Agaricus bisporus and its in vitro culture as a source of indole compounds released into artificial digestive juices

Edible and Medicinal Fungi as Candidate Natural Antidepressants: Mechanisms and Nutritional Implications

This systematic review examines the antidepressant potential of edible medicinal fungi (EMFs), focusing on their bioactive compounds and mechanisms of action. EMFs modulate neurotransmitter systems, including serotonin (5-HT) and dopamine (DA), alleviating depressive symptoms. Extracts from EMFs, such as Ganoderma lucidum, Hericium erinaceus, Poria cocos, and Cordyceps militaris, demonstrate significant antidepressant-like effects in preclinical studies. Their bioactive compounds influence the tryptophan-kynurenine (KYN) pathway, regulate the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and reduce neuroinflammation, all of which are linked to stress response and mood regulation. The review also explores the gut-brain axis, highlighting how EMF-derived polysaccharides improve gut health by modulating microbiota, potentially mitigating depressive symptoms. Additionally, it discusses the use of EMFs in functional foods and dietary supplements, innovations like 3D food printing for depression-related issues, and synthetic biology for enhancing compound production. Artificial intelligence is used to model complex mechanisms. However, challenges remain, such as standardization and lack of clinical validation. Future research should address these gaps, emphasizing personalized interventions and advanced technologies for next-generation antidepressant foods.

Development of a new eco-friendly ultrasound-assisted extraction method to quantify tryptophan in wild mushrooms and determination of its beneficial properties

Bioactive compounds in food offer health benefits by influencing cellular and physiological functions. Tryptophan, an essential amino acid and precursor to neurotransmitters like melatonin and serotonin, regulates mood and circadian rhythms. However, its quantification in mushrooms is scarce studied. An eco-friendly ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) method has been optimized to quantify tryptophan using ultra high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode array and fluorescence detector (UHPLC-DAD-Fl). Tryptophan levels were determined in 26 wild mushroom samples of the genus Lactarius and Boletus. The concentrations ranged from 0.042 mg/g to 0.742 mg/g. The extracts' health benefits were assessed for antioxidant capacity using DPPH (17.7 % - 71.6 %) and ABTS (7.2 % - 24.9 %) methods, while acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity ranged from 13.1 % to 49.8 %. Promising results were obtained. Hierarchical cluster analysis demonstrated a correlation between tryptophan concentration, mushroom species, location, and extract properties, highlighting tryptophan's crucial role in these mushrooms' health benefits.

Permeability-Enhancing and Protective Effect on Small Intestine of Punicic Acid in Different Forms and Their Nanoemulsions With Low Toxicity

Purpose

Most absorption enhancers boost the oral absorption of drugs via increasing intestinal permeability. However, they often damage intestinal mucosa and induce inflammatory reactions. The aim of this study is to synthesize a new absorption enhancer, punicic acid ethyl ester (PAEE), with excellent absorption-prompting effect and low toxicity.

Methods

The structure of PAEE was confirmed by NMR, MS, IR and UV. Setting oleic acid (OA) as the control, the three forms of punicic acid (PA), ie, free PA, PAEE, and pomegranate seed oil, in which PA exists in the form of triglyceride, were formulated into nanoemulsions (NE). The stability, physiochemical properties of the oils and NE were compared. The permeation-enhancing effect was estimated by phenol red intestinal transport experiments. The potential damage on small intestines was assessed by biochemical assay and pathological section.

Results

Though the three forms of PA had various strength in enhancing intestinal permeability, the difference was not significant (p > 0.05). Moreover, the effect was notably stronger than that of OA (p < 0.05) and was inversely related to the density and required HLB value of the oils. Compared to the corresponding oils, the NE exhibited much weaker effect in prompting intestinal permeability. Oral administration of OA and OA NE for 10 d impaired intestinal mucosa and villi along with strong inflammatory reactions in the small intestines. In contrast, the oils from PA series and their NE did not induce obvious intestinal inflammation. PAEE and its NE hindered the release of cytokines and increased the ratio of intestinal villus length to crypt depth.

Conclusion

PAEE is a promising absorption enhancer with a strong permeability-prompting effect and mucosa-protecting capacity against intestinal inflammation. It provides a practical strategy to enhance the bioavailability of the drugs with poor biological membrane penetration.

