Exploring Mushroom Polysaccharides for the Development of Novel Prebiotics: A Review

Evaluation of the synbiotic effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and mushroom extract on the growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, and immune status of zebrafish danio rerio

BACKGROUND

The quest for candidate probiotics and prebiotics to develop novel synbiotics for sustainable and profitable fish farming remains a major focus for various stakeholders. In this study, we examined the effects of combining two fungal probiotics, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Aspergillus niger with extracts of Jerusalem artichoke and white button mushroom to develop a synbiotic formulation to improve the growth and health status of zebrafish (Danio rerio). An initial in vitro study determined the most effective synbiotic combination, which was then tested in a 60-day in vivo nutritional trial using zebrafish (80 ± 1.0 mg) as a model animal. Four experimental diets were prepared: a control diet (basal diet), a prebiotic diet with 100% selected mushroom extract, a probiotic diet with 107 CFU of S. cerevisiae/g of diet, and a synbiotic diet with 107 CFU of S. cerevisiae/g of diet and 100% mushroom extract. As readouts, growth performance, survival, digestive enzyme activity and innate immune responses were evaluated.

RESULTS

In vitro results showed that the S. cerevisiae cultured in a medium containing 100% mushroom extract exhibited the maximum specific growth rate and shortest doubling time. In the in vivo test with zebrafish, feeding them with a synbiotic diet, developed with S. cerevisiae and mushroom extract, led to a significant improvement in the growth performance of zebrafish (P < 0.05). The group of zebrafish fed with the synbiotic diet showed significantly higher levels of digestive enzyme activity and immune responses compared to the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Taken together, these results indicated that the combination of S. cerevisiae and mushroom extract forms an effective synbiotic, capable of enhancing growth performance and immune response in zebrafish.

Enhancing Oral 5-ASA Effectiveness in Mild-to-Moderate Ulcerative Colitis through an H. erinaceus-Based Nutraceutical Add-on Multi-Compound: The "HERICIUM-UC" Two-Arm Multicentre Retrospective Study

Mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis (UC) management is centred on 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) derivatives. Whether supplementing 5-ASA with nutraceuticals can provide real advantages in UC-relevant outcomes is unclear. This retrospective multicentre study compared clinical remission, response rates, and faecal calprotectin levels in a two-arm design, including patients treated with 5-ASA alone and those with additional H. erinaceus-based multi-compound supplementation. In the 5-ASA alone group, clinical response rates were 41% at three months (T1) and 60.2% at six months (T2), while corresponding clinical remission rates were 16.9% and 36.1%. In the nutraceutical supplementation group, clinical response rates were 49.6% (T1) and 70.4% (T2), with clinical remission rates of 30.4% (T1) and 50.9% (T2). No significant differences in clinical response rates between the groups at T1 (p = 0.231) and T2 (p = 0.143) emerged. Clinical remission rates differed significantly at both time points (p = 0.029 and p = 0.042, respectively). Faecal calprotectin levels decreased significantly in both groups during the retrospective follow-up (p < 0.05), and this was more pronounced in nutraceutical supplementation patients at both T1 (p = 0.005) and T2 (p = 0.01). No adverse events were reported. This multi-component nutraceutical supplementation offers real-world potential in controlling disease activity in patients with mild-to-moderate UC.

Basidiomycetes Polysaccharides Regulate Growth and Antioxidant Defense System in Wheat

Higher-fungi xylotrophic basidiomycetes are known to be the reservoirs of bioactive metabolites. Currently, a great deal of attention has been paid to the exploitation of mycelial fungi products as an innovative alternative in crop protection. No data exist on the mechanisms behind the interaction between xylotrophic mushrooms' glycopolymeric substances and plants. In this study, the effects of basidiomycete metabolites on the morphophysiological and biochemical variables of wheat plants have been explored. Wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Saratovskaya 29) seedlings were treated with extracellular polysaccharides (EPSs) isolated from the submerged cultures of twenty basidiomycete strains assigned to 13 species and 8 genera. The EPS solutions at final concentrations of 15, 40, and 80 mg/L were applied to wheat seedlings followed by their growth for 10 days. In the plant samples, the biomass, length of coleoptile, shoot and root, root number, rate of lipid peroxidation by malondialdehyde concentration, content of hydrogen peroxide, and total phenols were measured. The peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activity were defined. Most of the EPS preparations improved biomass yields, as well as the morphological parameters examined. EPS application enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes and decreased oxidative damage to lipids. Judging by its overall effect on the growth indices and redox system of wheat plants, an EPS concentration of 40 mg/L has been shown to be the most beneficial compared to other concentrations. This study proves that novel bioformulations based on mushroom EPSs can be developed and are effective for wheat growth and antioxidative response. Phytostimulating properties found for EPSs give grounds to consider extracellular metabolites produced in the xylotrophic basidiomycete cultures as an active component capable of inducing plant responses to stress.

