Caterpillar Medicinal Mushroom, Cordyceps militaris (Ascomycetes), Mycelia Attenuates Doxorubicin-Induced Oxidative Stress and Upregulates Krebs Cycle Dehydrogenases Activity and ATP Level in Rat Brain

Post-chemotherapy-induced cognitive dysfunction remains one of the challenges in cancer survivors. Cytokine-induced neurotoxicity manifests in subjects at any time after doxorubicin (DOX) chemotherapy. We examined the effect of bioactive Cordyceps militaris mycelia extract (CM) on the energy status, oxidative stress, and acetylcholinesterase activity in the brain of DOX treated rats. The CM (150 and 300 mg/kg b.w.) and DL-α lipoic acid (LA, 100 mg/kg b.w) were administered orally once daily for 5 days to male Wistar rats prior to the DOX administration (18 mg/kg as 3 doses of 6 mg/kg, i.p. b.w.) and continued for 6 more days. Cellular antioxidant status, Krebs cycle dehydrogenases, electron transport chain complexes (ETC) (I, III, and IV), adenosine triphosphate (ATP) level, advanced oxidation of protein products (AOPP), and acetylcholinesterase (AchE) activities were determined in the brain homogenate. The DOX alone treated group of animals showed significant decrease (p < 0.05) of brain antioxidant levels, Krebs cycle dehydrogenases activities, ETC complex activities, and decreased ATP level, while lipid peroxidation and AOPP levels were elevated. CM at 300 mg/kg b.w. or LA at 100 mg/kg b.w. elevated antioxidant status, Krebs cycle dehydrogenases, and complex activities and thus alleviated the toxicity. CM also inhibited the AchE activity in brain. The experimental results thus reveal that CM possessed excellent capacity to attenuate oxidative stress, upregulate respiratory chain complex activity and ATP levels, as well as inhibition of AchE activity.

Morel mushroom, Morchella from Kashmir Himalaya: a potential source of therapeutically useful bioactives that possess free radical scavenging, anti-inflammatory, and arthritic edema-inhibiting activities

Morel mushrooms, Morchella species are highly nutritious and excellently edible wild mushrooms abundantly growing in Kashmir Himalayas. The free radical scavenging, anti-inflammatory, and arthritis edema-inhibiting properties of bioactive extract of Morchella elata (EAE) were evaluated. EAE inhibited 53.2% formalin-induced paw edema at a dose of 500 mg/kg b.wt and 75.0% croton oil-induced skin inflammation at a dose of 50 mg topical application. EAE exhibited 51.8% COX inhibiting activity at a concentration of 100 µg/ml when assayed using LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells exposed to the extract. NF-kB inhibiting activity of EAE was assayed using Lentix-293T P65 Ds Red stable cell line. High-throughput fluorescent imaging and flow cytometry showed profound ability of EAE to inhibit NF-kB activity. HPTLC analysis revealed that EAE is composed of several chemical components. The mushroom is a source of therapeutically useful functional food that can provide relief in arthritis.

Antiproliferative and Apoptotic Activities of the Medicinal Mushroom Phellinus rimosus (Agaricomycetes) on HCT116 Human Colorectal Carcinoma Cells

Phellinus rimosus is a host-specific wood-rotting polypore that has been reported to be used by some tribes in Kerala, India, for curing mumps. We isolated a novel polysaccharide-protein complex from Ph. rimosus (PPC-Pr) that possessed significant antitumor activity. In this study, we examined the antiproliferative and apoptotic properties of PPC-Pr using human colon cancer cell line HCT116 as a model system. HCT116 cells were cultured in the presence of PPC-Pr at various concentrations (100-1000 μg/mL) for 24-96 hours, and the percentage of cell viability was evaluated using a 3-(4-5 dimethylthiozol-2-yl) 2-5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The results showed that PPC-Pr inhibited cell viability in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. The antiproliferative effect of PPC-Pr was associated with apoptosis on HCT116 cells. We analyzed the morphological changes in the PPC-Pr-treated HCT116 cells using fluorescent DNA-microscopy with 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole dihydrochloride hydrate (DAPI) and acridine orange-ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining. With DAPI staining, the cells treated with PPC-Pr showed nuclear shrinkage and chromatin condensation. Apoptotic morphology in cellular bodies as well as chromatin condensation were also confirmed by AO/EB double staining. Oligonucleosomal DNA fragmentation in PPC-Pr-treated cells was evaluated using a comet assay. The comet assay showed that control cells had few nuclei with fragmented chromatin, whereas apoptotic nuclei were more frequent in PPC-Pr-treated cells. These investigations indicate that the polysaccharide-protein complex from Ph. rimosus possesses antiproliferative activity and induces marked apoptosis in tumor cells in vitro.

Lingzhi or Reishi Medicinal Mushroom, Ganoderma lucidum (Agaricomycetes), Prevents Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Rats

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an anticancer drug used extensively to treat a variety of human malignancies. DOX chemotherapy often leads to serious cardiotoxicity. We examined the ability of a Ganoderma lucidum extract (GLE) to prevent DOX-associated cardiotoxicity. DOX treatment of cardiac tissue drastically increased levels of creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs), and protein carbonyls (PCOs), and significantly decreased reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase activities. Administration of GLE restored CK, LDH, AOPPs, and PCOs to almost normal levels and significantly enhanced the activity of SOD, GPx, catalase, and GSH; it also downregulated lipid peroxidation. Histopathological observations, hematology profiles, and electrocardiography parameters supported the protective effect of GLE against cardiotoxicity associated with DOX treatment.

