Mushroom as Prebiotics: a Sustainable Approach for Healthcare

Mushrooms are considered as sustainable foods as they require less effort and can be cultivated on different agro-industrial wastes. Besides, these possess many nutraceuticals for providing health benefits along with supplementing nutrition. The mushrooms are also used as prebiotics for their ability to support beneficial microbes in the gut and inhibit the growth of pathogens. Furthermore, these remain undigested in the upper gut and reach the intestine to replenish the gut microbiota. The mushrooms boost health by inhibiting the binding of pathogenic bacteria, by promoting the growth of specific gut microbiota, producing short chain fatty acids, and regulating lipid metabolism and cancer. Research has been initiated in the commercial formulation of various products such as yogurt and symbiotic capsules. This paper sheds light on health-promoting effect, disease controlling, and regulating effect of mushroom prebiotics. This paper also presented a glimpse of commercialization of mushroom prebiotics. In the future, proper standardization of mushroom-based prebiotic formulations will be available to boost human health.

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.

Isolation and identification of active components from Grifola frondosa and its anti-EV71 virus effect

BACKGROUND

It is reported that anti-enterovirus 71 (EV71) drugs have some side effects on human health. Notably, fungi plays a crucial role in promoting human health and anti-virus. Grifola frondosa is a type of large medicinal and edible fungi, rich in active substances. The present study aimed to investigate the anti-EV71 effect of G. frondosa and the potential active substances.

RESULTS

In the present study, the water extract of G. frondosa was subjected to ethanol precipitation to obtain the water-extracted supernatant of G. frondosa (GFWS) and water-extracted precipitation of G. frondosa. Their inhibitory effects on EV71 virus were studied based on a cell model. The results showed that GFWS had stronger security and anti-EV71 effects. In addition, the chemical constituents of GFWS were identified by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, which were selected for further separation and purification. Three compounds, N-butylaniline, succinic acid and l-tryptophan, were isolated from GFWS by NMR spectroscopy. It is noteworthy that N-butylaniline and l-tryptophan were isolated and identified from the G. frondosa fruiting bodies for the first time. Our study found that l-tryptophan has anti-EV71 virus activity, which reduced EV71-induced apoptosis and significantly inhibited the replication process after virus adsorption. Furthermore, it could also bind to capsid protein VP1 to prevent the virus from attaching to the cells.

CONCLUSION

l-tryptophan was an inhibitor of the EV71 virus, which could be used in infant nutrition and possibly provide a new drug to treat hand, foot and mouth disease. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

The inhibitory action of lactocin 63 on deterioration of seabass (Lateolabrax japonicus) during chilled storage

BACKGROUND

The bacteriocins, particularly derived from lactic acid bacteria, currently exhibit potential as a promising food preservative owing to their low toxicity and potent antimicrobial activity. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of lactocin 63, produced by Lactobacillus coryniformis, in inhibiting the deterioration of Lateolabrax japonicas during chilled storage, while also investigating its underlying inhibitory mechanism. The measurement of total viable count, biogenic amines, and volatile organic compounds were conducted, along with high-throughput sequencing and sensory evaluation.

RESULTS

The findings demonstrated that treatment with lactocin 63 resulted in a notable retardation of bacterial growth in L. japonicas fish fillet during refrigerated storage compared with the water-treated and nisin-treated groups. Moreover, lactocin 63 effectively maintained the microbial flora balance in the fish fillet and inhibited the proliferation and metabolic activity of specific spoilage microorganisms, particularly Shewanella, Pseudomonas, and Acinetobacter. Furthermore, the production of unacceptable volatile organic compounds (e.g. 1-octen-3-ol, hexanal, nonanal), as well as the biogenic amines derived from the bacterial metabolism, could be hindered, thus preventing the degradation in the quality of fish fillets and sustaining relatively high sensory quality.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study provide valuable theoretical support for the development and application of lactocin 63, or other bacteriocins derived from lactic acid bacteria, as potential bio-preservatives in aquatic food. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Characteristics of the gut microbiome of Swiss elite athletes with a spinal cord injury: An exploratory study

OBJECTIVES

To illustrate and explore associations between the gut microbiome and spinal cord injury (SCI) characteristics, physical training, dietary intake, body composition, and blood biomarkers of elite Swiss athletes.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Baseline data analysis of athletes with SCI who participated in a pilot trial (NCT04659408) in the Swiss Paraplegic Center, Nottwil, Switzerland.

PARTICIPANTS

Elite athletes, five males, and six females, with SCI who competed internationally.

OUTCOME MEASURES

We conducted a differential abundance analysis and measured the alpha and beta diversity of the gut microbiome.

RESULTS

The athletes' median age was 34.5 years. Six had traumatic SCI and five had a spina bifida. The athletes competed in para-cycling (5), wheelchair athletics (3), and wheelchair tennis (3). A higher duration of training per week was positively associated with Akkermansia and Akkermansiaceae but negatively associated with Prevotellaceae. Muribaculaceae was negatively associated with the average number of trainings per week. Waist circumference is negatively associated with Butyricimonas. Significant differences in the alpha diversity were found with sex, gastrointestinal quality of life index (GIQLI) scores, total caloric intake, total fat intake, total carbohydrate intake, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). Beta diversity differences were found with impairment of the sympathetic nervous system of the gut at the genus level and HbA1c at the family level.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides insight into the gut microbiome of athletes with SCI. Our results were similar to those found in athletes without SCI. Further replication is needed to confirm the relationships of organisms observed in the gut of athletes with SCI.

