Research

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12 pages, 2421 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Unravelling Anti-Melanogenic Potency of Edible Mushrooms Laetiporus sulphureus and Agaricus silvaticus In Vivo Using the Zebrafish Model

by Aleksandar Pavic, Tatjana Ilic-Tomic and Jasmina Glamočlija

J. Fungi 2021, 7(10), 834; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof7100834 - 05 Oct 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2208

Abstract

Severe drawbacks associated with the topical use of depigmenting agents in treatments of skin hyperigmentations impose a great demand for novel, effective, and safe melanogenesis inhibitors. Edible and medicinal mushrooms, known for numerous health-promoting properties, represent a rich reservoir of anti-melanogenic compounds, with [...] Read more.

Severe drawbacks associated with the topical use of depigmenting agents in treatments of skin hyperigmentations impose a great demand for novel, effective, and safe melanogenesis inhibitors. Edible and medicinal mushrooms, known for numerous health-promoting properties, represent a rich reservoir of anti-melanogenic compounds, with the potential to be applied in preventing excessive skin pigmentation. Herein, using zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a preclinical animal model, we have demonstrated that ethanol extract of Laetiporus sulphureus (LSE) and Agaricus silvaticus (ASE) are not toxic at high doses up to 400–500 µg/mL while effectively inhibit melanogenesis in a dose-dependent manner. At depigmenting doses, the explored extracts showed no adverse effects on zebrafish embryos melanocytes. Even more, they did not provoke inflammation or neutropenia when applied at the highest dose ensuring almost complete the cells depigmentation. Since LSE and ASE have demonstrated significantly higher the therapeutic potential than kojic acid and hydroquinone, two well-known depigmenting agents, overall results of this study strongly suggest that the explored mushrooms extracts could be used as efficient and safe topical agents in treatments of skin hyperpigmentation disorders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mushrooms—Mycotherapy and Mycochemistry)

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10 pages, 485 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identification of Substances Produced by Cercospora brachiata in Absence of Light and Evaluation of Antibacterial Activity

by John K. R. P. Felisbino, Bruno S. Vieira, Alberto de Oliveira, Neiliane A. da Silva, Carlos H. G. Martins, Mariana B. Santiago, Rodrigo A. A. Munoz, Luís C. S. Cunha and Raquel M. F. Sousa

J. Fungi 2021, 7(9), 680; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof7090680 - 24 Aug 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1759

Abstract

Cercospora brachiata is a phytopathogenic fungus. To know more about the metabolites produced by this fungus, the objective of this work was to identify, isolate and characterize substances present in extracts of the growth broth and mycelium, using gas chromatography with mass spectrometry [...] Read more.

Cercospora brachiata is a phytopathogenic fungus. To know more about the metabolites produced by this fungus, the objective of this work was to identify, isolate and characterize substances present in extracts of the growth broth and mycelium, using gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). It was also objective to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the extracts. Among the compounds identified, fatty acids, esters, and steroids can be highlighted. The main compounds identified are 9-hexadecenoic, hexadecenoic, oleic, octadecanoic, lauric, myristic, palmitic, doceno-13-enoic, stearic, linoleic, and nonadecanoic acids present in almost all extracts. For the antibacterial activity, the broth microdilution method was used. The ethyl acetate extract of the mycelium presented inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against the bacterium Actinomyces naeslundii (100 μg mL⁻¹) and Streptococcus sanguinis (200 μg mL⁻¹). Finally, two steroids were isolated and identified in the hexane extract of mycelium: ergosta-6,22-dien-3β,5α,8α-triol and brassicasterol. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mushrooms—Mycotherapy and Mycochemistry)

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20 pages, 2076 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hericium erinaceus (Bull.) Pers. Ethanolic Extract with Antioxidant Properties on Scopolamine-Induced Memory Deficits in a Zebrafish Model of Cognitive Impairment

by Mihai-Vlad Valu, Liliana Cristina Soare, Catalin Ducu, Sorin Moga, Denis Negrea, Emanuel Vamanu, Tudor-Adrian Balseanu, Simone Carradori, Lucian Hritcu and Razvan Stefan Boiangiu

J. Fungi 2021, 7(6), 477; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof7060477 - 12 Jun 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3937

Abstract

Hericium erinaceus (H. erinaceus) is a rare and appreciated fungal species belonging to the division Basidiomycota used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine for its medicinal value. This species of mushrooms brings the most diverse benefits for the human body, and [...] Read more.

Hericium erinaceus (H. erinaceus) is a rare and appreciated fungal species belonging to the division Basidiomycota used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine for its medicinal value. This species of mushrooms brings the most diverse benefits for the human body, and can have beneficial effects for treating Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This study investigated whether ethanolic extract from the fungal biomass of H. erinaceus enhances cognitive function via the action on cholinergic neurons using the scopolamine (SCOP)-induced zebrafish (Danio rerio) model of memory impairment. The ethanolic extract from the fungal biomass of H. erinaceus was previously obtained using an ultrasonic extraction method (UE). The administration of H. erinaceus extract to zebrafish, with a pattern of AD induced by scopolamine, showed an improvement in memory evaluated by behavioral and biochemical tests on brain tissue. These results suggest that H. erinaceus has preventive and therapeutic potentials in managing memory deficits and brain oxidative stress in zebrafish with AD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mushrooms—Mycotherapy and Mycochemistry)

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21 pages, 1062 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ethnomycological Investigation in Serbia: Astonishing Realm of Mycomedicines and Mycofood

by Jelena Živković, Marija Ivanov, Dejan Stojković and Jasmina Glamočlija

J. Fungi 2021, 7(5), 349; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof7050349 - 29 Apr 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2554

Abstract

This study aims to fill the gaps in ethnomycological knowledge in Serbia by identifying various fungal species that have been used due to their medicinal or nutritional properties. Ethnomycological information was gathered using semi-structured interviews with participants from different mycological associations in Serbia. [...] Read more.

