Induction of murine interleukin-1 beta expression by water-soluble components from Hericium erinaceum

Erinacine A-Enriched Hericium erinaceus Mycelium Delays Progression of Age-Related Cognitive Decline in Senescence Accelerated Mouse Prone 8 (SAMP8) Mice

There have been many reports on the neuroprotective effects of Hericium erinaceus mycelium, in which the most well-known active compounds found are diterpenoids, such as erinacine A. Previously, erinacine A-enriched Hericeum erinaceus mycelium (EAHEM) was shown to decrease amyloid plaque aggregation and improve cognitive disability in Alzheimer’s disease model APP/PS1 mice. However, its effects on brain aging have not yet been touched upon. Here, we used senescence accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) mice as a model to elucidate the mechanism by which EAHEM delays the aging of the brain. Three-month-old SAMP8 mice were divided into three EAHEM dosage groups, administered at 108, 215 and 431 mg/kg/BW/day, respectively. During the 12th week of EAHEM feeding, learning and memory of the mice were evaluated by single-trial passive avoidance and active avoidance test. After sacrifice, the amyloid plaques, induced nitric oxidase synthase (iNOS) activity, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and 8-OHdG levels were analyzed. We found that the lowest dose of 108 mg/kg/BW EAHEM was sufficient to significantly improve learning and memory in the passive and active avoidance tests. In all three EAHEM dose groups, iNOS, TBARS and 8-OHdG levels all decreased significantly and showed a dose-dependent response. The results indicate that EAHEM improved learning and memory and delayed degenerative aging in mice brains.

Synergy Effects of Three Plant Extracts on Protection of Gastric Mucosa

The gastric mucosa protection effect of three natural plant extracts, Hericium erinaceus (HE), Centella asiatica (CA) and Amomum villosum (AV), were evaluated using the indomethacin damage model. Compared with a single extract, a combination of HE/CA/AV, especially with the ratios of 80:10:10, 45:45:10 and 45:10:45, showed significant synergistic effects for protection of the gastric mucosa with gastric ulcer inhibition rates of 97.8 ± 0.7%, 86.5 ± 2.8% and 86.1 ± 3.6%, respectively. Microscopic appearances of the gastric mucosa were carried out to help confirm the results.

Medicinal properties of Hericium erinaceus and its potential to formulate novel mushroom-based pharmaceuticals

Hericium erinaceus is an important mushroom with edible values and medicinal properties. Both the mycelium and the fruiting bodies contain many bioactive compounds with drug efficacy. Recent evidence demonstrates that it is helpful to various diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, immunoregulatory, and many types of cancer. Furthermore, emerging pieces of evidence have shown that different active molecules in H. erinaceus have different functions on different organs in different diseases via the different mechanisms. Drawing on current research results, this review mainly focuses on the therapeutic effects of H. erinaceus on various diseases of multiple physiological systems, including the nervous system, digestive system, circulatory system, and immune system. This paper also discusses systematically the efficient protection of H. erinaceus against the diseases from the intricate experimental proofs by using the systematic viewpoints, which provides a framework for future research directions.

Hericium erinaceus mushroom extracts protect infected mice against Salmonella Typhimurium-Induced liver damage and mortality by stimulation of innate immune cells

The present study investigated the antibacterial effect of four extracts from the fruitbody of the edible medicinal mushroom Hericium erinaceus (hot water extract, HWE; microwave/50% ethanol extract, MWE; acid extract, ACE; and alkaline extract, AKE) against murine salmonellosis. The extracts had no effect on Salmonella ser. Typhimurium growth in culture. Nor were the extracts toxic to murine macrophage cells, RAW 264.7. HWE and MWE stimulated uptake of the bacteria into the macrophage cells as indicated by increased colony-forming unit (CFU) counts of the contents of the lysed macrophages infected with Salmonella Typhimurium for 30 and 60 min. Two hours postinfection, the bacterial counts increased in the macrophages, but 4 and 8 h postinfection the HWE- and MWE-treated cells showed greater activity against the bacteria than the control. HWE- and MWE-treated noninfected macrophages had altered morphology and elevated inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase (iNOS) mRNA expression. In the presence of S. Typhimurium, iNOS mRNA expression was further increased, accompanied by an increase in NO production. Histology assays of the livers of mice infected with a sublethal dose (1 × 10(4) CFU) of S. Typhimurium showed that HWE and MWE, administered by daily intraperitoneal injection, protected against necrosis of the liver, a biomarker of in vivo salmonellosis. The lifespans of mice similarly infected with a lethal dose of S. Typhimurium (1 × 10(5) CFU) were significantly extended by HWE and MWE. β-Glucan, known to stimulate the immune system, was previously found to be present in high amounts in the active extracts. These results suggest that the mushroom extract activities against bacterial infection in mice occur through the activation of innate immune cells.

