Antifatigue Effects of Antrodia cinnamomea Cultured Mycelium via Modulation of Oxidative Stress Signaling in a Mouse Model

A scoping review of the effects of mushroom and fungus extracts in rodent models of depression and tests of antidepressant activity

One of the most important developments in psychopharmacology in the past decade has been the emergence of novel treatments for mood disorders, such as psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression. Psilocybin is most commonly found in different species of mushroom; however, the literature on mushroom and fungus extracts with potential antidepressant activity extends well beyond just psilocybin-containing mushrooms, and includes both psychedelic and non-psychedelic species. In the current review, we systematically review the preclinical literature on mushroom and fungus extracts, and their effects of animal models of depression and tests of antidepressant activity. The PICO structure, PRISMA checklist and the Cochrane Handbook for systematic reviews of intervention were used to guide the search strategy. A scoping search was conducted in electronic databases PubMed, CINAHL, Embase and Web of Science. The literature search identified 50 relevant and suitable published studies. These included 19 different species of mushrooms, as well as seven different species of other fungi. Nearly all studies reported antidepressant-like effects of treatment with extracts. Treatments were most commonly delivered orally, in both acute and chronically administered studies to predominantly male rodents. Multiple animal models of depression were used, the most common being unpredictable chronic mild stress, while the tail suspension test and forced swim test were most frequently used as standalone antidepressant screens. Details on each experiment with mushroom and fungus species are discussed in detail, while an evaluation is provided of the strengths and weaknesses of these studies.

Recent Advances in Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer as a Herb for Anti-Fatigue: An Effects and Mechanisms Review

As an ancient Chinese herbal medicine, Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer (P. ginseng) has been used both as food and medicine for nutrient supplements and treatment of human diseases in China for years. Fatigue, as a complex and multi-cause symptom, harms life from all sides. Millions worldwide suffer from fatigue, mainly caused by physical labor, mental stress, and chronic diseases. Multiple medicines, especially P. ginseng, were used for many patients or sub-healthy people who suffer from fatigue as a treatment or healthcare product. This review covers the extract and major components of P. ginseng with the function of anti-fatigue and summarizes the anti-fatigue effect of P. ginseng for different types of fatigue in animal models and clinical studies. In addition, the anti-fatigue mechanism of P. ginseng associated with enhancing energy metabolism, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity is discussed.

Griseococcin (1) from Bovistella radicata (Mont.) Pat and antifungal activity

Background

To evaluate the antimicrobial and microbicidel activity of B. radicata fermentation broth, the broth was purified by DEAE-cellulose and sephadex LC-20 column. The compounds were submitted to spectral analyses (HPLC, FT-IR, 1D and 2D NMR etc.).

Results

The purified compounds were identified as the Griseococcin(s) which were naphthoquinone derivatives, the Chemical formula and MW of Griseococcin (1) was determined as C₃₇O₁₀H₄₃N and 661 Da. only Griseococcin (1) has good antimicrobial activity among the Griseococcin(s). The zone of inhibition (ZOI), minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) or minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of Griseococcin (1) were used to investigate the antimicrobial activity. Antifungal activity of Griseococcin (1) was significant, especially for main pathogenic fungus Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes, MFC/MIC of Griseococcin (1) was 1, while MFC/MIC of postive control was greater than 4, the fungicidal effect of Griseococcin (1) was better than that of positive control.

Conclusions

In this paper, the secondary metabolite compound Griseococcin (1) from B. radicata was purified. The purified compound can restrain main pathogens (T. rubrum and T. mentagrophytes) leading to tinea pedis. The antifungal activity of Griseococcin (1) was similar to that of the positive control and the fungicidal effect of Griseococcin (1) was better than that of positive control, it might be suitable for pharmaceutical industries.

Triterpenoids Extracted From Antrodia cinnamomea Mycelia Attenuate Acute Alcohol-Induced Liver Injury in C57BL/6 Mice via Suppression Inflammatory Response

Excessive alcohol consumption causes liver injury–induced mortality. Here we systematically analyzed the structure of triterpenoids extracted from Antrodia cinnamomea mycelia (ACT) and investigated their protective effects against acute alcohol-induced liver injury in mice. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry were performed to determine the structures of ACT constituents. Alcohol-induced liver injury was generated in C57BL/6 mice by oral gavage of 13 g/kg white spirit (a wine at 56% ABV). Mice were treated with either silibinin or ACT for 2 weeks. Liver injury markers and pathological signaling were then quantified with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, antibody array assays, and Western blots, and pathological examinations were performed using hematoxylin-eosin staining and periodic acid–Schiff staining. Triterpenoids extracted from A. cinnamomea mycelia contain 25 types of triterpenoid compounds. A 2-weeks alcohol consumption treatment caused significant weight loss, liver dyslipidemia, and elevation of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, γ-glutamyl transferase, and alkaline phosphatase activities in the serum and/or liver. These effects were markedly reversed after 2-weeks ACT administration. Triterpenoids extracted from A. cinnamomea mycelia alleviated the organ structural changes and inflammatory infiltration of alcohol-damaged tissues. Triterpenoids extracted from A. cinnamomea mycelia inhibited proinflammatory cytokine levels and enhanced anti-inflammatory cytokine levels. Acute alcohol treatment promoted inflammation with significant correlations to hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α), which was reduced by ACT and was partially related to modulation of the protein kinase B (Akt)/70-kDa ribosomal protein S6 kinase phosphorylation (p70S6K) and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways. In conclusion, ACT protected against acute alcohol-induced liver damage in mice mainly through its suppression of the inflammatory response, which may be related to HIF-1α signaling.

