Antioxidant effect of Inonotus obliquus

Effects of dietary Inonotus obliquus fermentation products supplementation on meat quality and antioxidant capacity of finishing pigs

This study aimed to investigate the supplementation of finishing pigs with Inonotus obliquus fermentation products (IOFP) on the meat quality, amino acid and fatty acid composition, muscle fiber characteristics, and antioxidant capacity. Eighteen healthy castrated piglets were randomly divided into three groups and fed a basal diet or supplemented with IOFP (obliquus (Chaga fungus) products fermented for 3 or 7 days (IOFP-3 and IOFP-7) at 8 g per kg feed). The results demonstrated that, compared to the control group, IOFP significantly increased the pH24h from 5.44 to 5.52, a* value from 3.8 to 4.5, crude protein content from 21.9 % to 24.0 %, and intramuscular fat content from 3.03 % to 3.56 %. Additionally, IOFP led to significant increases in the content of total amino acids (TAA), essential amino acids (EAA), flavor amino acids, total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and the percentage of unsaturated fatty acids (P < 0.05). Furthermore, it resulted in a significant decrease 45.3 N to 40.3 N in shear force (P < 0.05) in the Longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) muscle of pigs. IOFP-7 supplementation also increased (P < 0.05) the MyHC I mRNA expression and decreased (P < 0.05) MyHC IIb mRNA levels. IOFP not only increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) (P < 0.05) in the serum and muscle tissue, but also decreased the content of MDA (P < 0.05) in serum. IOFP-7 supplementation significantly increased enzyme activity and enhanced the expression of Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and downstream genes (P < 0.05), and reduced MDA and carbonyl contents of pork during storage in high‑oxygen modified atmosphere packaging. In summary, this study demonstrated that dietary IOFP supplementation can effectively improve pork's color and nutritional value, increase slow-twitch fiber percentage, enhance the antioxidant capacity of pigs, prevent lipid and protein oxidation, and improve pork quality.

A new polysaccharide from fruit bodies of Morchella elata: Chemical structure and immunomodulation abilities

A new polysaccharide (MEPS, Morchella elata polysaccharide) obtained through alkali extraction from fruit bodies of Morchella elata was purified by dialysis and sepharose-6B column chromatography. Chemical and spectroscopic analysis including GLC, GLC-MS, FT-IR, 1D NMR (1H, 13C, DEPT-135) and 2D NMR (TOCSY, HMQC, NOESY, DQF, ROESY, and HMBC) revealed that the backbone of its repeating unit was →6)-β-d-Manp-(1 → 3)-α-d-Glcp-(1 → 4)-α-d-Glcp-(1→, branched at C-3 of (1 → 4)-linked- α-d-Glcp by α-d-Manp-(1 → 4)-α-d-Glcp-(1 → 4)-α-d-Galp-(1 → . It was also found that a terminal β-l-fucopyranosyl residue was attached at C-3 of α-d-glucopyranosyl residue of the branched chain. In vitro evaluation of immune modulation of the polysaccharide revealed the significant macrophage polarizing properties and capability to induce an alternative phenotype M2 in peritoneal macrophages obtained from BALB/c mice. It was further confirmed by the ability to induce the expression of M2 polarizing cytokines, specifically IL-10.

Comparative evaluation of free radical scavenging activity and total metabolite profiles among 30 macrofungi species

The high antioxidant content of mushrooms such as polyphenols, polysaccharides, carotenoids, ergothioneine, glutathione, vitamins, and other compounds, has sparked interest in their potential use in preventive and therapeutic medicine. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant potential of various macrofungi by measuring 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and quantifying two classes of compounds: phenolics (TPC) and polysaccharides, both endo- (IPS) and exopolysaccharides (EPS). Species-specific abilities to produce mycelium, polysaccharides, and polyphenols were observed under submerged cultivation without agitation over 14 days. Mycelium productivity (PM) ranged significantly from 292 ± 11 to 1110 ± 37 mg·L⁻1·day⁻1, with the highest values observed in Ophiocordyceps sinensis (1110 ± 37 mg·L⁻1 ·day⁻1), Pleurotus djamor (1090 ± 14 mg·L⁻1·day⁻1), and Cordyceps militaris (1080 ± 90 mg· L⁻1·day⁻1). The DPPH inhibition values of the extracts varied from 4.30 ± 0.20 to 87.9 ± 0.80%, while TPC ranged from 0.35 ± 0.10 to 34.6 ± 0.80 mg GAE/g d.w. Lentinula edodes was the best source of produced IPS (10.3 ± 0.35 g·L-1), while Hypsizygus marmoreus exhibited the highest EPS content (2.24 ± 0.30 g·L-1). Overall, IPS levels across species were higher, ranging from 1.56 to 10.3 g·L-1. In half of the fungal species, the mycelium exhibited superior antioxidant activity compared to culture broth. However, in the majority (66.7%), TPC was higher in the culture broth than in the fungal mycelium. Distinct scavenging abilities and metabolite profiles were observed among different isolates. Notably, the mycelium of Fomitopsis pinicola and L. edodes showed the highest DPPH inhibition and TPC. The antioxidant activity and TPC varied depending on the culture medium, and solvents used. The highest DPPH inhibition (90%) and TPC (38.5 ± 0.40 mg GAE/g d.w.) were observed in the methanol (MeOH) extract of F. pinicola mycelium grown in Sabouraud dextrose medium. Similarly, MeOH and ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extracts demonstrated strong DPPH inhibition (over 87%), while the maximum TPC (40.0 ± 0.60 mg GAE/g d.w.) was detected in the water (H2O) extract of L. edodes mycelium cultivated in glucose-peptone-yeast medium. A positive correlation was found between TPC and antioxidant activity, with Pearson's coefficient of 0.6615 for fungal mycelium, 0.1192 for culture broth, and 0.8924 and 0.7143 for F. pinicola and L. edodes, respectively. Both fungal mycelium and culture broth exhibit significant potential as natural antioxidants. These can be applied in nutraceuticals, food products, and nutritional supplements, offering diverse health benefits. Additionally, this study is a pioneering exploration of Auriporia aurea, Hohenbuehelia myxotricha, Lepista luscina, Oxyporus obducens, and Pseudospongipellis litschaueri, highlighting their largely unexplored potential for antioxidant applications.

Antidiabetic activity of Inonotus obliquus water extract in alloxan-induced diabetic mice

OBJECTIVES

The Inonotus obliquus is a medicinal mushroom that grows on mature birch trees and is commonly used in traditional medicine for various ailments. The current study aimed to explore the hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and pancreatic protective effects of the water extract of Mongolian natural Inonotus obliquus on alloxan-induced diabetic mice.

