Nutritional Composition, Antioxidant Activities, and Antiulcer Potential of Lentinus squarrosulus (Mont.) Mycelia Extract

Lentinus squarrosulus Mont. Mushroom: Molecular Identification, In vitro Anti-Diabetic, Anti-Obesity, and Cytotoxicity Assessment

Objectives

Mushrooms are fungi with nutritional and health benefits. Lentinus squarrosulus Mont., an edible fungus, has traditional usage and relevance in local therapy for managing metabolic diseases. In that view, this study aimed to evaluate the in vitro anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, and cytotoxic potential of the chloroform/methanol extract (CME) and aqueous extract (AE) of the mushroom.

Materials and Methods

L. squarrosulus was identified using molecular biology tools. The CME and AE were obtained sequentially and, then, subjected to α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and lipase inhibitory enzyme assays as well as total phenolic content (TPC) and flavonoid content (TFC) estimations. The cytotoxic potential of extract fractions of L. squarrosulus was assessed using the brine shrimp lethality assay.

Results

The molecular identification of the mushroom displayed that the internal transcribed spacer sequence was an equivalent match to that of L. squarrosulus with a high percentage similarity, and thus assigned a unique accession number (KT120043.1). The CME of L. squarrosulus had higher TPC, TFC, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity than AE. Furthermore, AE of the mushroom showed a higher lipase inhibitory potential with an IC₅₀ value of 22.28 ± 0.65 μg/mL than the CME, while that of the reference, i.e. orlistat was 2.28 ± 0.34 μg/mL. However, these extracts exhibited very low or no α-amylase inhibitory and cytotoxic activity at the tested concentrations.

Conclusion

This study reveals that CME of L. squarrosulus, rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, possesses considerable α-glucosidase and lipase inhibitory activities.

Antibacterial Activity of Ethanolic Extracts of Lentinus squarrosulus Mont. against Human Pathogenic Bacteria

Lentinus squarrosulus (Mont.) is a wide edible mushroom widely consumed in Thailand. Ethanol extract was extracted from mycelium of L. squarrosulus No. 2 and Lentinus basidiocarp obtained from the local market at Mahasarakham province using 50% ethanol solvent. The effect of ethanolic extracts was tested for inhibition to some pathogenic bacteria. Antibacterial activity was tested by Poison food technique, it was found that 50 % ethanol extract from mycelium at concentrations of 10%, 15%, and 30% was effective to inhibit Bacillus cereus at the highest level (+++) and mycelium extract at the concentrations of 15% and 30% can inhibit Staphylococcus aureus with low level (+). But all concentrations of L. squarrosulus basidiocarp extract unable to inhibit the growth of B. cereus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and S. aureus. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) of ethanolic extract from mycelium inhibit B. cereus was 125 mg/ml. The results indicate that the potential of L. squarrosulus mycelium is an excellent source of antimicrobial agents.

In vitro gastrointestinal digestion of Lentinus squarrosulus powder and impact on human fecal microbiota

Humans have long-used mushrooms as food and medicine, but digestion and colonic fermentation of most mushrooms, including Lentinus squarrosulus is markedly unknown. Here, nutritional profile, digestion and colonic fermentation of L. squarrosulus powder (LP) were determined. The powder contained mainly carbohydrate and protein. SEM and F-TIR analysis of the resistant hydrolysate (RH) revealed that the structure and ratio of carbohydrate and protein components were altered, and released known immunomodulation agents; beta-glucans and mannose. Both LP and RH promoted selected probiotic bacteria, especially Bifidobacterium strains. Using fecal microbiota of five volunteers (V1, V2, V3, V4 and V5), RH stimulated the microbiota of all used volunteers, via decreasing the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ranging from 1.3 to 8.2 times. Also, RH increased the relative abundance of vital immunomodulators; Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, Clostridium cluster XIVa and IV, and Sutterella. Additionally, RH fermentation enriched the content of branch-chain fatty acids (BCFA) and short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), indicating protein and carbohydrate usage. Notably, propionic and butyric acids were abundant in V1, V2 and V3, while in V4 and V5, acetic and butyric acids were most enriched. Suggesting L. squarrosulus as functional mushroom to improve health and prevent diseases by enhancing gut health.