A smaller particle size improved the oral bioavailability of monkey head mushroom, Hericium erinaceum, powder resulting in enhancement of the immune response and disease resistance of white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei

The effects of different particle sizes (100-150, 74-100, and <74 μm) of powder of the dried and ground stipe from the monkey head mushroom, Hericium erinaceum, on the immune response and disease resistance of white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, against the pathogen, Vibrio alginolyticus, were examined. Mushroom powder with a particle size of <74 μm had a significantly higher effect on the disease resistance of shrimp compared to particle sizes of >74 μm. Mortality of shrimp after being injected with V. alginolyticus was particle size-dependent, increasing from 66.7% ± 3.3%-93.3% ± 3.3% with diets containing stipe particle sizes of <74 and 100-150 μm, respectively. The mortality of shrimp fed the diet containing <74-μm stipe powder for 28 days was significant lower than that of shrimp fed with the control diet and the diet containing 74-100-μm stipe powder after being challenged by V. alginolyticus. The optimal concentration of the <74-μm mushroom powder for enhancing the immune response and disease resistance of shrimp was 0.2 μg (g shrimp)(-1) day(-1). No significant change in the total hemocyte count, differential hemocyte count, glutathione reductase, or phagocytic activity was found in shrimp fed the control diet and mushroom powder-containing diet at a level of up to 0.2 μg (g shrimp)(-1) day(-1). Shrimp fed 0.2 μg (g shrimp)(-1) day(-1) of a mushroom-containing diet had a significantly higher disease resistance to V. alginolyticus via an increase in phenoloxidase activity, respiratory bursts, superoxide dismutase activity, and glutathione peroxidase activity. Therefore, a diet containing the stipe powder of monkey head mushroom with a particle size <74 μm at a level of 0.2 μg (g shrimp)(-1) day(-1) was found to enhance the immunity and disease resistance of shrimp.

Induction of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 by water-soluble components of Hericium erinaceum in human monocytes

AIM OF THE STUDY

Hericium erinaceum is a medicinal mushroom that has been traditionally used in Asian countries for the treatment of cancers and infectious diseases. Although the immunomodulating activity of H. erinaceum is considered to be responsible for its medicinal activity, its action mechanisms are poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated the capability of water-extracted H. erinaceum (WEHE) to induce the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), which regulates the migration of immune cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

THP-1, a human monocytic cell-line, or human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were stimulated with WEHE (0-30 μg/mL) and subsequently analyzed using flow cytometry to examine the surface expression of ICAM-1 protein. Steady-state levels of ICAM-1 mRNA were estimated using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay was conducted to examine transcription factors involved in ICAM-1 transcription.

RESULTS

WEHE induced ICAM-1 expression at both protein and mRNA levels in THP-1 cells in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. A similar pattern of ICAM-1 induction was also observed in CD14(+) monocytes in human PBMC that were stimulated with WEHE. The ICAM-1 expression on THP-1 cells stimulated with WEHE was suppressed by specific inhibitors for extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Additionally, exposure of THP-1 cells to WEHE increased the DNA binding activities of NF-κB, AP-1, SP-1 and STAT-1 transcription factors, all of which are known to be required for ICAM-1 gene expression.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that WEHE induces ICAM-1 expression in human monocytes through ERK- and ROS-dependent signaling pathways, resulting in the subsequent activations of NF-κB, AP-1, SP-1, and STAT-1 transcription factors.

Toxicological study on MUNOPHIL, water extract of Panax ginseng and Hericium erinaceum in rats

OBJECTIVE

As data on the safety profile of Panax ginseng and Hericium erinaceum is lacking, the safety of these two compounds was examined in a series of toxicological studies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MUNOPHIL, the water extract mixture of Panax ginseng and Hericium erinaceum was tested in an oral subchronic 28-day toxicity study in rats at doses of 1250, 2500 and 5000 mg/kg/day.

RESULTS

In repeated dose toxicity studies, no mortality was observed when varying doses of the extracts were administered once daily for a period of 28 days. There were no significant differences in body weight, absolute and relative organ weights between controls and treated rats of both sexes. Hematological analysis showed no differences in most parameters examined. In the biochemistry parameter analysis, no significant change occurred. Pathologically, neither gross abnormalities nor histopathological changes were observed. Therefore, MUNOPHIL appears to be safe and non-toxic in these studies and a no-observed adverse effect level in rats was established at 5000 mg/kg/day.

CONCLUSION

The data could provide satisfactory preclinical evidence of safety to launch clinical trials on standardized formulation of plant extracts.

