In vitro Anti-colorectal Cancer Potential of the Medicinal Mushroom Ganoderma neo-japonicum Imazeki in Hyperglycemic Condition: Impact on Oxidative Stress, Cell Cycle and Apoptosis

Bibliometric, taxonomic, and medicinal perspectives of Ganoderma neo-japonicum Imazeki: A mini review

Ganoderma, a traditional medicine in Asian countries, has been used to prevent and treat various ailments for centuries. Ganoderma neo-japonicum (synonym Ganoderma bambusicola), also known as purple Lingzhi, is a species that is currently underutilised when compared to Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi). However, in recent decades, this mushroom has garnered significant attention due to its ethnomedicinal uses, especially in Southeast Asia regions like Malaysia. The taxonomy and nomenclature of this mushroom have been extensively studied. Numerous publications have reported that G. neo-japonicum displays a variety of medicinal properties, including antioxidation, anticancer, anti-hyperglycaemic, genoprotective, hepatoprotective, neuritogenic, and antidiabetic effects, both in vitro and in vivo. With the surge of research findings on this mushroom, this review aims to provide a systematic bibliometric analysis of G. neo-japonicum, published between 1991 to 2021. Additionally, the taxonomic description of this mushroom is discussed in detail. Our review reveals that G. neo-japonicum contains polysaccharides (α/β-D-glucans), triterpenoids, and sterols/ergosterol. However, the existing literature suggests that these active compounds have not yet been explored to their full potential as drug candidates. Moreover, most of the studies are preclinical and have several drawbacks. In conclusion, G. neo-japonicum possesses valuable pharmacological activities that merit further exploration.

A novel protein extracted from Hemerocallis citrina Borani inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation by regulating mitochondria-dependent apoptosis and aerobic glycolysis

Hemerocallis citrina Borani is a commonly consumed food in Asia and possesses many biologically active ingredients. In this study, a protein named Hemerocallis citrina Borani protein (HcBP) was purified using ammonium sulfate fractionation and anion exchange chromatography. Protease assays revealed that HcBP has peroxidase activity. Meanwhile, the UV absorption spectrum showed that HcBP contains heme. Notably, HcBP showed significant inhibitory effects on human hepatoma cancer cell proliferation. Mechanism investigations indicated that HcBP treatment resulted in overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and induced mitochondria-dependent apoptosis in human hepatoma cancer cells. Furthermore, we found HcBP not only downregulated pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) activity but also decreased the expression and nuclear levels of PKM2. The inhibition of PKM2 led to the downregulation of GLUT1, LDHA and PDK, and thus caused the suppression of glycolysis. In summary, our results suggested that HcBP has potential anti-hepatocellular carcinoma activity.

Molecular mechanisms of the chemical constituents from anti-inflammatory and antioxidant active fractions of Ganoderma neo-japonicum Imazeki

Ganoderma neo-japonicum Imazeki is a rare medicinal mushroom that has been reported to play a role in scavenging free radicals, protecting the liver, and inhibiting tumor cell activity. In this study, crude extracts were prepared, and 47 triterpenoids were identified by Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole time-of flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Triple TOF-MS/MS). Then, the crude extracts were subjected to column chromatography for the first time to obtain six fractions (Fr. (a), (b), (c), (d), (e) and (f)). Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory active tracking assays of all fractions found that Fr. (c) exhibited the strongest bioactivity. Subsequently, the chemical composition of Fr. (c) was clarified, and eight triterpenoids were determined in combination with the standard substances. In addition, this study demonstrated that Fr. (c) reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. Further studies showed that Fr. (c) could down-regulate the expression level of proteins associated of NF-κB signaling pathway, and upregulated Nrf2 and HO-1 protein level. In conclusion, our study showed that Fr. (c) inhibited LPS-mediated inflammatory response and oxidative stress by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and inactivating the NF-κB pathway. In the future, with the clearing of its composition and activity mechanism, Fr. (c) of G. neo-japonicum are expected to become a functional food for health and longevity.