Antitubercular Lanostane Triterpenes from Cultures of the Basidiomycete Ganoderma sp. BCC 16642

Determination and Chemotaxonomic Analysis of Lanostane Triterpenoids in the Mycelia of Ganoderma spp. Using Ultra-performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (I)

A comprehensive and sensitive method combining ultra-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry was developed for the quantification of characteristic triterpenoids in Ganoderma mycelia. Eight ganoderic acids previously isolated from the mycelia of Ganoderma lingzhi were separated with a binary mobile phase on a reversed-phase C18 column. A triple quadrupole mass spectrometer equipped with an electrospray ionization source was used as the detector in the negative ion mode. Identification and quantitation of target ganoderic acids were accomplished using the dynamic multiple reaction monitoring mode. The developed method was validated in terms of linearity, precision, accuracy, stability, and recovery. The method was first applied to quantify the contents of eight ganoderic acids in the mycelia of G. lingzhi at different times to determine the optimum fermentation conditions. Subsequently, the distribution of triterpenoids and the contents of eight ganoderic acids in sixteen different Ganoderma species were investigated. The results indicated that UV chromatography combined with dynamic multiple reaction monitoring quantification was an effective chemotaxonomy method for Ganoderma species identification. This study also provided a helpful analytical methodology for both scientific and industrial applications in the quality control of Ganoderma triterpenoids.

Lanostane triterpenoids from mycelia-associated Ganoderma sinense and their anti-inflammatory activity

Seven previously undescribed lanostane triterpenoids, ganoderic acid M1 (1), M2 (2), M3 (3), M4 (4), M5 (5), M6 (6), and M7 (7), together with eight known compounds, were isolated from mycelia of the basidiomycete Ganoderma sinense (Ganodermataceae). The structures of all compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis. The possible biosynthetic pathway of these fifteen triterpenoids was proposed. Some of the compounds were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activity by measuring the production of nitric oxide (NO), TNF-α, and IL-6 in RAW264.7 macrophage cells induced by lipopolysaccharide. Lanosta-7,9(11),24-trien-3β,15α,22β-triacetoxy-26-oic acid (14) exhibited the strongest inhibition of NO production with an IC50 of 0.6 ± 0.1 μM and completely inhibited the secretion of TNF-α and IL-6 at 10 μM. The structure-activity relationship of the anti-inflammatory activity is discussed.

Chemical analysis and antitubercular activity evaluation of the dried mycelial powders of the basidiomycete Ganoderma australe TBRC-BCC 22314

The isolation of lanostane triterpenoids possessing significant anti-tuberculosis (anti-TB) activity from mycelial cultures of the basidiomycete Ganoderma australe strain TBRC-BCC 22314 was previously reported. To demonstrate the potential of the dried mycelial powder for utilization in anti-TB medicinal products, its authentic chemical analysis was performed. Considering the possibility of the changes in the lanostane compositions and anti-TB activity by sterilization, both autoclave treated and non-autoclaved mycelial powder materials were chemically investigated. The study led to the identification of the lanostanes responsible for the activity of the mycelial extract against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra. The anti-TB activity of the extracts from autoclaved and non-autoclaved mycelial powders were the same (MIC 3.13 μg/mL). However, the analytical results revealed several unique chemical conversions of the lanostanes under the sterilization conditions. The most potent major lanostane, ganodermic acid S (1), was shown to be significantly active also against the extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strains of M. tuberculosis.