Effect of macadamia oil cake on blood lipid characteristics and intestinal microbiota in hyperlipidemic rat

Macadamia oil cake (MOC) is a type of macadamia nut by-product, that is extremely rich in amino acids and has beneficial health effects. It lowers blood lipid levels and regulates the intestinal microbiota. MOC effectively attenuated total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels in model rats. Depending on the morphology of the colon, MOC can effectively attenuate damage to the tissue structure. The 16S rDNA gene of the rat intestinal microbiota was sequenced using Illumina PE250 high-throughput sequencing technology, and the changes in the intestinal microbiota in each group are discussed. Supplementing MOC at different doses significantly increased the microbiota of Dorea, Erysipelotrichaceae, Stercoris, etc. in the intestinal tracts of rats fed a high-fat diet. Therefore, MOC can be included in lipid healthy dietary patterns to lower lipid characteristics and restructure the intestinal microbiota. Future clinical trials are required to determine the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of hypolipidemia.

Gougunao tea polysaccharides ameliorate high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemia and modulate gut microbiota

Many natural polysaccharides have been proven to have ameliorative effects on high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemia with fewer side effects. However, similar data on Gougunao tea polysaccharides remain obscure. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of Gougunao tea polysaccharides (GTP40) in the alleviation of hyperlipidemia and regulation of gut microbiota in C57BL/6J mice induced by a high-fat diet. The results indicated that GTP40 intervention inhibited the abnormal growth of body weight and the excessive accumulation of lipid droplets in the livers and ameliorated the biochemical parameters of serum/liver related to lipid metabolism in hyperlipidemia mice. The elevated levels of antioxidant enzyme and anti-inflammation cytokine in serum, as well as the up-regulating anti-inflammation gene in the liver, reflected that GTP40 might mitigate the oxidative and inflammatory stress induced by a high-fat diet. In addition, GTP40 could modulate the composition, abundance, and diversity of gut microbiota in hyperlipidemia mice. Besides, Spearman's correlation analysis implied that GTP40 intervention could enrich beneficial bacteria (e.g., Akkermansia, Bacteroides, Roseburia, and Alistipes), and decrease harmful bacteria (e.g., Blautia, Faecalibaculum, Streptococcus, and norank_f_Desulfovibrionaceae), which were correlated with the lipid metabolic parameters associated with hyperlipidemia. Moreover, it also indicated that there was a significant correlation between gut microbiota and SCFAs. Thus, GTP40 may be a novel strategy against fat accumulation, oxidative stress, and inflammation, as well as restoring the normal microbial balance of the gut in hyperlipidemia mice.

Probiotics-Fermented Grifola frondosa Total Active Components: Better Antioxidation and Microflora Regulation for Alleviating Alcoholic Liver Damage in Mice

Alcoholic liver damage is caused by long-term drinking, and it further develops into alcoholic liver diseases. In this study, we prepared a probiotic fermentation product of Grifola frondosa total active components (PFGF) by fermentation with Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Pediococcus acidilactici. After fermentation, the total sugar and protein content in the PFGF significantly decreased, while the lactic acid level and antioxidant activity of the PFGF increased. Afterward, we investigated the alleviating effect of PFGF on alcoholic liver injury in alcohol-fed mice. The results showed that the PFGF intervention reduced the necrosis of the liver cells, attenuated the inflammation of the liver and intestines, restored the liver function, increased the antioxidant factors of the liver, and maintained the cecum tissue barrier. Additionally, the results of the 16S rRNA sequencing analysis indicated that the PFGF intervention increased the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus, Ruminococcaceae, Parabacteroids, Parasutterella, and Alistipes, to attenuate intestinal inflammation. These results demonstrate that PFGF can potentially alleviate alcoholic liver damage by restoring the intestinal barrier and regulating the intestinal microflora.

Grifola frondosa Extract Containing Bioactive Components Blocks Skin Fibroblastic Inflammation and Cytotoxicity Caused by Endocrine Disrupting Chemical, Bisphenol A

Grifola frondosa (GF), a species of Basidiomycotina, is widely distributed across Asia and has been used as an immunomodulatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-cancer agent. In the present study, the pharmacological activity of the GF extract against an ecotoxicological industrial chemical, bisphenol A (BPA) in normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs), was investigated. GF extract containing naringin, hesperidin, chlorogenic acid, and kaempferol showed an inhibitory effect on cell death and inflammation induced by BPA in the NHDFs. For the cell death caused by BPA, GF extract inhibited the production of reactive oxygen species responsible for the unique activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase. In addition, GF extract attenuated the expression of apoptosis-related proteins (Bax, Bcl-2, and cleaved caspase-3) and the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β by the suppression of the redox-sensitive transcription factor, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in BPA-treated NHDFs. For the inflammation triggered by BPA, GF extract blocked the inflammasome-mediated caspase-1 activation that leads to the secretion of IL-1β protein. These results indicate that the GF extract is a functional antioxidant that prevents skin fibroblastic pyroptosis induced by BPA.

The effects of medicinal herbs on gut microbiota and metabolic factors in obesity models: A systematic review

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

This systematic review of animal studies aimed to identify anti-obesity medicinal herbs with prebiotic properties, and investigate their effects on gut microbiota and metabolic disorders.

METHODS

To obtain the relevant publications, four electronic databases were systematically searched up to June 2019.

