Anti-inflammatory properties of the medicinal mushroom Cordyceps militaris might be related to its linear (1→3)-β-D-glucan

Structural variety of glucans from Ganoderma lucidum fruiting bodies

Ganoderma lucidum, widely used in traditional medicine, has several biological properties. Polysaccharides, mainly glucans, are known as one of its main bioactive compounds. Consequently, the achievement and chemical investigation of such molecules are of pharmaceutical interest. Herein, we obtained water-insoluble and water-soluble polysaccharides from G. lucidum by alkaline extraction. Fractionation process yielded three fractions (GLC-1, GLC-2, and GLC-3). All samples showed to be composed mainly of glucans. GLC-1 is a linear (1 → 3)-linked β-glucan; GLC-2 is a mixture of three different linear polysaccharides: (1 → 3)-β-glucan, (1 → 3)-α-glucan, and (1 → 4)-α-mannan; while GLC-3 is a branched β-glucan with a (1 → 4)-linked main chain, which is branched at O-3 or O-6 by (1 → 3)- or (1 → 6)-linked side chains. This research reports the variability of glucans in Ganoderma lucidum fruiting bodies and applicable methodologies to obtain such molecules. These polysaccharides can be further applied in biological studies aiming to investigate how their chemical differences may affect their biological properties.

β-Glucans obtained from fungus for wound healing: A review

The cell surface of fungus contains a large number of β-glucans, which exhibit various biological activities such as immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidation. Fungal β-glucans with highly branched structure show great potential as wound healing reagents, because they can stimulate the expression of many immune- and inflammatory-related factors beneficial to wound healing. Recently, the wound healing ability of many fungal β-glucans have been investigated in animals and clinical trials. Studies have proved that fungal β-glucans can promote fibroblasts proliferation, collagen deposition, angiogenesis, and macrophage infiltration during the wound healing process. However, the development of fungal β-glucans as wound healing reagents is not systematically reviewed till now. This review discusses the wound healing studies of β-glucans obtained from different fungal species. The structure characteristics, extraction methods, and biological functions of fungal β-glucans with wound healing ability are summarized. Researches about fungal β-glucan-containing biomaterials and structurally modified β-glucans for wound healing are also involved.

Composition, structural properties and immunomodulatory activity of several aqueous Pleurotus β-glucan-rich extracts

In this work, aqueous extracts from six different Pleurotus species were obtained and their yield, gross composition, β-glucan content, monosaccharide profile, thermal stability, molecular weight distribution, and FT-IR were analyzed before and after purification through ethanol precipitation of the carbohydrate-rich fractions. The bioactivity (anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity) of the various fractions obtained was also analyzed in three different cell cultures and compared with a lentinan control. The trend observed after purification of the aqueous fractions was an increase in the concentration of polysaccharides (especially β-glucans), a decrease in ash, glucosamine and protein content and the elimination of low molecular weight (Mw) compounds, thus leaving in the purified samples high Mw populations with increased thermal stability. Interestingly, all these purified fractions displayed immunomodulatory capacity when tested in THP-1 macrophages and most of them also showed significant activity in HEK-hTLR4 cells, highlighting the bioactivity observed for Pleurotus ostreatus (both the extracts obtained from the whole mushroom and from the stipes). This specific species was richer in heteropolysaccharides, having moderate β-glucan content and being enriched upon purification in a high Mw fraction with good thermal stability.

Unique Bioactives from Zombie Fungus (Cordyceps) as Promising Multitargeted Neuroprotective Agents

Cordyceps, also known as "zombie fungus", is a non-poisonous mushroom that parasitizes insects for growth and development by manipulating the host system in a way that makes the victim behave like a "zombie". These species produce promising bioactive metabolites, like adenosine, β-glucans, cordycepin, and ergosterol. Cordyceps has been used in traditional medicine due to its immense health benefits, as it boosts stamina, appetite, immunity, longevity, libido, memory, and sleep. Neuronal loss is the typical feature of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) (Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)) and neurotrauma. Both these conditions share common pathophysiological features, like oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and glutamatergic excitotoxicity. Cordyceps bioactives (adenosine, N6-(2-hydroxyethyl)-adenosine, ergosta-7, 9 (11), 22-trien-3β-ol, active peptides, and polysaccharides) exert potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities and display beneficial effects in the management and/or treatment of neurodegenerative disorders in vitro and in vivo. Although a considerable list of compounds is available from Cordyceps, only a few have been evaluated for their neuroprotective potential and still lack information for clinical trials. In this review, the neuroprotective mechanisms and safety profile of Cordyceps extracts/bioactives have been discussed, which might be helpful in the identification of novel potential therapeutic entities in the future.

β-Glucan extracts as high-value multifunctional ingredients for skin health: A review

β-Glucans, which are naturally present in cereals, yeast, and mushrooms, have gained attention as a potential natural source for functional foods and pharmaceuticals. Due to the availability of β-glucans from several sources, different extraction methods can be employed to obtain high purity extracts that can be further modified to enhance their solubility or other biological properties. Apart from their known ability to interact with the immune system, β-glucans possess specific properties that could benefit overall skin health and prevent age-related signs, including soothing and antioxidant activities. As a result, the use of β-glucans to mitigate damage caused by environmental stressors or skin-related issues that accelerate skin aging or trigger chronic inflammation may represent a promising, natural, eco-friendly, and cost-effective approach to maintaining skin homeostasis balance. This review outlines β-glucan extraction methodologies, molecular structure, functionalization approaches, and explores skin-related benefits of β-glucans, along with an overview of related products in the market.

