthesis and regulation at the molecular level remains unclear. In this study, we sequenced the genome of the wild strain F. filiformis Liu355, predicted its biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) and profiled the expression of these genes in wild and cultivar strains and in different developmental stages of the wild F. filiformis strain by a comparative transcriptomic analysis.

Results

We found that the genome of the F. filiformis was 35.01 Mb in length and harbored 10,396 gene models. Thirteen putative terpenoid gene clusters were predicted and 12 sesquiterpene synthase genes belonging to four different groups and two type I polyketide synthase gene clusters were identified in the F. filiformis genome. The number of genes related to terpenoid biosynthesis was higher in the wild strain (119 genes) than in the cultivar strain (81 genes). Most terpenoid biosynthesis genes were upregulated in the primordium and fruiting body of the wild strain, while the polyketide synthase genes were generally upregulated in the mycelium of the wild strain. Moreover, genes encoding UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase and UDP-glucose dehydrogenase, which are involved in polysaccharide biosynthesis, had relatively high transcript levels both in the mycelium and fruiting body of the wild F. filiformis strain.

Conclusions

F. filiformis is enriched in a number of gene clusters involved in the biosynthesis of polysaccharides and terpenoid bioactive compounds and these genes usually display differential expression between wild and cultivar strains, even in different developmental stages. This study expands our knowledge of the biology of F. filiformis and provides valuable data for elucidating the regulation of secondary metabolites in this unique F. filiformis strain.

Influence of Oyster Mushroom Waste on Growth Performance, Immunity and Intestinal Morphology Compared With Antibiotics in Broiler Chickens

Oyster mushroom waste (OMW) is a by-product of the agriculture industry with valuable antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifungal, and prebiotic properties. This by-product might be a useful alternative to antibiotic growth stimulators in poultry nutrition. The purpose of this research was to test the impact of OMW on the immune responses and on the morphology of intestine of broiler chickens. Four dietary therapies with five replicas of 15 birds in each, totalling 300 day- Ross 308 broiler chickens, were utilized in this study. Control chickens were fed a mixed diet that included a maize-soybean meal complemented by 1 and 2% OMW in addition to the basal diet. Furthermore, Enramycin (125 g/kg) was added to the control diet as an antibiotic. Throughout this experiment, performance was studied as well as the immune response to the Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) and intestinal morphological traits. A substantial surge was noted in body weight gain (BWG) and feed intake (FI) of chickens after the addition of 1% OMW (p ≤ 0.05). In contrast, feed supplementation with 2% OMW, compared with the control diet, produced no noteworthy increase in BWG or the feed conversion rate (FCR). Antibiotic addition, on the other hand, increased serum cholesterol (p ≤ 0.05). After 42 days, neither OMW nor antibiotic addition affected organ mass. In contrast, antibiotic addition reduced the small intestine percentage, crypt depth and villus height (p ≤ 0.05). The Newcastle disease vaccine (NDV) antibody titer improved after feed supplementation with 1% OMW comparing with the control and antibiotic diet group. Furthermore, OMW supplementation decreased the heterophil-to-lymphocyte H/L ratio (p ≤ 0.05). The use of OMW led to a reduction in the malondialdehyde (MDA) content of the breast and liver and an increase in glutathione peroxidase. It helped to reduce glutathione, glutathione reductase, and glutathione S-transferase. In conclusion, the impact of OMW were dose-dependent, and the use of 1% OMW in broiler diets enhanced their growth and immunity. Nonetheless, supplementation with 2% OMW produced conflicting results.

Dietary Supplementation with Flammulina velutipes Stem Waste on Growth Performance, Fecal Short Chain Fatty Acids and Serum Profile in Weaned Piglets