Phellinus rimosus improves mitochondrial energy status and attenuates nephrotoxicity in diabetic rats

BACKGROUND

Mitochondrial dysfunction and increase in reactive oxygen species during diabetes can lead to pathological consequences in kidneys. The present study was aimed to investigate the effect of Phellinus rimosus in the streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat renal mitochondria and the possible mechanism of protection.

METHODS

Phellinus rimosus (50 and 250 mg/kg, p.o) was treated after inducing diabetes by STZ (45 mg/kg, i.p) in rats. The serum samples were subjected to creatinine and urea estimation. Mitochondrial antioxidant status such as mitochondrial superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and reduced glutathione; adenosine triphosphate level; and lipid peroxidation were measured. The activities of Krebs cycle enzymes such as isocitrate dehydrogenase, α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase, and malate dehydrogenase as well as mitochondrial complexes I, III, and IV in kidney mitochondria were also determined.

RESULTS

Administration of P. rimosus (250 mg/kg b.wt) once daily for 30 days, significantly (p<0.05) enhanced the activities of Krebs cycle dehydrogenases, mitochondrial electron transport chain complexes, and ATP level. Further, P. rimosus had significantly protected the renal mitochondrial antioxidant status and lipid peroxidation.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the study concluded that by limiting the extent of renal mitochondrial damage in the hyperglycemic state, P. rimosus alleviated nephrotoxicity.

Poly-MVA attenuates 7,12- dimethylbenz[a]anthracene initiated and croton oil promoted skin papilloma formation on mice skin

Chemopreventive agents which exhibit activities such as anti-inflammation, inhibition of carcinogen induced mutagenesis and scavenging of free radical might play a decisive role in the inhibition of chemical carcinogenesis either at the initiation or promotion stage. Many synthesized palladium (Pd) complexes tested experimentally for antitumor activity are found effective. Poly-MVA is a liquid blend preparation containing B complex vitamins, ruthenium with Pd complexed with alpha lipoic acid as the major ingredients. The antitumor effect of Poly-MVA was evaluated against 7,12-dimethylbenz[a] anthracene-initiated croton oil-promoted papilloma formation on mice skin. Skin tumor was initiated with a single application of 390 nmol of DMBA in 20 µl acetone. The effect of Poly-MVA against croton oil- induced inflammation and lipid peroxidation on the mice skin was also evaluated. Topical application of Poly-MVA (100 µl, twice weekly for 18 weeks) 30 minutes prior to each croton oil application, significantly decreased the tumor incidence (11%) and the average number of tumor per animals. Application of Poly-MVA (100 µl) before croton oil significantly (p &amp;#60; 0.05) protected the mouse skin from inflammation (36%) and lipid peroxidation (14%) when compared to the croton oil alone treated group. Experimental results indicate that Poly-MVA attenuate the tumor promoting effects of croton oil and the effect may probably be due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.

Ganoderma lucidum total triterpenes induce apoptosis in MCF-7 cells and attenuate DMBA induced mammary and skin carcinomas in experimental animals

Ganoderma lucidum total triterpenes were evaluated for its apoptosis-inducing and anti-cancer activities. Cytotoxicity and pro-apoptotic effect of total triterpenes were evaluated in human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cell line using MTT assay and DNA fragmentation analysis. Total triterpenes induced apoptosis in MCF-7 cells by down-regulating the levels of cyclin D1, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL and also by up-regulating the levels of Bax and caspase-9. Anti-carcinogenicity of total triterpenes was analysed using dimethyl benz [a] anthracene (DMBA) induced skin papilloma and mammary adenocarcinoma in Swiss albino mice and Wistar rats respectively. Topical application of 5mg, 10mg and 20mg total triterpenes reduced the incidence of skin papilloma by 62.5, 37.5 and 12.5% respectively. Incidence of the mammary tumour was also reduced significantly by 33.33, 66.67 and 16.67% in 10, 50 and 100mg/kg b.wt. total triterpenes treated animals respectively. Total triterpenes were also found to reduce the average number of tumours per animal and extended the tumour latency period in both the models. The results indicate the potential cytotoxicity and anti-cancerous activity of total triterpenes, there by opens up a path to the development of a safe and successive chemo preventive agent of natural origin.

Ganoderma lucidum total triterpenes attenuate DLA induced ascites and EAC induced solid tumours in Swiss albino mice

G. lucidum total triterpenes were assessed for its apoptosis-inducing and anti-tumour activities. The ability of the total triterpenes to induce apoptosis was evaluated in Dalton's lymphoma ascites (DLA) and Ehrlich's ascites carcinoma (EAC) cell lines. Total triterpenes were found to be highly cytotoxic to DLA and EAC cell lines with IC50 values 5 ± 0.32 and 7.9 ± 0.2 µg/ml respectively. Total triterpenes induced apoptosis in both cell lines which is evident from the DNA fragmentation assay. Anti-tumour activity was accessed using DLA induced solid and EAC induced ascites tumour models in Swiss albino mice. Administration of 10, 50 and 100 mg/kg b. wt. total triterpenes showed 11.86, 27.27 and 40.57% increase in life span of animals in ascites tumour model. Treatment with 10, 50 and 100 mg/kg b. wt. total triterpenes exhibited 76.86, 85.01 and 91.03% inhibition in tumour volume and 67.96, 72.38 and 77.90% inhibition in tumour weight respectively in the solid tumour model. The study reveals the significant dose-dependent anti-tumour activity of total triterpenes in both models. Total triterpenes were more active against the solid tumour than the ascites tumour. The anti-oxidant potential and ability to induce cell-specific apoptosis could be contributing to its anti-tumour activities.