Euglena gracilis β-Glucans (1,3): Enriching Colostrum of Sow for Enhanced Piglet Immunity

The effects of supplementing the diet of sows with βG-(1,3) derived from Euglena gracilis algae were assessed regarding quality and amount of colostrum as well as performance of piglets. A total of 120 sows (first (nulliparous) to sixth parity (multiparous)) from D85 of gestation until weaning were divided into two groups: the control diet group (n = 60) and the βG-(1,3) diet group (n = 60). Sows receiving βG-(1,3) exhibited an average increase of 870 g (24.9%) in colostrum production, leading to a 25.17% higher intake of colostrum by piglets. Furthermore, piglets in the βG-(1,3) group showed significantly superior weight gain of 34 g (50%) compared to the control group 18 h after birth (p < 0.05). Sows fed with βG-(1,3) produced colostrum with significantly higher concentrations of IgG (5.914 mg/mL, 16.16%) and IgM (0.378 mg/mL, 16.29%) than the control group (p < 0.05). Similarly, serum concentrations of IgG (13.86 mg/mL, 51.25%), IgA (17.16 mg/mL, 120.19%), and IgM (13.23 mg/mL, 144.78%) were significantly higher in sows fed with βG-(1,3) than in the control group (p < 0.05). Supplementing sows with βG-(1,3) derived from the Euglena gracilis algae resulted in increased colostrum production and consumption, along with greater weight gain in piglets during the first 18 h after birth. Additionally, both the colostrum produced by the sows and the blood serum of the piglets exhibited higher concentrations of immunoglobulins.

Preparation and evaluation of Cordyceps militaris polysaccharide- and sesame oil-loaded nanoemulsion for the treatment of candidal vaginitis in mice

BACKGROUND

Candida albicans is the most prevalent fungal pathogen, affecting over 75% of women who have experienced candidal vaginitis. Given the identification of drug-resistant C. albicans strains, there is an urgent need to develop therapeutic methods for treating vaginal Candida infection. Polysaccharide is the major bioactive component of Cordyceps militaris, known to modulate immune responses and alleviate inflammation. Sesame oil is known with anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory activities.

METHODS

C. militaris polysaccharide was prepared and formulated with sesame oil to prepare emulsion and nanoemulsion, which are ideal mucosal delivery systems for both hydrophobic and hydrophilic compounds concurrently. The physical property and storage stability of these formulations were illustrated, and their effects on ameliorating vaginitis were investigated in a murine model of vaginal Candida infection.

RESULTS

C. militaris polysaccharide-containing nanoemulsion showed smaller particle size, lower polydispersity index, higher zeta-potential and better stability than emulsion. Intravaginal administration of C. militaris polysaccharide-containing nanoemulsion significantly attenuated C. militaris colonization and vaginitis. Notably, these formulations exerted distinct effects on modulating cell infiltration and splenic cytokine production. Moreover, different profile of vaginal microflora was observed among the treatment groups, revealing the potential action mechanisms of these formulations to mitigate vaginal Candida infection.

CONCLUSION

C. militaris polysaccharide- and sesame oil-containing nanoemulsion is potential to be developed as intravaginal therapeutic strategy for C. albicans-induced vaginitis.

Bioactive compounds from Cordyceps and their therapeutic potential

The Clavicipitaceae family's largest and most diverse genus is Cordyceps. They are most abundant and diverse in humid temperate and tropical forests and have a wide distribution in: Europe, North America, and East and Southeast Asian countries, particularly: Bhutan, China, Japan, Nepal, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Tibet, and the Himalayan region of India, and Sikkim. It is a well-known parasitic fungus that feeds on insects and other arthropods belonging to 10 different orders. Over 200 bioactive metabolites, that include: nucleotides and nucleosides, polysaccharides, proteins, polypeptides, amino acids, sterols, and fatty acids, among others have been extracted from Cordyceps spp. demonstrating the phytochemical richness of this genus. These components have been associated with a variety of pharmacological effects, including: anti-microbial, anti-apoptotic, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activities. In this paper, the bioactivity of various classes of metabolites produced by Cordyceps spp., and their therapeutic properties have been reviewed in an attempt to update the existing literature. Furthermore, one of its nucleoside and a key bioactive compound, cordycepin has been critically elaborated with regard to its biosynthesis pathway and the recently proposed protector-protégé mechanism as well as various biological and pharmacological effects, such as: suppression of purine and nucleic acid biosynthesis, induction of apoptosis, and cell cycle regulation with their mechanism of action. This review provides current knowledge on the bioactive potential of Cordyceps spp.

Cordyceps militaris polysaccharides modulate gut microbiota and improve metabolic disorders in mice with diet-induced obesity

BACKGROUND

Cordyceps militaris is an edible and medicinal fungus, and its polysaccharides are among its main pharmacological components. They can display immunomodulation, anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, anti-hypolipidemic, and other functions. The anti-obesity effect of C. militaris polysaccharides (CMP) is not yet fully understood, however.

RESULTS

In this study, a CMP diet intervention was applied over a 4 week period to mice with obesity induced by a high-fat diet (HFD), followed by profiling of obesity-induced dyslipidemia, low-grade inflammation, and gut dysbiosis. The results suggested that CMP could significantly reduce HFD-induced obesity, alleviate obesity-induced hyperlipidemia and insulin resistance, and ameliorate systemic inflammation, showing a promising ability to protect mice from obesity. Further analyses revealed that CMP could regulate obesity-induced gut dysbiosis by restoring the phylogenetic diversity of gut microbiota. It could also increase the relative abundance of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria, while down-regulating the level of bacteria that were positively related to the development of obesity. A correlation analysis showed that Helicobacter, Allobaculum, Clostridium XVIII, Parabacteroides, Ligilactobacillus, Faecalibaculum, Adlercreutzia, and Mediterraneibacter were positively related to obese phenotypes.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the potential of CMP as a prebiotic agent to protect obese individuals from metabolic disorders and gut dysbiosis. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Role of the blue light receptor gene Icwc-1 in mycelium growth and fruiting body formation of Isaria cicadae

The Isaria cicadae, is well known highly prized medicinal mushroom with great demand in food and pharmaceutical industry. Due to its economic value and therapeutic uses, natural sources of wild I. cicadae are over-exploited and reducing continuously. Therefore, commercial cultivation in controlled environment is an utmost requirement to fulfill the consumer's demand. Due to the lack of knowledge on fruiting body (synnemata) development and regulation, commercial cultivation is currently in a difficult situation. In the growth cycle of macrofungi, such as mushrooms, light is the main factor affecting growth and development, but so far, specific effects of light on the growth and development of I. cicadae is unknown. In this study, we identified a blue light receptor white-collar-1 (Icwc-1) gene homologue with well-defined functions in morphological development in I. cicadae based on gene knockout technology and transcriptomic analysis. It was found that the Icwc-1 gene significantly affected hyphal growth and fruiting body development. This study confirms that Icwc-1 acts as an upstream regulatory gene that regulates genes associated with fruiting body formation, pigment-forming genes, and related genes for enzyme synthesis. Transcriptome data analysis also found that Icwc-1 affects many important metabolic pathways of I. cicadae, i.e., amino acid metabolism and fatty acid metabolism. The above findings will not only provide a comprehensive understanding about the molecular mechanism of light regulation in I. cicadae, but also provide new insights for future breeding program and improving this functional food production.