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary FVS supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, biochemical profile of serum and fecal short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production in weaned piglets. In Exp.1, 150 weaned pigs (initial body weight: 6.89 ± 1.17 kg) were allotted to five dietary treatments. The treatment diets included a basal diet and four experimental diets supplemented with 2.5%, 5.0%, 7.5% and 10.0% FVS respectively. The animal trial lasted for 28 days. In Exp.2, 72 piglets (initial body weight: 8.20 ± 1.67 kg) were allotted to three dietary treatments. The treatment diets included a basal diet and two experimental diets supplemented with 1.5% and 3.0% FVS, respectively. The animal trial lasted for 56 days. The results showed that pigs fed dietary FVS with 3% or lower inclusion levels had no significant difference (p > 0.10) on growth performance compared with pigs fed the control diet during day 1-28 and day 1-56. Dietary FVS supplementation decreased the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients on day 28, day 35 and day 56, but no significant changes (p > 0.05) of nutrient digestibility were observed on day 14. Although piglets fed diets with higher levels of FVS showed impaired growth performance and ATTD of nutrients, dietary FVS supplementation improved the fecal SCFA production, antioxidant capacity, interleukin-2 and growth hormone levels in serum, and reduced the harmful low-density lipoprotein levels in serum on day 56. In conclusion, as a promising alternative fibrous ingredient, FVS could be supplemented in diets of weaned piglets with a proportion under 3%.

Macrophage activation by edible mushrooms is due to the collaborative interaction of toll-like receptor agonists and dectin-1b activating beta glucans derived from colonizing microorganisms

Research supports the theory that the microbiome of plants and mushrooms produce potent activators of pathogen recognition receptors which are principal contributors to the stimulation of macrophages. We have previously reported that the in vitro macrophage stimulatory activity of water-soluble extracts from 13 different types of edible mushrooms is predominantly due to bacterial components originating from the naturally occurring bacterial communities within these materials. The purpose of the current study was to further investigate the bacterial-dependent activity of the water-soluble extracts and assess whether these 13 types of mushrooms contain water-insoluble beta glucans that activate the dectin-1b signaling pathway. Activity of the water-soluble extracts was predominantly due to Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and TLR4 agonists. For dectin-1b-dependent activity (indicative of water-insoluble beta glucans), culinary mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus varieties) were essentially inactive, whereas most of the medicinal mushrooms (Lentinula edodes, Grifola frondosa, Hypsizygus marmoreus varieties, Flammulina velutipes) exhibited potent activation. A. bisporus samples with no detectable dectin-1b-dependent activity had yeast colony forming units that were 687 times lower than L. edodes exhibiting high activity, indicating that the active insoluble beta glucans are derived from colonizing yeast. In addition, co-stimulation of macrophages with the TLR agonists and insoluble beta glucan was found to result in a synergistic enhancement of in vitro cytokine production. Taken together, these findings indicate that the in vitro macrophage activating potential of edible mushrooms is due to the collaborative interaction of water-soluble TLR agonists (derived from colonizing bacteria) and water-insoluble beta glucans (derived from colonizing yeast).

Use of Medicinal Mushrooms in Layer Ration

Simple Summary

The extensive use of antibiotics in the poultry industry to increase production performance has led to human health hazards. The use of natural herbs as antibiotic substitutes has been reported in the poultry feed industry. Therefore, the objective of this review was to determine the effect of different levels of mushrooms and their extract in diet on laying performance and health status. On the basis of previous findings, dietary supplementation using mushrooms as a natural feed supplement sustained laying performance and improved immunity in laying hens.

Abstract

Application of different medicinal mushrooms intended to enhance production performance and health status has created an importance demand in poultry production. One goal of using medicinal mushrooms is to get rid of antibiotics in poultry feed without affecting the optimum performance. Increasing concerns about this issue have led to more attention on antibiotic substitutes and a significant demand for them for organic egg production. Thus, supplementation with medicinal mushrooms is a new concept for research in layer production, however, there is still a great deal of confusion about inclusion levels and the mode of action of medicinal mushrooms on production performance and health status in laying hens. Taking this into account, this review outlines the experimental uses of medicinal fungi on the growth performance, laying performance, egg quality, and health status of layer birds based on previous findings to date. Finally, we highlight that supplementation with medicinal fungi can play a role on the immunity, health, and production performance in laying hens.

