Effect of tiger milk mushroom (Lignosus rhinocerus) supplementation on respiratory health, immunity and antioxidant status: an open-label prospective study

Assessment of Opuntia ficus-indica supplementation on enhancing antioxidant levels

Opuntia ficus-indica (OFi) is a major fruit source prevalent in semiarid and arid regions across various countries worldwide. It is widely recognised for its potential health benefits; however, most studies investigating its effects have been limited to pre-clinical models, highlighting the need for further validation through clinical trials. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of OFi supplementation in enhancing antioxidant levels. Fifty healthy participants, aged 18 years and older, including males and females, received a daily OFi supplement of 1500 mg for 3 months. These findings revealed a significant 48.1% increase in salivary total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (P < 0.001), indicating improved antioxidant activity. Simultaneously, oxidative stress biomarkers showed substantial reductions: malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased by 28.3%, nitrotyrosine (3-NT) decreased by 51.5%, and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) decreased by 59.8% (P < 0.001). Furthermore, participants reported a 20.1% improvement (P < 0.001) in Visual Analogue Scales (VAS), reflecting a notable enhancement in overall well-being. In conclusion, OFi exhibited promising efficacy in elevating antioxidant levels and mitigating oxidative stress. These findings suggest its potential as an adjuvant therapy for managing chronic conditions associated with oxidative stress.

Tiger Milk Mushroom: A Comprehensive Review of Nutritional Composition, Phytochemicals, Health Benefits, and Scientific Advancements with Emphasis on Chemometrics and Multi-Omics

This article presents a comprehensive overview of tiger milk mushroom (TMM), covering its nutritional composition, phytochemicals, health benefits, and related scientific advancements. It describes various potential positive health benefits of TMM, including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, respiratory function enhancement, antioxidant, anti-aging, neuroprotective, photoprotective, antidiabetic, wound-healing, and anti-HIV, among others. This article also underlines the importance of further research into the phytochemicals present in TMM for additional discoveries. It underscores the importance of further research into phytochemicals content of TMM for additional discoveries and emphasizes the potential applications of TMM in nutrition, health, and well-being. Sophisticated techniques, such as chemometrics and multi-omics technologies revealed latest scientific advancements of TMM. This comprehensive overview provides a foundation for future research and development in harnessing TMM's potential for human health.

Effect of Pleurotus ostreatus Water Extract Consumption on Blood Parameters and Cytokine Values in Healthy Volunteers

OBJECTIVE

Our aim in this study is, does 29-day regular consumption of Pleurotus ostreatus water extract by volunteer individuals who meet the study criteria have an effect on blood and cytokine values?

METHOD

In accordance with the purpose of the study, volunteers were asked to consume 100 ml of the extract every morning for 29 days. Three tubes of blood samples were taken from the volunteers on the 15th and 29th days of the study. Biochemical and hematological analysis of the blood samples were performed and immunomodulatory effects through cytokines were examined. The values obtained from 3 tubes of blood obtained from volunteers before the use of mushroom extract were used as control. The chemical composition and β-glucan content of 100 ml of mushroom water extract were also analyzed.

RESULT

IL-4, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-13 could not be detected because the values were below the lowest standard value. TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-1β 15th and 29th day values decreased compared to the 1st day (control) values (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference observed between the 15th and 29th day. No abnormalities were observed in biochemical and hematological values. Also, the β-glucan content of extract was found 38.12 mg/100 ml.

CONCLUSION

The frequency range of kidney and liver function test results confirmed that P. osreatus is a reliable food source. Considering the cytokine values these results indicate that P. ostreatus water extract has an anti-inflammatory effect. As no significant difference was observed in 29 days of use, it is thought that 15 days of daily consumption of the extract may be sufficient for the anti-inflammatory effect to occur. However, a large number of qualified clinical trials are needed to support the issue.

Scutellarein Suppresses the Production of ROS and Inflammatory Mediators of LPS-Activated Bronchial Epithelial Cells and Attenuates Acute Lung Injury in Mice

Scutellarein is a key active constituent present in many plants, especially in Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi and Erigeron breviscapus (vant.) Hand-Mazz which possesses both anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities. It also is the metabolite of scutellarin, with the ability to relieve LPS-induced acute lung injury (ALI), strongly suggesting that scutellarein could suppress respiratory inflammation. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of scutellarein on lung inflammation by using LPS-activated BEAS-2B cells (a human bronchial epithelial cell line) and LPS-induced ALI mice. The results showed that scutellarein could reduce intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation through inhibiting the activation of NADPH oxidases, markedly downregulating the transcription and translation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand (CXCL) 8 in LPS-activated BEAS-2B cells. The mechanism study revealed that it suppressed the phosphorylation and degradation of IκBα, consequently hindering the translocation of p65 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus and its subsequent binding to DNA, thereby decreasing NF-κB-regulated gene transcription. Notably, scutellarein had no impact on the activation of AP-1 signaling. In LPS-induced ALI mice, scutellarein significantly decreased IL-6, CCL2, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, attenuated lung injury, and inhibited neutrophil infiltration. Our findings suggest that scutellarein may be a beneficial agent for the treatment of infectious pneumonia by virtue of its anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities.

