Evaluation of In Vitro Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, and Anti-Quorum Sensing Activity of Edible Mushroom (Agrocybe aegerita)

Changes of the Physicochemical Properties and Structural Characteristics of Alkali-Extracted Polysaccharides from Agrocybe cylindracea Across the Growth Process

Polysaccharides derived from Agrocybe cylindracea have been demonstrated to exhibit various bioactivities. However, studies on their structural characteristics during the growth process are limited. This study aimed to compare the physicochemical properties and structural characteristics of alkali-extracted polysaccharides from A. cylindracea fruiting bodies (JACP) across four growth stages. Results showed that the extraction yields and protein levels of JACP declined along with the growth of A. cylindracea, while the contents of neutral sugar and glucose increased significantly. However, JACP exhibited structural characteristics similar to those across the four stages. Four polysaccharide subfractions were isolated from each growth stage, including JACP-Et30, JACP-Et50, JACP-Et60, and JACP-Et70. JACP-Et30 from the four stages and JACP-Et50 from the initial three stages were identified as heteroglucans with β-1,3-d-Glcp and β-1,6-d-Glcp residues as main chains, respectively. However, other subfractions were considered as β-1,6-d-glucans containing minor glucuronic acid. These subfractions were predominantly replaced by Glcp residues at the O-3 and O-6 positions. Overall, while JACP exhibited variable physicochemical properties, its structural characteristics remained stable during the growth process, offering new insights into its potential applications in the food and medicinal industries.

Polyamines in Edible and Medicinal Fungi from Serbia: A Novel Perspective on Neuroprotective Properties

The therapeutic effectiveness of current neurodegenerative disease treatments is still under debate because of problems with bioavailability and a range of side effects. Fungi, which are increasingly recognized as sources of natural antioxidants and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme inhibitors, may thus serve as potent neuroprotective agents. Previous studies have associated the anti-AChE and antioxidant activities of fungi mostly with polysaccharides and phenolic compounds, while other secondary metabolites such as polyamines (PAs) have been neglected. This study aimed to investigate eight edible and medicinal fungi from Serbia, marking the initial investigation into the neuroprotective capabilities of Postia caesia, Clitocybe odora, Clitopilus prunulus, and Morchella elata. Neuroprotective activity was examined using the Ellman assay, while the antioxidant capacity was tested by conducting DPPH, NO, ABTS, and FRAP tests. PA levels were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with fluorescent detection. Ganoderma applanatum and Lepista nuda exhibited the most robust anti-AChE (98.05 ± 0.83% and 99.94 ± 3.10%, respectively) and antioxidant activities, attributed to the synergistic effects of the total protein, total phenolic, and PA levels. Furthermore, P. caesia displayed significant AChE inhibition (88.21 ± 4.76%), primarily linked to the elevated spermidine (SPD) (62.98 ± 3.19 mg/kg d.w.) and putrescine (PUT) levels (55.87 ± 3.16 mg/kg d.w.). Our results highlight the need for thorough research to comprehend the intricate relationships between distinct fungus species and AChE inhibition. However, it is important to recognize that more research is required to identify the precise substances causing the reported inhibitory effects.