Dietary Inclusion of Mushroom (Flammulina velutipes) Stem Waste on Growth Performance, Antibody Response, Immune Status, and Serum Cholesterol in Broiler Chickens

Simple Summary

The continued overuse of antibiotics in the poultry industry with the purpose of increasing production performance and health status has led to human health hazards. This research explores the use of medicinal mushrooms to get rid of antibiotics in poultry feed without affecting optimum performance. Most medicinal mushrooms contain biologically active substances such as polysaccharides, glycoproteins, and other macromolecules, which can serve as good dietary supplements and immuno-modulating agent in chickens. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the effect of Flammulina velutipes mushroom stem waste (MW) on Growth performance, antibody response, immune status, and serum cholesterol in broiler chickens.

Abstract

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of mushroom (Flammulina velutipes) stem waste (MW) on growth performance, antibody response, immune status, and serum cholesterol in broiler chickens. A total of 252 1 day old Arbor Acres (AA) male broiler chicks were randomly assigned into four treatments with seven replications of nine chicks each. The duration of experimental period was total 42 days. Dietary treatments includes a standard basal diet as negative control (NC) group; control diet with antibiotics (Chlortetracycline) considered as positive control (PC) group; 1% mushroom stem waste (MW) fed group; and 2% MW fed group. No significant differences (p > 0.05) was observed on average daily feed intake, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio among experimental groups. Antibody titers against Newcastle disease (ND) and infectious bursal disease (IBD) were higher (p < 0.05) in 2% MW fed group than NC and PC fed groups. Serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) was higher (p < 0.05) in both levels of MW fed groups than in the NC and PC. Serum interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-6 (IL-6), were higher (p < 0.05) in 2% MW fed groups than in the NC and PC fed groups. Total cholesterol concentration was lower (p < 0.05) in both levels MW fed groups than in the NC. High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) was lower (p < 0.05) in both levels of MW fed groups than that of NC and PC fed groups. MW at 2% level can be used as potential phytogenic feed supplement in broilers.

Characterization and Antioxidant Activities of Yellow Strain Flammulina velutipes (Jinhua Mushroom) Polysaccharides and Their Effects on ROS Content in L929 Cell

Yellow strain Flammulina velutipes, which is known as Jinhua mushroom in Taiwan, has become popular among customers due to its distinct texture that is utterly different from white strain F. velutipes. However, there has been little study on the physicochemical properties, antioxidant activities, and biological functions of yellow strain F. velutipes polysaccharides (FVYs). The specific aims of this study are to evaluate and compare the physicochemical properties, antioxidant activities, and biological functions of FVYs and white strain F. velutipes polysaccharides (FVWs) in order to select the strain appropriate for cosmetic ingredient. The FVYs and FVWs were prepared by fractional precipitation (40%, 60%, and 80%). According to the results, FVY-80 showed the greatest antioxidant activities based on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (IC₅₀ = 2.22 mg/mL) and 2,2' -azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) radical assay (IC₅₀ = 2.04 mg/mL). None of the fractions exhibited cytotoxicity toward L929 cell under a concentration of 500 μ g/mL. FVY-80 significantly reduced the reactive oxygen species (ROS) content in L929 cell by 55.96%, as compared with the H₂O₂-induced L929 cell, according to the dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) assay. In conclusion, we suggest that FVY-80 is the best source for a cosmetics ingredient.

Dietary inclusion of mushroom (Flammulina velutipes) stem waste on growth performance and immune responses in growing layer hens

BACKGROUND

Medicinal mushrooms contain biologically active substances that can be used as an immune-modulating agent in poultry. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Flammulina velutipes mushroom waste (FVW) on performance, immune response and serum immunity in growing layer hens.

RESULTS

No significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed with respect to average daily feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio among the experimental groups during the entire study period (1-70 days). Antibody titers against Newcastle disease and infectious bronchitis were higher (P < 0.05) in the FVW fed groups than in the control and antibiotic groups. On day 28, serum immunoglobulin (Ig)A and IgG were higher (P < 0.05) in the 6% FVW group than in the control and antibiotic fed groups. On day 70, serum IgA was higher (P < 0.05) in FVW fed groups than in the control group; IgG was higher (P < 0.05) in the FVW groups than in the control and antibiotic groups. However, IgM was higher (P < 0.05) in both the 4% and 6% FVW groups than in the control and antibiotic groups for both experimental periods. Serum cytokine interleukin (IL)-2 and tumor necrosis factor-α concentrations were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in both the 4% and 6% FVW grousp than in the control and antibiotic groups; IL-4 was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the FVW groups than in the control group; and IL-6 was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the 6% FVW group than in the control and antibiotic groups.

