Chemical compositions and antioxidant activities of polysaccharides from the sporophores and cultured products of Armillaria mellea

Antidiabetic Properties of the Root Extracts of Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) and Burdock (Arctium lappa)

Several preclinical studies suggest the potential of edible plants in controlling blood sugar levels and stabilizing diet. The goals of the study were to examine, analyze, and describe whether there are chemical compounds in dandelion and burdock roots that could have antidiabetic properties. The 70% ethyl alcohol and lyophilizate extracts (AE and LE, respectively), were used, and analyses were carried out on their total polysaccharide (TP), total phenolic content (TPC), tannin, and inulin. The antioxidant activity of extracts was determined using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay, and hypoglycemic properties were based on α-amylase activity. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used for the tentative identification of the chemical components. Qualitative techniques confirmed the presence of inulin in both roots. Analysis of TPC, tannin content, DPPH assay, and α-amylase activity revealed higher values for burdock compared to dandelion. However, dandelion exhibited higher TP content. Burdock contained a small amount of tannin, whereas the tannin content in dandelion was insignificant. All LE consistently exhibited higher values in all analyses and assays for all roots compared to AE. Despite burdock root showing overall better results, it is uncertain whether these plants can be recommended as antidiabetic agents without in vivo studies.

Efficient conversion of cane molasses into Tremella fuciformis polysaccharides with enhanced bioactivity through repeated batch culture

Tremella fuciformis polysaccharide (TFPS) is a natural mushroom mucopolysaccharide widely used in health foods, medical care, cosmetic and surgical materials. In this study, we developed an efficient strategy for the repeated batch production of highly bioactive TFPS from the agro-industrial residue cane molasses. Cane molasses contained 39.92 % sucrose (w/w), 6.36 % fructose and 3.53 % glucose, all of which could be utilized by T. fuciformis spores, whereas, the TFPS production efficiency only reached 0.74 g/L/d. Corn cobs proved to be the best immobilized carrier that could tightly absorb spores and significantly shorten the fermentation lag period. The average yield of TFPS in eight repeated batch culture was 5.52 g/L with a production efficiency of 2.04 g/L/d. The average fermentation cycle after optimization was reduced by 61.61 % compared with the initial conditions. Compared to glucose as a carbon source, cane molasses significantly increased the proportion of low-molecular-weight TFPS (TFPS-2) in total polysaccharides from 3.54 % to 17.25 % (w/w). Moreover, TFPS-2 exhibited potent antioxidant capacity against four free radicals (O2-, ABTS+, OH, and DPPH). In conclusion, this study lays the foundation for the efficient conversion of cane molasses and production of TFPS with high bioactivity.

The antioxidant activity of polysaccharides from Armillaria gallica

The purpose of this study was to investigate the antioxidant activity of Armillaria gallica polysaccharides. It explored whether Armillaria gallica polysaccharides (AgP) could prevent HepG2 cells from H2O2-induced oxidative damage. The results demonstrated that HepG2 cells were significantly protected by AgP, and efficiently suppressed the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in HepG2 cells. Additionally, AgP significantly decreased the abnormal leakage of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) caused by H2O2, protecting cell membrane integrity. It was discovered that AgP was also found to regulate the activities of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), while reducing malondialdehyde (MDA), thus protecting cells from oxidative damage. According to the flow cytometry analysis and measurement of caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9 activities, AgP could modulate apoptosis-related proteins and attenuate ROS-mediated cell apoptosis.

Metabolomics analysis of mycelial exudates provides insights into fungal antagonists of Armillaria

The genus Armillaria has high edible and medical values, with zones of antagonism often occurring when different species are paired in culture on agar media, while the antagonism-induced metabolic alteration remains unclear. Here, the metabolome of mycelial exudates of two Chinese Armillaria biological species, C and G, co-cultured or cultured separately was analysed to discover the candidate biomarkers and the key metabolic pathways involved in Armillaria antagonists. A total of 2,377 metabolites were identified, mainly organic acids and derivatives, lipids and lipid-like molecules, and organoheterocyclic compounds. There were 248 and 142 differentially expressed metabolites between group C-G and C, C-G, and G, respectively, and fourteen common differentially expressed metabolites including malate, uracil, Leu-Gln-Arg, etc. Metabolic pathways like TCA cycle and pyrimidine metabolism were significantly affected by C-G co-culture. Additionally, 156 new metabolites (largely organic acids and derivatives) including 32 potential antifungal compounds, primarily enriched into biosynthesis of secondary metabolites pathways were identified in C-G co-culture mode. We concluded that malate and uracil could be used as the candidate biomarkers, and TCA cycle and pyrimidine metabolism were the key metabolic pathways involved in Armillaria antagonists. The metabolic changes revealed in this study provide insights into the mechanisms underlying fungal antagonists.