Induction of ICAM-1 by Armillariella mellea is mediated through generation of reactive oxygen species and JNK activation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Armillariella mellea is an edible mushroom that has been traditionally used as an alternative medicine in many countries because of its anti-microbial and anti-cancer effects.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In this study, we examined the ability of Armillariella mellea to induce the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, an important cellular adhesion molecule for the recruitment of immune cells to regional inflammatory sites.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A human monocytic cell line, THP-1 or human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were stimulated with Armillariella mellea extract (AME) and subjected to flow cytometry to examine the expression of ICAM-1 protein on the cell surface. Steady-state mRNA level of ICAM-1 was determined by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The phosphorylation of JNK protein was examined by Western blot analysis using antibodies specific for non-phosphorylated and phosphorylated forms of JNK. For the analysis of transcription factors regulating ICAM-1 transcription, the nuclear fraction was extracted from AME-treated THP-1 cells and subjected to electrophoretic mobility shift assay.

RESULTS

AME induced expression of ICAM-1 and its mRNA in THP-1 cells in dose- and time-dependent manners. AME-induced ICAM-1 expression was also observed on CD14-positive monocytes in human PBMC. Interestingly, AME-induced ICAM-1 production was inhibited by the specific inhibitors of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and JNK, whereas no inhibitory effect was observed when inhibitors of ERK, p38 kinase, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, or protein kinase C were used. Concomitantly, AME increased phosphorylation of JNK in a time-dependent fashion. DNA binding activities of NF-kappaB, AP-1, SP-1, and STAT-1 were increased by AME treatment.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that AME induces ICAM-1 expression in human monocytic cells through ROS/JNK-dependent signaling pathways leading to the activation of NF-kappaB, AP-1, SP-1, and STAT-1 transcription factors.

Armillariella mellea induces maturation of human dendritic cells without induction of cytokine expression

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Armillariella mellea, an edible and medicinal mushroom possessing immuno-modulating potential, has been frequently used for the treatment of infectious diseases or cancers.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In order to elucidate immune-regulatory mechanisms of Armillariella mellea, we investigated the effect of water-soluble components from Armillariella mellea (AME) on the regulation of human dendritic cell (DC) maturation and activation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Immature DCs (iDCs) were prepared by differentiating human peripheral blood CD14-positive cells with GM-CSF and IL-4. Then, iDCs were treated with AME at 2-20 microg/ml for 48 h and subjected to flow cytometry to analyze the expression of DC markers. Dextran-FITC uptake assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were performed to examine the endocytic capacity of AME-stimulated DC and their production of cytokines, respectively.

RESULTS

iDCs stimulated with AME showed representative features during DC maturation such as up-regulated expression of CD80, CD83, CD86, both MHC class I and II molecules, and CD205, with a simultaneous decrease in the expression of CD206 and the endocytic capacity. Interestingly, AME was not able to induce the production of TNF-alpha, IL-12p40, or IL-10, whereas lipopolysaccharides induced a substantial increase of all of the cytokines.

CONCLUSION

Armillariella mellea induces maturation of human DCs through a unique mechanism without inducing cytokine expression.

Soluble components of Hericium erinaceum induce NK cell activation via production of interleukin-12 in mice splenocytes

AIM

To investigate the immunoregulatory functions of water extracts of Hericium erinaceum (WEHE) focusing on natural killer (NK) cell-based anticancer activities.

METHODS

Mouse splenocytes or purely isolated NK cells were stimulated with 1-100 mg/L WEHE for 24 h followed by co-culture with (51)Cr-labeled Yac-1 cells for 4 h, then NK cell-derived cytolytic activity was measured using a radio-release assay. Neutralizing antibodies against mouse interleukin-12 (IL-12) were added into the WEHE-stimulated splenocytes, thereafter, cytotoxicity was measured to examine the involvement of IL-12. RT-PCR and ELISA analyses were performed to confirm the induction of transcription and the translation of IL-12 and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) in the WEHE-treated splenocytes.

RESULTS

WEHE enhanced the cytolytic activity of total splenocytes towards Yac-1 cells in a dose-dependent manner. However, this activation was not observed when the NK cells isolated from the splenocytes were treated with WEHE. Furthermore, the treatment with antibodies against IL-12 abolished the effect of WEHE on splenocyte-derived cytolytic activity. RT-PCR and ELISA analyses showed the induction of IL-12 and IFN-gamma in the WEHE-treated splenocytes.

CONCLUSION

WEHE indirectly activates the cytolytic ability of NK cells via the induction of IL-12 in total splenocytes, and possibly via other immuno-mediators or cellular components.