Hericium erinaceus Extract Exerts Beneficial Effects on Gut-Neuroinflammaging-Cognitive Axis in Elderly Mice

Ageing is a biological phenomenon that determines the impairment of cognitive performances, in particular, affecting memory. Inflammation and cellular senescence are known to be involved in the pathogenesis of cognitive decline. The gut microbiota-brain axis could exert a critical role in influencing brain homeostasis during ageing, modulating neuroinflammation, and possibly leading to inflammaging. Due to their anti-ageing properties, medicinal mushrooms can be utilised as a resource for developing pharmaceuticals and functional foods. Specifically, Hericium erinaceus (He), thanks to its bioactive metabolites, exerts numerous healthy beneficial effects, such as reinforcing the immune system, counteracting ageing, and improving cognitive performance. Our previous works demonstrated the capabilities of two months of He1 standardised extract oral supplementation in preventing cognitive decline in elderly frail mice. Herein, we showed that this treatment did not change the overall gut microbiome composition but significantly modified the relative abundance of genera specifically involved in cognition and inflammation. Parallelly, a significant decrease in crucial markers of inflammation and cellular senescence, i.e., CD45, GFAP, IL6, p62, and γH2AX, was demonstrated in the dentate gyrus and Cornus Ammonis hippocampal areas through immunohistochemical experiments. In summary, we suggested beneficial and anti-inflammatory properties of He1 in mouse hippocampus through the gut microbiome-brain axis modulation.

Acute Effects of Naturally Occurring Guayusa Tea and Nordic Lion's Mane Extracts on Cognitive Performance

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of guayusa extract and Nordic Lion's Mane (LM) on cognition. Using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design, we examined the effects of a single dose of 650 mg guayusa extract (AMT: AmaTea® Max) vs. 1 g Nordic-grown Lion's Mane (LM) vs. placebo (PL). Participants attended three testing visits consisting of neuropsychological tests (Go/No-go, N-Back, and Serial 7 s tasks) assessing performance, subjective assessments of cognitive perception, and vital signs. Each assessment was measured at baseline (pre-ingestion) and 1 and 2 h post ingestion. AMT significantly (p ≤ 0.05) improved the number of attempts during Serial 7s, total score, number of correct responses, total number of responses, and reaction time during N-Back and improved Go stimulus reaction time, but it reduced the percentage of correct responses in the No-go stimulus response during Go/No-go. LM significantly (p ≤ 0.05) improved the number of attempts during Serial 7s and reaction time during N-Back and improved Go stimulus reaction time in Go/No-go. AMT improved mental clarity, focus, concentration, mood, and productivity at 1 and 2 h (p < 0.05); the ability to tolerate stress at 1 h; and had greater ratings than LM and PL for mental clarity, focus, concentration, and productivity. PL improved focus and concentration at 1 h from baseline (p ≤ 0.05). AMT and LM improved subjective ratings of "happiness compared to peers" and "getting the most out of everything" (p < 0.05); however, this occurred earlier in LM (i.e., 1 h post ingestion). AMT uniquely elevated blood pressure from baseline. AMT significantly improved cognitive performance and self-perceived cognitive indices of affect over a 2 h period and perceptions of happiness 2 h post ingestion. In comparison, LM helped improve working memory, complex attention, and reaction time 2 h post ingestion and perceptions of happiness over a 2 h period.

The First Five Mitochondrial Genomes for the Family Nidulariaceae Reveal Novel Gene Rearrangements, Intron Dynamics, and Phylogeny of Agaricales

The family Nidulariaceae, consisting of five genera including Cyathus, is a unique group of mushrooms commonly referred to as bird's nest fungi due to their striking resemblance to bird's nests. These mushrooms are considered medicinal mushrooms in Chinese medicine and have received attention in recent years for their anti-neurodegenerative properties. However, despite the interest in these mushrooms, very little is known about their mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes). This study is the first comprehensive investigation of the mitogenomes of five Nidulariaceae species with circular genome structures ranging in size from 114,236 bp to 129,263 bp. Comparative analyses based on gene content, gene length, tRNA, and codon usage indicate convergence within the family Nidulariaceae and heterogeneity within the order Agaricales. Phylogenetic analysis based on a combined mitochondrial conserved protein dataset provides a well-supported phylogenetic tree for the Basidiomycetes, which clearly demonstrates the evolutionary relationships between Nidulariaceae and other members of Agaricales. Furthermore, phylogenetic inferences based on four different gene sets reveal the stability and proximity of evolutionary relationships within Agaricales. These results reveal the uniqueness of the family Nidulariaceae and its similarity to other members of Agaricales; provide valuable insights into the origin, evolution, and genetics of Nidulariaceae species; and enrich the fungal mitogenome resource. This study will help to expand the knowledge and understanding of the mitogenomes in mushrooms.