Purification of Polysaccharide Produced by the Haploid Yeast Strain of Tremella sanguinea and Its Antioxidant and Prebiotic Activities

Tremella sanguinea is a traditional Chinese medicinal and edible mushroom. Polysaccharides from Tremella mushrooms have received increasing amounts of research attention due to their diverse pharmacological activities. In this study, via the incubation of basidiospores collected from fresh artificially cultivated basidiocarps of T. sanguinea, a haploid yeast strain of T. sanguinea was obtained, and it was found to be a typical loose-slime-forming yeast capable of producing a large amount of exopolysaccharides (EPS). Using DEAE-52 cellulose column chromatography and Sephadex G-100 gel permeation chromatography, the major polysaccharide, named TSPS-1, was separated and purified from the EPS produced by the haploid yeast strain of T. sanguinea. TSPS-1 was a homogeneous polysaccharide with a molecular weight of 2.5 × 10³ kDa and consisted of rhamnose, glucose, xylose, mannose and glucuronic acid at a molar ratio of 1: 0.7: 62.2: 24.6: 11.5. The bioactivity of the TSPS-1 polysaccharide was evaluated. The results show that TSPS-1 exhibited noticeable antioxidant activity by scavenging hydroxyl radicals (EC₅₀ = 1.92 mg/mL) and superoxide radicals (EC₅₀ = 1.33 mg/mL), and prebiotic activity by promoting the growth of different probiotic strains in the genus Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. These results suggest that the cultivation of the haploid yeast strain can be a promising alternative for the efficient production of valuable T. sanguinea polysaccharides with antioxidant and prebiotic potential.

Structural characterization and in vitro hepatoprotective activity of a novel antioxidant polysaccharide from fruiting bodies of the mushroom Pleurotus ferulae

In the present study, three novel antioxidant polysaccharides (G-1, AG-1, and AG-2) were isolated and purified from Pleurotus ferulae using mouse erythrocyte hemolysis inhibitory activity as an indicator. These components showed antioxidant activity at the chemical and cellular levels. Given that G-1 displayed superior performance in protecting the human hepatocyte L02 cells against oxidative damage caused by H₂O₂ compared to AG-1 and AG-2 and had a higher yield and purification rate, the detailed structure of G-1 was further characterized. G-1 mainly contains six kinds of linkage type units as A: →4,6)-α-d-Glcp-(1→, B: →3)-β-d-Glcp-(1→, C: →2,6)-β-d-Glcp-(1→, d: β-d-Manp(1→, E: →6)-β-d-Galp-(1→, F: →4)-β-d-Glcp-(1→. Finally, the potential in vitro hepatoprotective mechanism of G-1 was discussed and elucidated. Results suggested that G-1 can protect L02 cells from H₂O₂-induced damage by reducing the leakage of AST and ALT from the cytoplasm, enhancing the activities of SOD and CAT, and suppressing lipid peroxidation and production of LDH. G-1 could further reduce the production of ROS, stabilize mitochondrial membrane potential and maintain cell morphology. Hence, G-1 could be a valuable functional food with antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities.

Antidiabetic activity of Armillaria mellea polysaccharides: Joint ultrasonic and enzyme assisted extraction