Natural products and their analogues acting against Mycobacterium tuberculosis: A recent update

Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb). It is responsible for significant causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. M.tb possesses robust defense mechanisms against most antibiotic drugs and host responses due to their complex cell membranes with unique lipid molecules. Thus, the efficacy of existing front-line drugs is diminishing, and new and recurring cases of TB arising from multidrug-resistant M.tb are increasing. TB begs the scientific community to explore novel therapeutic avenues. A precise knowledge of the compounds with their mode of action could aid in developing new anti-TB agents that can kill latent and actively multiplying M.tb. This can help in the shortening of the anti-TB regimen and can improve the outcome of treatment strategies. Natural products have contributed several antibiotics for TB treatment. The sources of anti-TB drugs/inhibitors discussed in this work are target-based identification/cell-based and phenotypic screening from natural products. Some of the recently identified natural products derived leads have reached clinical stages of TB drug development, which include rifapentine, CPZEN-45, spectinamide-1599 and 1810. We believe these anti-TB agents could emerge as superior therapeutic compounds to treat TB over known Food and Drug Administration drugs.

COX-2 and iNOS inhibitory epimeric meroterpenoids from Ganoderma cochlear and structure revision of cochlearol Q

Four novel epimeric meroterpenoids, ganadone A (1), 3',10'-di-epi-ganadone A (2), 10'-epi-ganadone A (3), and 3'-epi-ganadone A (4) as well as another pairs of epimers, ganadone B (5) and 10'-epi-ganadone B (6), with a same basic skeleton compound ganadone C (7), together with two lactonized meroterpenoids, ganadones D and E (8 and 9) were isolated from the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma cochlear. Compounds 1-7 were constructed with fascinating adjacent 6',7'-bifuran ring system. Fortunately, we have revised our previously reported structure cochlearol Q, which was proposed pyrano[6',7'-b]pyran ring system into 6',7'-bifuran motif. All the isolates were characterized by analysis of HRESIMS, NMR spectroscopy and 1 was supported by X-ray crystallography analysis. The absolute stereochemistry of 1-9 were assigned by quantum chemical calculations. Biological evaluation of 1-9 showed that 5, 6, and 9 have significant anti-inflammatory potentials.

Toward the Asymmetric de Novo Synthesis of Lanostanes: Construction of 7,11-Dideoxy-Δ5-lucidadone H

Efforts to establish an asymmetric entry to hexanorlanostanes has resulted in a concise synthesis of 7,11-dideoxy-Δ5-lucidadone H from epichlorohydrin. By exploiting metallacycle-mediated annulative cross-coupling (to establish a functionalized hydrindane) and stereoselective formation of the steroidal C9-C10 bond to establish a stereodefined 9-alkyl estrane, 14 subsequent steps have been established to generate a hexanorlanostane system. Key transformations include formal inversion of the C13 quaternary center, oxidative dearomatization/group-selective Wagner-Meerwein rearrangement, and Lewis acid mediated semi-Pinacol rearrangement.

Antidiabetic lanostane triterpenoids from the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma weberianum

Eight previously undescribed lanostane triterpenoids, ganodeweberiols A ∼ H (1-8), together with eighteen known compounds (9-26), were isolated from the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma weberianum. The structures and absolute configurations of the new compounds were determined by extensive spectroscopic analysis, as well as NMR chemical shifts and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. Compounds 2, 7, 12, and 14 showed significant α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with IC₅₀ values ranging from 35.3 μM ∼ 223.4 μM compared to the positive control acarbose (IC₅₀, 304.6 μM). Kinetic study indicated that the most potent compound 12 was a mixed type inhibitor for α-glucosidase. Molecular docking simulation revealed the interactions of 12 with α-glucosidase. Additionally, Compounds 3 and 6 inhibited glucagon-induced hepatic glucose production in HepG2 cells with EC₅₀ values of 42.0 and 85.9 μM, respectively. Further study revealed that compounds 3 and 6 inhibited hepatic glucose production by suppression glucagon-induced cAMP accumulation. Moreover, compounds 3 and 26 were active against HeLa cell line with IC₅₀ values of 17.0 and 6.8 μM, respectively.