Contribution of Bioactive Compounds to the Antioxidant Capacity of the Edible Mushroom Neolentinus lepideus

Neolentinus lepideus is a fungus consumed by rural communities in Central America and Asia due to its rich flavor; however, little information on its chemical composition is available. With this in mind, the objective of this work was to determine the content of vitamin E and C, ergosterol, and phenolic compounds of this fungus, as well as its antioxidant capacity. The quantified bioactive compounds were two isoforms of vitamin E, highlighting α-tocopherol (3370.35 mg/100 g dry weight, DW) and ergosterol (11.70 mg/100 g DW). The total phenolic content was 164.80 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 g, and nine phenolic compounds were identified (protocatechuic, p-hydroxybenzoic, caffeic, vanillic, ferulic, salicylic, p-anisic, trans-cinnamic acids, and scopoletin). The highest antioxidant capacity was detected in the lipophilic extract with TEAC (27688 μmoles Trolox equivalents/100 g). These results suggest that lipophilic compounds are among the main bioactive compounds in N. lepideus, and they might exhibit the highest radical scavenging properties in non-polar extracts.

Antioxidant Properties and Industrial Uses of Edible Polyporales

The content of antioxidant compounds varies within fungal species, and the Polyporales order has been recognized for this property. Numerous antioxidant compounds have been identified in Polyporales fungi, including phenolic compounds, β-glucans, ergosterol, ergothioneine, vitamin C, and tocopherols. Each compound contributes differently to the antioxidant potential of fungi. Besides the health benefits for rural communities caused by fungi consumption, their antioxidant composition attracts the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries’ interest. In this context, the present review compiles, analyzes, and discusses the bioactive composition of edible fungi of the Polyporales order and its contribution to total antioxidant capacity.

Reviewing the world's edible mushroom species: A new evidence-based classification system

Wild mushrooms are a vital source of income and nutrition for many poor communities and of value to recreational foragers. Literature relating to the edibility of mushroom species continues to expand, driven by an increasing demand for wild mushrooms, a wider interest in foraging, and the study of traditional foods. Although numerous case reports have been published on edible mushrooms, doubt and confusion persist regarding which species are safe and suitable to consume. Case reports often differ, and the evidence supporting the stated properties of mushrooms can be incomplete or ambiguous. The need for greater clarity on edible species is further underlined by increases in mushroom-related poisonings. We propose a system for categorizing mushroom species and assigning a final edibility status. Using this system, we reviewed 2,786 mushroom species from 99 countries, accessing 9,783 case reports, from over 1,100 sources. We identified 2,189 edible species, of which 2,006 can be consumed safely, and a further 183 species which required some form of pretreatment prior to safe consumption or were associated with allergic reactions by some. We identified 471 species of uncertain edibility because of missing or incomplete evidence of consumption, and 76 unconfirmed species because of unresolved, differing opinions on edibility and toxicity. This is the most comprehensive list of edible mushrooms available to date, demonstrating the huge number of mushrooms species consumed. Our review highlights the need for further information on uncertain and clash species, and the need to present evidence in a clear, unambiguous, and consistent manner.

Functional composition and antioxidant property of crude polysaccharides from the fruiting bodies of Lentinus squarrosulus

Lentinus squarrosulus (Hed Khon Khao) is a source of bioactive polysaccharides. Three L. squarrosulus crude polysaccharides (LSPs) were subjected to cold water (LSP-CP), hot water (LSP-HP), and aqueous alkaline (LSP-AP) extractions, and their functional compositions and radical scavenging activities were compared. Synchrotron radiation FTIR (SR-FTIR) spectra and PCA plot analysis in the bio-regions (4000-400 cm^-1) revealed that functional composition LSPs differ significantly (P < 0.05). All LSPs had lipids, protein, and polysaccharides such as β-glucan. The major monosaccharides in LSP-CP and LSP-HP are d-galactose, d-glucose, and d-mannose at different proportions, while LSP-AP contained mainly d-glucose. Also, fucose and xylose were present in all the LSPs. LSP-CP, LSP-HP and LSP-AP induced maximum 1,1-diphenyl-2- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity of 78.93 ± 0.42% at 3 mg/mL, 79.16 ± 1.43% at 3 mg/mL and 65.26 ± 1.74% at 5 mg/mL, whiles on 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), their maximum activities were 98.94 ± 0.16% at 3 mg/mL, 97.42 ± 0.76% at 3 mg/mL and 47.24 ± 0.045% at 5 mg/mL, respectively. The results showed that LSP-CP and LSP-HP are good ABTS scavengers, whiles LSP-AP is poor ABTS scavenger. In overall, LSPs consist of essential functional compositions and could be used as natural antioxidants. This exploitation of fungal fruiting body extracts increased the potential use of L. squarrosulus in food and medicinal industries.