METHODS

Alloxan monohydrate (200 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally single injected into C57BL/6 mice to induce diabetes. Alloxan-induced diabetic mice were orally given the water extract of inonotus obliquus (WEIO) at doses of 500 mg/kg and subcutaneously administered with insulatard 0.6 IU for 4 weeks. Subsequently, the levels of factors related to blood glucose, insulin and lipids were assessed.

RESULTS

WEIO significantly restored body weight, reduced fasting blood glucose levels, improved glucose tolerance ability, and increased insulin levels compared to the control diabetic mice. WEIO also enhanced cholesterol transportation in the liver, correlated with increased HDL-C levels and decreased TC, TG and LDL-C levels. Histologic examinations revealed that WEIO alleviated alloxan-induced pancreatic tissue damage.

CONCLUSIONS

Natural Mongolian I. Obliquus water extracts have an antihyperglycemic effect and enhance islet cell function in alloxan-induced diabetic mice. It is a good candidate for a hypoglycemic functional food or medicine.

Development of citric acid-based biomaterials for biomedical applications

The development of bioactive materials with controllable preparation is of great significance for biomedical engineering. Citric acid-based biomaterials are one of the few bioactive materials with many advantages such as simple synthesis, controllable structure, biocompatibility, biomimetic viscoelastic mechanical behavior, controllable biodegradability, and further functionalization. In this paper, we review the development of multifunctional citrate-based biomaterials for biomedical applications, and summarize their multifunctional properties in terms of physical, chemical, and biological aspects, and finally the applications of citrate-based biomaterials in biomedical engineering, including bone tissue engineering, skin tissue engineering, drug/cell delivery, vascular and neural tissue engineering, and bioimaging.

Comparison of the Controlled Atmosphere Treatment for Submerged and Solid-State Fermentation of Inonotus obliquus

In this study, a controlled atmosphere (CA) treatment was used in the submerged (SM) and solid-state (SS) fermentation of Inonotus obliquus to determine the optimal conditions. The goal was to accelerate the artificial fermentation to obtain I. obliquus as an ingredient for dietary supplements. The results indicated that when CA treatment was used, the SM and SS fermentation of I. obliquus yielded polysaccharide and betulinic acid contents 2-2.5 times higher than those obtained when such treatment was not used. The two fermentation methods yielded similar outcomes in terms of DPPH scavenging ability, bioactivity, and antioxidant activity. Although SS fermentation yielded highly bioactive fruiting bodies when the period of fermentation was extended to 60 days, the mycelia produced by SM reached a similar bioactivity quality with only 30 days of fermentation. It was indicated that SM fermentation is more economically feasible than SS fermentation in the production of I. obliquus.

A review on the cultivation, bioactive compounds, health-promoting factors and clinical trials of medicinal mushrooms Taiwanofungus camphoratus, Inonotus obliquus and Tropicoporus linteus

Medicinal mushrooms, such as Taiwanofungus camphoratus, Inonotus obliquus, and Tropicoporus linteus, have been used in traditional medicine for therapeutic purposes and promotion of overall health in China and many East Asian countries for centuries. Modern pharmacological studies have demonstrated the large amounts of bioactive constituents (such as polysaccharides, triterpenoids, and phenolic compounds) available in these medicinal mushrooms and their potential therapeutic properties. Due to the rising demand for the health-promoting medicinal mushrooms, various cultivation methods have been explored to combat over-harvesting of the fungi. Evidence of the robust pharmacological properties, including their anticancer, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, antioxidant, and antiviral activities, have been provided in various studies, where the health-benefiting properties of the medicinal fungi have been further proven through numerous clinical trials. In this review, the cultivation methods, available bioactive constituents, therapeutic properties, and potential uses of T. camphoratus, I. obliquus and T. linteus are explored.

Chaga mushroom: a super-fungus with countless facets and untapped potential

Inonotus obliquus (Chaga mushroom) is an inexpensive fungus with a broad range of traditional and medicinal applications. These applications include therapy for breast, cervix, and skin cancers, as well as treating diabetes. However, its benefits are virtually untapped due to a limited understanding of its mycochemical composition and bioactivities. In this article, we explore the ethnobotany, mycochemistry, pharmacology, traditional therapeutic, cosmetic, and prospective agricultural uses. The review establishes that several secondary metabolites, such as steroids, terpenoids, and other compounds exist in chaga. Findings on its bioactivity have demonstrated its ability as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antitumor agent. The study also demonstrates that Chaga powder has a long history of traditional use for medicinal purposes, pipe smoking rituals, and mystical future forecasts. The study further reveals that the applications of Chaga powder can be extended to industries such as pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, and agriculture. However numerous publications focused on the pharmaceutical benefits of Chaga with few publications on other applications. Overall, chaga is a promising natural resource with a wide range of potential applications and therefore the diverse array of therapeutic compounds makes it an attractive candidate for various applications such as plant biofertilizers and active ingredients in cosmetics and pharmaceutical products. Thus, further exploration of Chaga's potential benefits in agriculture and other industries could lead to exciting new developments and innovations.

Protective Effects of Lanostane Triterpenoids from Chaga Mushroom in Human Keratinocytes, HaCaT Cells, against Inflammatory and Oxidative Stresses

Inotodiol, a lanostane-type triterpenoid, and many phytochemicals from Chaga mushrooms have been investigated for various allergic diseases. However, the anti-aging and anti-inflammatory activities of inotodiol under different types of oxidative stress and the impact of inotodiol on collagen and hyaluronan synthesis have not been sufficiently studied. Lanostane triterpenoids-rich concentrate, which contained 10% inotodiol as major (inotodiol concentrate), was prepared from Chaga and compared with pure inotodiol in terms of anti-inflammatory activities on a human keratinocyte cell line, HaCaT cells, under various stimulations such as stimulation with ultraviolet (UV) B or tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. In stimulation with TNF-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 genes were significantly repressed by 0.44~4.0 μg/mL of pure inotodiol. UVB irradiation induced the overexpression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, but those genes were significantly suppressed by pure inotodiol or inotodiol concentrate. Moreover, pure inotodiol/inotodiol concentrate could also modulate the synthesis of collagen and hyaluronic acid by controlling COL1A2 and HAS2/3 expression, which implies a crucial role for pure inotodiol/inotodiol concentrate in the prevention of skin aging. These results illuminate the anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effects of pure inotodiol/inotodiol concentrate, and it is highly conceivable that pure inotodiol and inotodiol concentrate could be promising natural bioactive substances to be incorporated in therapeutic and beautifying applications.