Lanostane-type triterpenoids from the mycelial mat of Ganoderma lucidum and their hepatoprotective activities

Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum), a well-known Polyporaceae family fungus, is valued for its edibility and medicinal properties. It is a rich source of active polysaccharides and triterpenoids. However, obtaining material for medicinal purposes relies on artificial cultivation in a greenhouse, which requires large amounts of tree trunk due to the low biomass transformation rate. Therefore, an effective and environment-friendly culture method should be developed and the chemical compounds in the cultured material should be studied. Here we report the isolation and structural elucidation of 10 undescribed lanostane triterpenoids and 21 known compounds from statically cultured mycelial mat of G. lucidum. The hepatoprotective activity of these compounds in H₂O₂-induced HepG2 cells was evaluated. The structure-activity relationship is discussed. Our results demonstrated that twelve ganoderic acid derivatives possess significant hepatoprotective activities, as judged by suppressed activities of ALT, AST and LDH and increased GSH levels in H₂O₂-injured HepG2 cells.

Semisynthetic modifications of antitubercular lanostane triterpenoids from Ganoderma

Antitubercular lanostane triterpenoids isolated from mycelial cultures of the basidiomycete Ganoderma australe were structurally modified by semisynthesis. One of the synthetic compounds, named GA003 (9), showed more potent activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra than the lead natural lanostane (1). GA003 was also significantly active against the virulent strain (H37Rv) as well as extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis strains.

Antimalarial lanostane triterpenoids from cultivated fruiting bodies of the basidiomycete Ganoderma sp

Ten previously undescribed lanostane-type triterpenoids (1-10), together with 15 known lanostanes, were isolated from artificially cultivated fruiting bodies of the basidiomycete Ganoderma sp. BCC 21329. The structures were elucidated on the basis of NMR spectroscopic and mass spectrometry data and by application of the modified Mosher's method. Compounds 1, 3, 5, and 7 showed moderate antimalarial activity (IC₅₀ 3.8-7.6 μg ml^-1).

Antimalarial 9-Methoxystrobilurins, Oudemansins, and Related Polyketides from Cultures of Basidiomycete Favolaschia Species

Fourteen new compounds, oudemansins 1-4, oudemansinols 5-7, favolasins 8-10, favolasinin (12), polyketides 13-15, and (R,E)-2,4-dimethyl-5-phenyl-4-pentene-2,3-diol (16), together with nine known compounds were isolated from the basidiomycete fungus Favolaschia sp. BCC 18686. Two new compounds, favolasin E (11) and 9-oxostrobilurin E (17), were isolated from the closely related organism Favolaschia calocera BCC 36684 along with nine β-methoxyacrylate-type derivatives. Compounds in the class of oudemansins and strobilurins exhibited moderate to strong antimalarial activity with relatively low cytotoxicity against Vero cells (African green monkey kidney fibroblasts). Potent antimalarial activity was demonstrated for 9-methoxystrobilurins G, K, and E (IC₅₀ values 0.061, 0.089, and 0.14 μM, respectively). The structure-activity relationships (SAR) for antimalarial activity is proposed on the basis of the activity of the new and several known β-methoxyacrylate derivatives in combination with the data from previously isolated compounds. Furthermore, several compounds showed specific cytotoxicity against NCI-187 cells (human small-cell lung cancer), although the SAR was different from that for antimalarial activity.

Lanostane triterpenoids from cultivated fruiting bodies of the wood-rot basidiomycete Ganoderma casuarinicola

Sixteen previously undescribed lanostane-type triterpenoids (1-16), together with fourteen known compounds, were isolated from cultivated fruiting bodies of the basidiomycete Ganoderma casuarinicola, a recently described species. The structures were elucidated on the basis of NMR spectroscopic and mass spectrometry data. Two of these compounds, 9 and 10, showed antimalarial activity with IC₅₀ values of 9.7 and 9.2 μg/ml, respectively.

