Inhibition of hepatitis B virus by D-fraction from Grifola frondosa: synergistic effect of combination with interferon-alpha in HepG2 2.2.15

The anti-infective effect of β-glucans in children

Background: β-glucans are bioactive β-D-glucose polysaccharides of natural origin, presenting antimicrobial and immunomodulation properties, with a low risk of toxicity. Objectives: This scoping review aims to present the current knowledge on the anti-infective properties of β-glucans in the pediatric population. Methods: We used the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews Checklist to prepare this review. Studies were identified by electronic searches of Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane databases up to May 2021. Results: The primary search allowed us to find 6232 studies, twelve of which were finally included in the analysis. Eight studies were designed as randomized, placebo-controlled trials, while in four studies the intervention outcome was compared with the pre-intervention period in the same group. The type of preparation and doses varied between studies: in five trials pleuran was administered (in dose 10 mg/5 kg of body weight/day), and in one study baker's yeast β-glucan was used (in two doses: 35 mg/day and 75 mg/day). In six other studies, the analyzed preparation comprised β-glucan and other substances. The shortest study lasted seven days, while the most prolonged intervention lasted six months, followed by six months of follow-up. Ten out of twelve trials demonstrated the effectiveness of β-glucans in reducing respiratory tract infection incidence or alleviation of upper respiratory tract infection symptoms. Ten out of twelve studies have reported a good tolerance and safety profile. Conclusions: Good tolerance of β-glucans shows a favorable benefit-risk ratio of this type of intervention. Nevertheless, further monitoring of their efficacy and safety in high-quality research is necessary.

Unveiling the full spectrum of maitake mushrooms: A comprehensive review of their medicinal, therapeutic, nutraceutical, and cosmetic potential

This literature review provides an up-to-date exploration of the multifaceted attributes of maitake mushrooms (Grifola frondosa), elucidating their bioactive phytochemicals and diverse health advantages, including their substantial role in supporting human health and potential incorporation into the medicinal industry. Carbohydrates and protein are the major constituents contributing to the dry weight of G. frondosa, taking up around 70-80 % and 13-21 %, respectively, with emerging research linking these constituents to various health benefits. By synthesising current research findings, this review emphasises the substantial role of maitake mushrooms in supporting human health and underscores their potential incorporation into the medicinal industry. To further advance our understanding, future research should delve into the mechanisms underlying their health-promoting effects, with a focus on conducting quantitative studies to elucidate physiological pathways and potential drug interactions. Additionally, exploring their integration into functional foods or nutraceuticals through quantitative assessments of bioavailability and efficacy will be crucial for maximising their therapeutic benefits. This review aims to provide comprehensive insights, catalysing further research and innovation in utilising maitake mushrooms for improved well-being and industry advancement.

Antiviral Activity of Some Compounds of Gasteroid Mushrooms from Western Siberia

The antiviral activity of aqueous and ethanol extracts from the fruiting bodies of gasteroid Basidiomy-cetes of Western Siberia: Lycoperdon pyriforme, Lycoperdon perlatum, and Phallus impudicus, as well as an aqueous extract from cultivated mycelium of P. impudicus and total polysaccharides from it, on MDCK cell culture against influenza A virus, was studied. Aqueous and ethanol extracts from the fruiting bodies of all studied gasteroid fungi showed antiviral activity against human influenza virus A/Aichi/2/68 (H3N2) and bird A/chicken/Kurgan/05/2005 virus (H5N1). At the same time, extracts from P. impudicus and L. pyriforme showed more pronouncing antiviral activity compared to the activity of the reference drug Tamiflu against the A/H5N1 avian influenza virus. A high antiviral efficacy of an aqueous extract from cultivated mycelium of the P. impudicus and a sample of total polysaccharides from this extract against the A/H5N1 avian influenza virus was revealed.

Therapeutic Potential of Bioactive Compounds from Edible Mushrooms to Attenuate SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Some Complications of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a highly infectious positive RNA virus, has spread from its epicenter to other countries with increased mortality and morbidity. Its expansion has hampered humankind's social, economic, and health realms to a large extent. Globally, investigations are underway to understand the complex pathophysiology of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) induced by SARS-CoV-2. Though numerous therapeutic strategies have been introduced to combat COVID-19, none are fully proven or comprehensive, as several key issues and challenges remain unresolved. At present, natural products have gained significant momentum in treating metabolic disorders. Mushrooms have often proved to be the precursor of various therapeutic molecules or drug prototypes. The plentiful bioactive macromolecules in edible mushrooms, like polysaccharides, proteins, and other secondary metabolites (such as flavonoids, polyphenols, etc.), have been used to treat multiple diseases, including viral infections, by traditional healers and the medical fraternity. Some edible mushrooms with a high proportion of therapeutic molecules are known as medicinal mushrooms. In this review, an attempt has been made to highlight the exploration of bioactive molecules in mushrooms to combat the various pathophysiological complications of COVID-19. This review presents an in-depth and critical analysis of the current therapies against COVID-19 versus the potential of natural anti-infective, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antithrombotic products derived from a wide range of easily sourced mushrooms and their bioactive molecules.