RESULTS

Out of 1949 publications, 20 articles met the inclusion criteria in this study. Apart from body weight, some cases (n = 11) had reported the effects of medicinal herbs on metabolic parameters, including lipid profile (n = 7) and glycemic status (n = 4).

CONCLUSION

Although some medicinal herbs could be effective in modulating metabolic status and body weight, through making changes in the gut flora, further studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of such herbs in clinical trials.

Anti-diabetic and gut microbiota modulation effects of sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.) leaf extract in streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetic mice

BACKGROUND

Sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.) tea has been used as an adjuvant treatment for diabetes in Pu'er, in the Yunnan province of China. The effects of sacha inchi tea on diabetes and the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. This study was conducted to investigate the influence of a water extract of sacha inchi (P. volubilis L.) leaves (PWE) on hypoglycemic activity and gut microbiota composition in mice with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). During the 6 weeks of the study, T1DM mice were administered PWE intragastrically at 400 mg kg^-1 body weight (BW) per day.

RESULTS

Treatment with PWE reduced excessive loss of BW and excessive intake of food. It significantly decreased blood glucose levels and improved oral glucose tolerance. The treatment caused protective histopathological transformations in sections of the pancreas, leading to decreased insulin resistance and improved insulin sensitivity. Treatment with PWE also significantly ameliorated disorders of the gut microbiota structure and increased the richness and diversity of intestinal microbial species in T1DM mice. At the genus level, the populations of several crucial bacteria, such as Akkermansia, Parabacteroides, and Muribaculum increased in the PWE treatment group but the abundance of Ruminiclostridium and Oscillibacter decreased.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with PWE can ameliorate hyperglycemic symptoms in STZ-induced T1DM mice, and the anti-diabetic effect of PWE was related to the amelioration of gut microbial structural disorder and the enrichment of functional bacteria. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Ameliorating Effect on Glycolipid Metabolism of Spirulina Functional Formulation Combination from Traditional Chinese Medicine

Insulin resistance is the major factor involved in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. Although the oral drug metformin (MH) is widely used to reduce hyperglycemia, it is associated with adverse effects. Therefore, there is an urgent need to search for safe and natural foods that do not cause adverse effects as alternatives to commercial drugs. In this study, the active substances from Spirulina platensis, Grifola frondosa, Panax ginseng, and chromium-rich yeast were used to obtain Spirulina functional formulations (SFFs), and its therapeutic effects on mice with glycolipid metabolism disorder (GLD) were investigated. Results showed that SFFs not only improved glycolipid metabolism and reduced inflammation in mice with GLD but also showed good regenerative effects on the liver, jejunum, and cecum tissues. Moreover, SFFs could inhibit the growth of harmful microbes in the intestine and promote the proliferation of beneficial bacteria, thereby promoting the production of short-chain fatty acids and further regulating GLD. Additionally, SFFs significantly increased the expression of INS, INSR, IRS-1, PI3K, AKT-1, and GLUT-4 genes and significantly decreased that of GSK-3β in the INS/PI3K/GLUT-4 signaling pathway. Therefore, the findings of this study suggest that SFFs can be further developed as a new class of therapeutic agents against GLD.

Amelioration of type 2 diabetes by the novel 6, 8-guanidyl luteolin quinone-chromium coordination via biochemical mechanisms and gut microbiota interaction

INTRODUCTION

Luteolin is a plant-derived flavonoid that exhibits a broad range of pharmacological activities. Studies on luteolin have mainly focused on its use for hyperlipidaemia prevention, whereas the capacity of the flavonoid to hinder hyperglycaemia development remains underexplored.

OBJECTIVES

To probe the anti-hyperglycemic mechanism of 6,8-guanidyl luteolin quinone-chromium coordination (GLQ.Cr), and to assess its regulatory effect on intestinal microbiota in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mice.

METHODS

High-sucrose/high-fat diet-induced and intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin was used to develop a T2DM model. Glycometabolism related indicators, histopathology, and gut microbiota composition in caecum samples were evaluated, and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of liver samples was conducted. Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) was further used to verify the anti-hyperglycemic activity of intestinal microbiota.

RESULTS

The administration of GLQ.Cr alleviated hyperglycaemia symptoms by improving liver and pancreatic functions and modulating gut microbe communities (Lactobacillus, Alistipes, Parabacteroides, Lachnoclostridium, and Desulfovibrio). RNA-seq analysis showed that GLQ.Cr mainly affected the peroxisome proliferative activated receptor (PPAR) signalling pathway in order to regulate abnormal glucose metabolism. FMT significantly modulated the abundance of Lactobacillus, Alloprevotella, Alistipes, Bacteroides, Ruminiclostridium, Brevundimonas and Pseudomonas in the caecum to balance blood glucose levels and counteract T2DM mice inflammation.

CONCLUSION

GLQ.Cr improved the abnormal glucose metabolism in T2DM mice by regulating the PPAR signalling pathway and modulating intestinal microbial composition. FMT can improve the intestinal microecology of the recipient and in turn ameliorate the symptoms of T2DM-induced hyperglycaemia.