Highly Modified Lanostane Triterpenes from Fruiting Bodies of the Basidiomycete Tomophagus sp

Thirty-one highly modified lanostanes (1-31), together with 19 known compounds (32-50), were isolated from fruiting bodies of the wood-rot basidiomycete Tomophagus sp. The structures were elucidated by analyses of HRMS and NMR spectroscopic data. The present work demonstrates the high structural diversity of modified lanostane triterpenoids from Tomophagus. This paper also discusses structural revisions of several known derivatives. Some of the isolated compounds exhibited moderate antimalarial activity against Plasmodium falciparum K1 (IC₅₀ 5.1-19 μM).

Lanostane triterpenoids from Ganoderma luteomarginatum and their cytotoxicity against four human cancer cell lines

Lanostane triterpenoids are major metabolites of macrofungi from the genus Ganoderma and possess enormous substitution diversity and remarkable biological activities, especially anticancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. The present phytochemical investigation resulted in the isolation of nine undescribed lanostane triterpenoids and five known analogues from the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma luteomarginatum, which was first phytochemically studied by our group. Chemical structures were elucidated based on spectroscopic evidence. (5α,23E)-27-nor-lanosta-8,23-dien-3,7,25-trione and (5α,23E)-27-nor-3β-hydroxylanosta-8,23-dien-7,25-dione are undescribed triterpenoids with an unusual 27-nor-lanostane carbon skeleton. All isolates were assayed for their cytotoxic activities using four human cancer cell lines (HGC-27, HeLa, A549, and SMMC-7721) and one human normal cell line (LO2), and the structure-cytotoxicity relationships were preliminarily explored. (5α,24E)-3β-acetoxyl-26-hydroxylanosta-8,24-dien-7-one exhibited the highest cytotoxicity against HeLa and A549 cell lines, with IC₅₀ values of 1.29 and 1.50 μM, respectively.

Optimization of Culture Condition for Ganoderic Acid Production in Ganoderma lucidum Liquid Static Culture and Design of a Suitable Bioreactor

Ganoderma lucidum, a famous medicinal mushroom used worldwide, is a rich source of triterpenoids which, together with polysaccharides, are believed to be the main effective constituents of G. lucidum. With the increase of market demand, the wild resource is facing serious limitations, and the quality of cultivated fruiting bodies can be seriously affected by the availability of wood resources and by cultivation management practices. In the present study, we aimed to develop an alternative way to produce useful triterpenoids from G. lucidum. We cultured the strain using a two-stage liquid culture strategy and investigated the effects of nitrogen limitation, carbon supply, static culture volume and air supply in the static culture stage on the accumulation of five triterpenoids (GA-P, GA-Q, GA-T, GA-S, GA-R). Our results showed that, under optimized condition, the total yield of the five triterpenoids reached 963 mg/L (as determined by HPLC). Among the five triterpenoids, GA-T accounted for about 75% of the total yield. Besides, a bioreactor suitable for fungal liquid static culture with a 10 L extensible plastic bag shaped culture unit was designed and in which the maximum total yield of the five GAs reached 856.8 mg/L, and the GAs content reached 5.99%. Our results demonstrate the potential of industrial application of G. lucidum culture for the production of triterpenoids, especially GA-T. Air supply significantly improved the accumulation of triterpenoids, and this will provide important clues to understand why more triterpenoids are produced in the mycelia mat under static liquid culture conditions.

Identifying the "Mushroom of Immortality": Assessing the Ganoderma Species Composition in Commercial Reishi Products