Ganoderma lucidum total triterpenes prevent γ-radiation induced oxidative stress in Swiss albino mice in vivo

OBJECTIVES

The in vivo radio-protective effect of total triterpenes isolated from Ganoderma lucidum (Fr.) P. Karst was evaluated using Swiss albino mice, by pre-treatment with total triterpenes for 14 days, followed by a whole body exposure to γ-radiation.

METHODS

The activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and the level of reduced glutathione (GSH) were analysed in liver and brain homogenates. The extent of lipid and protein peroxidation was also estimated in liver and brain homogenates after irradiation. Protection of radiation-induced DNA strand breaks in peripheral blood lymphocytes and bone marrow cells was assessed using the comet assay.

RESULTS

Total triterpenes were highly effective in reducing the levels of lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation to near normal values in both liver and brain tissues. Total triterpenes, when administered in vivo, were also found to be successful in restoring the antioxidant enzyme activities and GSH level in liver and brain of irradiated mice. Administration of total triterpenes, prior to radiation exposure, significantly decreased the DNA strand breaks.

DISCUSSION

The results of the present study thus revealed the potential therapeutic use of Ganoderma total triterpenes as an adjuvant in radiation therapy.

Hypolipidemic activity of Phellinus rimosus against triton WR-1339 and high cholesterol diet induced hyperlipidemic rats

Patients with the risk for atherosclerotic disease will be targeted to reduce the existing hyperlipidemia. The hypolipidemic activity of Phellinus rimosus was studied using triton WR-1339 and high cholesterol diet (HCD) induced models. The triton induced elevated lipid profile was attenuated by P. rimosus or standard drug atorvastatin. Similarly, administration of P. rimosus along with HCD significantly decline serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, with elevating the high-density lipoprotein. Thiobarbituric acid reacting substances in heart and liver significantly decreased; where as activity of enzymatic antioxidants and level of reduced glutathione were significantly increased. In both models, P. rimosus extract showed a significant ameliorative effect on the elevated atherogenic index as well as LDL/HDL-C ratio. The hypolipidemic activity of P. rimosus can be ascribed to its inhibitory effect on the liver HMG CoA reductase activity. The results suggest the possible therapeutic potential of this fungus as hypolipidemic agent.

The medicinal cracked-cap polypore mushroom Phellinus rimosus (higher Basidiomycetes) attenuates alloxan-induced hyperglycemia and oxidative stress in rats

Diabetes is usually associated with increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), impaired antioxidant defense systems, or both, which result in oxidative damage and lead to ROS-mediated diabetic pathogenesis. This investigation was undertaken to evaluate the role of extract from the wood-inhabiting polypore medicinal mushroom Phellinus rimosus in an alloxan-induced diabetic model and the oral glucose tolerance test in rats. Oral administration of extract at doses of 50 and 250 mg/kg body weight/day for 10 days to rats with alloxan-induced diabetes was found to possess significant dose-dependent hypoglycemic activity. In the oral glucose tolerance test, hypoglycemic effect of P. rimosus (250 mg/kg) was significant (P < 0.01) and maximum at 90 minutes after the glucose challenge when compared with that of control group. The effect of extract on antioxidant status in the pancreas, liver, and kidney was estimated. The diabetic control rats exhibited elevated levels of lipid peroxidation and lower activities of copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and reduced glutathione (GSH) content in pancreatic, hepatic, and renal tissues compared with normal tissues. The activities of SOD, CAT, GPx, and GSH were found to be increased in diabetic rats treated with the extract. The increased level of lipid peroxidation in diabetic rats also was found to revert to near-normal status in groups treated with the extract. The findings thus suggest the therapeutic efficiency of Ph. Rimosus against declined antioxidant status as well as hyperglycemia associated with diabetes.

Hepatoprotective effects of DL-α-lipoic acid and α-Tocopherol through amelioration of the mitochondrial oxidative stress in acetaminophen challenged rats

Acetaminophen (APAP) is known to induce liver mitochondrial dysfunction leading to acute hepatotoxicity. Effect of DL-α-lipoic acid (LA) and α-tocopherol (α-Toc) against the APAP-induced liver mitochondrial damage was evaluated in rats. LA (100 mg/kg, p.o.) and α-Toc (100 mg/kg, p.o.) were given once daily for 15 d, prior to the APAP administration (3 g/kg, p.o). Hepatic damage was confirmed by determining the activities of serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase, serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase and alkaline phosphatase, 4 h after the single dose of APAP. To assess the mitochondrial damage, the activities of antioxidant enzymes, Krebs' cycle dehydrogenases and mitochondrial electron transport chain complexes, and levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), reduced glutathione, lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde, MDA) as well as the mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψmt) were evaluated. The activities of mitochondrial enzymes and Δψmt were significantly (p < 0.01) decreased and the level of ROS and MDA were significantly (p < 0.01) increased due to APAP challenge. LA and α-Toc treatment significantly enhanced the activities of mitochondrial enzymes and Δψmt than that of control group; whereas the levels of ROS and MDA were decreased. The results of the study concluded that the liver damage induced by APAP was significantly ameliorated by LA and α-Toc. LA showed more protection than that of α-Toc. The protection can be partially ascribed to their mitochondrial protective effects through their antioxidant activity which could decrease the level of ROS and by direct enhancement of Δψmt.