Cytotoxicity and Anticancer Activity of Donkioporiella mellea on MRC5 (Normal Human Lung) and A549 (Human Lung Carcinoma) Cells Lines

Polypores are mushrooms which are rich in bioactivities and for generations, they have been widely used as herbal remedies. Despite their significant importance in treatments of various health issues, only a few local species have been reported for their pharmacological potentials. The present study was carried out to establish cytotoxicity potentials of Donkioporiella mellea, a local polypore species collected from forested areas in Malaysia at cellular levels on normal human lung (MRC5) and human lung carcinoma (A549) cell lines. Survival and inhibition rates were analyzed by 3-(4, 5)-dimethylthiahiazo (-z-y-l)-2,5-diphenyltetrazoliumbromide (MTT) while monitoring changes on cellular shapes by inverted phase contrast microscopy. Survival rates of MRC5 cells were observed to be significantly higher than A549 after treatments with various concentrations of polypore extracts. MRC5 cells showed excellence in survival performance when treated with hot and cold aqueous extracts. Cold aqueous extract showed higher cytotoxicity activities compared to hot aqueous extract (p < 0.0001) with inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values of 414.29 μg/ml and >1000 μg/ml, respectively. Treatments with tamoxifen as a control exhibited necrotic features in both cell lines. The results suggest that D. mellea possesses pharmacological potentials that can be utilized for human consumption as a new bioresource alternative, thus encouraging research advancement in mycological and nutraceutical studies.

Toxicological Evaluation of Phytochemical Characterized Aqueous Extract of Wild Dried Lentinus squarrosulus (Mont.) Mushroom in Rats

Lentinus squarrosulus (Mont.) is an edible wild mushroom with tough fruiting body that belongs to the family Polyporaceae. It is used in ethnomedicine for the treatment of ulcer, anaemia, cough and fever. Recent studies have demonstrated its anticancer, anti-diabetic and antioxidant properties. However, little or no information is available regarding the bioactive components and toxicological study of wild dried L. squarrosulus. Therefore, this study investigated the bioactive components of aqueous extract of boiled wild dried L. squarrosulus and its toxicological effects in rats. The extract of L. squarrosulus was subjected to GC-MS analysis. The acute toxicity test was performed by oral administration of a single dose of up to 5,000 mg/kg extract of L. squarrosulus. In subacute study, the rats were orally administered extract of L. squarrosulus at the doses of 500, 1,000 and 1,500 mg/kg body weight daily for 14 days. The haematological, lipid profile, liver and kidney function parameters were determined and the histopathology of the liver and kidney were examined. The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of bioactive compounds; 1-tetradecene, fumaric acid, monochloride, 6-ethyloct-3-yl ester, 9-eicosene, phytol, octahydropyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine and 3-trifluoroacetoxypentadecane. In acute toxicity study, neither death nor toxicity sign was recorded. In the sub-acute toxicity study, significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed on creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, total cholesterol, triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Whilst no significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed on packed cell volume, heamoglobin, red blood cell, white blood cell and alkaline phosphatase, in all the tested doses. No histopathological alterations were recorded. Our findings revealed that aqueous extract of L. squarrosulus may have antimicrobial, antinocieptive and antioxidant properties based on the result of GC-MS analysis. Results of the toxicity test showed no deleterious effect at the tested doses, suggesting that L. squarrosulus is safe for consumption at the tested doses.

Peptides extracted from edible mushroom: Lentinus squarrosulus induces apoptosis in human lung cancer cells

CONTEXT

Lentinus squarrosulus Mont. (Polyporaceae) is an interesting source of diverse bioactive compounds.

OBJECTIVE

This is the first study of the anticancer activity and underlying mechanism of peptides extracted from Lentinus squarrosuls.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Peptides were isolated from the aqueous extract of L. squarrosulus by employing solid ammonium sulphate precipitation. They were further purified by ion-exchange chromatography on diethylaminoethanol (DEAE)-cellulose and gel filtration chromatography on Sephadex G25. Anticancer activity was investigated in human lung cancer H460, H292 and H23 cells cultured with 0-40 μg/mL of peptide extracts for 24 h. Cell viability and mode of cell death were evaluated by MTT and nuclear staining assay, respectively. Western blotting was used to investigate the alteration of apoptosis-regulating proteins in lung cancer cells treated with peptide extracts (0-20 μg/mL) for 24 h.