Anti-Diabetic Effects of Ethanol Extract from Sanghuangporous vaninii in High-Fat/Sucrose Diet and Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mice by Modulating Gut Microbiota

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) may lead to abnormally elevated blood glucose, lipid metabolism disorder, and low-grade inflammation. Besides, the development of T2DM is always accompanied by gut microbiota dysbiosis and metabolic dysfunction. In this study, the T2DM mice model was established by feeding a high-fat/sucrose diet combined with injecting a low dose of streptozotocin. Additionally, the effects of oral administration of ethanol extract from Sanghuangporous vaninii (SVE) on T2DM and its complications (including hypoglycemia, hyperlipidemia, inflammation, and gut microbiota dysbiosis) were investigated. The results showed SVE could improve body weight, glycolipid metabolism, and inflammation-related parameters. Besides, SVE intervention effectively ameliorated the diabetes-induced pancreas and jejunum injury. Furthermore, SVE intervention significantly increased the relative abundances of Akkermansia, Dubosiella, Bacteroides, and Parabacteroides, and decreased the levels of Lactobacillus, Flavonifractor, Odoribacter, and Desulfovibrio compared to the model group (LDA > 3.0, p < 0.05). Metabolic function prediction of the intestinal microbiota by PICRUSt revealed that glycerolipid metabolism, insulin signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and fatty acid degradation were enriched in the diabetic mice treated with SVE. Moreover, the integrative analysis indicated that the key intestinal microbial phylotypes in response to SVE intervention were strongly correlated with glucose and lipid metabolism-associated biochemical parameters. These findings demonstrated that SVE has the potential to alleviate T2DM and its complications by modulating the gut microbiota imbalance.

6,8-(1,3-Diaminoguanidine) luteolin and its Cr complex show hypoglycemic activities and alter intestinal microbiota composition in type 2 diabetes mice

Flavonoid compounds such as luteolin exhibit hypolipidemic effects, and there are few reports on the hypoglycemic activity of luteolin derivatives. In this research, 6,8-(1,3-diaminoguanidine) luteolin (DAGL) and its Cr complex (DAGL·Cr) were obtained as a result of structural modifications to luteolin, and the hypoglycemic activities and the composition of intestinal microbiota in T2DM mice were investigated. This study found that DAGL and DAGL·Cr could significantly restore body weight, FBG, OGTT, AUC, and GSP in T2DM mice. Moreover, the pancreatic islet function index and the biochemical indicators of serum and the liver were also significantly improved. The histopathological results also showed that DAGL and DAGL·Cr had a stronger repair ability in the liver and the pancreas. It was also revealed that the potential hypoglycemic mechanism of DAGL and DAGL·Cr was involved in the simultaneous regulation of PI3K/AKT-1/GSK-3β/GLUT-4 and PI3K/AKT-1/mTOR/S6K1/IRS-1. Furthermore, DAGL and DAGL·Cr could also regulate the structure of the intestinal microbiota and increase the content of SCFA to relieve the symptoms of hyperglycemia in T2DM mice. This included a significant reduction in the ratio of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes (F/B), and at the genus level, an increase in the relative abundance of Alistipe and Ruminiclostridium, and improvement in the content of SCFA in the feces of T2DM mice. In conclusion, in this study, DAGL and DAGL·Cr were found to improve hyperglycemia in T2DM mice by improving the pancreatic islet function index, regulating the biochemical indicators of serum and the liver, repairing damaged tissues, and regulating the PI3K/AKT-1 signaling pathway as well as reducing F/B, increasing the relative abundance of intestinal beneficial microbiota, and the content of SCFA in the feces. The hypoglycemic effect of DAGL·Cr on the body weight, serum IL-10, serum IL-6, and pancreatic islet function index was significantly better than that of DAGL.

Therapeutic Potential of Natural Plants Against Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Targeting the Interplay Between Gut Microbiota and Bile Acids

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remains a common disease with a significant health and economic burden worldwide. The gut microbiota (GM) and bile acids (BAs), which play important roles in the gut-liver axis, have been confirmed to jointly participate in the development of NAFLD. GM not only regulate bile acids’ synthesis, transport, and reabsorption by regulating other metabolites (such as trimetlyl amine oxide, butyrate), but also regulate dehydrogenation, dehydroxylation and desulfurization of bile acids. Meanwhile, disordered bile acids influence the gut microbiota mainly through promoting the bacterial death and lowering the microbial diversity. Although weight loss and lifestyle changes are effective in the treatment of NAFLD, the acceptability and compliance of patients are poor. Recently, increasing natural plants and their active ingredients have been proved to alleviate NAFLD by modulating the joint action of gut microbiota and bile acids, and considered to be promising potential candidates. In this review, we discuss the efficacy of natural plants in treating NAFLD in the context of their regulation of the complex interplay between the gut microbiota and bile acids, the crosstalk of which has been shown to significantly promote the progression of NAFLD. Herein, we summarize the prior work on this topic and further suggest future research directions in the field.

Mushrooms on the plate: Trends towards NAFLD treatment, health improvement and sustainable diets

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a most important cause of liver disease. Similar to other non-communicable diseases (NCD), such as obesity and type II diabetes mellitus, NAFLD can strongly affected by diet. Diet-related NCD and malnutrition are rising in all regions being a major cause of the global health, economic and environmental burdens. Mushrooms, important dietary components since the hunter-gathering communities, have increasingly gained momentum in biomedical research and therapeutics due to their interplay in metabolism traits. We emphasize here the beneficial effects of mushroom-enriched diets on the homeostasis of lipid and sugar metabolism, including their modulation, but also interfering with insulin metabolism, gut microbiota, inflammation, oxidative stress and autophagy. In this review, we describe the cellular and molecular mechanisms at the gut-liver axis and the liver-white adipose tissue (WAT) axis, that plausibly cause such positive modulation, and discuss the potential of mushroom-enriched diets to prevent or ameliorate NAFLD and related NCD, also within the shift needed towards healthy sustainable diets.