Armillaria mellea polysaccharides (AMPs) were obtained by ultrasonic assisted extraction (U), enzyme assisted extraction (E) and ultrasonic-enzyme assisted extraction (UE), respectively. The yield of UE-AMPs (6.32 ± 0.14%) was 1.64 times higher than that of U-AMPs (3.86 ± 0.11%) and 1.21 times higher than that of E-AMPs (5.21 ± 0.09%); meanwhile, the highest total sugar content and the lowest protein content were found in UE-AMPs. AMPs obtained from the three extraction methods had the same monosaccharide composition but in different proportions, allowing UE-AMPs to have the most potent antioxidant activity. The antidiabetic activity of UE-AMPs was investigated in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice. UE-AMPs, when given by gavage, greatly prevented weight loss, increased water intake, and considerably decreased blood glucose levels in diabetic mice, which were dose-dependent (P < 0.05). In addition, UE-AMPs also had a positive effect on the reduction of lipid levels in the blood, oxidative damage and liver function impairment. The pathological observation by hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE) revealed that UE-AMPs protected the organs of mice from diabetic complications (liver disease and nephropathy). Hence, our findings demonstrate that UE-AMPs are a suitable choice for improving diabetes and its complications and have great application prospects in the fields of natural medicine and functional food.

The Interaction between Mushroom Polysaccharides and Gut Microbiota and Their Effect on Human Health: A Review

Mushroom polysaccharides are a kind of biological macromolecule extracted from the fruiting body, mycelium or fermentation liquid of edible fungi. In recent years, the research on mushroom polysaccharides for alleviating metabolic diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, cancers and other symptoms by changing the intestinal microenvironment has been increasing. Mushroom polysaccharides could promote human health by regulating gut microbiota, increasing the production of short-chain fatty acids, improving intestinal mucosal barrier, regulating lipid metabolism and activating specific signaling pathways. Notably, these biological activities are closely related to the molecular weight, monosaccharide composition and type of the glycosidic bond of mushroom polysaccharide. This review aims to summarize the latest studies: (1) Regulatory effects of mushroom polysaccharides on gut microbiota; (2) The effect of mushroom polysaccharide structure on gut microbiota; (3) Metabolism of mushroom polysaccharides by gut microbiota; and (4) Effects of mushroom polysaccharides on gut microbe-mediated diseases. It provides a theoretical basis for further exploring the mechanism of mushroom polysaccharides for regulating gut microbiota and gives a reference for developing and utilizing mushroom polysaccharides as promising prebiotics in the future.

Extraction optimization, purification, and biological properties of polysaccharide from Chinese yam peel

In this study, the Chinese yam peel polysaccharide (CYPP) was obtained under the extraction conditions optimized by the Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Further biological properties of CYPP-1 purified from CYPP were also determined. The results indicated that the optimum extraction conditions were an extraction temperature of 90.5°C, a liquid-solid ratio of 28.0 ml/g, and an extraction time of 2.94 h, along with a yield of 8.81 ± 1.48%. CYPP-1 was identified as a kind of heteropolysaccharide mostly composed of glucose and galactose (59.4:1.0). The molecular weights were two main parts of 50.5 kDa (54.77%) and 4.4 kDa (21.02%), and the triple-helix conformation was not formed in CYPP-1. Besides, CYPP-1 showed good biological properties including in vitro antioxidant activity and immunomodulatory function on RAW264.7 cells, as well as favorable hypoglycemic effect. Overall, the high-value utilization of CYPP-1 reveals a broad application prospect in the industrial production of functional foods and pharmaceuticals. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Yam peel, which is discarded in large quantities during postharvest processing, results in the production of tremendous by-products and is a great waste of resources. In this study, the yield of water-soluble polysaccharide from yam peel reached 8.81 ± 1.48%. Besides, the purified CYPP-1 exhibited excellent antioxidant activity, favorable immunomodulatory function, and hypoglycemic effect. The high productivity and bioactive effects are both great merits for Chinese yam peel polysaccharide as a promising candidate for foods and medicines industrial production.

Research Status and Application Prospects of the Medicinal Mushroom Armillaria mellea

Armillaria is one of the most common diseases underlying chronic root rot in woody plants. Although there is no particularly effective way to prevent it, soil disinfection is a common effective protective measure. However, Armillaria itself has important medicinal value and is a symbiotic fungus in the cultivation of Gastrodia elata and Polyporus umbellatus. Therefore, researching Armillaria is of great practical significance. In this review, the biological characteristics, cultivation methods, chemical components, food and medicinal value and efficacy of Armillaria were all reviewed, and its development and utilization direction were analyzed and discussed.