RESULTS

The cytotoxicity of partially-purified peptide extracts from L. squarrosulus was indicated with IC₅₀ of ∼26.84 ± 2.84, 2.80 ± 2.14 and 18.84 ± 0.30 μg/mL in lung cancer H460, H292 and H23 cells, respectively. The extracts at 20 μg/mL induced apoptosis through the reduction of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein (∼0.5-fold reduction) and up-regulation of BAX (∼4.5-fold induction), a pro-apoptotic protein. Furthermore, L. squarrosulus peptide extracts (20 μg/mL) also decreased the cellular level of death receptor inhibitor c-FLIP (∼0.6-fold reduction).

CONCLUSIONS AND DISCUSSION

This study provides the novel anticancer activity and mechanism of L. squarrosulus peptide extracts, which encourage further investigation and development of the extracts for anticancer use.

The antiulcer effect of Cibotium barometz leaves in rats with experimentally induced acute gastric ulcer

Cibotium barometz is a pharmaceutical plant customarily used in traditional medicine in Malaysia for the treatment of different diseases, such as gastric ulcer. The gastroprotective effect of C. barometz leaves against ethanol-induced gastric hemorrhagic abrasions in Sprague Dawley rats has been evaluated in terms of medicinal properties. Seven groups of rats (normal control and ulcerated control groups, omeprazole 20 mg/kg, 62.5, 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg of C. barometz correspondingly) were used in antiulcer experiment and pretreated with 10% Tween 20. After 1 hour, the normal group was orally administered 10% Tween 20, whereas absolute alcohol was fed orally to ulcerated control, omeprazole, and experimental groups. Gastric's homogenate were assessed for endogenous enzymes activities. Stomachs were examined macroscopically and histologically. Grossly, the data demonstrated a significant decrease in the ulcer area of rats pretreated with plant extract in a dose-dependent manner with respect to the ulcerated group. Homogenates of the gastric tissue exhibited significantly increased endogenous enzymes activities in rats pretreated with C. barometz extract associated with the ulcerated control group. Histology of rats pretreated with C. barometz extract group using hematoxylin and eosin staining exhibited a moderate-to-mild disruption of the surface epithelium with reduction in submucosal edema and leucocyte infiltration in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, it showed heat shock protein70 protein up-expression and BCL2-associated X protein downexpression. These outcomes might be attributed to the gastroprotective and antioxidative effects of the plant.

Potential use of Lentinus squarrosulus mushroom as fermenting agent and source of natural antioxidant additive in livestock feed

BACKGROUND

Fermenting feed has gained a lot of popularity in recent years owing to its renowned benefits to the livestock and feed quality. In the current study, Lentinus squarrosulus mushroom mycelium was tested for its potential as a fermenting agent and source of natural antioxidant in the feed.

RESULTS

Phenolic content of methanolic and hot water extracts of the mycelium culture and its fermented maize ranged from 94.01 to 386.59 mg gallic acid equivalents g(-1) extract while the DPPH radical scavenging, CUPRAC, reducing power (RPA) and β-carotene bleaching (BCB) antioxidant activity had EC50 values ranged from 15.30 to 120.3, 0.74 to 4.71, 1.86 to 13.5 and 0.01 to 0.21 mg mL(-1) , respectively. At 1.0-20.0 mg mL(-1) , the extracts retarded 21.02-55.35% of lipid deterioration. Pearson correlation analysis revealed the phenolic content of the extracts has moderate correlation with DPPH (r = 0.589) and RPA (r = 0.580), also a high correlation with BCB antioxidant activity (r = 0.872). In principal component analysis, DPPH, CUPRAC and RPA were seen to be clustered tightly together while BCB antioxidant activity was grouped with the phenolic content.

CONCLUSION

Overall, L. squarrosulus mycelium functioned as antioxidants via several mechanisms, involving either electron transfer or hydrogen transfer-based reactions suggesting it as a promising fermentation agent to enhance feed nutrition and the fermented maize as a valuable feed resource.

Lentinus squarrosulus (Mont.) mycelium enhanced antioxidant status in rat model

Aim

Lentinus squarrosulus is an edible wild mushroom commonly found in Asia. This species has several interesting features such as rapid mycelial growth, and hence has the potential to be used as food, functional food, and nutraceuticals. Our previous study shows that L. squarrosulus contains potent antioxidant compounds in vitro. This study aims to investigate the in vivo bioavailability of L. squarrosulus mycelium extract and its antioxidant effect on biomarkers of antioxidant defense and oxidative stress.