Preparation of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose/pueraria-based modified atmosphere film and its influence on delaying the senescent process of postharvest Agaricus bisporus

Based on the key factor of spontaneous modified atmosphere packaging (MAP)-gas permeability, a spontaneous MAP film was created for the preservation of Agaricus bisporus by delaying the senescence of white mushrooms. Compared with other mixed films, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)/pueraria (P)-2 showed better mechanical properties, barrier properties and thermal stability energy. Applying the HPMC/P-2 film for preserving white mushrooms can spontaneously adjust the internal gas environment. Moreover, the O2 concentration in the package remained stable at 1-2 %, and the CO2 concentration was between 8 % and 14 %. The film can effectively reduce the respiration rate of white mushrooms, inhibit enzymatic browning, maintain their good color and texture, and delay their aging. In conclusion, the HPMC/P-2 film can be used not only for fruit and vegetables preservation but also provide theoretical basis for sustainable food packaging.

Antioxidant and Biological Activities of the Lotus Root Polysaccharide-Iron (III) Complex

In this study, the synthesis parameters of the lotus root polysaccharide iron complex (LRPF) were determined and optimized by response surface methodology. Under the optimum preparation conditions, the pH of the solution was 9, the ratio of M (trisodium citrate): m (lotus root polysaccharide) was 0.45, the reaction time was 3 h. UV spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, FT-IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, CD, and NMR were used for the characterization of the LRPF. LRPF has good stability and easily releases iron ions under artificial gastrointestinal conditions. LRPF exhibited antioxidant activity in vitro and can significantly improve the antioxidant activity in vivo. In addition, LRPF has a good effect in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia in model mice, impacts the gut microbiome, and reduces the iron deficiency-induced perniciousness by regulating steroid hormone biosynthesis. Therefore, LRPF can be used as a nutritional supplement to treat and prevent iron-deficiency anemia and improve human immunity.

Oral Films with Addition Mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) as a Source of Active Compounds

The purpose of this study was to develop oral films (OFs) based on agar-agar with the incorporation of mushroom powder (MP) as a source of phenolic compounds. To this end, three different OFs were produced using different concentrations of MP, containing sorbitol and agar-agar. The OFs were characterized based on visual assessment, mass, thickness, moisture content, folding endurance, surface pH, contact angle, and phenolic compound content, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and FTIR, as well as an assessment of their antioxidant capacity. In general, all the OFs showed film-forming capacity after the incorporation of MP, although their mass, thickness, moisture content, and folding endurance differed significantly. The surface pH value remained close to neutrality (∼6.7), regardless of MP concentration. The incorporation of MP increased the crystallinity of the OFs in comparison to that of the agar-based film, but all the OFs showed similar FTIR spectra. The oral films containing 2 g of MP showed antioxidant capacity by ABTS^●+ and FRAP of 3.68±0.23 and 14.61±0.66 mMol ET/g OF, respectively, and total phenolic content of 3.55±0.27 µmol GAE/g OF. Thus, oral films offer an innovative source of delivery of active compounds, and their consumption does not cause oral mucosal irritation.

Preservation of Agaricus bisporus freshness with using innovative ethylene manipulating active packaging paper

Agaricus bisporus produces substantial ethylene during storage and transportation, which accelerates ripening and senescence, thereby shortening the shelf-life. In this study, a novel food packaging material with ethylene removal property was prepared to increase storage time of Agaricus bisporus. 1-Methylcyclopropen and molecular sieves loaded with potassium permanganate were used as ethylene scavengers to coat the fresh-keeping paper. SEM, FT-IR and DSC analyses proved that these functional components were successfully coated on the fresh-keeping paper. The qualities of the mushrooms packed by prepared functional paper were then determined. The results showed that this prepared functional paper could delay the softening, browning and weight loss of mushrooms during storage by inhibiting ethylene synthesis-related enzymes and gene expression in the mushroom fruiting body, and continuous adsorption and removal of the exogenous ethylene. Consequently, the functional paper could reduce the biochemical and physicochemical quality loss of Agaricus bisporus, thus prolonging its shelf-life.