Polysaccharides from Volvariella volvacea Mushroom: Extraction, Biological Activities and Cosmetic Efficacy

Polysaccharides from Volvariella volvacea (VVP) were investigated for their cosmetic-related activities and in vivo efficacy for use as a multifunctional active cosmetic ingredient. Three different polysaccharide extraction methods, including hot water shaking (HS), microwave-assisted (MA) and ultrasonic-assisted (UA), were used. Extractable yield, polysaccharide contents and biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase and anti-elastase activities, were compared. The polysaccharides from HS provided the highest extraction yield (15.58 ± 0.96% w/w) and the highest beta-glucan content (18.80 ± 0.81% w/w). The HS polysaccharides also possessed the highest inhibitory effects toward lipid peroxidation (IC₅₀ of 0.0378 mg/mL), tyrosinase (51.46 mg KAE/g), and elastase (604.21 ± 73.66 mg EGCG/g). The cytotoxicity of the VVP was determined for safe use. A cosmetic gel cream containing VVP was developed and 0.2% VVP formulation was observed to be the most stable in color. UV protection factors, skin irritation by single patch test, and in vivo efficacy, including skin moisturization, anti-wrinkle and whitening, were measured. The VVP showed no cytotoxicity against human dermal skin fibroblast. The gel cream containing VVP provided less sun protection factor; however, it significantly exhibited the skin benefits of increasing moisture, gross elasticity, net elasticity, and skin firmness. Improvements to skin roughness, scaliness, wrinkles and in melanin content were also depicted gradually along 8 weeks. V. volvacea, therefore, could be a good source for polysaccharides being used as a moisturizing, anti-wrinkle, and whitening agent in cosmetic preparations.

Armillaria mellea fermentation liquor ameliorates p-chlorophenylalanine-induced insomnia associated with the modulation of serotonergic system and gut microbiota in rats

In China, Armillaria mellea (Vahl) P. Kumm. has been used as a folk medicine to treat insomnia for several hundred years. However, the underlying mechanisms involved are currently unknown. In this study, the anti-insomnia efficacy of A. mellea fermentation liquor (AFL) was evaluated in p-chlorophenylalanine-induced insomnia rats by measuring the serotonergic systems and gut microbiota. Our results demonstrate that all doses of AFL significantly reduced locomotor activity and alleviated decreasing weights in insomnia rats. Further, AFL exhibited better sedative effects by reducing sleep latency and increasing sleep duration in pentobarbital-treated rats. AFL treatment also elevated serum glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase levels, while reducing serum interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-1β levels. Furthermore, AFL alleviated insomnia by enhancing 5-hydroxytryptamine content and the expression 5-HT_1A and 5-HT_2A receptor in the hippocampus. Meanwhile, AFL treatment normalized the composition of gut microbiota in insomnia-model rats, while increasing relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcaceae, and Saccharimonadaceae restores the gut microbial ecosystem altered in insomnia rats. The experiments show that A. mellea alleviated insomnia by modulating serotonergic system and gut microbiota. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Insomnia has become a serious health issue of global concern. As a well-known traditional Chinese medicine, Armillaria mellea has been clinically employed in the treatment of insomnia for centuries in Asia with significant efficacy. In the present study, we firstly reported A. mellea fermentation liquor potentially relieved insomnia rats by alteration of gut microbiota and serotonergic systems and could guide future clinical studies. As a popular edible and medicinal mushroom, A. mellea also can be potentially used in the development and production of novel food products in the future.

Chemical Composition, Bioactive Compounds, and Antioxidant Activity of Two Wild Edible Mushrooms Armillaria mellea and Macrolepiota procera from Two Countries (Morocco and Portugal)

