Chemical Constituents Identified from Fruit Body of Cordyceps bassiana and Their Anti-Inflammatory Activity

Cordyceps spp.: A Review on Its Immune-Stimulatory and Other Biological Potentials

In recent decades, interest in the Cordyceps genus has amplified due to its immunostimulatory potential. Cordyceps species, its extracts, and bioactive constituents have been related with cytokine production such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, phagocytosis stimulation of immune cells, nitric oxide production by increasing inducible nitric oxide synthase activity, and stimulation of inflammatory response via mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Other pharmacological activities like antioxidant, anti-cancer, antihyperlipidemic, anti-diabetic, anti-fatigue, anti-aging, hypocholesterolemic, hypotensive, vasorelaxation, anti-depressant, aphrodisiac, and kidney protection, has been reported in pre-clinical studies. These biological activities are correlated with the bioactive compounds present in Cordyceps including nucleosides, sterols, flavonoids, cyclic peptides, phenolic, bioxanthracenes, polyketides, and alkaloids, being the cyclic peptides compounds the most studied. An organized review of the existing literature was executed by surveying several databanks like PubMed, Scopus, etc. using keywords like Cordyceps, cordycepin, immune system, immunostimulation, immunomodulatory, pharmacology, anti-cancer, anti-viral, clinical trials, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, phytochemical analysis, and different species names. This review collects and analyzes state-of-the-art about the properties of Cordyceps species along with ethnopharmacological properties, application in food, chemical compounds, extraction of bioactive compounds, and various pharmacological properties with a special focus on the stimulatory properties of immunity.

Quercetin Synergistically Inhibit EBV-Associated Gastric Carcinoma with Ganoderma lucidum Extracts

Mycotherapy has been shown to improve the overall response rate during cancer treatment and reduce some chemotherapy-related adverse events. Ganoderma lucidum is a traditional mushroom used for pharmaceutical purposes. G. lucidum extracts (GLE) showed potential antitumor activities against several cancers. These tumor inhibitory effects of GLE were attributed to the suppression of the proliferation and metastasis of cancer cells. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated gastric carcinoma (EBVaGC) is defined as the monoclonal proliferation of carcinoma cells with latent EBV infection. The inhibitory effects of GLE against EBVaGC are questionable. The aim of this study was to investigate GLE as potential antitumor agents and a counterpart of quercetin (QCT) for the cotreatment in suppressing EBVaGC development. Therefore, this study conducted antitumor assays using a EBVaGC xenograft mice model and found that GLE could suppress tumor development. These inhibitory effects were significantly augmented by the low concentration of the quercetin (QCT) cotreatment in the xenograft mice. The addition of GLE in low concentrations synergistically reinforced QCT-induced apoptosis and EBV lytic reactivation. GLE contains various polysaccharides and triterpenes, such as ganoderic acid. Interestingly, the addition of ganoderic acid A (GAA) could produce similar bioactive effects like GLE in QCT-mediated antitumor activity. The GAA addition in low concentrations synergistically reinforced QCT-induced apoptosis and EBV lytic reactivation. GAA was sufficiently effective as much as GLE. Therefore, our results suggested that QCT-supplemented GLE could be a potential food adjunct for the prevention of EBVaGC development.

Adenosine Induces EBV Lytic Reactivation through ADORA1 in EBV-Associated Gastric Carcinoma

Cordyceps species are known to contain numerous bioactive compounds, including cordycepin. Extracts of Cordyceps militaris (CME) are used in diverse medicinal purposes because of their bioactive components. Cordycepin, one of the active components of CME, exhibits anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory effects. Cordycepin structurally differs from adenosine in that its ribose lacks an oxygen atom at the 3′ position. We previously reported that cordycepin suppresses Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) gene expression and lytic replication in EBV-associated gastric carcinoma (EBVaGC). However, other studies reported that cordycepin induces EBV gene expression and lytic reactivation. Thus, it was reasonable to clarify the bioactive effects of CME bioactive compounds on the EBV life cycle. We first confirmed that CME preferentially induces EBV gene expression and lytic reactivation; second, we determined that adenosine in CME induces EBV gene expression and lytic reactivation; third, we discovered that the adenosine A1 receptor (ADORA1) is required for adenosine to initiate signaling for upregulating BZLF1, which encodes for a key EBV regulator (Zta) of the EBV lytic cycle; finally, we showed that BZLF1 upregulation by adenosine leads to delayed tumor development in the EBVaGC xenograft mouse model. Taken together, these results suggest that adenosine is an EBV lytic cycle inducer that inhibits EBVaGC development.