Chemical Evaluation of Liquidambar styraciflua L. Fruits Extracts and Their Potential as Anticancer Drugs

Liquidambar styraciflua L. is an aromatic species, popularly used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat diarrhea, dysentery, coughs, and skin sores. The present study was designed to investigate the chemical composition and biological potential of extracts obtained from the fruits of this plant. For the chemical evaluation, it was used mainly liquid and gas chromatography, plus NMR, and colorimetric methods. The aqueous extract (EA) originated two other fractions: an aqueous (P-EA) and an ethanolic (S-EA). The three extracts were composed of proteins, phenolic compounds, and carbohydrates in different proportions. The analyses showed that the polysaccharide extract (P-EA) contained pectic polysaccharides, such as acetylated and methyl esterified homogalacturonans together with arabinogalactan, while the fraction S-EA presented phenolic acids and terpenes such as gallic acid, protocathecuic acid, liquidambaric acid, combretastatin, and atractyloside A. EA, P-EA, and S-EA showed antioxidant activity, with IC50 values of 4.64 µg/mL, 16.45 µg/mL, and 3.67 µg/mL, respectively. The cytotoxicity followed the sequence S-EA > EA > P-EA, demonstrating that the toxic compounds were separated from the non-toxic ones by ethanol precipitation. While the fraction S-EA is very toxic to any cell line, the fraction P-EA is a promising candidate for studies against cancer due to its high toxicity to tumoral cells and low toxicity to normal cells.

Comparison of chemical profiles, antioxidation, inhibition of skin extracellular matrix degradation, and anti-tyrosinase activity between mycelium and fruiting body of Cordyceps militaris and Isaria tenuipes

CONTEXT

Cordyceps militaris and Isaria tenuipes (Cordycipitaceae) are high-value fungi that are used for health-promoting food supplements. Since laboratory cultivation has begun for these fungi, increased output has been achieved.

OBJECTIVE

This study compared the chemical profiles, antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase, and skin extracellular matrix degradation inhibition between mycelium and fruiting body of C. militaris and I. tenuipes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The antioxidative potential of 10% v/v aqueous infused extract from each fungus was separately investigated using 2,2-azinobis(3-ethylbenzo-thiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant ability, and ferric thiocyanate methods. The inhibition against MMP-1, elastase, and hyaluronidase were determined to reveal their anti-wrinkle potential. Anti-tyrosinase activities were determined.

RESULTS

C. militaris and I. tenuipes extracts were found to contain a wide range of bioactive compounds, including phenolics, flavonoids, and adenosine. A correlation was discovered between the chemical compositions and their biological activities. The extract from I. tenuipes fruiting body (IF) was highlighted as an extraordinary elastase inhibitor (IC50 = 0.006 ± 0.004 mg/mL), hyaluronidase inhibitor (IC50: 30.3 ± 3.2 mg/mL), and antioxidant via radical scavenging (ABTS IC50: 0.22 ± 0.02 mg/mL; DPPH IC50: 0.05 ± 0.02 mg/mL), thereby reducing ability (EC1: 95.3 ± 4.8 mM FeSO4/g extract) and lipid peroxidation prevention (IC50: 0.40 ± 0.11 mg/mL). IF had a three-times higher EC1 value than ascorbic acid and significantly higher elastase inhibition than epigallocatechin gallate.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

IF is proposed as a powerful natural extract with antioxidant and anti-wrinkle properties; therefore, it is suggested for further use in pharmaceutical, cosmeceutical, and nutraceutical industries.

Immunostimulatory Activity of Cordyceps militaris Fermented with Pediococcus pentosaceus SC11 Isolated from a Salted Small Octopus in Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunocompromised Mice and Its Inhibitory Activity against SARS-CoV 3CL Protease

In this study, we investigated the immune-enhancing and anti-viral effects of germinated Rhynchosia nulubilis (GRC) fermented with Pediococcus pentosaceus SC11 (GRC-SC11) isolated from a salted small octopus. The cordycepin, β-glucan, and total flavonoid contents increased in GRC after SC11 fermentation. GRC-SC11 inhibits 3CL protease activity in severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV). GRC-SC11 significantly increased thymus and spleen indices in immunocompromised mice. The rate of splenocyte proliferation was higher in GRC-SC11-treated immunocompromised mice than that in GRC-treated immunocompromised mice in the presence or absence of concanavalin A. In addition, GRC-SC11 increased the phagocytic activity and nitric oxide production in immunocompromised mice. The mRNA expression of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), interferon-alpha (IFN-α), and interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) was up-regulated in GRC-SC11 treated RAW 264.7 macrophages, compared to GRC. Our study indicates that GRC-SC11 might be a potential therapeutic agent for immunocompromised patients who are vulnerable to SARS-CoV infection.