Natural Compounds of Fungal Origin with Antimicrobial Activity-Potential Cosmetics Applications

The phenomenon of drug resistance in micro-organisms necessitates the search for new compounds capable of combating them. Fungi emerge as a promising source of such compounds as they produce a wide range of secondary metabolites with bacteriostatic or fungistatic activity. These compounds can serve as alternatives for commonly used antibiotics. Furthermore, fungi also accumulate compounds with antiviral activity. This review focuses on filamentous fungi and macrofungi as sources of antimicrobial compounds. The article describes both individual isolated compounds and extracts that exhibit antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activity. These compounds are produced by the fruiting bodies and mycelium, as well as the biomass of mycelial cultures. Additionally, this review characterizes the chemical compounds extracted from mushrooms used in the realm of cosmetology; specifically, their antimicrobial activity.

A concise review of mushrooms antiviral and immunomodulatory properties that may combat against COVID-19

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 as a pandemic on March 11, 2020, because of its widespread transmission and infection rates. The unique severe disease was found in Wuhan, China, since December 2019, and swiftly spread throughout the world. Natural chemicals derived from herbal medicines and medicinal mushrooms provide a significant resource for the development of novel antiviral drugs. Many natural drugs have been proven to have antiviral properties against a variety of virus strains, such as the coronavirus and the herpes simplex virus (HSV).. In this research, successful dietary treatments for different COVID illnesses were compared to potential of mushroom products in its therapy. In Google Scholar, Science Direct, PubMed, and Scopus, search keywords like COVID, COVID-19, SARS, MERS, mushrooms, and their compounds were utilized. In this review of the literature we foucsed popular mushrooms such as Agaricus subrufescens Peck, Agaricus blazei Murill, Cordyceps sinensis (Berk.) Sacc., Ganoderma lucidum (Curtis.) P. Karst., Grifola frondosa (Dicks.) Gray, Hericium erinaceus (Bull.) Pers., Inonotus obliquus (Arch. Ex Pers.) Pilát., Lentinula edodes (Berk.) Pegler, Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq.) P. Kumm., Poria cocos F.A. Wolf, and Trametes versicolor (L.) Lloyd.,. Changed forms of β-Glucan seem to have a good impact on viral replication suppression and might be used in future studies. However, the results seems terpenoids, lectins, glycoproteins, lentinan, galactomannan, and polysaccharides from mushrooms are promising prophylactic or therapeutic agents against COVID-19.

Medicinal Fungi with Antiviral Effect

Pandemics from various viruses make natural organisms face challenges over and over again. Therefore, new antiviral drugs urgently need to be found to solve this problem. However, drug research and development is a very difficult task, and finding new antiviral compounds is desirable. A range of medicinal fungi such as Ganoderma lucidum and Cordyceps sinensis are widely used all over the world, and they can enhance human immunity and direct anti-virus activities and other aspects to play an antiviral role. Medicinal fungi are used as foods or as food supplements. In this review, the species of medicinal fungi with antiviral activity in recent decades and the mechanism of antiviral components were reviewed from the perspectives of human, animal, and plant viruses to provide a comprehensive theory based on better clinical utilization of medicinal fungi as antiviral agents.

Antioxidant Activity of Mushroom Extracts/Polysaccharides-Their Antiviral Properties and Plausible AntiCOVID-19 Properties

Mushrooms have been long accomplished for their medicinal properties and bioactivity. The ancients benefitted from it, even before they knew that there was more to mushrooms than just the culinary aspect. This review addresses the benefits of mushrooms and specifically dwells on the positive attributes of mushroom polysaccharides. Compared to mushroom research, mushroom polysaccharide-based reports were observed to be significantly less frequent. This review highlights the antioxidant properties and mechanisms as well as consolidates the various antioxidant applications of mushroom polysaccharides. The biological activities of mushroom polysaccharides are also briefly discussed. The antiviral properties of mushrooms and their polysaccharides have been reviewed and presented. The lacunae in implementation of the antiviral benefits into antiCOVID-19 pursuits has been highlighted. The need for expansion and extrapolation of the knowns of mushrooms to extend into the unknown is emphasized.