Antitumor activity of a polysaccharide-protein complex isolated from a wood-rotting polypore macro fungus Phellinus rimosus (Berk) Pilat

A protein-bound, water-soluble polysaccharide-protein complex was isolated from a medicinal mushroom, Phellinus rimosus (Berk) Pilat (PPC-Pr). The isolation was achieved by hot water extraction, filtration, solvent precipitation, dialysis, and freeze-drying. The proximate analysis showed that PPC-Pr comprised 54.8% polysaccharide and 28.6% protein. The molecular weight of the compound was determined by gel filtration using a Sephadex G 100. The molecular weight of PPC-Pr was approximately 1,200,000 D. The thin-layer chromatography analysis of PPC-Pr after acid hydrolysis with trifluroacetic acid showed that it was composed of glucose as the only monosaccharide unit. The amino acid profile analysis of PPC-Pr revealed that it contained large amounts of aspartic acid, glutamic acid, alanine, glycine, and serine. Thus, the results indicated that PPC-Pr is a glucan-protein complex. The PPC-Pr did not show in vitro cytotoxic activity against Dalton's lymphoma ascites and Ehrlich's ascites carcinoma cell lines. The PPC-Pr was found to be effective in increasing the life span of ascites tumors induced by Ehrlich's ascites carcinoma cell line in mice. PPC-Pr also was found to have significant preventive and curative effects on solid tumors induced by the Dalton's lymphoma ascites cell line. The experimental results thus indicated that protein-bound polysaccharide (PPC-Pr) isolated from P. rimosus possessed profound antitumor activity. The findings suggest the potential therapeutic use of this compound as an antitumor agent.

Palladium-α-lipoic acid complex attenuates alloxan-induced hyperglycemia and enhances the declined blood antioxidant status in diabetic rats

BACKGROUND

Palladium α-lipoic acid (Pd-LA) complex has unique electronic and redox properties that appear to be the key to its physiological effectiveness. A proprietary liquid blend containing Pd-LA as the major component was demonstrated to be effective in improving the activities of mitochondrial enzymes in aged rats.

METHODS

The Pd-LA complex was evaluated for its hypoglycemic effect against the alloxan-induced diabetic model, as well as in the oral glucose tolerance test in rats. The in vitro free radical scavenging activity of Pd-LA was also determined.

RESULTS

Administration of Pd-LA (0.5 mL/kg; equivalent to 3.8 mg complexed α-lipoic acid/kg, p.o.) daily for 5 days to alloxan-induced diabetic animals significantly reduced the blood glucose level (P < 0.05). The blood antioxidant status in the diabetic animals was significantly improved by the treatment of Pd-LA (P < 0.05). Similarly, Pd-LA showed significant in vitro antioxidant activity in a concentration-dependent manner.

CONCLUSIONS

Results of the study conclude that the Pd-LA complex is effective in lowering the blood glucose level and enhancing the declined antioxidant status in diabetic animals. Significant finding(s) of the study include: (i) Pd-LA significantly increased the tolerance of glucose and was also effective in ameliorating hyperglycemia induced by alloxan; (ii) Pd-LA significantly enhanced the activities of blood superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and level of glutathione in diabetic animals; and (iii) Pd-LA showed significant in vitro antioxidant activity. This study adds: The therapeutic efficiency of Pd-LA is demonstrated against declined antioxidant status as well as hyperglycemia associated with diabetes.

Antioxidant activity and toxicity profile of total triterpenes isolated from Ganoderma lucidum (Fr.) P. Karst occurring in South India

The total triterpene fraction isolated from Ganoderma lucidum, a highly nutritional and popular medicinal mushroom occurring in South India, was evaluated for its antioxidant activity in vitro and in vivo. Total triterpenes successfully scavenged DPPH(+), ABTS(+) and superoxide radicals, showed significant ferric reducing activity and was highly effective in reducing the in vitro lipid peroxidation. Activities of the antioxidant enzymes in blood and tissue were increased by the administration of total triterpenes to Swiss albino mice in vivo. The ability of total triterpenes to scavenge the free radicals and to enhance body's antioxidant defence systems indicates its potential use as an antioxidant. An attempt was also done to gauge the toxicity of total triterpenes using acute and sub acute study models in Swiss albino mice. The results showed that Ganoderma triterpenes did not possess significant toxicity. The findings thus reveal the possible therapeutic use of Ganoderma triterpenes.

Ganoderma lucidum total triterpenes prevent radiation-induced DNA damage and apoptosis in splenic lymphocytes in vitro

The development of radioprotective agents has been the subject of intense research, especially in the field of radiotherapy. In this study, we examined the radioprotective activity of the total triterpenes isolated from Ganoderma lucidum (Fr.) P. Karst in mouse splenic lymphocytes in vitro. Using the MTT assay, Ganoderma triterpenes were found to have no effect on cell viability, indicating that they are non-toxic to splenic lymphocytes. The effect of the total triterpenes on DNA damage and apoptosis induced by radiation was analyzed using the comet assay, DNA ladder assay and flow cytometric analysis. Total triterpenes were found to be highly effective in preventing DNA laddering, even at low concentrations (25μg/ml). The comet assay demonstrated that the G. triterpenes effectively prevented DNA damage, and flow cytometry revealed a reduction in apoptotic cells. The effect of the total triterpenes on intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and endogenous antioxidant enzyme activity in splenic lymphocytes were determined to elucidate possible radioprotective mechanisms. Total triterpenes successfully reduced the formation of intracellular ROS and enhanced endogenous antioxidant enzyme activity in splenic lymphocytes following irradiation. Thus, these findings indicate that the total triterpenes isolated from G. lucidum have a remarkable ability to protect normal cells from radiation-induced damage, which suggests therapeutic potential.