Structural Characterization and Immunobiological Activity of Polysaccharides from Astragalus Oyster Mushroom

When added to mushroom growing substrates, edible and medicinal herbs affect the mushrooms' nutritional and medicinal value. In this study, polysaccharides (P⁰OP-I and P¹⁵OP-I) were extracted and purified from oyster mushrooms grown on substrates supplemented with 0% and 15% Astragalus roots (P⁰ and P¹⁵), respectively, and their chemical structure and immunobiological activities were compared. P¹⁵OP-I and P⁰OP-I were extracted using ultrasound-assisted hot water and deproteinized with the Sevage method, depigmented with 30% H₂O₂, desalted with dialysis, and purified using DEAE-52 cellulose and Sephadex G-100 dextran column chromatography. The molecular weight of P⁰OP-I and P¹⁵OP-I was 21,706.96 and 20,172.65 Da, respectively. Both were composed of monosaccharides D-mannose, galacturonic acid, D-glucose, D-galactose, and L-arabinose but in different molar ratios, and both were connected by a pyranoside linkage. P¹⁵OP-I consisted of higher contents of mannose, glucose, galactose and arabinose and lower content of galacturonic acid as compared to P⁰OP-I. Both P⁰OP-I and P¹⁵OP-I induced NO and TNF-α production but did not show cytotoxic effect or induce ROS generation in RAW264.7 cells. P¹⁵OP-I showed a stronger ability to promote NO and TNF-α production relative to P⁰OP-I. In vitro experiments showed that the immunomodulatory activity of P⁰OP-I and P¹⁵OP-I in RAW264.7 macrophages were mediated by the JNK/MAPK, Erk/MAPK, and NF-κB signaling pathways. The results would be helpful for elucidation of the health promoting mechanism of Astragalus oyster mushrooms as a source of neutraceuticals.

Modulation of the Gut Microbiota with Prebiotics and Antimicrobial Agents from Pleurotus ostreatus Mushroom

Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq. ex Fr.) P. Kumm mushroom contains bioactive compounds with both antimicrobial and prebiotic properties, which are distributed in the mushroom mycelium, fruiting body, and spent substrate. The mushroom is rich in nondigestible carbohydrates like chitin and glucan, which act as prebiotics and support the growth and activity of beneficial gut bacteria, thereby maintaining a healthy balance of gut microbiota and reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance. The bioactive compounds in P. ostreatus mushrooms, including polysaccharides (glucans, chitin) and secondary metabolites (phenolic compounds, terpenoids, and lectins), exhibit antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal activities. When mushrooms are consumed, these compounds can help preventing the growth and spread of harmful bacteria in the gut, reducing the risk of infections and the development of antibiotic resistance. Nonetheless, further research is necessary to determine the efficacy of P. ostreatus against different pathogens and to fully comprehend its prebiotic and antimicrobial properties. Overall, consuming a diet rich in mushroom-based foods can have a positive impact on human digestion health. A mushroom-based diet can support a healthy gut microbiome and reduce the need for antibiotics.

Hericium erinaceus in Neurodegenerative Diseases: From Bench to Bedside and Beyond, How Far from the Shoreline?

A growing number of studies is focusing on the pharmacology and feasibility of bioactive compounds as a novel valuable approach to target a variety of human diseases related to neurological degeneration. Among the group of the so-called medicinal mushrooms (MMs), Hericium erinaceus has become one of the most promising candidates. In fact, some of the bioactive compounds extracted from H. erinaceus have been shown to recover, or at least ameliorate, a wide range of pathological brain conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, depression, Parkinson's disease, and spinal cord injury. In a large body of in vitro and in vivo preclinical studies on the central nervous system (CNS), the effects of erinacines have been correlated with a significant increase in the production of neurotrophic factors. Despite the promising outcome of preclinical investigations, only a limited number of clinical trials have been carried out so far in different neurological conditions. In this survey, we summarized the current state of knowledge on H. erinaceus dietary supplementation and its therapeutic potential in clinical settings. The bulk collected evidence underlies the urgent need to carry out further/wider clinical trials to prove the safety and efficacy of H. erinaceus supplementation, offering significant neuroprotective applications in brain pathologies.

Advances in Mechanism and Application of Molecular Breeding of Medicinal Mushrooms: A Review

With the development of molecular biology and genomics technology, mushroom breeding methods have changed from single traditional breeding to molecular breeding. Compared with traditional breeding methods, molecular breeding has the advantages of short time and high efficiency. It breaks through the restrictive factors of conventional breeding and improves the accuracy of breeding. Molecular breeding technology is gradually applied to mushroom breeding. This paper summarizes the concept of molecular breeding and the application progress of various molecular breeding technologies in mushroom breeding, in order to provide reference for future research on mushroom breeding.