Investigating the Protective Role of Biochaga Drug on Structural Changes of Bovine Serum Albumin in the Presence of Methyl tert-butyl Ether

BACKGROUND

The health benefits of natural products have a long history. Chaga (Inonotus obliques) is used in traditional medicine and is an essential antioxidant for protecting the body from oxidants. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced routinely due to metabolic processes. However, environmental pollution factors such as methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) can increase oxidative stress in the human body. MTBE is widely used as a fuel oxygenator that can harm health. The widespread use of MTBE has posed significant threats to the environment by polluting environmental resources, including groundwater. This compound can accumulate in the bloodstream by inhaling polluted air, with a strong affinity for blood proteins. The primary mechanism of MTBE's harmful effects is ROS production. The use of antioxidants may help reduce MTBE oxidation conditions. The present study proposes that biochaga, as an antioxidant, can reduce MTBE damage in the bovine serum albumin (BSA) structure.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This study investigated the role of different concentrations of biochaga in the structural change of BSA in the presence of MTBE by biophysical methods such as UV-Vis, fluorescence, FTIR spectroscopy, DPPH radical inhibition method, aggregation test, and molecular docking. Research at the molecular level is critical to investigate the structural change of proteins by MTBE and the protective effect of the ideal dose (2.5 µg/ml) of biochaga.

CONCLUSION

the results of spectroscopic examinations showed that the concentration of 2.5 µg/ml of biochaga has the least destructive effect on the structure of BSA in the presence and absence of MTBE, and it can play as an antioxidant.

Structural diversity, fermentation production, bioactivities and applications of triterpenoids from several common medicinal fungi: Recent advances and future perspectives

Medicinal fungi are beneficial to human health and it reduces the risk of chronic diseases. Triterpenoids are polycyclic compounds derived from the straight-chain hydrocarbon squalene, which are widely distributed in medicinal fungi. Triterpenoids from medicinal fungal sources possess diverse bioactive activities such as anti-cancer, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity. This review article describes the structure, fermentation production, biological activities, and application of triterpenoids from the medicinal fungi including Ganoderma lucidum, Poria cocos, Antrodia camphorata, Inonotus obliquus, Phellinus linteus, Pleurotus ostreatus, and Laetiporus sulphureus. Besides, the research perspectives of triterpenoids from medicinal fungi are also proposed. This paper provides useful guidance and reference for further research on medicinal fungi triterpenoids.

Inonotus obliquus sclerotia epidermis were different from internal tissues in compound composition, antioxidant activity, and associated fungi

Inonotus obliquus is a medicinal fungus with potential for use in various health applications. To better utilize this fungus, this study focused on epidermis and internal tissues of five sclerotia from different regions in Jilin, Inner Mongolia, and Heilongjiang, examining their polyphenols, polysaccharides, flavonoids, and total triterpenes contents. And evaluated the extracts from sclerotia for their total antioxidant capacity and scavenging ability of DPPH free radicals. The study also isolated the associated fungi from the epidermis and internal tissues of three sclerotia. Results revealed that the polyphenol content was higher in the epidermis than in internal tissue of every sclerotium. However, flavonoid and total triterpenoid content was lower in the epidermis of every sclerotium. The polysaccharide content was no significant in different parts of three sclerotia, but the epidermal polysaccharide content in two sclerotia was significantly higher than in internal tissues. The internal tissue extracts from tested sclerotia exhibited better scavenging ability of DPPH free radicals than those from the epidermis. There was no significant difference in total antioxidant capacity among different parts of three sclerotia, and the internal tissues' total antioxidant capacity in two sclerotia was higher than the epidermis. The number and species of associated fungi in the internal tissues were far less than that in the epidermis. The study suggests separating the epidermis and internal tissue for medicinal use. The research provides insights into the bioactive components and associated fungi of I. obliquus to inform its practical application in medicine.

Mushrooms as future generation healthy foods

The potential of edible mushrooms as an unexploited treasure trove, although rarely included in known food guidelines, is highlighted. Their role in shielding people against the side effects of an unhealthy stylish diet is reviewed. Mushrooms complement the human diet with various bioactive molecules not identified or deficient in foodstuffs of plant and animal sources, being considered a functional food for the prevention of several human diseases. Mushrooms have been widely used as medicinal products for more than 2,000 years, but globally the potential field of use of wild mushrooms has been untapped. There is a broad range of edible mushrooms which remain poorly identified or even unreported which is a valuable pool as sources of bioactive compounds for biopharma utilization and new dietary supplements. Some unique elements of mushrooms and their role in preventative healthcare are emphasized, through their positive impact on the immune system. The potential of mushrooms as antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-neoplastic, and other health concerns is discussed. Mushrooms incorporate top sources of non-digestible oligosaccharides, and ergothioneine, which humans are unable to synthesize, the later a unique antioxidant, cytoprotective, and anti-inflammatory element, with therapeutic potential, approved by world food agencies. The prebiotic activity of mushrooms beneficially affects gut homeostasis performance and the balance of gut microbiota is enhanced. Several recent studies on neurological impact and contribution to the growth of nerve and brain cells are mentioned. Indeed, mushrooms as functional foods' nutraceuticals are presently regarded as next-generation foods, supporting health and wellness, and are promising prophylactic or therapeutic agents.

A review of the pharmacological activities and protective effects of Inonotus obliquus triterpenoids in kidney diseases

Kidney diseases are common health problems worldwide. Various etiologies ultimately lead to the development of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease. Natural compounds from herbs or medicinal plants are widely used for therapy and prevention of various ailments, among which is Inonotus obliquus. I. obliquus is rich in triterpenoids and the main active ingredients include betulinic acid, trametenolic acid, inotodiol, and ergosterol. New evidence suggests that I. obliquus triterpenes may be an effective drug for the treatment and protection of various kidney diseases. The aim of this review is to highlight the pharmacological activities and potential role of I. obliquus triterpenes in the kidney disease treatment and protection.

Biological Synthesis of Bioactive Gold Nanoparticles from Inonotus obliquus for Dual Chemo-Photothermal Effects against Human Brain Cancer Cells

The possibility for an ecologically friendly and simple production of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) (Ch-AuNPs) is presented in this study. Chaga extract's reducing potential was evaluated at varied concentrations and temperatures. The nanoparticles synthesized were all under 20 nm in size, as measured by TEM, which is a commendable result for a spontaneous synthesis method utilizing a biological source. The Ch-AuNPs showed anti-cancer chemotherapeutic effects on human brain cancer cells which is attributed to the biofunctionalization of the AuNPs with Chaga bioactive components during the synthesis process. Further, the photothermal ablation capability of the as-prepared gold nanoparticles on human brain cancer cells was investigated. It was found that the NIR-laser induced thermal ablation of cancer cells was effective in eliminating over 80% of the cells. This research projects the Ch-AuNPs as promising, dual modal (chemo-photothermal) therapeutic candidates for anti-cancer applications.