Ganoderma lucidum ameliorate mitochondrial damage in isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rats by enhancing the activities of TCA cycle enzymes and respiratory chain complexes

BACKGROUND

Decreased mitochondrial function has been suggested to be one of the important pathological events in isoproterenol (ISO)-induced cardiotoxicity. In this communication, we have evaluated the protective effect of Ganoderma lucidum against ISO induced cardiac toxicity and mitochondrial dysfunction.

METHODS

Cardiac toxicity was assessed by determining the activities of creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenases (LDH) after subcutaneous injection of ISO (85 mg/kg) at an interval of 24h for 2 days. The animals were sacrificed 24h after last ISO administration. G. lucidum (100 and 250 mg/kg, p.o.) was given to the rats once daily for 15 days prior to the ISO challenge. Similarly, α-Tocopherol (100mg/kg, p.o) was kept as the standard. To assess the extent of cardiac mitochondrial damage, the activities of Krebs cycle dehydrogenases and mitochondrial complexes I, II, III, and IV as well as the level of ROS and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨmt) were evaluated.

RESULTS

Administration of G. lucidum and α-tocopherol significantly protected the elevated activities of CK and LDH. Further, the activities of mitochondrial enzymes and the level of ΔΨmt were significantly enhanced and the level of ROS was significantly declined in the G. lucidum and α-tocopherol treatments.

CONCLUSION

The present study concluded that the cardiac mitochondrial enzymes are markedly declined by the ISO challenge and the administration G. lucidum and α-Tocopherol significantly protected mitochondria by preventing the decline of antioxidant status and ΔΨmt or by directly scavenging the free radicals.

Antimutagenic effect of Phellinus rimosus (Berk) Pilat against chemical induced mutations of histidine dependent Salmonella typhimurium strains

Mutations are one of the important factors contributing to oncogenesis. Somatic mutations have been detected in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes in various types of cancers. In vitro antimutagenic activity of ethyl acetate extract of macro fungus, Phellinus rimosus was evaluated by Ames' mutagenicity assay. The effect was evaluated against the direct acting mutagens (sodium azide, N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine, doxorubicin and 4-nitro-o-phenylenediamine) and mutagen needing activation (2-acetyl aminofluorine, and benzo[a]pyrene). The extract was significantly (p<0.05) and dose dependently effective against direct acting mutagens and mutagen needing activation. Among the antimutagenic activity against directly acting mutagens, effect was found to be highest against doxorubicin-induced mutation. The antimutagenic effect of the extract against indirect acting mutagen in the presence of mammalian metabolic activation system was also found to be significant (p<0.01). The background bacterial growth and number of revertant colonies in the extract alone treated plate with or with out metabolic activator was almost same as that of spontaneous revertants. This indicated the non-toxic nature of the extract. The effect was partially ascribed to the antioxidant activity. The results of the study suggest the possible antitumor mechanisms of P. rimosus.

Effect of POLY-MVA, a palladium alpha-lipoic acid complex formulation against declined mitochondrial antioxidant status in the myocardium of aged rats

Palladium alpha-lipoic acid formulation--'POLY-MVA' is found to enhance the activities of Krebs cycle dehydrogenases and respiratory complexes in the heart of aged rat. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of POLY-MVA on the activities of antioxidant status in the heart mitochondria of aged rat. We determined the activities of manganese-superoxide dismutase (Mn SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and level of reduced GSH and lipid peroxidation in the heart mitochondria of aged rats, after administering POLY-MVA (0.05 ml/kg; equivalent to 0.38 mg complexed alpha-lipoic acid/kg) orally once daily for 30 days. DL-alpha-lipoic acid (0.38 mg/kg, p.o) treated for 30 days was kept as the positive control. We found that the antioxidant in the aged control was declined significantly than the young control. The formulation significantly (p<0.05) enhanced the activity of CAT and GPx compared to the aged control. The level of GSH was also significantly improved and the level of lipid peroxidation was decreased significantly (p<0.05) by POLY-MVA. The results indicate that POLY-MVA is effective to protect the age-linked decline of myocardial mitochondrial antioxidant status. The findings suggest the use of this formulation against myocardial aging.

Evaluation of free radical scavenging activity of morel mushroom, Morchella esculenta mycelia: a potential source of therapeutically useful antioxidants

Cellular damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been implicated in several diseases and antioxidants are known to protect the body from this damage. Antioxidants thus, have gained significant importance in human health. The search for effective, non-toxic natural compounds with antioxidant activity has intensified in recent years. Mycelia of a number mushrooms have recently been successfully used for the development of novel pharmaceutical products. We examined the aqueous-ethanol extract of cultured mycelia of the morel mushroom, Morchella esculenta (L.) Pers. (Morchellaceae) for its ability to scavenge super oxide, hydroxyl, nitric oxide, 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radicals as well as for inhibition of lipid peroxidation. The extract efficiently scavenged all these radicals and also inhibited lipid peroxidation. Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay indicated the hydrogen donating capacity of the extract. The pulse radiolysis studies using ABTS and carbonate radical (CO(3)(*-)) showed that the extract significantly carried out the decay of these radicals in a concentration-dependent manner. In conclusion, the investigation showed that the morel mushroom mycelium is an excellent source of antioxidants which are capable of imparting protection at different levels. The findings suggest the potential therapeutic use of morel mushroom, M. esculenta mycelia as an efficient antioxidant.