Effects of molecular weight on intestinal anti-inflammatory activities of β-D-glucan from Ganoderma lucidum

To investigate the influence of molecular weight (Mw) on the anti-inflammatory activity of β-D-glucan from Ganoderma lucidum, ultrasonic irradiation was applied to treat the β-D-glucan (GLP, 2.42 × 106 g/mol) solution to obtain two degraded fractions with molecular weight of 6.53 × 105 g/mol (GLPC) and 3.49 × 104 g/mol (GLPN). Structural analysis proved that the degraded fractions possessed similar repeated units with the original β-D-glucan. The in vitro anti-inflammatory activity studies showed that all fractions could significantly inhibit LPS-induced expression of cytokines including TNF-α, IL-8, MIF and MCP-1 in Caco-2 cells at certain concentrations. Moreover, GLPC and GLPN exhibited better anti-inflammatory activity than GLPC. The intestinal anti-inflammatory activity evaluated by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)—induced colitis mice model showed that intragastric administration of GLPN (lower Mw fraction) could significantly recover inflamed tissues of mice. Compared with GLP and GLPC, GLPN exhibited stronger ability to inhibit the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6). The results revealed that Mw of β-D-glucan influenced its anti-inflammatory activity and decreasing of Mw would improve the activity, which provided evidence for the potential use of β-D-glucan from G. lucidum as anti-colitis ingredients.

Functional Characterization and Structural Basis of the β-1,3-Glucan Synthase CMGLS from Mushroom Cordyceps militaris

β-1,3-Glucan synthases play key roles in glucan synthesis, cell wall assembly, and growth of fungi. However, their multi-transmembrane domains (over 14 TMHs) and large molecular masses (over 100 kDa) significantly hamper understanding of their catalytic characteristics and mechanisms. In the present study, the 5841-bp gene CMGLS encoding the 221.7 kDa membrane-bound β-1,3-glucan synthase CMGLS in Cordyceps militaris was cloned, identified, and structurally analyzed. CMGLS was partially purified with a specific activity of 87.72 pmol/min/μg, a purification fold of 121, and a yield of 10.16% using a product-entrapment purification method. CMGLS showed a strict specificity to UDP-glucose with a K_m value of 84.28 μM at pH 7.0 and synthesized β-1,3-glucan with a maximum degree of polymerization (DP) of 70. With the assistance of AlphaFold and molecular docking, the 3D structure of CMGLS and its binding features with substrate UDP-glucose were proposed for the first time to our knowledge. UDP-glucose potentially bound to at least 11 residues via hydrogen bonds, π-stacking ,and salt bridges, and Arg 1436 was predicted as a key residue directly interacting with the moieties of glucose, phosphate, and the ribose ring on UDP-glucose. These findings would open an avenue to recognize and understand the glucan synthesis process and catalytic mechanism of β-1,3-glucan synthases in mushrooms.

Structural Elucidation and Activities of Cordyceps militaris-Derived Polysaccharides: A Review

Cordyceps militaris is a parasitic edible fungus and has been used as tonics for centuries. Polysaccharides are a major water-soluble component of C. militaris. Recently, C. militaris-derived polysaccharides have been given much attention due to their various actions including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-diabetic, anti-atherosclerotic, and immunomodulatory effects. These bioactivities are determined by the various structural characteristics of polysaccharides including monosaccharide composition, molecular weight, and glycosidic linkage. The widespread use of advanced analytical analysis tools has greatly improved the elucidation of the structural characteristics of C. militaris-derived polysaccharides. However, the methods for polysaccharide structural characterization and the latest findings related to C. militaris-derived polysaccharides, especially the potential structure-activity relationship, have not been well-summarized in recent reviews of the literature. This review will discuss the methods used in the elucidation of the structure of polysaccharides and structural characteristics as well as the signaling pathways modulated by C. militaris-derived polysaccharides. This article provides information useful for the development of C. militaris-derived polysaccharides as well as for investigating other medicinal polysaccharides.

New Insights Into the Biosynthesis of Typical Bioactive Components in the Traditional Chinese Medicinal Fungus Cordyceps militaris

Cordyceps militaris, a traditional medicinal ingredient with a long history of application in China, is regarded as a high-value fungus due to its production of various bioactive ingredients with a wide range of pharmacological effects in clinical treatment. Several typical bioactive ingredients, such as cordycepin, D-mannitol, cordyceps polysaccharides, and N⁶-(2-hydroxyethyl)-adenosine (HEA), have received increasing attention due to their antitumor, antioxidant, antidiabetic, radioprotective, antiviral and immunomodulatory activities. Here, we systematically sorted out the latest research progress on the chemical characteristics, biosynthetic gene clusters and pathways of these four typical bioactive ingredients. This summary will lay a foundation for obtaining low-cost and high-quality bioactive ingredients in large amounts using microbial cell factories in the future.

Nutraceutical potential of mushroom bioactive metabolites and their food functionality

Numerous mushroom bioactive metabolites, including polysaccharides, eritadenine, lignin, chitosan, mevinolin, and astrakurkurone have been studied in life-threatening conditions and diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular, hypertension, cancer, DNA damage, hypercholesterolemia, and obesity attempting to identify natural therapies. These bioactive metabolites have shown potential as antiviral and immune system strengthener natural agents through diverse cellular and physiological pathways modulation with no toxicity evidence, widely available, and inexpensive. In light of the emerging literature, this paper compiles the most recent information describing the molecular mechanisms that underlie the nutraceutical potentials of these mushroom metabolites suggesting their effectiveness if combined with existing drug therapies while discussing the food functionality of mushrooms. The findings raise hope that these mushroom bioactive metabolites may be utilized as natural therapies considering their therapeutic potential while anticipating further research designing clinical trials and developing new drug therapies while encouraging their consumption as a natural adjuvant in preventing and controlling life-threatening conditions and diseases. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Diabetes, cardiovascular, hypertension, cancer, DNA damage, hypercholesterolemia, and obesity are among the world's largest life-threatening conditions and diseases. Several mushroom bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, eritadenine, lignin, chitosan, mevinolin, and astrakurkurone have been found potential in tackling these diseases through diverse cellular and physiological pathways modulation with no toxicity evidence, suggesting their use as nutraceutical foods in preventing and controlling these life-threatening conditions and diseases.