Mycetia cauliflora methanol extract exerts anti-inflammatory activity by directly targeting PDK1 in the NF-κB pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Mycetia cauliflora Reinw. (Rubiaceae) has been used as a traditional remedy to ameliorate clinical signs of inflammatory diseases, including pain, inflammation, ulcers, and wounds. Among the Mycetia subfamilies, the molecular and cellular mechanisms of Mycetia longifolia (Rubiaceae) have been studied. However, those of Mycetia cauliflora are not clearly understood. Comprehensive investigation of this plant is necessary to evaluate its potential for ethnopharmacological use.

MATERIALS

and methods: The activities of Mycetia cauliflora methanol extract (Mc-ME) on the secretion of inflammatory mediators, the mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokines, and identification of its molecular targets were elucidated using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophage-like cells. Moreover, the suppressive actions of Mc-ME were examined in an LPS-induced peritonitis mouse model.

RESULTS

At nontoxic concentrations, Mc-ME downregulated the release of nitric oxide (NO), the mRNA expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and the mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)-1β from LPS-activated RAW264.7 cells. This extract also inhibited the nuclear translocation of p65 and p50 and the phosphorylation of IκBα, IKK, and AKT. Western blot analysis and in vitro kinase assays confirmed that phosphoinositide-dependent kinase-1 (PDK1) is the direct immunopharmacological target of Mc-ME effect. In addition, Mc-ME significantly reduced inflammatory signs in an animal model of acute peritonitis. These effects were associated with decreased NO production and decreased AKT phosphorylation.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that Mc-ME displays anti-inflammatory actions in LPS-treated macrophage-like cells and in an animal model of acute inflammatory disease. These actions are preferentially managed by targeting PDK1 in the nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling pathway.

Piper cubeba L. Methanol Extract Has Anti-Inflammatory Activity Targeting Src/Syk via NF-κB Inhibition

Piper cubeba L. is a plant in the Piperaceae family that is generally found in tropical countries and acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Unfortunately, the molecular mechanism of the anti-inflammatory activity has not been fully investigated. In this study, we elucidated the anti-inflammatory mechanism by focusing on NF-κB signaling, which is considered a prototypical inflammatory signaling pathway in both innate and adaptive immune functions. Cellular activity and the molecular target of Pc-ME were identified in macrophage RAW264.7 cells and HEK293T cells by assessing NO production, cytokine expression by RT-PCR, luciferase gene reporter assay, and protein regulation in cytoplasm by Western blot upon NF-κB activation. Pc-ME reduced NO production without any cell toxicity; inhibited expression of proinflammatory cytokines such as iNOS and IL-6; downregulated NF-κB activation mediated by both MyD88 and TRIF; and diminished the phosphorylation of IκBα, IKKα/β, Akt, p85, Src, and Syk. Pc-ME inhibited Syk and Src autophosphorylation during overexpression in HEK cells, which confirmed our hypothesis that Syk and Src were signaling targets of Pc-ME. These findings indicate that Piper cubeba L. has anti-inflammatory activity by targeting Src/Syk in the NF-κB pathway.

Basidiomycetes-X, an edible mushroom, alleviates the development of atopic dermatitis in NC/Nga mouse model

Basidiomycetes-X (BDM-X) is a novel edible mushroom recently identified as a new fungi species and is effective against oxidative stress and anti-inflammation associated with immune response. However the effect of BDM-X on atopic dermatitis (AD) has not been elucidated. In this study, we have investigated the effect of BDM-X on AD skin lesions in NC/Nga mouse model. AD-like lesion was induced by the application of house dust mite extract (DfE) to the dorsal skin of NC/Nga mouse. After AD induction, BDM-X was administered once daily for 2 weeks. We have analyzed the effects of BDM-X on dermatitis severity, histopathological changes and changes in inflammatory and proinflammatory proteins expressions in DfE induced AD mice skin. Treatment with BDM-X attenuated the development of AD-like clinical symptoms and effectively inhibited hyperkeratosis, parakeratosis, acanthosis and mast cells in AD mice skin. Furthermore, BDM-X treatment inhibited DfE induced tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α, high mobility group protein (HMG)B1, nuclear factor kappa (NFκ)B and inflammatory cytokines. These results indicate that BDM-X inhibits AD through modulating Th1 and Th2 responses and diminishing the mast cells infiltration in the skin lesions in NC/Nga mice.