Role of dietary supplements in the continuous battle against COVID-19

A sudden outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic was a big blow to the world community on every level. Created by a novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, which was previously unknown to the human immune system. The expert opinion almost immediately united on the fact that the most effective way of fighting the pandemic would be by building immunity artificially via a mass immunization program. However, it took about a year for the approval of the first vaccine against COVID-19. In the meantime, a big part of the general population started adapting nutritious diet plans and dietary supplements to boost natural immunity as a potential prophylactic strategy against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Whether they originate from mainstream medicine, such as synthetic supplements, or traditional herbal remedies in the form of single or poly-herbs, these supplements may comprise various components that exhibit immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial characteristics. There is a substantial body of predictions and expert opinions suggesting that enhancing one's diet with dietary supplements containing additional nutrients and bioactive compounds like vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, phytochemicals, and probiotics can enhance the immune system's ability to develop resistance against COVID-19, although none of them have any conclusive evidence nor officially recommended by World Health Organization (WHO). The current review critically acclaims the gap between public perception-based preference and real evidence-based study to weigh the actual benefit of dietary supplements in relation to COVID-19 prevention and management.

Screening of Asian Natural Materials to Promote β-Endorphin Synthesis

Since the recent coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and the lifestyle changes it necessitated, the demand for mental health treatment has skyrocketed, with long wait lists for both psychological and psychiatric care. Over-the-counter supplements and home remedies are increasingly sought. In this study, we screened natural materials and blended supplements from Asia that may improve the mood and mental health of humans by testing cell viability and expression of the proopiomelanocortin gene as a marker of β-endorphin production in rat hypothalamus neuron cells. Among 23 tested samples, 3 samples produced significantly higher cell viability in R-HTH-507 cells than the control treatment. In a real-time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) experiment, 7 samples showed significant β-endorphin synthesis activity. This is the first report that the Asian natural materials Areca catechu, Moringa oleifera, Lignosis rhinocerus, and Aegle marmelos promote β-endorphin synthesis; further investigation will identify the active ingredients in the blended samples. These results suggested that these Asian natural materials have great potential to expand the range of treatments for mental health.

Prevalence, causes and treatments of allergic rhinitis in Malaysia: a literature review

Recently, allergic rhinitis (AR) cases have been surging rapidly in many developing countries. However, the prevalence, risk factors and treatment modalities for AR within the Malaysian population have not been thoroughly evaluated. The present study aimed to provide a complete review of literature on allergic rhinitis in Malaysia. Available data indicated that the prevalence of AR varied across different age groups and regions in Malaysia, but there is an increasing trend among the younger population. The key contributing factor is exposure and sensitization towards several airborne allergens, mainly house dust mites, cat fur and fungi, with possible genetic predispositions. In addition, variations in the symptom severity may be associated with racial orientations. For management of the disease, standard prescriptions of conventional drugs (antihistamines, intranasal corticosteroids and nasal decongestants) remain as the treatment of choice. A small proportion of the native residents tend to resort to alternative approaches of self-healing through aromatherapy and natural food consumption such as tiger’s milk mushroom and Tualang honey. In conclusion, the increase in the cases of AR in Malaysia is due to environmental and genetic factors which requires proper medical intervention as treatment strategies. The utilization of holistic approaches requires further studies and clear understanding prior to their integration into the standard of care. There are still many gaps in the knowledge and management of allergic rhinitis which demands further attention from the research community.

Impacts of particulate matter (PM2.5) on the health status of outdoor workers: observational evidence from Malaysia

Ambient air pollution is a significant contributor to disease burden, leading to an estimated 4.2 million premature deaths and 103.1 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) annually worldwide. As industrialization and urbanization surge in Asia, air pollution and its corresponding health issues follow suit. Findings on disease burden in developing countries are extremely scanty. This study aimed to determine the concentration of PM_2.5 and its impact on respiratory health of outdoor workers in Malaysia. A 2-cycled 3-month cohort study involving 440 participants was conducted. Workers' health status was assessed via (1) Total Ocular Symptom Score (TOSS), (2) Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS), (3) St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGPQ), and (4) Asthma Control Test (ACT). The maximum PM_2.5 concentration was measured at 122.90 ± 2.07 µg/m³ during third week of August 2016. Meanwhile, the minimum concentration was measured at 57.47 ± 3.80 µg/m³ and 57.47 ± 1.64 µg/m³ during fourth week of July 2016 and first week of August 2017 respectively. Findings revealed that TOSS, TNSS, and SGPQ changes were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with the concentration of PM_2.5. Outdoor workers were more significantly (p < 0.05) affected by changes in PM_2.5 compared to indoor workers with a moderate correlation (r value ranged from 0.4 to 0.7). Ironically, no significant association was found between ACT assessment and PM_2.5. Collectively, our findings suggested that changes in the concentration of PM_2.5 threatened the respiratory health of outdoor workers. The existing policy should be strengthened and preventive measures to be enforced safeguarding health status of outdoor workers.