A review of the therapeutic and biological effects of edible and wild mushrooms

Throughout history, mushrooms have occupied an inseparable part of the diet in many countries. Mushrooms are considered a rich source of phytonutrients such as polysaccharides, dietary fibers, and other micronutrients, in addition to various essential amino acids, which are building blocks of vital proteins. In general, mushrooms offer a wide range of health benefits with a large spectrum of pharmacological properties, including antidiabetic, antioxidative, antiviral, antibacterial, osteoprotective, nephroprotective, hepatoprotective, etc. Both wild edible and medicinal mushrooms possess strong therapeutic and biological activities, which are evident from their in vivo and in vitro assays. The multifunctional activities of the mushroom extracts and the targeted potential of each of the compounds in the extracts have a broad range of applications, especially in the healing and repair of various organs and cells in humans. Owing to the presence of the aforementioned properties and rich phytocomposition, mushrooms are being used in the production of nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals. This review aims to provide a clear insight on the commercially cultivated, wild edible, and medicinal mushrooms with comprehensive information on their phytochemical constituents and properties as part of food and medicine for futuristic exploitation. Future outlook and prospective challenges associated with the cultivation and processing of these medicinal mushrooms as functional foods are also discussed.

Cordyceps militaris: An Overview of Its Chemical Constituents in Relation to Biological Activity

Cordyceps spp. mushrooms have a long tradition of use as a natural raw material in Asian ethnomedicine because of their adaptogenic, tonic effects and their ability to reduce fatigue and stimulate the immune system in humans. This review aims to present the chemical composition and medicinal properties of Cordyceps militaris fruiting bodies and mycelium, as well as mycelium from in vitro cultures. The analytical results of the composition of C. militaris grown in culture media show the bioactive components such as cordycepin, polysaccharides, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), ergothioneine and others described in the review. To summarize, based on the presence of several bioactive compounds that contribute to biological activity, C. militaris mushrooms definitely deserve to be considered as functional foods and also have great potential for medicinal use. Recent scientific reports indicate the potential of cordycepin in antiviral activity, particularly against COVID-19.

Neonatal metformin short exposure inhibits male reproductive dysfunction caused by a high-fat diet in adult rats

Metformin (Met) is widely used to control blood glucose levels and acts on various organs, including reproductive tissues, to improve reproductive and lifespan. This study evaluated whether neonatal Met exposure prevented male reproductive dysfunction caused by being overweight during adulthood. Randomized Wistar rat pups received an intraperitoneal injection from postnatal days (PNDs) 1 to 12of saline (Sal; 0.9% NaCl/day in 2mL/kg) or Met (100 mg/kg/day in 2 mL/kg). From PNDs 60 to 90, the animals received a regular (R; 4.5% fat; Sal R and Met R groups) or a high-fat (HF; 35% fat; Sal HF and Met HF groups) diet. At PND 90, all animals were euthanized to evaluate their biometric and reproductive parameters. The Sal and Met groups with R showed similar body weights, however, the HF diet increased the body weight in both groups. The Sal HF group showed testicular damage regarding in antioxidant status and inflammatory profile in the epididymal cauda. The HF diet reduced Leydig and Sertoli cells numbers, with lower sperm quality. The Met R animals showed positive reproductive programming, due to improved antioxidant defense, inflammatory biomarkers, and sperm morphology. Met HF prevented HF diet damage to reproductive organs and sperm morphology, but not to sperm motility. Early Met exposure positively affected the male reproductive system of adult rats, preventing reproductive HF disorders. STATEMENT OF NOVELTY AND SIGNIFICANCE: Metformin is used to control type 2 diabetes mellitus and can act to improve metabolism and lifespan. Metformin avoidance is recommended during pregnancy, but there is no information regarding its use when breastfeeding. For the first time, we showed in this current study that metformin positively acts in the male reproductive tissues and helps involved in later life. These data showed a better antioxidant defense and anti-inflammatory profile of Metformin animals than Saline animals and might directly improve reproductive organs morphophysiology and sperm morphology. Also, the neonatal Met application programs the male reproduction to counterbalance damages from an obesogenic environment in later life.

Promising Anti-cancer Therapeutics From Mushrooms: Current Findings and Future Perceptions

BACKGROUND

Nowadays, medicines derived from natural sources have drawn much attention as potential therapeutic agents in the suppression and treatment of cancer because of their low toxicity and fewer side effects.

OBJECTIVE

The present review aims to assess the currently available knowledge on the ethnomedicinal uses and pharmacological activities of bioactive compounds obtained from medicinal mushrooms towards cancer treatment.

METHODS

A literature search has been conducted for the collection of research papers from universally accepted scientific databases. These research papers and published book chapters were scrutinized to retrieve information on ethnomedicinal uses of mushrooms, different factors involved in cancer cell proliferation, clinical and in silico pharmaceutical studies made for possible treatments of cancer using mushroom derived compounds. Overall, 241 articles were retrieved and reviewed from the year 1970 to 2020, out of which 98 relevant articles were finally considered for the preparation of this review.

RESULTS

This review presents an update on the natural bioactive substances derived from medicinal mushrooms and their role in inhibiting the factors responsible for cancer cell proliferation. Along with it, the present review also provides information on the ethnomedicinal uses, solvents used for extraction of anti-cancer metabolites, clinical trials, and in silico studies that were undertaken towards anticancer drug development from medicinal mushrooms.

CONCLUSION

The present review provides extensive knowledge on various anti-cancer substances obtained from medicinal mushrooms, their biological actions, and in silico drug designing approaches, which could form a basis for the development of natural anti-cancer therapeutics.

Prebiotic potential of mushroom d-glucans: implications of physicochemical properties and structural features

Mushroom d-glucans are recognized as dietary fibers and as biologically active natural polysaccharides, with the advantages of being quite inexpensive for production, tolerable, and having a range of possible structures and physicochemical properties. The prebiotic potential of mushroom d-glucans has been explored in recent years, but the relationship between their various structural features and activity is poorly understood. This review focuses on comprehensively evaluating the prebiotic potential of mushroom d-glucans in face of their structural variations. Overall, mushroom d-glucans provide a unique set of different structures and physicochemical properties with prebiotic potential, where linkage type and solubility degree seem to be associated with prebiotic activity outcomes. The understanding of the effects of distinct structures and physicochemical properties in mushroom d-glucans on the gut microbiota contributes to the design and selection of new prebiotics in a more predictable way.