Species of Ganoderma, commonly called reishi (in Japan) or lingzhi (in China), have been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years, and their use has gained interest from pharmaceutical industries in recent years. Globally, the taxonomy of Ganoderma species is chaotic, and the taxon name Ganoderma lucidum has been used for most laccate (shiny) Ganoderma species. However, it is now known that G. lucidum sensu stricto has a limited native distribution in Europe and some parts of China. It is likely that differences in the quality and quantity of medicinally relevant chemicals occur among Ganoderma species. To determine what species are being sold in commercially available products, twenty manufactured products (e.g., pills, tablets, teas, etc.) and seventeen grow your own (GYO) kits labeled as containing G. lucidum were analyzed. DNA was extracted, and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1α) were sequenced with specific fungal primers. The majority (93%) of the manufactured reishi products and almost half of the GYO kits were identified as Ganoderma lingzhi. G. lingzhi is native to Asia and is the most widely cultivated and studied taxon for medicinal use. Illumina MiSeq sequencing of the ITS1 region was performed to determine if multiple Ganoderma species were present. None of the manufactured products tested contained G. lucidum sensu stricto, and it was detected in only one GYO kit. G. lingzhi was detected in most products, but other Ganoderma species were also present, including G. applanatum, G. australe, G. gibbosum, G. sessile, and G. sinense. Our results indicate that the content of these products vary and that better labeling is needed to inform consumers before these products are ingested or marketed as medicine. Of the 17 GYO kits tested, 11 kits contained Ganoderma taxa that are not native to the United States. If fruiting bodies of exotic Ganoderma taxa are cultivated, these GYO kits will likely end up in the environment. The effects of these exotic species to natural ecosystems needs investigation.

Antimycobacterial Activity and Safety Profile Assessment of Alpinia galanga and Tinospora cordifolia

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a common deadly infectious disease and worldwide a major health problem. The current study was therefore designed to investigate the in vitro antimycobacterial activity of different extracts of Alpinia galanga and Tinospora cordifolia. Moreover, a safety assessment for both plants was carried out. Dichloromethane and ethanolic extracts of each plant were examined against H37Rv INH-sensitive and resistant INH strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The safety assessment of both plants has been performed through in vivo acute and chronic toxicity studies in animal model. Body weight, food consumption, water intake, organ's weight, and haematological and biochemical parameters of blood and serum were evaluated. The extracts of A. galanga and T. cordifolia produced significant and dose-dependent inhibitory activity with maximum effect of 18-32% at 50 μg/ml against both strains of M. tuberculosis. No effect on the body weight or food and water consumption was observed but A. galanga caused significantly an increase in the relative weight of the heart, liver, spleen, and kidney. Haematological studies of both plants revealed a slight but significant fall in the RBC and WBC level as well as haemoglobin and platelets. In addition, A. galanga extracts increased significantly liver enzymes and bilirubin and glucose.

Antitubercular Activity of Mycelium-Associated Ganoderma Lanostanoids

In a continuation of our research into antitubercular lanostane triterpenoids from submerged cultures of Ganoderma species, three strains, Ganoderma orbiforme BCC 22325, Ganoderma sp. BCC 60695, and Ganoderma australe BCC 22314, have been investigated. Fourteen new lanostane triterpenoids, together with 35 known compounds, were isolated. Antitubercular activities of these mycelium-associated Ganoderma lanostanoids against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra were evaluated. Taken together with the assay data of previously isolated compounds, structure-activity relationships of the antitubercular activity are proposed. Most importantly, 3β- and 15α-acetoxy groups were shown to be critical for antimycobacterial activity. The most potent compound was (24E)-3β,15α-diacetoxylanosta-7,9(11),24-trien-26-oic acid (35).

Current and future perspective on antimicrobial and anti-parasitic activities of Ganoderma sp.: an update

Medicinal mushroom Ganoderma sp. is considered to be a key source for the production of therapeutic agents. Our current review indicates that a limited number (<19%; 79 out of >430) of isolated compounds have been tested and known to be active against several microorganisms and parasites. In this review, we aim to summarise all the antimicrobial and anti-parasitic works on Ganoderma sp. displayed on web of science, google scholar and endnote X7 from 1932 to August 2016. We further present and discuss the structure of active compounds against microorganisms and parasites. In addition, we also discuss the possible further research to identify lead compounds from Ganoderma sp. as a novel strategy to combat the potential global emergence of bad bugs and parasites.