CONCLUSION

FVW at the 6% level can be used as a potential phytogenic feed stuff in growing layer hen rations with respect to improving the immune response without affecting normal weight gain. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Isolation, Characterization and Antitumor Effect on DU145 Cells of a Main Polysaccharide in Pollen of Chinese Wolfberry

Modern studies have shown that pollen has a certain role in the treatment of prostate-related diseases. In the present study, pollen polysaccharides from Chinese wolfberry (WPPs) were extracted by hot-water extraction and ethanol precipitation, further purified by chromatography on a DEAE-cellulose column and Sephadex G-100 column. Homogeneous polysaccharide CF1 of WPPS was obtained, the molecular weight of which was estimated to be 1540.10 ± 48.78 kDa by HPGPC-ELSD. HPLC with PMP derivatization analysis indicated that the monosaccharide compositions of CF1 were mannose, glucuronic acid, galacturonic acid, xylose, galactose, arabinose, and trehalose, in a molar ratio of 0.68:0.59:0.27:0.24:0.22:0.67:0.08. The antitumor effects of CF1 upon MTT, Tunel assay and flow cytometry assay were investigated in vitro. The results showed that CF1 exhibited a dose-dependent antiproliferative effect, with an IC50 value of 374.11 μg/mL against DU145 prostate cancer cells. Tunel assay and flow cytometry assay showed that the antitumor activity of CF1 was related to apoptosis in vitro. The present study suggested that the CF1 of WPPs might be a potential source of antitumor functional food or agent.

Effect of golden needle mushroom (Flammulina velutipes) stem waste on laying performance, calcium utilization, immune response and serum immunity at early phase of production

Objective

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of golden needle mushroom (Flammulina velutipes) stem waste (FVW), on organic eggs production, calcium utilization, antibody response, serum immunoglobulin, and serum cytokine concentration at early phase of production in laying hens.

Methods

A total 210, 19 weeks old aged ISA Brown layers were randomly assigned into 5 equal treatment groups, with 7 replications of 6 hens each. Dietary treatment included a standard basal diet as control; antibiotic (0.05% flavomycin); 2% FVW; 4% FVW; and 6% FVW. The experimental duration was 10 weeks.

Results

There was no significant differences (p>0.05) on hen day egg production, egg weight, egg mass, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) among experimental groups. Unmarketable eggs were significantly lower (p<0.05) both in 4% FVW and 6% FVW fed groups than control group. The calcium retention and calcium in egg shell deposition were significantly higher (p<0.05) in FVW inclusion groups than control and antibiotic groups. Antibody titers against Newcastle diseases were significantly higher (p<0.05) in 6% FVW fed group (except combined with 4% FVW at day 147) and infectious bronchitis were significantly higher (p< 0.05) in FVW fed groups (except 2% FVW and 4% FVW at day 161) than control and antibiotic groups. Serum immunoglobulin sIgA was significantly higher (p<0.05) in all levels of FVW and IgG was significantly higher (p<0.05) in 4% FVW than control and antibiotic groups. Serum cytokine concentration interleukin-2 (IL-2) was significantly higher (p<0.05) in 6% FVW; IL-6 and tumor necrotic factor-α were significantly higher (p<0.05) both in 4% FVW and 6% FVW than control and antibiotic groups; IL-4 was significantly higher (p<0.05) in antibiotic, 2% FVW and 4% FVW fed groups than control.

Conclusion

F. velutipes mushroom waste can be used as a novel substitute for antibiotic for organic egg production and sound health status in laying hens.

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.