Edible Mushrooms as Novel Myco-Therapeutics: Effects on Lipid Level, Obesity and BMI

Obesity, usually indicated by a body mass index of more than 30 kg/m², is a worsening global health issue. It leads to chronic diseases, including type II diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. Conventional treatments for obesity include physical activity and maintaining a negative energy balance. However, physical activity alone cannot determine body weight as several other factors play a role in the overall energy balance. Alternatively, weight loss may be achieved by medication and surgery. However, these options can be expensive or have side effects. Therefore, dietary factors, including dietary modifications, nutraceutical preparations, and functional foods have been investigated recently. For example, edible mushrooms have beneficial effects on human health. Polysaccharides (essentially β-D-glucans), chitinous substances, heteroglycans, proteoglycans, peptidoglycans, alkaloids, lactones, lectins, alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, terpenes, phenols, nucleotides, glycoproteins, proteins, amino acids, antimicrobials, and minerals are the major bioactive compounds in these mushrooms. These bioactive compounds have chemo-preventive, anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective properties. Consumption of edible mushrooms reduces plasma triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and plasma glucose levels. Polysaccharides from edible mushrooms suppress mRNA expression in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, contributing to their anti-obesity properties. Therefore, edible mushrooms or their active ingredients may help prevent obesity and other chronic ailments.

Co-delivery of EGCG and Lycopene via a Pickering Double Emulsion induced Synergistic Hypolipidemic Effect

The concept of “synergy” and its applications has rapidly increased in the food industry as a practical strategy to preserve and improve health-promoting effects of the functional ingredients. In this...

Effects of Alkaloid-Rich Extracts Obtained from Grifola frondosa on Gut Microbiota and Glucose Homeostasis in Rats

Grifola frondosa (GF), also known as maitake (a type of mushroom), has been widely used as a food item and it exhibits various health-beneficial hypoglycemic activities. Rats fed with a...

Grifola frondosa may play an anti-obesity role by affecting intestinal microbiota to increase the production of short-chain fatty acids

BACKGROUND

Grifola frondosa (G. frondosa) is a fungus with good economic exploitation prospects of food and medicine homologation. This study aims to investigate the effects of G. frondosa powder suspension (GFPS) on the intestinal contents microbiota and the indexes related to oxidative stress and energy metabolism in mice, to provide new ideas for developing G. frondosa weight loss products.

METHODS

Twenty Kunming mice were randomly divided into control (CC), low-dose GFPS (CL), medium-dose GFPS (CM), and high-dose GFPS (CH) groups. The mice in CL, CM, and CH groups were intragastrically administered with 1.425 g/(kg·d), 2.85 g/(kg·d), and 5.735 g/(kg·d) GFPS, respectively. The mice in CC group were given the same dose of sterile water. After 8 weeks, liver and muscle related oxidative stress and energy metabolism indicators were detected, and the intestinal content microbiota of the mice was detected by 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing.

RESULTS

After eight weeks of GFPS intervention, all mice lost weight. Compared with the CC group, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in CL, CM, and CH groups were increased, while Succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) contents in the liver were decreased. The change trends of LDH and SDH in muscle were consistent with those in the liver. Among the above indexes, the change in CH is the most significant. The Chao1, ACE, Shannon, and Simpson index in CL, CM, and CH groups were increased. In the taxonomic composition, after the intervention with GFPS, the short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria such as unclassified Muribaculaceae, Alloprevotella, and unclassified Lachnospiraceae increased. In linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) analysis, the characteristic bacteria in CC, CL, CM, and CH groups showed significant differences. In addition, some characteristic bacteria significantly correlated with related energy metabolism indicators.

CONCLUSION

The preventive effect of G. frondosa on obesity is related to changing the structure of intestinal content microbiota and promoting the growth of SCFAs. While excessive intake of G. frondosa may not be conducive to the antioxidant capacity and energy metabolism.

A blend of 3 mushrooms dose-dependently increases butyrate production by the gut microbiota

The gut microbiota has been indicated to play a crucial role in health and disease. Apart from changes in composition between healthy individuals and those with a disease or disorder, it has become clear that also microbial activity is important for health. For instance, butyrate has been proven to be beneficial for health, because, amongst others, it is a substrate for the colonocytes, and modulates the host's immune system and metabolism. Here, we studied the effect of a blend of three mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum GL AM P-38, Grifola frondosa GF AM P36 and Pleurotus ostreatus PO AM-GP37)) on gut microbiota composition and activity in a validated, dynamic, computer-controlled in vitro model of the colon (TIM-2). Predigested mushroom blend at three doses (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 g/day of ingested mushroom blend) was fed to a pooled microbiota of healthy adults for 72 h, and samples were taken every day for microbiota composition (sequencing of amplicons of the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene) and activity (short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production). The butyrate producing genera Lachnospiraceae UCG-004, Lachnoclostridium, Ruminococcaceae UCG-002 and Ruminococcaceae NK4A214-group are all dose-dependently increased when the mushroom blend was fed. Entirely in line with the increase of these butyrate-producers, the cumulative amount of butyrate also dose-dependently increased, to roughly twice the amount compared to the control (medium without mushroom blend) on the high-dose mushroom blend. Butyrate proportionally made up 53.1% of the total SCFA upon feeding the high-dose mushroom blend, compared to 27% on the control medium. In conclusion, the (polysaccharides in the) mushroom blend led to substantial increase in butyrate by the gut microbiota. These results warrant future mechanistic research on the mushroom blend, as butyrate is considered to be one of the microbial metabolites that contributes to health, by increasing barrier function and modulating inflammation.