Inonotus obliquus polysaccharide ameliorates serum profiling in STZ-induced diabetic mice model

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus is a systemic disease mainly caused by the disorder of metabolism, which has become huge threat to human health. Polysaccharides are the main active substance from Inonotus obliquus (I. obliquus) with hypoglycemic effect. This study aims to evaluate the hypoglycemic activity and investigate the molecular mechanism of I. obliquus polysaccharide (IOP) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice using metabolomics based on UPLC-Q-Exactive-MS method.

RESULTS

The results showed that the oral administration of IOP in high dose (1.2 g/kg) can significantly reduce the blood glucose with 31% reduction comparing with the diabetic model and relieve dyslipidemia in diabetic mice. By UPLC-Q-Exactive-MS method and multivariate statistical analysis, a total of 15 differential metabolites were identified, including 4 up-regulated and 11 down-regulated biomarkers, of which L-tryptophan, L-leucine, uric acid, 12-HETE, arachidonic acid, PC(20:1(11Z)/14:1(9Z)) and SM(d18:0/24:1(15Z)) were exhibited an important variation, as the potential biomarkers in diabetes. Pathway analysis indicated that phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis and arachidonic acid metabolism were prone to interference in diabetes. Moreover, leucine and proline were reversed and phytosphingosine was further reduced in diabetic mice under the intervention of IOP.

CONCLUSION

IOP has predominant hyperglycemic effect on STZ-induced diabetic mice via ameliorating serum profiling.

Effects of pH and Temperature on Water under Pressurized Conditions in the Extraction of Nutraceuticals from Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) Mushroom

Currently, there is increased interest in finding appropriate food-grade green extraction systems capable of extracting these bioactive compounds from dietary mushrooms for applications in various food, pharmacological, or nutraceutical formulations. Herein, we evaluated a modified Swiss water process (SWP) method using alkaline and acidic pH at low and high temperature under pressurized conditions as a suitable green food grade solvent to obtained extracts enriched with myco-nutrients (dietary phenolics, total antioxidants (TAA), vitamins, and minerals) from Chaga. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution accurate mass tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRAMS-MS/MS) was used to assess the phenolic compounds and vitamin levels in the extracts, while inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to determine the mineral contents. Over 20 phenolic compounds were quantitatively evaluated in the extracts and the highest total phenolic content (TPC) and total antioxidant activity (TAA) was observed at pH 11.5 at 100 °C. The most abundant phenolic compounds present in Chaga extracts included phenolic acids such as protocatechuic acid 4-glucoside (0.7-1.08 µg/mL), syringic acid (0.62-1.18 µg/mL), and myricetin (0.68-1.3 µg/mL). Vitamins are being reported for the first time in Chaga. Not only, a strong correlation was found for TPC with TAA (r-0.8, <0.0001), but also, with individual phenolics (i.e., Salicylic acid), lipophilic antioxidant activity (LAA), and total antioxidant minerals (TAM). pH 2.5 at 100 °C treatment shows superior effects in extracting the B vitamins whereas pH 2.5 at 60 and 100 °C treatments were outstanding for extraction of total fat-soluble vitamins. Vitamin E content was the highest for the fat-soluble vitamins in the Chaga extract under acidic pH (2.5) and high temp. (100 °C) and ranges between 50 to 175 µg/100 g Chaga. Antioxidant minerals ranged from 85.94 µg/g (pH7 at 100 °C) to 113.86 µg/g DW (pH2.5 at 100 °C). High temperature 100 °C and a pH of 2.5 or 9.5. The treatment of pH 11.5 at 100 °C was the most useful for recovering phenolics and antioxidants from Chaga including several phenolic compounds reported for the first time in Chaga. SWP is being proposed herein for the first time as a novel, green food-grade solvent system for the extraction of myco-nutrients from Chaga and have potential applications as a suitable approach to extract nutrients from other matrices. Chaga extracts enriched with bioactive myconutrients and antioxidants may be suitable for further use or applications in the food and nutraceutical industries.

Biological activities of two polypore macrofungi (Basidiomycota) and characterization of their compounds using HPLC-DAD and LC-ESI-MS/MS

Members of Hymenochaetaceae fungi are among well-known macromycetes with various medicinal properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the biological activities of Phellinus tuberculosus and Fuscoporia ferruginosa collected in Iran. The antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities of the two species were examined, and their phenolic and polysaccharide contents were quantified. Compounds were characterized by HPLC-DAD chromatography and LC-ESI-MS/MS spectroscopy. According to our results, the antibacterial and antioxidant effects of P. tuberculosus extracts were stronger than F. ferruginosa. Also, the effect of hydroalcoholic extracts was higher than the aqueous extract. Gram-positive bacteria were more sensitive to all extracts, especially Streptococcus mutans with a MIC of 0.7 mg/mL and MBC of 6.25 mg/mL. HPLC-DAD analyses detected gallic acid, caffeic acid, and syringic acid in both fungi. The LC-ESI-MS/MS confirmed the detected compounds in HPLC-DAD and showed the presence of several phenolic compounds such as phellifuropyranone, phelligridin, and hispidin, besides others. This study showed that F. ferruginosa and P. tuberculosus are potent medicinal fungi with antibacterial and antioxidant properties, with no toxic effect on normal HDF cells, and possess various bioactive compounds including styrylpyrone-type phenols with well-known bioactivities.

Effect of Inonotus obliquus (Fr.) Pilat extract on the regulation of glycolipid metabolism via PI3K/Akt and AMPK/ACC pathways in mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Inonotus obliquus (Fr.) Pilat is a mushroom belonging to the family Hymenochaetaceae. It is popularly called the Chaga mushroom in Russian folk medicine and has been used as a traditional medicine to treat diabetes mellitus in Eastern European and Asian countries. However, its effects on glycolipid metabolism disorders and underlying molecular mechanism of action remain unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

I. obliquus contains abundant functional components, which provide potential medicinal value. The purpose of this study was to investigate compositions of I. obliquus extract with a high-pressure water extraction method, and investigate the anti-type 2 diabetic effects of I. obliquus extract and the possible underlying mechanisms involved.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The I. obliquus was extracted by a high-pressure water extraction method, and tested its main components by special assay kit and instrumental analysis. Type 2 diabetic C57BL/6 mice were induced by high-fat diet with low-dose STZ injection, and were daily gavaged with different doses of I. obliquus extract for 8 weeks. Glycemic, blood lipid profile, and histopathology of liver and pancreas were assessed. Underlying mechanisms related to glycemic control in liver were further performed.