Cordyceps sinensis-derived fungus Isaria felina ameliorates experimental autoimmune thyroiditis in mice

AIMS

This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of Cordyceps sinensis-derived fungus Isaria felina on experimental autoimmune thyroiditis (EAT).

METHODS

A NaI-induced EAT mouse model was established. The mice received oral administration of vehicle, low-dose Isaria felina (300 mg/kg), or high-dose Isaria felina (600 mg/kg) once a day for four weeks before euthanasia. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) was performed to measure serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, thyroid antibodies, and cytokines. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was conducted to assess histopathological changes in the thyroid tissue samples of mice. TUNEL and Bcl-2 immunohistochemistry (IHC) were performed to evaluate cell apoptosis, and cleaved caspase-3 IHC was performed to detect the relative expression in the thyroid tissue samples.

RESULTS

Compared with KIO₃ and KI water, NaI water consumption successfully induced EAT in mice, as evidenced by significantly increased circulating TSH and thyroid antibody levels, along with typical histopathological abnormalities of autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) in the thyroid tissue samples. Compared with vehicle or low-dose Isaria felina, high-dose Isaria felina treatment resulted in significant reductions in white cell counts and circulating TSH, thyroid antibody, and cytokine levels of EAT mice. High-dose Isaria felina also alleviated histopathological abnormalities and attenuated TUNEL staining, Bcl-2 protein expression, and cleaved caspase-3 expression in the thyroid tissue samples.

CONCLUSION

High-dose Isaria felina treatment alleviates thyroid inflammation and cell apoptosis in EAT, serving as a novel, promising therapeutic agent for AIT.

Recent advances in polysaccharides from Lentinus edodes (Berk.): Isolation, structures and bioactivities

Lentinus edodes, an important edible mushroom cultivated in East Asia for thousands of years, has been widely used as food and medicinal ingredient worldwide. Modern phytochemistry studies have demonstrated that L. edodes is very rich in bioactive polysaccharides, especially the β-glucans. Over the past two decades, the isolation, chemical properties, and bioactivities of polysaccharides from fruiting bodies, mycelium and fermentation broth of L. edodes have been drawing much attention from scholars around the world. It has been demonstrated that L. edodes polysaccharides possess various remarkable biological activities, including anti-oxidant, anti-tumor, anti-aging, anti-inflammation, immunomodulatory, antiviral, and hepatoprotection effects. This review summarizes the recent development of polysaccharides from L. edodes including the isolation methods, structural features, bioactivities and mechanisms, and their structure-activity relationship, which can provide useful research underpinnings and update information for their further application as therapeutic agents and functional foods.

In silico and in vitro design of cordycepin encapsulation in liposomes for colon cancer treatment

Cordycepin or 3'-deoxyadenosine is an interesting anti-cancer drug candidate that is found in abundance in the fungus Cordyceps militaris. It inhibits cellular growth of many cancers including lung carcinoma, melanoma, bladder cancer, and colon cancer by inducing apoptosis, anti-proliferation, anti-metastasis and by arresting the cell cycle. Cordycepin has, however, poor stability and low solubility in water, resulting in loss of its bioactivity. Liposomes can be used to overcome these obstacles. Our aim is to improve cordycepin's anti-colon cancer activity by liposome encapsulation. Cordycepin-encapsulated liposomes were designed and fabricated based on a combination of theoretical and experimental studies. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and free energy calculations suggest that phosphatidylcholine (PC) lipid environment is favorable for cordycepin adsorption. Cordycepin passively permeates into PC lipid bilayers without membrane damage and strongly binds to the lipids' polar groups by flipping its deoxyribose sugar toward the bilayer center. Our fabricated liposomes containing 10 : 1 molar ratio of egg yolk PC : cholesterol showed encapsulation efficiency (%EE) of 99% using microfluidic hydrodynamic focusing (MHF) methods. In our in vitro study using the HT-29 colon cancer cell line, cordycepin was able to inhibit growth by induction of apoptosis. Cell viability was significantly decreased below 50% at 125 μg mL-1 dosage after 48 h treatment with non-encapsulated and encapsulated cordycepin. Importantly, encapsulation provided (1) a 2-fold improvement in the inhibition of cancer cell growth at 125 μg mL-1 dosage and (2) 4-fold increase in release time. These in silico and in vitro studies indicate that cordycepin-encapsulated liposomes could be a potent drug candidate for colon cancer therapy.

Structural analysis and macrophage activation of a novel β‑glucan isolated from Cantharellus cibarius

The present study was designed to investigate the structure and immunomodulatory activity of a polysaccharide. A novel acidic β-glucan (WCCP-A-b; molecular weight, 7.3 kDa) was purified from the fruiting bodies of the edible mushroom Cantharellus cibarius, which possesses high nutritional values. WCCP-A-b was composed primarily of glucose (89.7%) and glucuronic acid (8.8%). Methylation and nuclear magnetic resonance analysis suggested that WCCP-A-b contained β-D-1,6-glucan as its main chain, which was substituted at O-3 by β-1,3-D-Glcp oligosaccharides or a single-unit of β-Glcp residues. Minor β-1,4-D-GlcpA residues may also be present in the side chains. The degree of branching was ~20.9%. Moreover, WCCP-A-b possessed a macrophage activating effect by promoting the secretion of nitric oxide, TNF-α and IL-6 in a dose-dependent manner. At a cellular mechanistic level, WCCP-A-b activated macrophages via the MAPK signaling pathway. The present results provided useful information for supporting further investigations on the structure-activity association of polysaccharides from C. cibarius, and indicated that the novel β-glucan may be a potent natural immunomodulator, thus promoting the application of C. cibarius as a valuable source for functional food.