Methods

Water extract of mycelial biomass of L. squarrosulus was analyzed for in vivo antioxidant effects, including cupric-reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), xanthine oxidase (XO), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs), and lipid hydroperoxides (LHPs) at 0 and 28 days. GPx and XO were also analyzed in liver homogenates. Normal Sprague Dawley rats were treated with 250 and 500 mg/kg of extract for 28 days.

Results

The serum CUPRAC level increased after treatment with both concentrations, indicating that there was sufficient bioavailability of the extract which contributed to the total antioxidant capacity. GPx activity in both serum and liver was increased and this correlated with LHP level after treatment with 250 mg/kg of extract, but XO activity was significantly decreased after treatment with 500 mg/kg of the extract. Lack of difference between AOPP levels implied that there were no significant changes in oxidative damage of protein after treatment.

Conclusion

This study clearly showed that L. squarrosulus mycelium antioxidant extract contains absorbable antioxidants that enter the circulating plasma and cause a significant acute increase in plasma antioxidant capacity. Thus, the water extract of L. squarrosulus mycelium, which can be obtained abundantly by liquid fermentation, may serve as an antioxidant ingredient in functional foods and nutraceuticals.

Evaluation of acute toxicity and gastroprotective activity of curcuma purpurascens BI. rhizome against ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury in rats

Background

Curcuma purpurascens BI. is a medicinal plant from the Zingiberaceae family, which is widely used as a spice and as folk medicine. The aim of the present study is to investigate the gastroprotective activity of C. purpurascens rhizome hexane extract (CPRHE) against ethanol- induced gastric ulcers in rats.

Methods

Acute toxicity test was carried out on 36 rats (18 males and 18 females) with low dose of CPRHE (1 g/kg), high dose of CPRHE (2 g/kg) and vehicle (5% Tween 20). To determine the gastroprotective effect of CPRHE, gastric juice acidity, gross and histological gastric lesions, mucus content and ulcer index were evaluated in ethanol-induced ulcer in rats. In addition, superoxide dismutase activity, nitric oxide level and immunohistochemical evaluation of Bax and HSP70 proteins were examined.

Results

The CPRHE acute toxicity test on rats did not reveal any signs of mortality and toxicity up to 2 g/kg. The oral administration of CPRHE at doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg and omeprazole (positive control) at a dose of 20 mg/kg to rats remarkably attenuated gastric lesions induced by ethanol. Pre-treatment of rats with CPRHE significantly replenished the depletion of mucus content caused by ethanol administration and decreased the acidity of gastric walls. Further examination of gastric mucosal homogenate revealed significant elevation of superoxide dismutase and nitric oxide activities and reduction in malondialdehyde level in CPRHE-treated group, compared to the lesion control group. Histological assessment of gastric walls obtained from rats pre-treated with CPRHE demonstrated a noteworthy decrease in hemorrhagic mucosal lesions. Immunohistochemical staining showed down-regulation of Bax protein and up-regulation of Hsp70 protein.

Conclusion

Taken together, these findings confirmed the gastroprotective effect of Curcuma purpurascens rhizome against gastric damage.

Amauroderma rugosum (Blume & T. Nees) Torrend: Nutritional Composition and Antioxidant and Potential Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Amauroderma rugosum is a wild mushroom that is worn as a necklace by the indigenous communities in Malaysia to prevent fits and incessant crying by babies. The aim of this study was to investigate the nutritive composition and antioxidant potential and anti-inflammatory effects of A. rugosum extracts on LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Nutritional analysis of freeze-dried mycelia of A. rugosum (KUM 61131) from submerged culture indicated a predominant presence of carbohydrates, proteins, dietary fibre, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium. The ethanol crude extract (EE), its hexane (HF), ethyl acetate (EAF), and aqueous (AF) fractions of mycelia of A. rugosum grown in submerged culture were evaluated for antioxidant potential and anti-inflammatory effects. EAF exhibited the highest total phenolic content and the strongest antioxidant activity based on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) assays. HF showed dose-dependent inhibition of NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells and NO radical scavenging activity. Gas chromatographic analysis of HF revealed the presence of ethyl linoleate and ergosterol, compounds with known anti-inflammatory properties. In conclusion, the nutritive compositions and significant antioxidant potential and anti-inflammatory effects of mycelia extracts of A. rugosum have the potential to serve as a therapeutic agent or adjuvant in the management of inflammatory disorders.