The present study aimed to investigate the chemical composition, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity of two wild edible mushrooms, the honey fungus (Armillaria mellea) and the parasol mushroom (Macrolepiota procera), collected from Northern Morocco (MA) and Portugal (PT). Those species were chosen due to their edibility, nutraceutical, and medicinal properties. Bioactive compounds (ascorbic acid, tannin, total phenolic, total flavonoid, β-carotene, and lycopene) and their antioxidant activity were determined by spectrophotometric methods. Herein, the fruiting body of the samples revealed a significantly higher amount of bioactive compounds, and values varied between the Moroccan and the Portuguese ones. Methanolic extracts shown a strong antioxidant capacity: Using DPPH free radical-scavenging activity radicals (IC₅₀ 1.06–1.32 mg/mL); inhibition of β-carotene bleaching radicals (IC₅₀ 0.09–0.53 mg/mL); and, reducing power radicals (IC₅₀ 0.52–1.11 mg/mL). The mushroom species with the highest antioxidant capacity was A. mellea from MA. Chemical composition was analyzed by GC-MS and LC-MS methodologies. GC-MS analysis showed that the most abundant biomolecules group was sugar compositions in the four samples (62.90%, 48.93%, 59.00%, and 53.71%) and the main components were galactitol 16.74%, petroselinic acid 19.83%, d-galactose 38.43%, and glycerol 24.43% in A. mellea (MA), A. mellea (PT), M. procera (MA), and M. procera (PT), respectively. LC-MS analysis of individual phenolic compounds revealed that vanillic acid (198.40 ± 2.82 µg/g dry weight (dw) and cinnamic acid (155.20 ± 0.97 µg/g dw) were the main compounds detected in A. mellea, while protocatechuic acid (92.52 ± 0.45 and 125.50 ± 0.89 µg/g dw) was predominated in M. procera for MA and PT samples, respectively. In general, the results of this comparative study demonstrate that the geographic and climatic conditions of the collection site can influence biomolecule compounds and antioxidant properties of wild mushrooms. This study contributes to the elaboration of nutritional, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical databases of the worldwide consumed mushrooms.

Optimization of Liquid Culture Condition of a Novel Fungus Hygrophoropsis sp. and Antioxidant Activity of Extracts

To evaluate pharmacological activities of a novel fungus Hygrophoropsis sp., the influence of aeration rate on the production of mycelial biomass, exopolysaccharides (EPS), and intrapolysaccharides (IPS) in the fungus Hygrophoropsis sp. was investigated. And the water extracts of cultured Hygrophoropsis sp. mycelia and the fermentation broth were analyzed for their antioxidation activity by using four different assay methods such as hydroxyl radical scavenging, superoxide radical scavenging, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, and reducing power. The Hygrophoropsis sp. was cultivated under various aeration rates in a 7 l bioreactor. The highest mycelial biomass (3.98 mg/mL) and IPS production (19.63 mg/g) were obtained at aeration rate 4.5 v.v.m. The results showed that Hygrophoropsis sp., in general, possesses a strong antioxidation activity in all assays tested. The deproteinized extracts had stronger antioxidation activity as compared to the un-deproteinized extracts by using superoxide radical scavenging, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, and reducing power. Besides, the un-deproteinized extracts had stronger antioxidation activity as compared to the deproteinized extracts by using hydroxyl radical scavenging. Thus, the polysaccharide extractions from the Hygrophoropsis sp. studied have antioxidant activities in vitro, which may be a good source of natural antioxidants or further investigation as potential natural antioxidants.

Structures and anti-atherosclerotic effects of 1,6-α-glucans from Fructus Corni

In this study, two homogeneous polysaccharides (PFC-1 and PFC-2) having anti-atherosclerotic activity were isolated from Fructus Corni. PFC-1 and PFC-2 were 1,6-α-glucans with the molecular weight of 4.4 kDa and 82.0 kDa, respectively. In the in vitro experiments, PFC-1 and PFC-2 showed significant inhibitory effects on the cholesterol accumulation in RAW264.7 macrophages induced by oxidized low-density lipoproteins (ox-LDL), and the inhibitory rate of PFC-2 was 81.62%. Apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE^-/-) mice fed high-fat diet (HFD) were used to evaluate the anti-atherosclerotic effects of PFC-2 in vivo. The aortic root lipid area decreased by 55.01% in the PFC-2-administered group as compared to the model group. PFC-2 decreased the levels of serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and malondialdehyde, increased the superoxide dismutase activity, and reduced the contents of lipid and macrophages in the aortic sinus plaque in ApoE^-/- mice fed with HFD. Furthermore, PFC-2 markedly inhibited the expression of type A1 scavenger receptor (SR-A1) and cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36) in ox-LDL-treated macrophages. Taken together, 1,6-α-glucans from Fructus Corni showed significant anti-atherogenic effect, and the mechanism is related to enhanced antioxidant activity of the ApoE^-/- mice and down-regulated the expression of SR-A1 and CD36 proteins in macrophages.