Flavonoids in Cancer Metastasis

Metastasis represents a serious complication in the treatment of cancer. Flavonoids are plant secondary metabolites exerting various health beneficiary effects. The effects of flavonoids against cancer are associated not only with early stages of the cancer process, but also with cancer progression and spread into distant sites. Flavonoids showed potent anti-cancer effects against various cancer models in vitro and in vivo, mediated via regulation of key signaling pathways involved in the migration and invasion of cancer cells and metastatic progression, including key regulators of epithelial-mesenchymal transition or regulatory molecules such as MMPs, uPA/uPAR, TGF-β and other contributors of the complex process of metastatic spread. Moreover, flavonoids modulated also the expression of genes associated with the progression of cancer and improved inflammatory status, a part of the complex process involved in the development of metastasis. Flavonoids also documented clear potential to improve the anti-cancer effectiveness of conventional chemotherapeutic agents. Most importantly, flavonoids represent environmentally-friendly and cost-effective substances; moreover, a wide spectrum of different flavonoids demonstrated safety and minimal side effects during long-termed administration. In addition, the bioavailability of flavonoids can be improved by their conjugation with metal ions or structural modifications by radiation. In conclusion, anti-cancer effects of flavonoids, targeting all phases of carcinogenesis including metastatic progression, should be implemented into clinical cancer research in order to strengthen their potential use in the future targeted prevention and therapy of cancer in high-risk individuals or patients with aggressive cancer disease with metastatic potential.

The natural product antroalbol H promotes phosphorylation of liver kinase B1 (LKB1) at threonine 189 and thereby enhances cellular glucose uptake

Hypoglycemic drugs such as metformin increase glucose uptake and utilization by peripheral tissues to maintain glucose homeostasis, and the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway is an important component of this pharmacological activity. Liver kinase B1 (LKB1) acts as a kinase upstream of AMPK and plays an important regulatory role in glucose metabolism. In recent years, as a tumor suppressor, LKB1's antitumor activity has been widely studied, yet its hypoglycemic activity is not clear. Here, using biochemical and cell viability assays, site-directed mutagenesis, immunoblotting, and immunofluorescence staining, we found that a natural product, antroalbol H isolated from the basidiomycete mushroom Antrodiella albocinnamomea, increases cellular glucose uptake in murine L6 myotubes and 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Of note, our results indicated that this effect is related to LKB1-mediated Thr-172 phosphorylation of AMPKα. Furthermore, we observed that antroalbol H induces the phosphorylation of LKB1 specifically at Thr-189 and changes subcellular localization of LKB1. Finally, antroalbol H treatment strikingly promoted glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) translocation to the plasma membrane. We conclude that antroalbol H promotes Thr-189 phosphorylation of LKB1, leading to AMPK activation, revealing this residue as a potential target for increasing glucose uptake, and that antroalbol H therefore has potential for managing hyperglycemia.

The anti-fatigue activities of Tuber melanosporum in a mouse model

Tuber melanosporum (TM) is an edible fungus that exhibits antioxidant and anti-tumor activity via its unique bioactive metabolites. The present study analyzed the anti-fatigue effects of TM using a BALB/c mouse model. The anti-fatigue properties of TM were evaluated by assessing the endurance of mice by performing forced swimming, rotary rod and running tests. Following 2 weeks TM treatment, hepatic and muscular ATP, and glycogen levels were increased in mice subjected to 30 min swimming, compared with controls. Similarly, levels of serum lactic acid and lactic dehydrogenase were decreased in the same group, compared with the control. Additionally, TM treatment reduced reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde levels, and increased superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase levels in the muscle, liver and/or serum. The effect of TM on hormone levels was also investigated in the present study, as different efficacies of TM were observed in male and female mice. TM treatment increased serum levels of progesterone, estradiol and testosterone in female and male mice, whereas a decrease in serum luteinizing hormone levels was only observed in females. A decrease in serum follicle-stimulating hormone levels was identified in females, whereas an increase was observed in males. The current study demonstrated that the anti-fatigue effects of TM occur via the regulation of oxidative stress, energy metabolism and hormone levels.