Prebiotic Effect of Maitake Extract on a Probiotic Consortium and Its Action after Microbial Fermentation on Colorectal Cell Lines

Maitake (Grifola frondosa) is a medicinal mushroom known for its peculiar biological activities due to the presence of functional components, including dietary fibers and glucans, that can improve human health through the modulation of the gut microbiota. In this paper, a Maitake ethanol/water extract was prepared and characterized through enzymatic and chemical assays. The prebiotic potential of the extract was evaluated by the growth of some probiotic strains and of a selected probiotic consortium. The results revealed the prebiotic properties due to the stimulation of the growth of the probiotic strains, also in consortium, leading to the production of SCFAs, including lactic, succinic, and valeric acid analyzed via GC-MSD. Then, their beneficials effect were employed in evaluating the vitality of three different healthy and tumoral colorectal cell lines (CCD841, CACO-2, and HT-29) and the viability rescue after co-exposure to different stressor agents and the probiotic consortium secondary metabolites. These metabolites exerted positive effects on colorectal cell lines, in particular in protection from reactive oxygen species.

Mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine in modulating gut microbiota metabolites-mediated lipid metabolism

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The gut microbiome plays an important role in advancing the process of host lipid metabolism directly or indirectly. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can improve the intestinal environment by intervening with gut microbiota metabolites to potentially regulate lipid levels. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore, we examined the current databases to search for studies related to influence of TCM on the gut microbiota metabolites-mediated lipid metabolism.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This paper aims to review the TCM that could regulate lipid metabolism mediated by microbial metabolites and their pharmacological targets and provides perspectives for future investigation.

METHODS

Electronic databases including PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Chinese Biological Medicine Database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure were searched up to April 2021 to identify eligible studies.

RESULTS

A total of 30 active compounds, five Chinese herbal formulae, and three proprietary Chinese medicines were included in this review. We found that TCM can effectively improve lipid metabolism by increasing short chain fatty acids (SCFA) levels, regulating bile acid (BA) metabolism, reducing the production of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), alleviating the release of inflammatory factors, and altering branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) biosynthesis. This process is accompanied by changes in the structure of the gut microbiota, blood lipids, and expression of lipid metabolism genes.

CONCLUSION

In summary, studies on the regulation of lipid metabolism by microbial metabolites in TCM will provide a new approach for better management of dyslipidemia, which may facilitate future clinical treatments.

Impact of Gut Microbiota and Microbiota-Related Metabolites on Hyperlipidemia

Hyperlipidemia, defined as the presence of excess fat or lipids in the blood, has been considered as a high-risk factor and key indicator of many metabolic diseases. The gut microbiota has been reported playing a vital role in regulating host lipid metabolism. The pathogenic role of gut microbiota in the development of hyperlipidemia has been revealed through fecal microbiota transplantation experiment to germ-free mice. The effector mechanism of microbiota-related metabolites such as bile acids, lipopolysaccharide, and short-chain fatty acids in the regulation of hyperlipidemia has been partially unveiled. Moreover, studies on gut-microbiota-targeted hyperlipidemia interventions, including the use of prebiotics, probiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, and natural herbal medicines, also have shown their efficacy in the treatment of hyperlipidemia. In this review, we summarize the relationship between gut microbiota and hyperlipidemia, the impact of gut microbiota and microbiota-related metabolites on the development and progression of hyperlipidemia, and the potential therapeutic management of hyperlipidemia targeted at gut microbiota.

The Impact of Host Genotype, Intestinal Sites and Probiotics Supplementation on the Gut Microbiota Composition and Diversity in Sheep

Three sampling strategies with a 16s rRNA high-throughput sequencing and gene expression assay (by RT-PCR) were designed, to better understand the host and probiotics effect on gut microbiota in sheep. Sampling: (1) colon contents and back-fat tissues from small-tailed Han sheep (SHS), big-tailed Hulun Buir sheep (BHBS), and short-tailed Steppe sheep (SHBS) (n = 12, 14, 12); (2) jejunum, cecum and colon contents, and feces from Tan sheep (TS, n = 6); (3) feces from TS at 4 time points (nonfeeding, 30 and 60 feeding days, and stop feeding 30 days) with probiotics supplementation (n = 7). The results indicated SHS had the highest Firmicutes abundance, the thinnest back-fat, and the lowest expression of C/EBPβ, C/EBPδ, ATGL, CFD, and SREBP1. Some bacteria orders and families could be potential biomarkers for sheep breeds with a distinct distribution of bacterial abundance, implying the host genotype is predominant in shaping unique microbiota under a shared environment. The microbiota diversity and Bifidobacterial populations significantly changed after 60 days of feeding but restored to its initial state, with mostly colonies, after 30 days ceased. The microbiota composition was greatly different between the small and large intestines, but somewhat different between the large intestine and feces; feces may be reliable for studying large intestinal microbiota in ruminants.