RESULTS

The I. obliquus extract main compounds were β-Glucans, triterpenoids and polyphenol by determination. Oral administration of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg I. obliquus extract significantly alleviated blood glucose and insulin resistance. Moreover, 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg of I. obliquus extract increased liver glycogen content and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels while decreased total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. Furthermore, the protein expression levels of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K), p-protein kinase B (Akt), p-adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase (AMPK), and p-acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) were upregulated, whereas sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) and fatty acid synthase (FAS) were downregulated after supplement with 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg of I. obliquus extract. Interestingly, I. obliquus extract was a dose-effect relationship within a certain range. 250 mg/kg had obvious anti-diabetes effect, and the effect of 500 mg/kg dose was the same as that of metformin.

CONCLUSION

I. obliquus extract ameliorated insulin resistance and lipid metabolism disorders in diabetic mice. The hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties of I. obliquus extract were supposedly exerted via the regulation of the PI3K/Akt and AMPK/ACC signaling pathways.

Recent Developments in Inonotus obliquus (Chaga mushroom) Polysaccharides: Isolation, Structural Characteristics, Biological Activities and Application

Inonotus obliquus (Chaga mushroom) is a kind of medicine and health food widely used by folk in China, Russia, Korea, and some occidental countries. Among the extracts from Inonotus obliquus, Inonotus obliquus polysaccharide (IOPS) is supposed to be one of the major bioactive components in Inonotus obliquus, which possesses antitumor, antioxidant, anti-virus, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic activities. In this review, the current advancements on extraction, purification, structural characteristics, and biological activities of IOPS were summarized. This review can provide significant insight into the IOPS bioactivities as their in vitro and in vivo data were summarized, and some possible mechanisms were listed. Furthermore, applications of IOPS were reviewed and discussed; IOPS might be a potential candidate for the treatment of cancers and type 2 diabetes. Besides, new perspectives for the future work of IOPS were also proposed.

Structure elucidation of a new triterpene from Inonotus obliquus

Ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction of the Inonotus obliquus (Hymenochaetaceae) significantly inhibited nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced murine BV2 microglial cells. A new triterpene, characterized as inonotusol H (1), was isolated from the EtOAc fraction using the bioactivity-guided fractionation together with four known triterpenes, inotodiol (2), trametenolic acid (3), inonotsutriols A (4), and inonotusol A (5). Among them, Compounds 2-4 significantly reduced LPS-induced nitric oxide production to 4.5 ± 0.8%, 47.4 ± 4.4%, and 2.8 ± 1.7%, respectively, at a concentration of 30 μM.

Deciphering the antitumoral potential of the bioactive metabolites from medicinal mushroom Inonotus obliquus

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The crude extracts of the medicinal mushroom Inonotus obliquus have been used as an effective traditional medicine to treat malicious tumors, gastritis, gastric ulcers, and other inflammatory conditions in Russia and most Baltic countries.

AIM OF THIS REVIEW

Deciphering the antitumoral potential of the bioactive metabolites from I. obliquus and addressing its possibility to be used as effective agents for tumor treatment, restoration of compromised immunity and protection of gastrointestinal damage caused by chemotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We analysed the current achievements and dilemma in tumor chemo- or immunotherapy. In this context, we searched the published literatures on I. obliquus covering from 1990 to 2020, and summarized the activities of antitumor, antioxidation, and immunomodulation by the polysaccharides, triterpenoids, small phenolic compounds, and hispidin polyphenols. By comparing the merits and shortcomings of current and traditional methodology for tumor treatment, we further addressed feasibility for the use of I. obliquus as an effective natural drug for tumor treatment and prevention.

RESULTS

The diverse bioactive metabolites confer I. obliquus great potential to inhibit tumor growth and metastasis. Its antitumor activities are achieved either through suppressing multiple oncogenic signals including but not limited to the activation of NF-κB and FAK, and the expression of RhoA/MMP-9 via ERK1/2 and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. The antitumor activities can also be achieved by inhibiting tyrosinase activity via PAK1-dependent signaling pathway or altering lysosomal membrane permeabilization through blocking tubulin polymerization and/or disturbing energy metabolism through LKB1/AMPK pathway. In addition, the metabolites from I. obliquus also harbour the potentials to reverse MDR either through selective inhibition on P-gp/ABCB1 or MRP1/ABCC1 proteins or the induction of G2/M checkpoint arrest in tumor cells of chemoresistant phenotypes mediated by Nox/ROS/NF-kB/STAT3 signaling pathway. In addition to the eminent effects in tumor inhibition, the metabolites in I. obliquus also exhibit immunomodulatory potential to restore the compromised immunity and protect against ulcerative damage of GI tract caused by chemotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

I. obliquus possesses the potential to reduce incidence of tumorigenesis in healthy people. For those whose complete remission has been achieved by chemotherapy, administration of the fungus will inhibit the activation of upstream oncogenic signals and thereby prevent metastasis; for those who are in the process of chemotherapy administration of the fungus will not only chemosensitize the tumor cells and thereby increasing the chemotherapeutic effects, but also help to restore the compromised immunity and protect against ulcerative GI tract damage and other side-effects induced by chemotherapy.

Optimization for the extraction of polyphenols from Inonotus obliquus and its antioxidation activity

In order to study the extraction process and antioxidative activity of Inonotus obliquus polyphenols (IOP), the optimal extraction process was determined by orthogonal experiment optimization. The clearance rate of DPPH and hydroxyl radicals were used as indicators to evaluate the antioxidant activity of IOP. The results showed that the optimum extraction conditions were as follows: ethanol concentration of 50%, solid-liquid ratio of 1:20, temperature of 60 °C, and 90 min. Under these conditions, the extraction yield of IOP was 2.84%. The antioxidant capacity of extracts appeared to be IOP dose-dependent, while it also presented stronger ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC-MS) analysis indicated that the major identified polyphenol compounds extracted at the optimal conditions were ten compounds (procyanidin, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside, astilbin, tangeretin, gallic acid, kaempferol, quercetin, and catechin 7-xyloside). These findings indicate that I. obliquus polyphenols have the potential to be developed as a natural antioxidant and have a good application prospect.