Free-radical scavenging and mitochondrial antioxidant activities of Reishi-Ganoderma lucidum (Curt: Fr) P. Karst and Arogyapacha-Trichopus zeylanicus Gaertn extracts

Endogenous damage to mitochondrial DNA by free radicals is believed to be a major contributory factor to aging. The current study examined the effects of the extracts of two important anti-fatigue and rejuvenating medicinal herbs Ganoderma lucidum and Trichopus zeylanicus for their free-radical scavenging property and for their effects on liver mitochondrial antioxidant activity in aged mice. Both extracts were administrated orally to aged BALB/c mice at doses of 50 and 250 mg/kg body weight for 15 days. Super oxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity and levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and lipid peroxidation as equivalents of malondialdehyde (MDA) formed were determined. Groups of young mice and aged mice (more than 15 months old) were taken as controls. Both G. lucidum and T. zeylanicus extracts increased antioxidant status in liver mitochondria of aged mice compared with the aged control. Higher levels of GSH, increased activity of SOD and CAT, and decreased level of MDA in both treated groups compared with the controls were evident. Both extracts possessed significant 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil (DPPH), 2, 2'-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazolin-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activities and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). The DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP activities were higher in G. lucidum extract than in T. zeylanicus. G. lucidum extract also showed superoxide and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities. T. zeylanicus had significantly higher lipid peroxidation inhibiting activity than G. lucidum. Thus, we conclude that the antioxidative effect of the G. lucidum extract was higher than that of T. zeylanicus. Our findings suggest a potential therapeutic efficacy of G. lucidum extract to protect against aging and to a certain extent against age-related degenerative diseases.

Polysaccharides isolated from Ganoderma lucidum occurring in Southern parts of India, protects radiation induced damages both in vitro and in vivo

The in vivo and in vitro radioprotective property of the polysaccharides isolated from Ganoderma lucidum were determined by survival studies, induction of micronucleus in reticulocytes of mice, strand breaks in plasmid pBR322 DNA and inhibition of lipid peroxidation (TBARS assay). Polysaccharides were administered as a single dose after whole body exposure to 10Gy (60)Co γ-radiation to Swiss albino mice. At a dose of 500μg/kg body wt, the polysaccharides were most effective in protecting animals from radiation induced loss of lethality. Administration of 500μg/kg body wt to animal exposed to 10Gy gamma radiation resulted in more than 60% survival on the 30th day compared to the dose of 300mg/kg/body wt administration of amifostine, a clinically used radioprotective drug. The induction of micronuclei was reduced by the administration of polysaccharides. The decrease in micronuclei induction was dose dependent. Thus following 4Gy exposure the micronuclei in polychromatic erythrocytes (MNCE) was reduced from 28.16±3.049 to 16.0243±2.074 and 6.30±2.422 by polysaccharides at doses of 250μg/kg body wt and 500μg/kg body wt, respectively, and to 10.4±2.581 by amifostine at a dose of 300mg/kg body wt. The results indicate the significant protective effect of Ganoderma polysaccharides against radiation induced damages. The findings thus suggest the potential use of Ganoderma polysaccharides as novel radioprotective agent.

Indian medicinal mushrooms as a source of antioxidant and antitumor agents

Medicinal mushrooms occurring in South India namely Ganoderma lucidum, Phellinus rimosus, Pleurotus florida and Pleurotus pulmonaris possessed profound antioxidant and antitumor activities. This indicated that these mushrooms would be valuable sources of antioxidant and antitumor compounds. Investigations also revealed that they had significant antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic activities. Thus, Indian medicinal mushrooms are potential sources of antioxidant and anticancer compounds. However, intensive and extensive investigations are needed to exploit their valuable therapeutic use.

Antimutagenic activity of methanolic extract of Ganoderma lucidum and its effect on hepatic damage caused by benzo[a]pyrene

The antimutagenic activity of the methanolic extract of the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma lucidum (Fr.) P. Krast. occurring in South India was investigated. The activity was assayed by Ames Salmonella mutagenicity test using histidine mutants of Salmonella typhimurium tester strains, TA98, TA100 and TA102. The methanolic extract of the mushroom significantly inhibited (P<0.001) the in vitro sodium azide (NaN(3)), N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) and 4-nitro-o-phenylenediamine (NPD), and benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) induced his(+) revertants in a dose dependent manner. In vivo antimutagenic activity of extract was also assayed by determining the mutagenicity of the urine of rats administrated with B[a]P as a mutagen. The prior administration of extract markedly inhibited mutagenicity induced by B[a]P. The results indicated that the methanolic extract of Ganoderma lucidum occurring in South India possessed significant antimutagenic activity. The effect of B[a]P on hepatic enzymes, such as serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) and alkaline phosphtase (ALP), were also evaluated. The extract prevented the increase of SGOT, SGPT, and ALP activities consequent to B[a]P challenge, and enhanced the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT). The extract also profoundly inhibited lipid peroxidation induced by B[a]P. The results revealed that Ganoderma lucidum extract restored antioxidant defense and prevented hepatic damage consequent to the challenge by B[a]P.