Luteolin cooperated with metformin hydrochloride alleviates lipid metabolism disorders and optimizes intestinal flora compositions of high-fat diet mice

Luteolin (LU) is a flavonoid compound and metformin hydrochloride (MH) is a kind of drug. Studies have shown that both LU and MH have the function of hypoglycemic effect. However, there are few reports indicating that LU cooperated with MH (LU·MH) can relieve lipid metabolism disorders and optimize intestinal flora compositions of high-fat diet mice. In this research, we investigated the effects of LU, MH and LU·MH on lipid metabolism disorders and intestinal flora composition in high-fat diet mice. The study found that compared with high-fat diet (HFD) alone, LU, MH and LU·MH could significantly reduce the lipid metabolism disorder. Furthermore, compared with LU or MH alone, the biochemical indicators of LU·MH were significantly improved and the results of the histopathological section also showed that LU·MH has stronger liver repair ability. It revealed that the potential mechanisms of the LU·MH alleviating lipid metabolism disorders were involved in the simultaneous regulation of SREBP-1c/FAS and SREBP-1c/ACC/Cpt-1. In addition, LU·MH could regulate the intestinal flora compositions. This includes significantly reducing the ratio of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes(F/B) and at the family level, increasing the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae, Helicobacteraceae, Marinifilaceae and Peptococcaceae to relieve lipid metabolism disorders. In conclusion, the work found that LU·MH regulates the signal pathway of SREBP-1c/FAS and SREBP-1c/ACC/Cpt-1 simultaneously and decreases the ratio of F/B, as well as increases the relative abundance of certain microbiota to alleviate the lipid metabolism disorders of HFD-fed mice.

Herbal therapy as a promising approach for regulation on lipid profiles: A review of molecular aspects

Impaired lipid profile is defined as abnormal plasma levels of low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and total cholesterol. This disease state is associated with the development and progression of various disorders, such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, and acute myocardial infarction. Globally, all of these disorders are related to a significant rate of death. Therefore, finding a suitable approach for the prevention and treatment of lipid profile-related disorders is in the spotlight. Recently, herbal therapy has been considered a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of hyperlipidemia or its related disorders due to its safety and efficacy. Hereby, we address the potential benefits of some of these herbal compounds on different aspects of lipid profile and its abnormalities with a special focus on their underlying mechanisms. Using herbal products, such as teas and mushrooms, or their derivatives, Rosmarinus officinalis Linn, Curcuma longa, Green tea, Lippia triphylla, Lippia citriodora, Plantago asiatica L, Vine tea, and Grifola frondosa have been proved to exert several therapeutic impacts on lipid profile and its related disorders, and we would provide a brief review on them in this literature.

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.

Hypolipidemic properties of Chlorella pyrenoidosa organic acids via AMPK/HMGCR/SREBP-1c pathway in vivo

The aim of this study was to explore the effects and mechanisms of 95% ethanol extract of Chlorella pyrenoidosa (CPE95) on lipid metabolism in hyperlipidemic rats. For the sake of chemical composition analysis of CPE95, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used for determination. After treatment with CPE95, serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol content of the hyperlipidemic rats was increased, while the contents of cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were decreased strikingly. Moreover, the result of histopathology analysis showed that the accumulation and fatty deformation of the livers were relieved. Real-time quantitative PCR and Western blotting were used to determine the expression levels of lipid metabolism-related genes. The gene expression level of adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase was descended, and expressions of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c, acetyl-CoA carboxylase, and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase were all downregulated in the CPE95-treated rats. It suggested that CPE95 may effectively improve the hyperlipidemia in rats and would be potential for functional food component to reduce blood lipid.

Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities of Grifola frondosa polysaccharides and their relationships with the modulation of intestinal microflora in diabetic mice induced by high-fat diet and streptozotocin

This study aimed to investigate the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities of polysaccharides from Grifola frondosa (GFP) in diabetic mice induced by high-fat diet (HFD) and streptozotocin (STZ). Results showed that oral administration of GFP markedly reduced the serum levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), oral glucose tolerance (OGT), cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and significantly decreased the hepatic levels of TC, TG and free fatty acids (FFA). Meanwhile, high-dose of GFP supplementation (900 mg/kg day) also showed powerful effects on moderating the composition of intestinal microflora in diabetic mice, especially altering the functionally relevant intestinal microbial phylotypes. Spearman's correlation network analysis revealed that key microbial phylotypes responding to GFP intervention were strongly correlated with the glucose and lipid metabolic disorders associated parameters. Moreover, GFP treatment regulated mRNA expression levels of the genes responsible for hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism. It is noteworthy that GFP treatment markedly increased mRNA expression of cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) and bile salt export pump (BSEP), suggesting an enhancement of bile acids (BAs) synthesis and excretion in liver. These findings demonstrated that GFP could prevent hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia in diabetic mice by altering gut microbiota and regulating hepatic glycolipid metabolism related genes, and therefore could be used as potential functional food ingredients for the prevention or treatment of hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia.

Anti-obesity effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus LS-8 and Lactobacillus crustorum MN047 on high-fat and high-fructose diet mice base on inflammatory response alleviation and gut microbiota regulation

PURPOSE

The objective of the study was to evaluate the anti-obesity effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus LS-8 and Lactobacillus crustorum MN047, and illustrate the potential functional mechanism about the alleviation of high fat and high fructose diet (HFFD) induced obesity and related metabolic abnormalities.