Effect of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Ceramides Supplementation on Improving Skin Barrier Functions and Depigmentation: An Open-Label Prospective Study

Ceramides plays a crucial role in maintaining skin barrier function. Although foregoing evidence supported beneficial effects of topical ceramides for restoration of the skin barrier, studies on oral ceramides are extremely scarce, with most published data collected from in vivo and in vitro models. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of rice ceramides (RC) supplementation to improve skin barrier function and as a depigmenting agent through comprehensive clinical assessments. This study investigated the beneficial effects of orally administered RC supplementation in 50 voluntary participants. Skin hydration, firmness and elasticity, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), melanin index (MI), erythema index (EI), sebum production, pH, and wrinkle severity were assessed at baseline and during monthly follow-up visits. RC supplementation was found to significantly (p < 0.01) improve skin hydration, sebum production, firmness and elasticity, and wrinkle severity for three assessed areas, namely the left cheek, dorsal neck, and right inner forearm. Additionally, RC significantly (p < 0.01) reduced the rates of TEWL, levels of MI and EI. Analyses of data indicated that participants at older age were more responsive towards the effect of RC supplementation. Our findings suggest that RC supplementation can effectively improve skin barrier function, reduce wrinkle severity, and reduce pigmentation.

Bioactivity and Mycochemical Profile of Extracts from Mycelial Cultures of Ganoderma spp

Fungal mycelium cultures are an alternative to natural sources in order to obtain valuable research materials. They also enable constant control and adaptation of the process, thereby leading to increased biomass growth and accumulation of bioactive metabolites. The present study aims to assess the biosynthetic potential of mycelial cultures of six Ganoderma species: G. adspersum, G. applanatum, G. carnosum, G. lucidum, G. pfeifferi, and G. resinaceum. The presence of phenolic acids, amino acids, indole compounds, sterols, and kojic acid in biomass extracts was determined by HPLC. The antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of the extracts and their effects on the inhibition of selected enzymes (tyrosinase and acetylcholinesterase) were also evaluated. The total content of phenolic acids in the extracts ranged from 5.8 (G. carnosum) to 114.07 mg/100 g dry weight (d.w.) (G. pfeifferi). The total content of indole compounds in the extracts ranged from 3.03 (G. carnosum) to 11.56 mg/100 g d.w. (G. lucidum) and that of ergosterol ranged from 28.15 (G. applanatum) to 74.78 mg/100 g d.w. (G. adspersum). Kojic acid was found in the extracts of G. applanatum and G. lucidum. The tested extracts showed significant antioxidant activity. The results suggest that the analyzed mycelial cultures are promising candidates for the development of new dietary supplements or pharmaceutical preparations.

In vivo toxicity of bioreactor-grown biomass and exopolysaccharides from Malaysian tiger milk mushroom mycelium for potential future health applications

Natural mycelial biomass (MB) and exopolysaccharides (EPS) of Malaysian tiger milk mushroom Lignosus rhinocerus are considered high-end components due to their high commercial potential value in drug discovery. This study aims to evaluate the toxicity of the mushroom extracts' generated in a bioreactor using the zebrafish embryo toxicity (ZFET) model assay as a new therapy for treating asthma. Both MB and EPS extracts, at concentrations 0.16-10 mg/mL, were tested for ZFET and early development effects on Zebrafish Embryos (ZE) during 24-120 h post-fertilisation (HPF). Findings revealed that MB was deemed safe with an LC₅₀ of 0.77 mg/mL; the EPS were non-toxic (LC₅₀ of 0.41 mg/mL). Neither MB nor EPS delayed hatching nor teratogenic defects in the treated ZE at a 2.5 mg/mL dose. There were no significant changes in the ZE heart rate after treatments with MB (130 beats/min) and EPS (140 beats/min), compared to that of normal ZE (120-180 beats/min). Mixing both natural compounds MB and EPS did not affect toxicity using ZFET testing; thus, intimating their safe future use as therapeutic interventions. This represents the first study to have used the ZFET assay on MB and EPS extracts of L. rhinocerus for future health applications.