Methanol extract of the oyster mushroom, Pleurotus florida, inhibits inflammation and platelet aggregation

The antiinflammatory and platelet aggregation inhibiting activities of the methanol extract of Pleurotus florida Eger, an edible and commercially grown mushroom, were investigated. The extract showed significant activity in ameliorating acute inflammation induced by carrageenan and chronic inflammation by formalin at 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight. The effect was comparable to the standard reference drug, diclofenac. The extract also showed significant platelet aggregation inhibiting activity of washed human platelets. Adenosine 5'-diphosphate (ADP) induced platelet aggregation was inhibited by 88% to 95% at a concentration of 500 microg/mL of the extract after a preincubation time of 5, 10 and 20 min. The marked antiinflammatory and platelet aggregation inhibiting properties of this mushroom suggest its potential therapeutic use against vascular disorders.

Antiperoxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antimutagenic activities of ethanol extract of the mycelium of Ganoderma lucidum occurring in South India

Free radical mediated genetic instability is widely thought to be a major etiological factor for initiation of carcinogenesis. Mushrooms represent a largely untapped source of powerful new pharmaceutical products. In the present study, we examined the antiperoxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antimutagenic activities of the ethanol extract of the mycelium of a medicinal mushroom, Ganoderma lucidum, occurring in south India. Antiperoxidative activity was evaluated using Fe(2+)-ascorbate-induced lipid peroxidation in rat liver homogenate and a phorbol ester (croton oil)-induced lipid peroxidation in mouse skin. Antiinflammatory activity was evaluated against carrageenan-induced acute and formalin-induced chronic inflammatory paw edema in mouse and phorbol ester-induced mouse skin inflammation. Antimutagenic activity was determined by the Ames mutagenicity assay using histidine mutant of Salmonella typhimurium strains TA 98, TA100, and TA102. Sodium azide (NaN(3)), N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG), 4-nitro-o-phenylenediamine (NPD), and benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) were used as the mutagens. The extract showed significant inhibition of Fe(2+)-induced peroxidation of lipid in rat liver (IC(50) 510 +/- 22 microg/ml) and 37% inhibition of croton oil-induced peroxidation on the mouse skin at 20 mg/0.1 ml/skin. Carrageenan-induced acute and formalin-induced chronic inflammatory edema were inhibited by 56 and 60%, respectively, by the extract at 1,000 mg/kg body wt (i.p). The extract at a concentration of 5 mg/plate showed inhibition of mutagenicity elicited by direct acting mutagens, NaN(3) (55.5 and 75.7%) and MNNG (50.0 and 57.5%) for S. typhymurium strains TA100 and TA102, respectively. The extract at the same concentration also inhibited mutagenicity elicited by NPD (52.4 and 64.2%) and B[a]P (60.7 and 59.6%) for TA98 and TA100 strains, respectively. The B[a]P was activated in the presence of rat liver microsomal (S9) fraction. The results of our study revealed that ethanol extract of Ganoderma lucidum mycelium possessed significant antiperoxidative, antiinflammatory, and antimutagenic activities. The findings suggest a medicinal use for the ethanol extract of the mycelium of G. lucidum occurring in South India.

Potential risk of acute hepatotoxicity of kodo poisoning due to exposure to cyclopiazonic acid

Kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum L.) is a staple food of some sections of people of North India. Consumption of Kodo millet is often found to cause intoxication and poisoning. The grains are frequently infested with Aspergillus tamarii Kita, which produced substantial amount of a mycotoxin, cyclopiazonic acid (CPA). Investigations were carried out to evaluate the hepatotoxic/preneoplastic changes in rat liver following single and multiple dose administration of CPA. Results showed a marked increase in the activity of glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) and glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) following CPA exposures, suggesting acute hepatotoxicity. Significant increase was also observed in gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) activity following CPA exposures, indicating preneoplastic changes in the liver. The results reveal that Kodo poisoning might cause acute hepatotoxicity in men and animals. The findings thus suggest that the consumption of contaminated Kodo millet is a serious health hazard due to exposure to CPA produced by Aspergillus tamarii associated with the millet.

Cytotoxic and antitumor activities of a polypore macrofungus, Phellinus rimosus (Berk) Pilat

Cytotoxic and antitumor activities of ethyl acetate, methanol and aqueous extracts of a wood inhabiting polypore macrofungus, Phellinus rimosus (Berk) Pilat. were studied. Ethyl acetate and methanol extracts showed in vitro cytotoxic activity against Dalton's lymphoma ascites (DLA) and Ehrlich's ascites carcinoma (EAC) cell lines. The aqueous extract did not exhibit cytotoxicity against the tested cell lines. All the three extracts were highly effective in inhibiting growth of solid tumor induced by DLA cell line in mice. However, the antitumor activity of ethyl acetate extract was higher than that of methanol and aqueous extracts. The ethyl acetate extract was also effective in preventing the EAC induced ascites tumor development in mice. The antitumor activity of all the three extracts against solid tumor at a dose of 50 mg/kg (p.o.) was comparable to the clinically used standard reference drug, cisplatin (4 mg/kg, i.p.). Pre-treatment of the extracts was also effective in inhibiting the tumor growth induced by DLA cell lines. The experimental results revealed that ethyl acetate extract of P. rimosus possessed significant antitumor activity. The findings thus suggest the potential use of this mushroom as antitumor agent.