Mushrooms and immunity

In the wide field of nutraceuticals, the effects of mushrooms on immunity, cancer and including autoimmunity have been proposed for centuries but in recent years a growing interest has led scientists to elucidate which specific compounds have bioactive properties and through which mechanisms. Glucans and specific proteins are responsible for most of the biological effects of mushrooms, particularly in terms of immunomodulatory and anti-tumor results. Proteins with bioactive effects include lectins, fungal immunomodulatory proteins (FIPs), ribosome inactivating proteins (RIPs), ribonucleases, laccases, among others. At the present status of knowledge, numerous studies have been performed on cell lines and murine models while only a few clinical trials have been conducted. As in most cases of dietary components, the multitude of variables implicated in the final effect and an inadequate standardization are expected to affect the observed differences, thus making the available evidence insufficient to justify the treatment of human diseases with mushrooms extracts. We will herein provide a comprehensive review and critically discussion the biochemical changes induced by different mushroom compounds as observed in in vitro studies, particularly on macrophages, dendritic cells, T cells, and NK cells, compared to in vivo and human studies. Additional effects are represented by lipids which constitute a minor part of mushrooms but may have a role in reducing serum cholesterol levels or phenols acting as antioxidant and reducing agents. Human studies provide a minority of available data, as well illustrated by a placebo-controlled study of athletes treated with β-glucan from Pleurotus ostreatus. Variables influencing study outcomes include different mushrooms strains, growing conditions, developmental stage, part of mushroom used, extraction method, and storage conditions. We foresee that future rigorous research will be needed to determine the potential of mushroom compounds for human health to reproduce the effects of some compounds such as lentinan which a metaanalysis demonstrated to increase the efficacy of chemotherapy in the treatment of lung cancer and in the improvement of the patients quality of life.

Exopolysaccharides from probiotic bacteria and their health potential

Exopolysaccharides (EPS) are extracellular macromolecules excreted as tightly bound capsule or loosely attached slime layer in microorganisms. They play most prominent role against desiccation, phagocytosis, cell recognition, phage attack, antibiotics or toxic compounds and osmotic stress. In the last few decades, natural polymers have gained much attention among scientific communities owing to their therapeutic potential. In particular the EPS retrieved from probiotic bacteria with varied carbohydrate compositions possess a plenty of beneficial properties. Different probiotic microbes have unique behavior in expressing their capability to display significant health promoting characteristics in the form of polysaccharides. In this new era of alternative medicines, these polysaccharides are considered as substitutes for synthetic drugs. The EPS finds applications in various fields like textiles, cosmetics, bioremediation, food and therapeutics. The present review is focused on sources, chemical composition, biosynthetic pathways of EPS and their biological potential. More attention has been given to the scientific investigations on antimicrobial, antitumor, anti-biofilm, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities.

Anti-inflammatory effects of cordycepin: A review

Cordycepin is the major bioactive component extracted from Cordyceps militaris. In recent years, cordycepin has received increasing attention owing to its multiple pharmacological activities. This study reviews recent researches on the anti-inflammatory effects and the related activities of cordycepin. The results from our review indicate that cordycepin exerts protective effects against inflammatory injury for many diseases including acute lung injury (ALI), asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, Parkinson's disease (PD), hepatitis, atherosclerosis, and atopic dermatitis. Cordycepin regulates the NF-κB, RIP2/Caspase-1, Akt/GSK-3β/p70S6K, TGF-β/Smads, and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways among others. Several studies focusing on cordycepin derivatives were reviewed and found to down metabolic velocity of cordycepin and increase its bioavailability. Moreover, cordycepin enhanced immunity, inhibited the proliferation of viral RNA, and suppressed cytokine storms, thereby suggesting its potential to treat COVID-19 and other viral infections. From the collected and reviewed information, this article provides the theoretical basis for the clinical applications of cordycepin and discusses the path for future studies focusing on expanding the medicinal use of cordycepin. Taken together, cordycepin and its analogs show great potential as the next new class of anti-inflammatory agents.

Purification, characterization, antioxidant, and antitumor activity of polysaccharides isolated from silkworm cordyceps

Two new water-soluble polysaccharide fractions (SCP II-1 and SCP II-2) were obtained from silkworm cordycepsusing DEAE Sepharose FF and Superose 6 columns chromatography. The characterization of their basic structure was studied by high performance liquid chromatography, high performance ion chromatography, infrared spectroscopy and atomic force microscope (AFM). The results showed that the molecular weight of SCP II-1 and SCP II-2 were 35.2 kDa and 23.4 kDa, and they were mainly composed of ribose, mannose, glucose, and galactose in molar ratio of 1.0:27.38:8.52:17.99 and 1.0:21.21:1.95:14.28, respectively. The AFM topography confirmed the highly branched chain conformation of SCP II-1, while SCP II-2 had more polymerized chain morphology. These two fractions possessed excellent antioxidant and antitumor activities, especially SCP II-1 showed better inhibition than SCP II-2. Those data suggested that purified polysaccharides from silkworm cordyceps have potential application in functional food and pharmaceutical industry. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Silkworm cordyceps is cultivated on the 5th instar larvae inoculated with Cordyceps sp. and the functions of cordyceps have been reported recently. The separation and purification of silkworm cordyceps polysaccharide is helpful to better exert important biological functions. The study on the structure-function relations of polysaccharides will be useful to the application of polysaccharides in functional food and pharmaceutical industry.

Effect of the botanical compound LCS102 on innate immunity

Innate immunity serves an important role in the healthy population, providing surveillance and protection against infections. Chemotherapy suppresses the body's immune system, including neutrophil and natural killer (NK) cell numbers and activity. This leads to an increased risk of infection which often requires the reduction or even discontinuation of the chemotherapeutic regimens. The botanical formula LCS102 was designed to stimulate the body's immune system. The effect of the formula on innate immunity was examined in human blood samples, as were its effect on the anti-cancer activity of chemotherapeutic agents on human cancer cells. Blood samples drawn from 20 volunteers (19 healthy subjects; 1 patient with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy) and were exposed to LCS102. The effects on neutrophil and NK cell activity were tested using FACS. The anti-cancer effects of LCS102 were tested on T24, A549, MCF7, PANC-1 and U2OS human cancer cell lines, as were the effects of the formula on doxorubicin, Taxol, etoposide and cisplatin-treated cells using a sulforodamine B viability assay. LCS102 was shown to significantly increase the percentage of activated neutrophils and NK cells in the blood samples tested. The formula did not inhibit the cytotoxic effects of the chemotherapeutic agents, and in certain cases increased their anti-cancer activity. Further research is required to improve our understanding of the clinical value of LCS102; however, it may serve as an adjuvant during chemotherapy, to reduce the effects of chemotherapy on innate immunity.