Lectins purified from medicinal and edible mushrooms: Insights into their antiviral activity against pathogenic viruses

For thousands of years, fungi have been a valuable and promising source of therapeutic agents for treatment of various diseases. Mushroom is a macrofungus which has been cultivated worldwide for its nutritional value and medicinal applications. Several bioactive molecules were extracted from mushroom such as polysaccharides, lectins and terpenoids. Lectins are carbohydrate-binding proteins with non-immunologic origin. Lectins were classified according to their structure, origin and sugar specificity. This protein has different binding specificity with surface glycan moiety which determines its activity and therapeutic applications. A wide range of medicinal activities such as antitumor, antiviral, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory and antidiabetic were reported from sugar-binding proteins. However, glycan-binding protein from mushroom is not well explored as antiviral agent. The discovery of novel antiviral agents is a public health emergency to overcome the current pandemic and be ready for the upcoming viral pandemics. The mechanism of action of lectin against viruses targets numerous steps in viral life cycle such as viral attachment, entry and replication. This review described the history, classification, purification techniques, structure-function relationship and different therapeutic applications of mushroom lectin. In addition, we focus on the antiviral activity, purification and physicochemical characteristics of some mushroom lectins.

Bioactive Ingredients and Medicinal Values of Grifola frondosa (Maitake)

Grifola frondosa (G. frondosa), generally known as hen-of-the-woods or maitake in Japanese and hui-shu-hua in Chinese, is an edible mushroom with both nutritional and medicinal properties. This review provides an up-to-date and comprehensive summary of research findings on its bioactive constituents, potential health benefits and major structural characteristics. Since the discovery of the D-fraction more than three decades ago, many other polysaccharides, including β-glucans and heteroglycans, have been extracted from the G. frondosa fruiting body and fungal mycelium, which have shown significant antitumor and immunomodulatory activities. Another class of bioactive macromolecules in G. frondosa is composed of proteins and glycoproteins, which have shown antitumor, immunomodulation, antioxidant and other activities. A number of small organic molecules such as sterols and phenolic compounds have also been isolated from the fungus and have shown various bioactivities. It can be concluded that the G. frondosa mushroom provides a diverse array of bioactive molecules that are potentially valuable for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications. More investigation is needed to establish the structure–bioactivity relationship of G. frondosa and to elucidate the mechanisms of action behind its various bioactive and pharmacological effects.

SX-fraction: Promise for novel treatment of type 2 diabetes

SX-fraction (SXF) is a bioactive glycoprotein with anti-diabetic and hypoglycemic activities that have been documented in several reports. We have reviewed those studies herein and also explored the possible mechanism of its hypoglycemic activity. The early animal studies of SXF using diabetic mice showed the significant reduction in the three diabetic parameters, serum glucose, insulin, and triglyceride, suggesting its anti-diabetic activity. The limited clinical studies also showed that SXF led to the significant reduction in the fasting blood glucose levels of type 2 diabetic patients within 2 wk or a month, suggesting its hypoglycemic activity. To explore the hypoglycemic mechanism of SXF, its possible effects on the insulin signal transduction pathway was examined in vitro. Particularly, activities of insulin receptor, insulin receptor substrate 1, and protein kinase B, which are essential elements playing a key regulatory role in the signal pathway, were studied using skeletal muscle L6 cells. The status of these three parameters were examined under a high glucose (35 mmol/L) milieu with SXF and assessed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Such studies revealed that all three parameters (insulin receptor, insulin receptor substrate 1, and protein kinase B) were inactivated by high glucose, indicating a disruption of the signal pathway. However, such an inactivation was reversed or re-activated by SXF to successfully carry out the sequential signaling events. In fact, a measurement of glucose uptake in cells showed that SXF did increase a glucose uptake while high glucose decreased it. Therefore, SXF has anti-diabetic and hypoglycemic activities through activation of the insulin signal pathway and appears to be a safe, natural agent for lowering the serum glucose levels in type 2 diabetic patents and improving their diabetic conditions.

The Antiviral, Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Natural Medicinal Herbs and Mushrooms and SARS-CoV-2 Infection

The 2019 novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, producing the disease COVID-19 is a pathogenic virus that targets mostly the human respiratory system and also other organs. SARS-CoV-2 is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans, however there have been previous outbreaks of different versions of the beta coronavirus including severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV1) from 2002 to 2003 and the most recent Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS-CoV) which was first identified in 2012. All of the above have been recognised as major pathogens that are a great threat to public health and global economies. Currently, no specific treatment for SARS-CoV-2 infection has been identified; however, certain drugs have shown apparent efficacy in viral inhibition of the disease. Natural substances such as herbs and mushrooms have previously demonstrated both great antiviral and anti-inflammatory activity. Thus, the possibilities of natural substances as effective treatments against COVID-19 may seem promising. One of the potential candidates against the SARS-CoV-2 virus may be Inonotus obliquus (IO), also known as chaga mushroom. IO commonly grows in Asia, Europe and North America and is widely used as a raw material in various medical conditions. In this review, we have evaluated the most effective herbs and mushrooms, in terms of the antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects which have been assessed in laboratory conditions.