Plant growth regulators from mushrooms

Plants interact with fungi in their natural growing environments, and relationships between plants and diverse fungal species impact plants in complex symbiotic, parasitic, and pathogenic ways. Over the past 10 years, we have intensively investigated plant growth regulators produced by mushrooms, and we succeeded in finding various regulators from mushroom-forming fungi: (1) fairy chemicals as a candidate family of new plant hormones from Lepista sordida, (2) agrocybynes A to E from fungus Agrocybe praecox that stimulate strawberry growth, (3) armillariols A to C and sesquiterpene aryl esters from genus Armillaria that are allelopathic and cause Arimillaria root disease, and (4) other plant growth regulators from other mushrooms, such as Stropharia rugosoannulata, Tricholoma flavovirens, Hericium erinaceus, Leccinum extremiorientale, Russula vinosa, Pholiota lubrica and Cortinarius caperatus.

Meripilus giganteus ethanolic extract exhibits pro-apoptotic and anti-proliferative effects in leukemic cell lines

Background

The interest towards botanicals and plant extracts has strongly risen due to their numerous biological effects and ability to counteract chronic diseases development. Among these effects, chemoprevention which represents the possibility to counteract the cancerogenetic process is one of the most studied. The extracts of mushroom Meripilus giganteus (MG) (Phylum of Basidiomycota) showed to exert antimicrobic, antioxidant and antiproliferative effects. Therefore, since its effect in leukemic cell lines has not been previously evaluated, we studied its potential chemopreventive effect in Jurkat and HL-60 cell lines.

Methods

MG ethanolic extract was characterized for its antioxidant activity and scavenging effect against different radical species. Moreover, its phenolic profile was evaluated by HPLC-MS-MS analyses. Flow cytometry (FCM) analyses of Jurkat and HL-60 cells treated with MG extract (0–750 μg/mL) for 24–72 h- allowed to evaluate its cytotoxicity, pro-apoptotic and anti-proliferative effect. To better characterize MG pro-apoptotic mechanism ROS intracellular level and the gene expression level of FAS, BAX and BCL2 were also evaluated. Moreover, to assess MG extract selectivity towards cancer cells, its cytotoxicity was also evaluated in human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL).

Results

MG extract induced apoptosis in Jurkat and HL-60 cells in a dose- and time- dependent manner by increasing BAX/BCL2 ratio, reducing ROS intracellular level and inducing FAS gene expression level. In fact, reduced ROS level is known to be related to the activation of apoptosis in leukemic cells by the involvement of death receptors. MG extract also induced cell-cycle arrest in HL-60 cells. Moreover, IC₅₀ at 24 h treatment resulted 2 times higher in PBL than in leukemic cell lines.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that MG extract might be considered a promising and partially selective chemopreventive agent since it is able to modulate different mechanisms in transformed cells at concentrations lower than in non-transformed ones.

Chemical, nutritive composition and a wide range of bioactive properties of honey mushroom Armillaria mellea (Vahl: Fr.) Kummer

A. mellea fruiting bodies collected from nature were chemically characterized and shown to be rich in carbohydrates (81.25 g per 100 g dw), ash, fat and proteins (8.84 g per 100 g dw, 1.97 g per 100 g dw and 1.81 g per 100 g dw, respectively). Mannitol was the main free sugar while malic acid was the most abundant organic acid. δ-Tocopherol was the dominant form of tocopherols with 42.41 μg per 100 g dw. Polyunsaturated fatty acids were predominant, followed by saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids. A methanolic extract prepared from these samples was tested for antioxidant, quorum sensing and antimicrobial assays, as well as for its cytotoxicity effects. The extract showed antimicrobial activity against all tested microorganisms, including Candida albicans. Furthermore, when tested at sub-MIC concentration, it showed reduction of virulence factors and biofilm formation against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The extract also exhibited antioxidant activity and did not show toxicity against tumor and non-tumor cells. Due to the observed bioactive properties and compounds of the honey mushroom and its well-balanced nutrients, this mushroom emerges as an interesting functional food and a source of nutraceuticals with applications in different diseases based on antioxidant and antimicrobial effects.