Inonotus obliquus - from folk medicine to clinical use

The Inonotus obliquus (I. obliquus) mushroom was traditionally used to treat various gastrointestinal diseases. For many years, mounting evidence has indicated the potential of I. obliquus extracts for treatment of viral and parasitic infections. Furthermore, substances from I. obiquus have been shown to stimulate the immune system. The most promising finding was the demonstration that I. obliquus has hypoglycemic and insulin sensitivity potential. This review summarizes the therapeutic potential of I. obliquus extracts in counteracting the progression of cancers and diabetes mellitus as well as their antiviral and antiparasitic activities and antioxidant role. As shown by literature data, various authors have tried to determine the molecular mechanism of action of I. obliquus extracts. Two mechanisms of action of I. obliquus extracts are currently emerging. The first is associated with the broad-sense impact on antioxidant enzymes and the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The other is related to peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) effects. This receptor may be a key factor in the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer activity of I. obliquus extracts. It can be concluded that I. obliquus fits the definition of functional food and has a potentially positive effect on health beyond basic nutrition; however, studies that meet the evidence-based medicine (EBM) criteria are needed.

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Extracts or polysaccharides from I. obliquus exhibit an anti-cancer potential in vitro.

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Extracts or polysaccharides from I. obliquus exhibit anti-inflammation potential.

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Extracts or polysaccharides from I. obliquus exhibit hypoglycemic and insulin sensitivity potential.

Functional Cordyceps Coffee Containing Cordycepin and β-Glucan

Cordyceps coffee, containing Cordycepin and β-glucan, was developed to improve quality and functionality of coffee. We evaluated its biological activities and quality characteristics. We treated green coffee beans with mixed extracts from three medicinal mushrooms, Cordyceps mushroom (Cordyceps militaris), Phellinus mushroom (Phellinus linteus), and Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus). Both control [27.00 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g] and Cordyceps coffee (37.34 mg GAE/g) had higher contents of polyphenol than the Cordyceps mushroom raw materials (23.17 mg GAE/g). 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity was higher for both the control and Cordyceps coffee (80.56% and 82.21 %, respectively) compared with Cordyceps mushrooms (62.89%). β-Glucan content was determined by the enzyme method; the raw Cordyceps, Phellinus, and Chaga mushrooms contained 3.79%, 7.06%, and 8.57% β-glucan, respectively. However, β-glucan and total glucan contents were much lower in Cordyceps coffee (2.03% and 3.11%, respectively) than in the raw mushrooms. The amount of Cordycepin, as determined by high performance liquid chromatograph, was 2,274.70 mg/kg for the Cordyceps coffee and 11,533.22 mg/kg for the Cordyceps mushrooms. Through flavor pattern analysis using the electronic nose system, we showed Cordyceps coffee kept the original coffee aroma (similar as the control), and this was not obstructed by the off-flavor of the Cordyceps mushrooms. In conclusion, this study suggests that Cordyceps coffee may be a novel functional coffee containing the functional components Cordycepin and β-glucan.

The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of the medicinal fungus Inonotus obliquus (Hymenochaetaceae, Basidiomycota)

Inonotus obliquus is a medicinal fungus in the family Hymenochaetaceae and commonly known as chaga. The sclerotium of this fungus has been used as a traditional medicine for long time. In this study, we present the mitochondrial genome sequence of I. obliquus. The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is 119,110 base pairs in length and contained genes for 58 Open reading frames, 2 ribosomal RNAs, and 30 transfer RNAs. Consequently performed phylogenetic analysis indicates that this fungus is closely related to Sanghuangporus sanghuang which belongs to the same family Hymenochaetaceae. We first reported about the complete mitochondrial genome of fungi belonging to the genus Inonotus.

Structural characterization and determination of biological activities for different polysaccharides extracted from tree mushroom species

Chemical composition and structural characterization of polysaccharides of Fomes fomentarius (FF), Fuscoporia torulosa, Ganoderma adspersum, Ganoderma applanatum (GAP), Ganoderma lucidum, Phellinus igniarius, Pleurotus ostreatus (PO), and Porodaedalea pini (PP) tree mushrooms with antioxidant and anticholinesterase activities were determined in this research. Total carbohydrate contents of the polysaccharides were ranged between 65.06 ± 6.76 and 88.27 ± 5.15 µg/mg and total protein contents were ranged between 3.18 ± 0.72 and 6.56 ± 1.25 µg/mg. Galactose, glucose, and mannose were identified as major monosaccharides in all polysaccharides using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. FT-IR analysis showed the characteristic peaks of the polysaccharides and high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection was used to determine the molecular weight of the polysaccharides. In β-carotene-linoleic acid assay FF (IC₅₀ : 2.55 ± 0.40 µg/ml) displayed the highest antioxidant activity, whereas GAP indicated the highest antioxidant activity in cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (A_0.50 :59.90 ± 0.53 μg/ml), ABTS^•+ (IC₅₀ : 16.62 ± 0.31 μg/ml), and DPPH^• (IC₅₀ : 45.58 ± 0.21 μg/ml) assays. In cholinesterase inhibitory activity test, PO (56.31±0.0.74%) showed significant inhibitory activity against butyrylcholinesterase enzyme. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Polysaccharides from mushrooms are the major class of bioactive compounds with various biological activities. Several studies were performed on the biological activity of the polysaccharide extracts from different mushrooms. However, to our knowledge, this is the first report on the chemical composition, structural characterization, antioxidant, and anticholinesterase activities of extracted polysaccharides from studied mushrooms in detail. This investigation shows that polysaccharide extracts obtained from tree mushrooms show a significant bioactivity and these polysaccharides might be used as bioactive natural sources in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries.

Melanins of Inonotus Obliquus: Bifidogenic and Antioxidant Properties

Extracts and melanins from Inonotus obliquus are widely used in medicine due to their high antioxidant properties. This study is dedicated to define the influence of the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of Inonotus obliquus melanins and their bifidogenic effects on Bifidobacterium bifidum 1 and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis. For this purpose, melanins precipitated from Inonotus obliquus aqueous extracts, obtained by a few methods, and separated melanin fractions by organic solvents were used. For the melanin physicochemical properties analysis spectrophotometry, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering methods were applied. Melanins and their fractions difference in particle size and charge, antioxidant properties, and redox potential were revealed. It was shown that the redox potential, the size of melanin particles and the z-potential had maximum influence on bifidobacteria growth. The greatest activating effect on bifidobacteria was established by using melanin isolated from aqueous microwave extracts in concentrations of 10⁻¹³, 10⁻¹⁰, 10⁻⁵ g/cm³. The use of this melanin with antioxidant activity 0.67 ± 0.06 mg/g (expressed as ascorbic acid equivalent), and with redox potential −5.51 ± 2.22 mV as a prebiotic allowed the growth of Bifidobacterium bifidum 1 s to increase by 1.4 times in comparison with ascorbic acid by 24 h of cultivation.