Can medicinal mushrooms have prophylactic or therapeutic effect against COVID-19 and its pneumonic superinfection and complicating inflammation?

Medicinal mushrooms have documented effects against different diseases, including infections and inflammatory disorders. The related Basidiomycota Agaricus blazei Murill (AbM), Hericium erinaceus (HE), and Grifola frondosa (GF) have been shown to exert antimicrobial activity against viral agents, Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria, and parasites in vitro and in vivo. Since the mechanism is immunomodulatory and not antibiotical, the mushrooms should be active against multi‐drug resistant microbes as well. Moreover, since these Basidiomycota also have anti‐inflammatory properties, they may be suited for treatment of the severe lung inflammation that often follows COVID‐19 infection. An AbM‐based mushroom extract (Andosan™), also containing HE and GF, has been shown to significantly reduce bacteraemia and increase survival in mice with pneumococcal sepsis, and to improve symptoms and quality of life in IBD patients via an anti‐inflammatory effect. Hence, such mushroom extracts could have prophylactic or therapeutic effect against the pneumonic superinfection and severe lung inflammation that often complicates COVID‐19 infection. Here, we review antimicrobial and anti‐inflammatory properties of AbM, HE and GF mushrooms, which could be used for the battle against COVID‐19.

A water-soluble polysaccharide from Grifola frondosa induced macrophages activation via TLR4-MyD88-IKKβ-NF-κB p65 pathways

Here, the immunomodulatory effects of water-soluble polysaccharide from Grifola frondosa on RAW264.7 macrophages and its molecular mechanisms were investigated. G. frondosa polysaccharide could obviously enhance immunostimulatory activity such as the release of nitric oxide and cytokine production. Western blotting results showed that G. frondosa polysaccharide elevated the TLR4, which might act as an upstream regulator of MyD88 induced G. frondosa polysaccharide. MyD88 promoted IKKβ in endochylema and translocate NF-κB p65 subunit into the nucleus which increased the NO production and cytokine/chemokines level. The results suggested that G. frondosa polysaccharide activated macrophages through TLR4-MyD88-IKKβ-NF-κBp65 signaling pathways.

Synergistic Apoptotic Effect of D-Fraction From Grifola frondosa and Vitamin C on Hepatocellular Carcinoma SMMC-7721 Cells

The aim of this study was to investigate the anticancer effect of a combination of D-fraction polysaccharide from Grifola frondosa (DFP) and vitamin C (VC) on hepatocellular carcinoma in vitro. DFP is a bioactive extract from the maitake mushroom. Anticancer activity was demonstrated using various concentrations of DFP alone or in combination with VC against the human hepatocarcinoma SMMC-7721 cell line. To investigate the anticancer mechanism, studies designed to detect cell apoptosis were conducted. Results from the MTT assay indicated that a combination of DFP (0.2 mg/mL) and VC (0.3 mmol/L) led to a 70% reduction in cell viability. Flow cytometry results indicated that DFP/VC treatment induced apoptosis in approximately 65% SMMC-7721 cells. Cell cycle analysis identified cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase following DFP/VC treatment for 48 hours. In addition, cellular morphological changes were observed using transmission electron microscopy. Western blot analysis revealed that the upregulation of BAX, downregulation of Bcl-2, activation of poly-(ADP-ribose)-polymerase (PARP), and the release of cytochrome c were observed in cells treated with the combination of DFP/VC, which showed that the mechanism of anticancer activity in the SMMC-7721 hepatocarcinoma cells involved induction of apoptosis.

Structural characterization and immunomodulatory activity of Grifola frondosa polysaccharide via toll-like receptor 4–mitogen-activated protein kinases–nuclear factor κB pathways

We isolated a neutral polysaccharide from the fruiting body of a mushroom Grifola frondosa (GFP-A).