Efficacy of Ethyl Acetate Fraction of Cordyceps militaris for Cancer-Related Fatigue in Blood Biochemical and 1H-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Metabolomic Analyses

This study investigated the adjuvant effects for anticancer and antifatigue of the combination of Cordyceps militaris extract with sorafenib. The 5 extracts of C militaris were obtained through hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, butanol, and water and were evaluated for anticancer growth activity. Among these extracts, ethyl acetate extract of C militaris showed the best tumor growth inhibitory activity and the adjuvant effects in combination with sorafenib. As a result of biochemical analysis with serum, the combination of ethyl acetate extract of C militaris with sorafenib showed the adjuvant effects both improving hepatic function and relieving cancer-related fatigue. In addition, ¹H-nuclear magnetic resonance–based metabolic profiling in liver tissues showed that the change of metabolism by ethyl acetate extract of C militaris with sorafenib was related with serum fatigue biomarkers. Therefore, the combination strategy such as ethyl acetate extraction of C militaris with sorafenib constitutes a promising therapeutic strategy in hepatocellular carcinoma, via the inhibition of cancer growth, the enhancement of liver function, as well as the alleviation of cancer-related fatigue.

Polysaccharides from Cordyceps miltaris cultured at different pH: Sugar composition and antioxidant activity

In the study, the β-glucan content, the primary structure and the antioxidant capacity of polysaccharides in Cordyceps militaris cultivated with different initial growth pH were evaluated. Meanwhile, the mechanism of β-glucan biosynthesis was investigated by RNA-Seq. Based on the results, C. militaris growing at an initial growth pH of 5-7 (CMsA) was distinguished from C. militaris growing at an initial growth pH of 8-9 (CMsB) and their unigenes showed the comparable expression. The mean of β-glucan content of CMsB group was 32.7% (w/w), 10% higher than that of CMsA. The results of RNA-seq showed 1088 differentially expressed genes between CMsA and CMsB groups. Furthermore, oxidative phosphorylation-related Gene ontology terms were up-regulated in CMsB groups. In addition, the results of structural analysis (FTIR spectrum, monosaccharide composition, periodate oxidation) and bioactivity evaluation speculated that C. militaris polysaccharides possessed higher β-(1 → 6)-glucan content and antioxidant activities in CMsB groups.

Feed additive blends fed to nursery pigs challenged with Salmonella

Salmonella in pigs is a concern for human foodborne salmonellosis. Dietary fungal fermented products, coated butyrate, and organic acids (OAs) may be promising control strategies. The objectives of this study were (i) to evaluate in vitro binding affinity of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typh) and Enteritidis (S. Ent), and enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) F4 or F18 to mannan-rich hydrolyzed copra meal (MCM) and fermented rye (FR) with Agaricus subrufescens; and (ii) to assess MCM and FR efficacy to control in vivo S. Typh shedding when combined with OAs and compared with coated butyrate strategy. A 31-d study included 32 pigs [6.29 ± 0.76 kg BW] individually housed and distributed into four dietary treatments: control diet; OA.BU, 4 kg/t OA plus 6 kg/t coated butyrate; OA.MCM, 4 kg/t OA plus 1 kg/t MCM; and OA.FR, 4 kg/t OA plus 2 kg/t FR. All pigs were challenged for 7 d with 1 mL S. Typh (109 colony forming units daily) at 10 d postweaning. Temperature and fecal samples were collected before and after challenge, and fecal Salmonella shedding quantified. Diarrhea scores were monitored daily and growth performance was evaluated weekly. In vitro, culture with MCM and FR showed significant (P < 0.01) binding affinity for both S. Typh and S. Ent, but not for ETEC F4 and F18. In vivo, pigs fed OA.MCM and OA.FR had lower (P < 0.05) shedding and day 3 peak shedding of S. Typh after infections than pigs fed control and OA.BU diets. Pigs fed OA.FR diet tended to have an 18% increase (P = 0.068) in BW on day 14 post first inoculation compared with control and OA.BU, and 19% increased (P = 0.093) final BW at day 21 compared with control. Diarrhea frequency post infection was overall lower (P = 0.006) for OA.FR (18.9%) than OA.BU (44.8%) and OA.MCM (41.7%) while control (28.7%) was not different. In conclusion, FR and MCM show in vitro-binding affinity to Salmonella enterica serovars Typh and Ent. Feeding FR or MCM combined with OA to nursery pigs reduces the peak and averages S. Typh shedding compared with control. Fermented rye with OA tends to improve pig performance after S. Typh challenge.

Isolation and comparison of α- and β-D-glucans from shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) with different biological activities

A polysaccharide-enriched extract obtained from Lentinula edodes was submitted to several purification steps to separate three different D-glucans with β-(1→6), β-(1→3),(1→6) and α-(1→3) linkages, being characterized through GC-MS, FT-IR, NMR, SEC and colorimetric/fluorimetric determinations. Moreover, in vitro hypocholesterolemic, antitumoral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities were also tested. Isolated glucans exerted HMGCR inhibitory activity, but only β-(1→6) and β-(1→3),(1→6) fractions showed DPPH scavenging capacity. Glucans were also able to lower IL-1β and IL-6 secretion by LPS-activated THP-1/M cells and showed cytotoxic effect on a breast cancer cell line that was not observed on normal breast cells. These in vitro results pointed important directions for further in vivo studies, showing different effects of each chemical structure of the isolated glucans from shiitake mushrooms.