The skin protective effects of compound K, a metabolite of ginsenoside Rb1 from Panax ginseng

BACKGROUND

Compound K (CK) is a ginsenoside, a metabolite of Panax ginseng. There is interest both in increasing skin health and antiaging using natural skin care products. In this study, we explored the possibility of using CK as a cosmetic ingredient.

METHODS

To assess the antiaging effect of CK, RT-PCR was performed, and expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase-1, cyclooxygenase-2, and type I collagen were measured under UVB irradiation conditions. The skin hydrating effect of CK was tested by RT-PCR, and its regulation was explored through immunoblotting. Melanin content, melanin secretion, and tyrosinase activity assays were performed.

RESULTS

CK treatment reduced the production of matrix metalloproteinase-1 and cyclooxygenase-2 in UVB irradiated NIH3T3 cells and recovered type I collagen expression level. Expression of skin hydrating factors-filaggrin, transglutaminase, and hyaluronic acid synthases-1 and -2-were augmented by CK and were modulated through the inhibitor of κBα, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, or extracellular signal-regulated kinases pathway. In the melanogenic response, CK did not regulate tyrosinase activity and melanin secretion, but increased melanin content in B16F10 cells was observed.

CONCLUSION

Our data showed that CK has antiaging and hydrating effects. We suggest that CK could be used in cosmetic products to protect the skin from UVB rays and increase skin moisture level.

Beauveria bassiana: a new N6-(2-hydroxyethyl)-adenosine-producing fungus

N6-(2-Hydroxyethyl)-adenosine (HEA), which was the first calcium antagonist derived from biological sources, has been intensively investigated because of its ability to inhibit tumour cell proliferation, restrain inflammation, protect kidneys and function as a sedative and insecticide. Up to now, the production of HEA has been detected only in a few species such as Cordyceps pruinosa, C. militaris and Isaria tenuipes. Here, we found a new HEA-producing fungus, which was identified as Beauveria bassiana based on morphological and phylogenetic characteristics. The HEA production was verified by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry in this fungus. Moreover, HEA was also detected in the mycelia of two other B. bassiana strains from different origins, but not in the culture medium of all tested B. bassiana strains. The maximum production of HEA (0.8483 ± 0.0439 mg/g mycelia dry weight) was achieved on day 7. The fungal biomass and kinetics of HEA production exhibited similar trends over the duration of the culture period. This is the first report describing HEA production in B. bassiana, which suggests that this fungal strain may have new applications as a source of HEA.

Anticancer Efficacy of Cordyceps militaris Ethanol Extract in a Xenografted Leukemia Model

Cordyceps militaris is used widely as a traditional medicine in East Asia. Although a few studies have attempted to elucidate the anticancer activities of C. militaris, the precise mechanism of C. militaris therapeutic effects is not fully understood. We examined the anticancer activities of C. militaris ethanolic extract (Cm-EE) and its cellular and molecular mechanisms. For this purpose, a xenograft mouse model bearing murine T cell lymphoma (RMA) cell-derived cancers was established to investigate in vivo anticancer mechanisms. MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay, immunoblotting analysis, and flow cytometric assay were employed to check in vitro cytotoxicity, molecular targets, and proapoptotic action of Cm-EE. Interestingly, cancer sizes and mass were reduced in a C. militaris-administered group. Levels of the phosphorylated forms of p85 and AKT were clearly decreased in the group administered with Cm-EE. This result indicated that levels of phosphoglycogen synthase kinase 3β (p-GSK3β) and cleaved caspase-3 were increased with orally administered Cm-EE. In addition, Cm-EE directly inhibited the viability of cultured RMA cells and C6 glioma cells. The number of proapoptotic cells was significantly increased in a Cm-EE treated group compared with a control group. Our results suggested that C. militaris might be able to inhibit cancer growth through regulation of p85/AKT-dependent or GSK3β-related caspase-3-dependent apoptosis.