Inonotus obliquus polysaccharides protect against Alzheimer's disease by regulating Nrf2 signaling and exerting antioxidative and antiapoptotic effects

Inonotus obliquus polysaccharide (IOPS) was initially separated and purified via precipitation from an aqueous extract with 80% alcohol, a DEAE-52 cellulose anion exchange column, and a Sephadex G-100 gel permeation chromatography system. IOPS was found to have a molecular weight of 111.9 kDa. In L-glutamic acid (L-Glu)-damaged HT22 cells, a 3-h pre-incubation with IOPS enhanced cell viability, inhibited apoptosis and caspase-3 activity, reduced the release of lactate dehydrogenase, restored the dissipated mitochondrial membrane potential, and suppressed the excess accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species. Compared with L-Glu-exposed cells, IOPS pre-treated cells exhibited reduced levels of Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax) and Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) and enhanced levels of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), NF-E2p45-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD-1), and cysteine ligase catalytic subunit. In amyloid precursor protein/presenilin 1 (APP/PS1) transgenic mice, an 8-week course of IOPS improved the pathological behaviors related to memory and cognition, reduced the deposition of β-amyloid peptides and neuronal fiber tangles induced by enhanced phosphor-Tau in the brain, and modulated the levels of anti- and pro-oxidative stress enzymes. Additionally, IOPS enhanced the expression levels of Nrf2 and its downstream proteins, including HO-1 and SOD-1, in the brains of APP/PS1 mice. The present study successfully demonstrated the protective effect of IOPS against AD and revealed the possible mechanism underlying the ability of IOPS to modulate oxidative stress, especially Nrf2 signaling, and mediate mitochondrial apoptosis.

Three-Phase Partitioning for the Extraction and Purification of Polysaccharides from the Immunomodulatory Medicinal Mushroom Inonotus obliquus

Polysaccharides from the immunomodulatory medicinal mushroom Inonotus obliquus (IOPS) were extracted and purified using three-phase partitioning (TPP), which is an efficient, fast, safe, and green purification technique. An optimal extraction procedure that gave a good 2.2% isolated yield was identified, using the following protocol: a solid-liquid ratio of 1 g to 12 mL; mass fraction of (NH₄)₂SO₄ 20% (w/v); 11 mL t-butanol; pH 8.0; temperature 30 °C; and extraction time 30 min. The purified IOPS was shown to be a proteoglycan of 40 kDa molecular weight comprising of d-galactose, d-glucose, d-xylose, and d-mannose in a molar ratio of 2.0:3.5:1.0:1.5. The purified IOPS displayed strong free-radical scavenging abilities, antioxidant activities, and immunological activity in vitro. IOPS’ Trolox antioxidant equivalent capacity and ferric-reducing ability of plasma were 251.2 μmol Trolox/g sample and 1040.5 μmol Fe²⁺/g sample, respectively, with the activity of its immunomodulatory behavior shown to be gradient dependent.

Bioactivity-based analysis and chemical characterization of cytotoxic constituents from Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) that induce apoptosis in human lung adenocarcinoma cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Inonotus obliquus, also known as Chaga mushroom, is one of the most widely appreciated wild edible mushrooms in Russia and northern European countries and is renowned for its use in cancer treatment. Indeed, recently published in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated its anticancer activity in various types of cancer and support its potential application for therapeutic intervention in cancer. However, its activity against lung cancer, the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer death worldwide, and the underlying molecular basis of its action remain to be fully elucidated.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic activity of I. obliquus in four human lung adenocarcinoma cell lines with different p53 status (A549, H1264, H1299, and Calu-6) and identify its active constituents by bioactivity-based analysis and the underlying molecular basis of their cytotoxicity on lung cancer cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Bioactivity-guided fractionation and preparative/semi-preparative HPLC purification were used with LC/MS analysis to separate the bioactive constituents. Cell viability and apoptosis in human lung cancer cell lines (A549, H1264, H1299, and Calu-6) were assessed using the WST-1 assay and TUNEL staining, respectively. Caspase activation was assessed by detecting its surrogate markers, cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and caspase-3, using an immunoblot assay.

RESULTS

The MeOH extract of I. obliquus reduced cell viability in all lung cancer cell lines tested through induction of apoptosis accompanied by caspase-3 cleavage. Bioactivity-guided fractionation of the MeOH extract and chemical investigation of its cytotoxic hexane-soluble and CH₂Cl₂-soluble fractions led to the isolation of eight triterpenoids (1-8), including a new lanostane-type triterpenoid named chagabusone A (7). The structures of the isolates were elucidated based on spectroscopic analysis, including 1D and 2D NMR and high-resolution ESIMS. Among isolated compounds, compounds 1, 6, and 7 showed the most potent cytotoxic activity in all human lung cancer cell lines examined, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 75.1 to 227.4 μM. Cytotoxicity of these compounds was mediated by apoptosis with caspase-3 activation.

CONCLUSION

These findings provide experimental evidence supporting the potential application of I. obliquus in lung cancer treatment and reveal the molecular basis underlying its cytotoxic activity against human lung cancer cells.

A new pyrrole alkaloid from the mycelium of Inonotus obliquus

Inotopyrrole B, a new pyrrole alkaloid, was isolated from the mycelium of Inonotus obliquus together with two known ones, inotopyrrole and 5-(hydroxymethyl)-1 H-pyrrole-2-carboxaldehyde. The structure of the new compound was established via detailed analyses of the spectroscopic data, in particular, 1D and 2D NMR and HRESIMS.

Antidiabetic activities of polysaccharides separated from Inonotus obliquus via the modulation of oxidative stress in mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes

This study evaluated the effects of Inonotus obliquus polysaccharides (IOs) on diabetes and other underlying mechanisms related to inflammatory factors and oxidative stress in a mouse model of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes. Four weeks administration of metformin (120 mg/kg) and IO1-4 (50%-80% alcohol precipitation), or IO5 (total 80% alcohol precipitation) at doses of 50 mg/kg reverses the abnormal changes of bodyweights and fasting blood glucose levels of diabetic mice. IOs significantly increased the insulin and pyruvate kinase levels in serum, and improved the synthesis of glycogen, especially for IO5. IOs restored the disturbed serum levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and malondialdehyde. The down-regulation of interleukin-2 receptor, matrix metalloproteinase-9, and the enhancement of interleukin-2 in serum of diabetic mice were significantly attenuated by IOs. Histologic and morphology examinations showed that IOs repaired the damage on kidney tissues, inhibited inflammatory infiltrate and extracellular matrix deposit injuries in diabetic mice. Compared with untreated diabetic mice, IOs decreased the expression of phosphor-NF-κB in the kidneys. These results show that IOs treatment attenuated diabetic and renal injure in STZ-induced diabetic mice, possibly through the modulation of oxidative stress and inflammatory factors. These results provide valuable evidences to support the use of I. obliquus as a hypoglycemic functional food and/or medicine.