Saccharum Alhagi polysaccharide-1 and -2 promote the immunocompetence of RAW264.7 macrophages in vitro

The in vitro immune activities of Saccharum Alhagi polysaccharides (SAP) have been previously studied. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of SAP-1 and SAP-2 on the activity of RAW264.7 mouse macrophages. RAW264.7 cells were treated with 150, 300 and 600 mg/l concentrations of SAP-1 (a 50% alcohol precipitation) and SAP-2 (an 80% alcohol precipitation) or with 10 mg/l lipopolysaccharide. Untreated cells were used as a negative control. An MTT assay was used to detect the proliferation of the cells, and Hoechst 33528 staining was conducted in order to visualize the cell nuclei. Additionally, the Griess method was used to measure nitric oxide (NO) levels. A neutral red uptake assay was performed to determine the phagocytic activity of the macrophages, and ELISAs were performed to detect cytokine levels. Furthermore, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to measure the mRNA expression of certain cytokines. The results demonstrated that SAP increased the proliferative activity and activated the immune function of RAW264.7 cells, and was lacking in cytotoxicity. In addition, SAP-1 exhibited a stronger effect in promoting RAW264.7 cell proliferation than did SAP-2. Furthermore, SAP-1 and SAP-2 significantly increased the level of NO, with the effect of SAP-1 being stronger than that of SAP-2. SAP-1 increased the phagocytic activity of RAW264.7 cells and promoted the secretion of the cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α by RAW264.7 cells, with an effect that was stronger than that of SAP-2. Finally, different concentrations of SAP-1 or SAP-2 had distinct effects in upregulating the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, nuclear factor-κB and inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA. The results of the present study demonstrate that SAP is capable of enhancing the immune activity of mouse macrophages.

Biodegradation of ramie stalk by Flammulina velutipes: mushroom production and substrate utilization

In the textile industry, ramie stalk is byproducts with a low economic value. The potential use of this leftover as a substrate ingredient for Flammulina velutipes (F. velutipe) cultivation was evaluated. The degradation and utilization of ramie stalk by F. velutipes was evaluated through mushroom production, lignocelluloses degradation and lignocellulolytic enzymes activity. The best substrate mixture for F. velutipes cultivation comprised 50% ramie stalk, 20% cottonseed hulls, 25% wheat bran, 4% cornstarch and 2% CaCO₃. The highest biological efficiency of fruiting bodies was reached 119.7%. F. velutipes appears to degrade 12.7–32.0% lignin, 14.4–30.2% cellulose and 9.3–25.7% hemicellulose during cultivation on the different substrates. The results of enzymes activities showed that laccase and peroxidase were higher before fruiting; while cellulase and hemicellulase showed higher activities after fruiting. The biological efficiency of fruiting bodies was positively correlated with the activities of cellulase, hemicellulase and ligninolytic enzyme. The results of this study demonstrate that ramie stalk can be used as an effective supplement for increasing mushroom yield in F. velutipes.

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.

Bacterial components are the major contributors to the macrophage stimulating activity exhibited by extracts of common edible mushrooms

Recent studies have indicated that a major contributor to the innate immune enhancing properties of some medicinal plants is derived from the cell wall components of bacteria colonizing these plants. The purpose of the current study was to assess if the bacteria present within edible and medicinal mushrooms substantially contribute to the innate immune stimulating potential of these mushrooms. Whole mushrooms from thirteen types of edible fungi and individual parts from Agaricus bisporus were analyzed for in vitro macrophage activation as well as bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) content, cell load, and community composition. Substantial variation between samples was observed in macrophage activation (over 500-fold), total bacterial load (over 200-fold), and LPS content (over 10 million-fold). Both LPS content (ρ = 0.832, p < 0.0001) and total bacterial load (ρ = 0.701, p < 0.0001) correlated significantly with macrophage activation in the whole mushroom extracts. Extract activity was negated by treatment with NaOH, conditions that inactivate LPS and other bacterial components. Significant correlations between macrophage activation and total bacterial load (ρ = 0.723, p = 0.0001) and LPS content (ρ = 0.951, p < 0.0001) were also observed between different tissues of Agaricus bisporus. Pseudomonas and Flavobacterium were the most prevalent genera identified in the different tissue parts and these taxa were significantly correlated with in vitro macrophage activation (ρ = 0.697, p < 0.0001 and ρ = 0.659, p = 0.0001, respectively). These results indicate that components derived from mushroom associated bacteria contribute substantially to the innate immune enhancing activity exhibited by mushrooms and may result in similar therapeutic actions as reported for ingestion of bacterial preparations such as probiotics.

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.