Gram-Scale, Stereoselective Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of (+)-Armillariol C

Natural products with heteroaromatic cores are ample and widespread in nature, with many compounds exhibiting promising therapeutic properties. (+)-Armillariol C (1a) is a furan-based natural product isolated from Armillaria species. Herein, we report the first enantioselective synthesis of (+)-armillariol C (1a, 79% overall yield), its enantiomer (1b), and four other analogues, on a gram-scale, using microwave-mediated, Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling and Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation reactions. Compounds were tested for plant- and mycelia-growth regulatory activity, with 1b, 7a, and 7b showing the strongest inhibitory properties in a lettuce assay and 7b and 9b inhibiting Flammulina velutipes.

Structure and bioactivities of a polysaccharide isolated from Ganoderma lucidum in submerged fermentation

In this study, a Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide GLP-1-1 was isolated from a culture broth with Mw of 22014 Da. Monosaccharide contained glucose, mannose, and galactose with mole percentages of 92.33%, 7.55%, and 0.22%, respectively. Moreover, FTIR and methylation analysis were conducted to characterize the structural properties of GLP-1-1. The results of antioxidant activity analysis showed that GLP-1-1 had a great DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity. Meanwhile, GLP-1-1 also exhibited anti-tumor activity to A431 and MDA-MB-231 cells, and inhibitory rates were dose-dependent. During culturing with GLP-1-1, the G1/G0 cell percentage of A431 cells was increased from 48.64% to 84.52%, and the G1/G0 cell percentage of MDA-MB-231 cells was increased from 57.14% to 73.48%. Therefore, the anti-tumor activity of GLP-1-1 may be caused by inducing the G1/G0 arrest of tumor cells.

Extraction of Opuntia dillenii Haw. Polysaccharides and Their Antioxidant Activities

Use of natural polysaccharides in medicine and food has wide interest in research. In this study, we extracted and purified some polysaccharides from cactus Opuntia dillenii Haw. (ODP). Some preliminary functions of these products were characterized. Under the optimal purification conditions, the yield of ODP extracted from the 2–4 month-old Opuntia dillenii Haw. (T-ODP) was 30.60% ± 0.40%, higher than that of ODP from the 5–10 month-old materials (O-ODP) (18.97% ± 0.58%). The extracted ODP was purified by DEAE sepharose fast flow anion exchange and Sephacryl S-400 chromatography with four fractions obtained (ODP-Ia, ODP-Ib, ODP-IIa and ODP-IIb). Analysis with UV-vis chromatography indicated that ODP-Ia and ODP-IIa were relatively homogeneous molecules with a molecular weight of 339 kD and 943 kD, respectively. Results of infrared spectroscopy indicated that ODP, ODP-Ia, and ODP-IIa were acidic polysaccharides. Further, the antioxidant activity against DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical, hydroxyl radicals, and superoxide radical in vitro demonstrated that the T-ODP exhibited higher antioxidant activity than the O-ODP, and the purified fraction (ODP-Ia) was superior to the ODP. These results will offer a theoretical basis for further research on the structure-function relationship of ODP and the rational utilization of Opuntia dillenii Haw.

Purification, Characterization and Biological Activity of Polysaccharides from Dendrobium officinale

Polysaccharide (DOPA) from the stem of D. officinale, as well as two fractions (DOPA-1 and DOPA-2) of it, were isolated and purified by DEAE cellulose-52 and Sephacryl S-300 chromatography, and their structural characteristics and bioactivities were investigated. The average molecular weights of DOPA-1 and DOPA-2 were 394 kDa and 362 kDa, respectively. They were mainly composed of d-mannose, d-glucose, and had a backbone consisting of 1,4-linked β-d-Manp and 1,4-linked β-d-Glcp with O-acetyl groups. Bioactivity studies indicated that both DOPA and its purified fractions (DOPA-1 and DOPA-2) could activate splenocytes and macrophages. The D. officinale polysaccharides had stimulatory effects on splenocytes, T-lymphocytes and B-lymphocytes, promoting the cell viability and NO production of RAW 264.7 macrophages. Furthermore, DOPA, DOPA-1 and DOPA-2 were found to protect RAW 264.7 macrophages against hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced oxidative injury by promoting cell viability, suppressing apoptosis and ameliorating oxidative lesions. These results suggested that D. officinale polysaccharides possessed antioxidant activity and mild immunostimulatory activity.