Protective effect of tenuazonic acid against dimethyl benz(a)antracene-induced skin carcinogenesis in mice

Anticarcinogenic potential of tenuazonic acid (TA), a mycotoxin isolated from a fungus, Alternaria alternata, on skin tumorigenesis induced by 7,12-dimethyl benz(a) antracene (DMBA) was investigated. Female Swiss albino mice were exposed topically to 100 nmole of DMBA twice weekly for 20 weeks. Another group of animals was treated with 250 microg TA in acetone daily for a period of 1 week, followed by the same dose of TA prior to every application of DMBA. At the end of 14 weeks, all the animals in the group that was exposed to DMBA alone developed tumors, while 40% of the animals in TA-treated group were found to be tumor free. After 20 weeks, there was no further increase in the number of tumor-bearing animals. Results indicated that prior application of TA significantly delayed the onset of tumorigenesis and also reduced the cumulative number of tumors per tumor-bearing animals. The present studies reveal the antitumor and protective potential of TA against polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon induced skin carcinogenesis.

Antioxidant and antihepatotoxic activities of Phellinus rimosus (Berk) Pilat

The antioxidant and antihepatotoxic activities of a wood inhabiting macrofungus, Phellinus rimosus were studied. The superoxide anion scavenging, Fe(2+)-ascorbate induced lipid peroxidation inhibiting, hydroxyl radical scavenging and nitric oxide scavenging activities of the ethyl acetate extract were determined. The results indicated that ethyl acetate extract of P. rimosus exhibited significant in vitro antioxidant activity. The ethyl acetate extract of P. rimosus also showed potent antihepatotoxic activity against carbontetrachloride-induced acute toxicity in rat liver. The amelioration of liver toxicity by the ethyl acetate extract was evident from its significant effect on the levels of serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT) and serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP). The results suggest that hepatoprotective effect of P. rimosus is possibly related to the free radical scavenging activity.

Amelioration of cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity in mice by ethyl acetate extract of a polypore fungus, Phellinus rimosus

Pretreatment of ethyl acetate extract of Phellinus rimosus (Berk) Pilat protected cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity in mice. Single dose of the extract (25 and 50 mg/kg body weight) decreased cisplatin induced serum creatinine and urea levels. The cisplatin depleted renal antioxidant defence system, such as activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and concentration of reduced glutathione (GSH), were restored by the treatment of the extract. The enhanced renal antioxidant defence system prevented cisplatin induced tissue lipid peroxidation. The experimental results suggest that ethyl acetate extract of P. rimosus protected cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity, possibly by enhancing renal antioxidant status. The extract did not interfere with the antitumor efficacy of cisplatin.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of methanol extract of Phellinus rimosus (Berk) Pilat

The methanolic extract of a macrofungus, P. rimosus possessed significant in vitro superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical and nitric oxide scavenging and lipid peroxidation inhibiting activities. The anti-inflammatory activity of the extract was evaluated in carrageenan and dextran induced acute and formalin induced chronic inflammatory models in mice. The extract showed remarkable anti-inflammatory activity in both models, comparable to the standard reference drug diclofenac. The results suggest that the anti-inflammatory activity of the methanol extract of P. rimosus is possibly attributed to it's free radical scavenging properties. The findings also reveal the potential therapeutic value of P.rimosus extract as an antiinflammatory agent.

Production of fumigaclavine A by Aspergillus tamarii Kita

Aspergillus tamarii Kita. isolated from seeds of Paspalum scrobiculatum L. is found to produce ergot alkaloids in submerged culture. The culture filtrate and mycelium are observed to contain 0.125 mg/mL and 1.2 mg/g (dry weight) total alkaloids consisting of 86.5 and 91.3% fumigaclavine A, respectively. The identification of the compound was confirmed by high-performance liquid chromatography, ultraviolet, infrared, and mass spectrophotometry analyses. This is the first report of the production of ergot alkaloid by this fungus. The possible role of fumigaclavine A as a mycotoxin is discussed.

A new commercial strain of ergot adapted from a wild grass

A strain of Claviceps purpurea (Fr.) Tul. isolated from Arthraxon lancifolius Hochst. was successfully adapted on rye. Experimental cultivation on rye showed 370 kg/ha yield of sclerotia containing 0.5% total alkaloid which consisted of 33% ergometrine, 17.6% ergotamine, 18.7% ergocornine and 22.7% ergokryptine. The results also reveal that alkaloid profile of the ergot strain depends largely on its host. Significantly high yield of the sclerotia and the valuable alkaloid profile of the new strain indicate its commercial potential.

Studies on Claviceps parasitic on Panicum species in India

Panicum repens and P. antidotale were found to be infected with Claviceps sp. This is the first report of ergot on P. repens. The pyrenomycete produced abundant sclerotia on the host plants. The sclerotia contained 0.71 and 0.68% alkaloids, respectively, which predominantly consisted of chanoclavine, festuclavine and agroclavine. The infected grasses were possibly mycotoxic. Submerged cultures of Claviceps strain isolated from Panicum spp. produced significant amount of chanoclavine, festuclavine and agroclavine. No pharmaceutically important alkaloid was found in sclerotia or in submerged culture.