Culinary–medicinal mushrooms: a review of organic compounds and bioelements with antioxidant activity

There are about 3000 species of mushrooms, which have a high amount of substances that are beneficial to human health, such as antioxidants. It is well known that oxidative stress plays an important role in the etiopathogenesis of many diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and diseases of the central nervous system. One way to prevent homeostasis disorders that occur as a result of excessive production of pro-oxidative substances is to include the ingredients having antioxidant properties in the diet. Several compounds, such as those with phenolic and indole derivatives as well as carotenoids and some vitamins, exhibit antioxidant activity. These substances are present in many foods, including mushrooms. In addition, they have certain unique compounds that are not found in other sources (e.g., norbadione A). The present work discusses selected ingredients exhibiting antioxidant activity, which are found in various species of mushrooms as wells as describes the content of these compounds in the extracts obtained from mushrooms using artificial digestive juice.

Medicinal potential of mycelium and fruiting bodies of an arboreal mushroom Fomitopsis officinalis in therapy of lifestyle diseases

Fomitopsis officinalis is a medicinal mushroom used in traditional European eighteenth and nineteenth century folk medicine. Fruiting bodies of F. officinalis were collected from the natural environment of Świętokrzyskie Province with the consent of the General Director for Environmental Protection in Warsaw. Mycelial cultures were obtained from fragments of F. officinalis fruiting bodies. The taxonomic position of the mushroom mycelium was confirmed using the PCR method. The presence of organic compounds was determined by HPLC–DAD analysis. Bioelements were determined by AF-AAS. The biochemical composition of the tested mushroom material was confirmed with the FTIR method. Antioxidant properties were determined using the DPPH method, and the antiproliferative activity was assessed with the use of the MTT test. The presence of indole compounds (l-tryptophan, 6-methyl-d,l-tryptophan, melatonin, 5-hydroxy-l-tryptophan), phenolic compounds (p-hydroxybenzoic acid, gallic acid, catechin, phenylalanine), and sterols (ergosterol, ergosterol peroxide) as well as trace elements was confirmed in the mycelium and fruiting bodies of F. officinalis. Importantly, a high level of 5-hydroxy-l-tryptophan in in vitro mycelium cultures (517.99 mg/100 g d.w) was recorded for the first time. The tested mushroom extracts also showed antioxidant and antiproliferative effects on the A549 lung cancer cell line, the DU145 prostate cancer cell line, and the A375 melanoma cell line.

Lentinula edodes as a Source of Bioelements Released into Artificial Digestive Juices and Potential Anti-inflammatory Material

Lentinula edodes (shiitake), an edible and medicinal mushroom, was chosen for this study with the aim of evaluating the possibility of release of bioelements into artificial digestive juices and analyzing the anti-inflammatory properties. The extracts were prepared from fruiting bodies and biomass enriched with copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and selenium (Se). The content of bioelements was analyzed by total reflection X-ray fluorescence method. Relatively low content of elements was observed in the fruiting bodies: Cu-1.6, Zn-7.6, and Se-0.12 mg/100 g d.w. compared to mycelial cultures. The anti-inflammatory properties were evaluated in RAW 264.7 cells. Based on the levels of cyclooxygenase 2 protein, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ determined using Western blot technique, it was found that the addition of bioelements enhanced the anti-inflammatory properties of mycelium. This indicates that L. edodes cultured on a suitable medium may be used as a potential component of anti-inflammatory products.

Melatonin Is a Potential Target for Improving Post-Harvest Preservation of Fruits and Vegetables

Melatonin is a ubiquitous molecule distributed in nature and not only plays an important role in animals and humans but also has extensive functions in plants, such as delaying senescence, exerting antioxidant effects, regulating growth and development, and facilitating plant adaption to stress conditions. Endogenous melatonin is widespread in fruits and vegetables and plays prominent roles in the ripening and post-harvest process of fruits and vegetables. Exogenous application of melatonin removes excess reactive oxygen species from post-harvest fruits and vegetables by increasing antioxidant enzymes, non-enzymatic antioxidants, and enzymes related to oxidized protein repair. Moreover, exogenous application of melatonin can increase endogenous melatonin to augment its effects on various physiological processes. Many previous reports have demonstrated that application of exogenous melatonin improves the post-harvest preservation of fruits and vegetables. Although overproduction of melatonin in plants via transgenic approaches could be a potential means for improving the post-harvest preservation of fruits and vegetables, efforts to increase endogenous melatonin in plants are limited. In this review, we summarize the recent progress revealing the role and action mechanisms of melatonin in post-harvest fruits and vegetables and provide future directions for the utilization of melatonin to improve the post-harvest preservation of fruits and vegetables.

Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method for evaluating the dissipation dynamics of cyromazine and its metabolite in Agaricus bisporus and dietary risk assessment

Providing guidance on the reasonable use of pesticide in agricultural production is of particular importance for ensuring food safety. In the present study, a field trial was performed to study the dissipation and accumulative pattern of cyromazine (CA) and its metabolite in Agaricus bisporus (A. bisporus) cultivation. An ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method was first developed and validated for the determination of CA and melamine (MEL) in the casing soil and fruiting body. During the cultivation period, the dissipation rates of CA in the casing soil were between 51.57 and 63.48% at three dose groups. The fruiting body presented higher accumulation ability for MEL compared with CA. The terminal residues of MEL never exceeded the maximum residue limits (MRLs) in food. In addition, the intake health risk from the CA and MEL residues in the fruiting body were negligible to humans. This study will help to provide valuable guidance on the application strategies of CA in A. bisporus cultivation.

Anti-inflammatory properties of edible mushrooms: A review

Mushrooms have been used extensively, owing to their nutritional and medicinal value, for thousands of years. Modern research confirms the therapeutic effect of traditionally used species. Inflammation is a natural response of the immune system to damaging factors, e.g. physical, chemical and pathogenic. Deficiencies of antioxidants, vitamins, and microelements, as well as physiological processes, such as aging, can affect the body's ability to resolve inflammation. Mushrooms are rich in anti-inflammatory components, such as polysaccharides, phenolic and indolic compounds, mycosteroids, fatty acids, carotenoids, vitamins, and biometals. Metabolites from mushrooms of the Basidiomycota taxon possess antioxidant, anticancer, and most significantly, anti-inflammatory properties. Recent reports indicate that edible mushroom extracts exhibit favourable therapeutic and health-promoting benefits, particularly in relation to diseases associated with inflammation. In all certainty, edible mushrooms can be referred to as a "superfood" and are recommended as a valuable constituent of the daily diet.

Remediation capacity of Cd and Pb ions by mycelia of Imleria badia, Laetiporus sulphureus, and Agaricus bisporus in vitro cultures

The goal of this study was to evaluate cadmium and lead accumulation ability of in vitro cultures biomass containing selected edible mushroom species derived from the environment (Laetiporus sulphureus, Imleria badia) and those of commercial origin (Agaricus bisporus). Atomic absorption spectrometry was used to evaluate the content of Cd(II) and Pb(II) on the medium supplemented with Cd(II) or Pb(II), each of them at the same concentration of 5·10^-5 M. The highest concentration of Cd(II) ions was determined in the biomass from L. sulphureus in vitro cultures, while the highest concentration of Pb(II) ions was found in the biomass from A. bisporus in vitro cultures. The greatest Cd(II) and Pb(II) accumulation ability in mycelium per dry weight was shown for L. sulphureus. Among the test species, biomass of A. bisporus showed the lowest ability for the bioaccumulation of Cd(II); however, comparable ability for the remediation of Pb(II) was provided by the biomasses from A. bisporus and I. badia in vitro cultures. The results confirm the possibility of using these mushroom species for remediation and indicate the relationship between bioaccumulation of heavy metals and the test species.

Dietary Sources and Bioactivities of Melatonin

Insomnia is a serious worldwide health threat, affecting nearly one third of the general population. Melatonin has been reported to improve sleep efficiency and it was found that eating melatonin-rich foods could assist sleep. During the last decades, melatonin has been widely identified and qualified in various foods from fungi to animals and plants. Eggs and fish are higher melatonin-containing food groups in animal foods, whereas in plant foods, nuts are with the highest content of melatonin. Some kinds of mushrooms, cereals and germinated legumes or seeds are also good dietary sources of melatonin. It has been proved that the melatonin concentration in human serum could significantly increase after the consumption of melatonin containing food. Furthermore, studies show that melatonin exhibits many bioactivities, such as antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory characteristics, boosting immunity, anticancer activity, cardiovascular protection, anti-diabetic, anti-obese, neuroprotective and anti-aging activity. This review summaries the dietary sources and bioactivities of melatonin, with special attention paid to the mechanisms of action.

Molecularly imprinted solid phase extraction in an efficient analytical protocol for indole-3-methanol determination in artificial gastric juice

Molecularly imprinted solid phase extraction was employed in separation step of new and efficient analytical protocol for analysis of indole-3-methanol.