Pleurotus giganteus (Berk.) Karunarathna & K.D. Hyde: Nutritional value and in vitro neurite outgrowth activity in rat pheochromocytoma cells

BACKGROUND

Drugs dedicated to alleviate neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's have always been associated with debilitating side effects. Medicinal mushrooms which harness neuropharmacological compounds offer a potential possibility for protection against such diseases. Pleurotus giganteus (formerly known as Panus giganteus) has been consumed by the indigenous people in Peninsular Malaysia for many years. Domestication of this wild mushroom is gaining popularity but to our knowledge, medicinal properties reported for this culinary mushroom are minimal.

METHODS

The fruiting bodies P. giganteus were analysed for its nutritional values. Cytotoxicity of the mushroom's aqueous and ethanolic extracts towards PC12, a rat pheochromocytoma cell line was assessed by using 3-[4,5-dimethythiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Neurite outgrowth stimulation assay was carried out with nerve growth factor (NGF) as control. To elucidate signaling mechanisms involved by mushroom extract-induced neurite outgrowth, treatment of specific inhibitor for MEK/ERK and PI3K signalling pathway was carried out.

RESULTS

The fruiting bodies of P. giganteus were found to have high carbohydrate, dietary fibre, potassium, phenolic compounds and triterpenoids. Both aqueous and ethanolic extracts induced neurite outgrowth of PC12 cells in a dose- and time-dependant manner with no detectable cytotoxic effect. At day 3, 25 μg/ml of aqueous extract and 15 μg/ml of ethanolic extract showed the highest percentage of neurite-bearing cells, i.e. 31.7 ± 1.1% and 33.3 ± 0.9%; respectively. Inhibition treatment results suggested that MEK/ERK and PI3K/Akt are responsible for neurite outgrowth of PC12 cells stimulated by P. giganteus extract. The high potassium content (1345.7 mg/100 g) may be responsible for promoting neurite extension, too.

CONCLUSIONS

P. giganteus contains bioactive compounds that mimic NGF and are responsible for neurite stimulation. Hence, this mushroom may be developed as a nutraceutical for the mitigation of neurodegenerative diseases.

Hepatoprotective Effects of Panus giganteus (Berk.) Corner against Thioacetamide- (TAA-) Induced Liver Injury in Rats

Panus giganteus, a culinary and medicinal mushroom consumed by selected indigenous communities in Malaysia, is currently being considered for large scale cultivation. This study was undertaken to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of P. giganteus against thioacetamide- (TAA-) induced liver injury in Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were injected intraperitoneally with TAA thrice weekly and were orally administered freeze-dried fruiting bodies of P. giganteus (0.5 or 1 g/kg) daily for two months, while control rats were given vehicle or P. giganteus only. After 60 days, rats administered with P. giganteus showed lower liver body weight ratio, restored levels of serum liver biomarkers and oxidative stress parameters comparable to treatment with the standard drug silymarin. Gross necropsy and histopathological examination further confirmed the hepatoprotective effects of P. giganteus. This is the first report on hepatoprotective effects of P. giganteus. The present study showed that P. giganteus was able to prevent or reduce the severity of TAA-induced liver injury.

Evaluation of Selected Culinary-Medicinal Mushrooms for Antioxidant and ACE Inhibitory Activities

Considering the importance of diet in prevention of oxidative stress-related diseases including hypertension, this study was undertaken to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant and ACE inhibitory activities of selected culinary-medicinal mushrooms extracted by boiling in water for 30 min. Antioxidant capacity was measured using the following assays: DPPH free radical scavenging activity, β-carotene bleaching, inhibition of lipid peroxidation, reducing power ability, and cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC). Antioxidant potential of each mushroom species was calculated based on the average percentages relative to quercetin and summarized as Antioxidant Index (AI). Ganoderma lucidum (30.1%), Schizophyllum commune (27.6%), and Hericium erinaceus (17.7%) showed relatively high AI. Total phenolics in these mushrooms varied between 6.19 to 63.51 mg GAE/g extract. In the ACE inhibitory assay, G. lucidum was shown to be the most potent species (IC(50) = 50 μg/mL). Based on our findings, culinary-medicinal mushrooms can be considered as potential source of dietary antioxidant and ACE inhibitory agents.