METHODS

C57BL/6J mice were subjected to a standard or HFFD with or without supplementation of L. rhamnosus LS-8 and L. crustorum MN047 for 10 weeks. Obesity related metabolic indices including glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, serum lipid, liver function, hormones and inflammatory cytokines were assessed by standard protocols. For the monitoring of inflammatory response and lipid metabolism, transcriptional levels were profiled in liver and/or adipose tissues. Furthermore, gut microbiota composition analyses in the fecal samples were performed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and gut microbial metabolites, including lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), were also tested for the assessment of the relationship between gut microbiota variation and inflammatory response.

RESULTS

Administration with L. rhamnosus LS-8 and L. crustorum MN047 significantly mitigated body weight gain and insulin resistance, and inflammatory response (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 levels in serum and corresponding mRNA levels in adipose tissues) was significantly inhibited in these two strains-treated mice. Moreover, L. rhamnosus LS-8 and L. crustorum MN047 could partially normalized mRNA expression levels involved in lipid metabolism including Pparγ, Srebp-1c, CD36, Fabp2 and FAS. In addition, these two strains manipulated gut microbiota by decreasing the abundance of Bacteroides and Desulfovibrio and increasing that of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which in turn raised the levels of feces SCFAs and lowered the levels of circulating LPS.

CONCLUSION

These results indicated that L. rhamnosus LS-8 and L. crustorum MN047 supplementation possessed the anti-obesity effect on the HFFD fed mice by alleviating inflammatory response and regulating gut microbiota, which further suggested that these two probiotics can be considered as an alternative dietary supplement in combination with the preventive and therapeutic strategies against obesity and related complications.

The Positive Effects of Grifola frondosa Heteropolysaccharide on NAFLD and Regulation of the Gut Microbiota

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major public health problem in many countries. In this study, the ability of Grifola frondosa heteropolysaccharide (GFP) to ameliorate NAFLD was investigated in rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD). The molecular mechanisms modulating the expression of specific gene members related to lipid synthesis and conversion, cholesterol metabolism, and inflammation pathways were determined. The components of the intestinal microflora in rats were analyzed by high-throughput next-generation 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Supplementation with GFP significantly increased the proportions of Allobaculum, Bacteroides, and Bifidobacterium and decreased the proportions of Acetatifactor, Alistipes, Flavonifractor, Paraprevotella, and Oscillibacter. In addition, Alistipes, Flavonifractor, and Oscillibacter were shown to be significant cecal microbiota according to the Spearman’s correlation test between the gut microbiota and biomedical assays (|r| > 0.7). Histological analysis and biomedical assays showed that GFP treatments could significantly protect against NAFLD. In addition, Alistipes, Flavonifractor, and Oscillibacter may play vital roles in the prevention of NAFLD. These results suggest that GFP could be used as a functional material to regulate the gut microbiota of NAFLD individuals.

The effect of inulin and resistant maltodextrin on weight loss during energy restriction: a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blinded intervention

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to investigate the additive effects of combining energy restriction with dietary fibres on change in body weight and gut microbiota composition.

METHODS

The study was a 12-week randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, parallel intervention trial. A total of 116 overweight or obese participants were assigned randomly either to 10 g inulin plus 10 g resistant maltodextrin or to 20 g of placebo supplementation through 400 mL of milk a day, while on a - 500 kcal/day energy restricted diet.

RESULTS

Altogether, 86 participants completed the intervention. There were no significant differences in weight loss or body composition between the groups. The fibre supplement reduced systolic (5.35 ± 2.4 mmHg, p = 0.043) and diastolic (2.82 ± 1.3 mmHg, p = 0.047) blood pressure to a larger extent than placebo. Furthermore, a larger decrease in serum insulin was observed in the placebo group compared to the fibre group (- 26.0 ± 9.2 pmol/L, p = 0.006). The intake of fibre induced changes in the composition of gut microbiota resulting in higher abundances of Parabacteroides and Bifidobacteria, compared to placebo. The effects on blood pressure and glucose metabolism were mainly observed in women, and could be attributed to a higher gut microbiota diversity after intervention. Finally, the fibre group experienced a higher degree of gastrointestinal symptoms, which attenuated over time.

CONCLUSIONS

Supplementation of inulin and resistant maltodextrin did not provide an additional weight loss during an energy-restricted diet, but reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Furthermore, the fibre supplement did stimulate the growth of potentially beneficial bacteria genera.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY

The study was registered at http://www.clinicaltrials.gov , NCT03135041.

In Vitro Digestion and Fermentation of Three Polysaccharide Fractions from Laminaria japonica and Their Impact on Lipid Metabolism-Associated Human Gut Microbiota

Our previous study has proved that the three polysaccharide fractions from L. japonica (LP-A4, LP-A6, and LP-A8) had significantly different structure characterization. Herein, we conducted in vitro simulated digestion and fermentation to study the digestive mechanism of LP-As. The results of gastrointestinal digestion indicated that LP-A6 and LP-A8 would be easier to trap the enzyme molecules for their denser interconnected macromolecule network compared with LP-A4. Fermentation of LP-As by human gut microbiota, especially for LP-A8, generated a large amount of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which could upregulate the abundance of Firmicutes ( Lachnoclostridium and Eubacterium). The high content of sulfate and highly branched sugar residue of LP-A8 might help it be easily used by Firmicutes in gut microbiota of hyperlipidemic patients. Functional analysis revealed that the increased metabolic activities of glycerophospholipid metabolism, ether lipid metabolism, and fatty acid metabolism induced by LP-A8 treatment were closely associated with metabolic syndromes and hyperlipidemia.