Areca nut extract protects against ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis in mice

Estrogen deficiency increases the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which is a crucial pathogenic factor for osteoporosis. Areca nuts are rich in phenolics, which have high antioxidant activity. In the present study, an ovariectomy (OVX)-induced osteoporosis mouse model was used to investigate the protective effects of areca nut extract (ANE) on bone loss and related processes. A total of 24 8-week-old female mice were randomly divided into three groups (n=8 per group): I Sham-operated control; II, bilateral OVX; and III, bilateral OVX + ANE. Group III were treated orally with ANE at a single dose of 300 mg/kg body weight daily for 6 months. ANE supplementation for 6 months improved trabecular bone microarchitecture and significantly increased bone mineral density in the distal femur (P<0.05) compared with Group II. Furthermore, serum levels of the osteoclast differentiation-inducing factors, receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand and osteoprotegerin were significantly increased and decreased, respectively (both P<0.05), in OVX mice and these effects were significantly inhibited by ANE treatment (both P<0.05). ANE supplementation also resulted in significantly decreased serum hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde levels compared with Group II, while the levels of glutathione and catalase activity were significantly increased (P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively). The current study indicated that the protective effects of ANE against bone loss were mediated, at least in part, via inhibition of the release of ROS and bone resorption. These results suggested that ANE could have therapeutic value in the treatment of osteoporosis.

Use of Swine Wastewater as Alternative Substrate for Mycelial Bioconversion of White Rot Fungi

Seven white rot fungal species were tested for growth as mycelia using swine wastewater (SW), an agro-waste with tremendous environmental footprint, as the sole nutrient source. The SW contained high concentrations of carbon and nitrogen components, which could support nutritional requirements for mycelial growth. Out of the seven species, Pleurotus ostreatus and Hericium erinaceus were successfully cultivated on the SW medium using solid-state fermentation. Response surface methodology was employed to determine the combination of pH, temperature (T), and substrate concentration (C) that maximizes mycelial growth rate (Kr) for the two species. The optimum condition was estimated as pH = 5.8, T = 28.8 °C, and C = 11.2 g chemical oxygen demand (COD)/L for P. ostreatus to yield Kr of 11.0 mm/day, whereas the greatest Kr (3.1 mm/day) was anticipated at pH = 4.6, T = 25.5 °C, and C = 11.9 g COD/L for H. erinaceus. These Kr values were comparable to growth rates obtained using other substrates in the literature. These results demonstrate that SW can be used as an effective substrate for mycelial cultivation of the two white rot fungal species, suggesting an alternative method to manage SW with the production of potentially valuable biomass.

Mechanosensory Neuron Aging: Differential Trajectories with Lifespan-Extending Alaskan Berry and Fungal Treatments in Caenorhabditis elegans

Many nutritional interventions that increase lifespan are also proposed to postpone age-related declines in motor and cognitive function. Potential sources of anti-aging compounds are the plants and fungi that have adapted to extreme environments. We studied the effects of four commonly consumed and culturally relevant Interior Alaska berry and fungus species (bog blueberry, lowbush cranberry, crowberry, and chaga) on the decline in overall health and neuron function and changes in touch receptor neuron morphology associated with aging. We observed increased wild-type Caenorhabditis elegans lifespan and improved markers of healthspan upon treatment with Alaskan blueberry, lowbush cranberry, and chaga extracts. Interestingly, although all three treatments increased lifespan, they differentially affected the development of aberrant morphologies in touch receptor neurons. Blueberry treatments decreased anterior mechanosensory neuron (ALM) aberrations (i.e., extended outgrowths and abnormal cell bodies) while lowbush cranberry treatment increased posterior mechanosensory neuron (PLM) aberrations, namely process branching. Chaga treatment both decreased ALM aberrations (i.e., extended outgrowths) and increased PLM aberrations (i.e., process branching and loops). These results support the large body of knowledge positing that there are multiple cellular strategies and mechanisms for promoting health with age. Importantly, these results also demonstrate that although an accumulation of abnormal neuron morphologies is associated with aging and decreased health, not all of these morphologies are detrimental to neuronal and organismal health.

Effect of Inonotus Obliquus Polysaccharides on physical fatigue in mice

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the potential beneficial effects of Inonotus obliquuspolysaccharides (IOP) on the alleviation of physical fatigue in mice.

METHODS

Sixty-four male mice were randomly divided into four groups (n = 16 per group). Mice were orally administered IOP for a period of 14 days at 0, 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg/d, and were assigned to the control, IOP-100, IOP-200, and IOP-300 groups, respectively by the random number table method. Mice in the control group received an oral administration of sterile distilled water. A forced swimming test was performed for 8 mice per group at one hour after the last treatment. The other 8 mice in each group swam for 30 min. Blood, liver and muscle samples were taken after resting for 30 min. Levels of blood urea nitrogen and lactate, as well as glycogen contents of the liver and muscle were measured. Morphology of liver was observed by light microscopy.

RESULTS

IOP extended the swimming time of mice, and increased the glycogen content of liver and muscle, but decreased blood lactic acid and serum urea nitrogen levels, IOP had no toxic effects on major organs such as the liver as assessed by histopathological examinations.

CONCLUSION

IOP might be a potential anti-fatigue pharmacological agent.

Systematic Review of the Use of Phytochemicals for Management of Pain in Cancer Therapy

Pain in cancer therapy is a common condition and there is a need for new options in therapeutic management. While phytochemicals have been proposed as one pain management solution, knowledge of their utility is limited. The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review of the biomedical literature for the use of phytochemicals for management of cancer therapy pain in human subjects. Of an initial database search of 1,603 abstracts, 32 full-text articles were eligible for further assessment. Only 7 of these articles met all inclusion criteria for this systematic review. The average relative risk of phytochemical versus control was 1.03 [95% CI 0.59 to 2.06]. In other words (although not statistically significant), patients treated with phytochemicals were slightly more likely than patients treated with control to obtain successful management of pain in cancer therapy. We identified a lack of quality research literature on this subject and thus were unable to demonstrate a clear therapeutic benefit for either general or specific use of phytochemicals in the management of cancer pain. This lack of data is especially apparent for psychotropic phytochemicals, such as the Cannabis plant (marijuana). Additional implications of our findings are also explored.