Enhancement of in vitro and in vivo anticancer activities of polysaccharide peptide from Grifola frondosa by chemical modifications

CONTEXT

Grifola frondosa (Polyporaceae), maitake, is a widely consumed edible mushroom in some Asian countries. The fruit bodies and mycelia of maitake have shown different bioactive compounds with anticancer and other therapeutic properties.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated three chemically modified maitake polysaccharide-peptides' (MPSP) adjuvant effect (in vivo) and anticancer activity (in vitro growth inhibitory effect) compared with crude MPSP from G. frondosa.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We investigated the possibility of enhancing the adjuvant effect and anticancer effect of crude MPSP by using simple chemical modification methods to convert crude MPSP to phosphorylated, acetylated or esterified MPSPs. The adjuvant effect and growth inhibitory effect were evaluated by C6 cell inoculated rat model with cyclophosphamide (CPA) treatment and in vitro cell viability assay, respectively.

RESULTS

All four tested MPSPs showed significant adjuvant effect to CPA treatment on rats inoculated with C6 cancer cells. In addition, an obvious growth inhibitory effect was observed in C6 cancer cells but not in normal brain cells treated with various forms of MPSPs. Only phosphorylation could significantly (p < 0.05) improve the adjuvant effect (in vivo) and growth inhibitory effect. A same rank order (phosphorylated MPSP > esterified MPSP ≥ acetylated MPSP ≥ crude MPSP) of efficacy was observed in both the in vivo and in vitro assays.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

This study showed chemical phosphorylation could markedly enhance both adjuvant effects and growth inhibitory effects. This study demonstrated the feasibility of enhancing the efficacy of MPSP by using a simple chemical modification method, and this provides a foundation for future study in this area.

Synergistic potentiation of D-fraction with vitamin C as possible alternative approach for cancer therapy

Maitake D-fraction or PDF is the bioactive extract of maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa) and its active constituent is the protein-bound polysaccharide (proteoglucan), or more specifically known as beta-glucan. PDF has been extensively studied and a number of its medicinal potentials/properties have been unveiled and demonstrated. Those include various physiological benefits ranging from immunomodulatory and antitumor activities to treatment for hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, viral infections (hepatitis B and human immunodeficiency virus), and obesity. Particularly, two major biological activities of PDF, immunomodulatory and antitumor activities, have been the main target for scientific and clinical research. To demonstrate and confirm such biological activities, numerous studies have been performed in vitro and in vivo or in clinical settings. These studies showed that PDF was indeed capable of modulating immunologic and hematologic parameters, inhibiting or regressing the cancer cell growth, and even improving quality of life of cancer patients. Synergistic potentiation of PDF with vitamin C demonstrated in vitro is rather interesting and may have clinical implication, because such combination therapy appears to help improve the efficacy of currently ongoing cancer therapies. Recently, intravenous administration of vitamin C has been often used to increase its physiological concentration and this useful procedure may further make this combination therapy feasible. Therefore, PDF may have great potential, either being used solely or combined with other agents, for cancer therapy. Such relevant and detailed studies will be described and discussed herein with a special focus on the combination of PDF and vitamin C as a viable therapeutic option.

[The fungus maitake (Grifola frondosa) and its therapeutic potential]

Grifola frondosa (Dicks.) Gray is a polyporaceous fungus and, due to its medical properties, has been used in Eastern cultures for thousands of years. A review of previously published literature on this fungus, its ethnomycological, nutritional, pharmacological and medical aspects were investigated.

Isolation, identification and function of a novel anti-HSV-1 protein from Grifola frondosa

A novel antiviral protein was purified from an extract of Grifola frondosa fruiting bodies using a procedure that included 40% ammonium sulfate precipitation and DEAE-cellulose ion exchange chromatography, and designated GFAHP. This protein inhibited herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) replication in vitro with an IC(50) value of 4.1 microg/ml and a therapeutic index >29.3. Higher concentrations of GFAHP (125 and 500 microg/ml) also significantly reduced the severity of HSV-1 induced blepharitis, neovascularization, and stromal keratitis in a murine model. Topical administration of GFAHP to the mouse cornea resulted in a significant decrease in virus production (mean virus yields: 3.4log10PFU in the treated group and 4.19log10PFU in the control group). We proved that GFAHP directly inactivates HSV-1 while simultaneously inhibiting HSV-1 penetration into Vero cells. Gel electrophoresis showed that GFAHP had a molecular weight of 29.5 kDa. GFAHP was tryptic digested and analyzed from the PMF of matrix assisted desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) and nanoelectrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. The N-terminal sequence of GFAHP consisted of an 11 amino acid peptide, NH(2)-REQDNAPCGLN-COOH that did not match any known amino acid sequences, indicating that GFAHP is likely to be a novel antivirus protein. To our knowledge, this is the first report that characterizes an anti-HSV protein from G. frondosa.