This study aims to fill the gaps in ethnomycological knowledge in Serbia by identifying various fungal species that have been used due to their medicinal or nutritional properties. Ethnomycological information was gathered using semi-structured interviews with participants from different mycological associations in Serbia. A total of 62 participants were involved in this study. Eighty-five species belonging to 28 families were identified. All of the reported fungal species were pointed out as edible, and only 15 of them were declared as medicinal. The family Boletaceae was represented by the highest number of species, followed by Russulaceae, Agaricaceae and Polyporaceae. We also performed detailed analysis of the literature in order to provide scientific evidence for the recorded medicinal use of fungi in Serbia. The male participants reported a higher level of ethnomycological knowledge compared to women, whereas the highest number of used fungi species was mentioned by participants within the age group of 61–80 years. In addition to preserving ethnomycological knowledge in Serbia, this study can present a good starting point for further pharmacological investigations of fungi. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mushrooms—Mycotherapy and Mycochemistry)

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16 pages, 3633 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Skin Wound-Healing Potential of Polysaccharides from Medicinal Mushroom Auricularia auricula-judae (Bull.)

by Sariya Mapoung, Sonthaya Umsumarng, Warathit Semmarath, Punnida Arjsri, Pilaiporn Thippraphan, Supachai Yodkeeree and Pornngarm Limtrakul (Dejkriengkraikul)

J. Fungi 2021, 7(4), 247; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof7040247 - 25 Mar 2021

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 4962

Abstract

Auricularia auricula-judae, a nutrient-rich mushroom used in traditional medicine, is a macrofungi that exhibits various biological properties. In this study, we have reported on the mechanisms that promote the wound-healing effects of a water-soluble polysaccharide-rich extract obtained from A. auricula-judae (AAP). AAP [...] Read more.

Auricularia auricula-judae, a nutrient-rich mushroom used in traditional medicine, is a macrofungi that exhibits various biological properties. In this study, we have reported on the mechanisms that promote the wound-healing effects of a water-soluble polysaccharide-rich extract obtained from A. auricula-judae (AAP). AAP contained high amounts of polysaccharides (349.83 ± 5.00 mg/g extract) with a molecular weight of 158 kDa. The main sugar composition of AAP includes mannose, galactose, and glucose. AAP displayed antioxidant activity in vitro and was able to abort UVB-induced intracellular ROS production in human fibroblasts in cellulo. AAP significantly promoted both fibroblast and keratinocyte proliferation, migration, and invasion, along with augmentation of the wound-healing process by increasing collagen synthesis and decreasing E-cadherin expression (All p < 0.05). Specifically, the AAP significantly accelerated the wound closure in a mice skin wound-healing model on day 9 (2.5%AAP, p = 0.031 vs. control) and day 12 (1% and 2.5%AAP with p = 0.009 and p < 0.001 vs. control, respectively). Overall, our results indicate that the wound-healing activities of AAP can be applied in an AAP-based product for wound management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mushrooms—Mycotherapy and Mycochemistry)

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20 pages, 2602 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Polysaccharides Extracted from Cultivated Mycelium of Inonotus obliquus with Polysaccharide Fractions Obtained from Sterile Conk (Chaga) and Birch Heart Rot

by Gabriele Beltrame, Jani Trygg, Jarl Hemming, Zenghua Han and Baoru Yang

J. Fungi 2021, 7(3), 189; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof7030189 - 08 Mar 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2844

Abstract

The polysaccharides of the sterile conk of Inonotus obliquus (Chaga) have demonstrated multiple bioactivities. The mycelium of this basidiomycete, obtained after submerged cultivation, has been considered a feasible alternative to the sterile conk for the production of polysaccharides. However, previous research has paid [...] Read more.

The polysaccharides of the sterile conk of Inonotus obliquus (Chaga) have demonstrated multiple bioactivities. The mycelium of this basidiomycete, obtained after submerged cultivation, has been considered a feasible alternative to the sterile conk for the production of polysaccharides. However, previous research has paid little attention to the differences in the structures of polymers obtained from the different resources. Moreover, the birch wood colonized by I. obliquus has never been investigated as a source of bioactive polysaccharides. In the present study, polysaccharide fractions produced from cultivated mycelium, sterile conks of different geographical origins, and birch heart rot were investigated. High amounts of phenolic compounds, possibly lignans, were bound to the sterile conk polysaccharides. Mycelial polysaccharides were rich in α- and β-glucans and had high (10⁵ Da) and low (10⁴ Da) molecular weight populations. On the other hand, sterile conk polysaccharides were mainly β-glucan of lower and monodispersed molecular weight (10³ Da). Heart rot polysaccharides were comprised mainly of low molecular weight (10³ Da) hemicelluloses. Nevertheless, fungal polysaccharides were identified in the extracts. The differences in structure and molecular properties among the polysaccharide fractions of mycelium, heart rot, and sterile conk are likely associated with differences in bioactivities and, therefore, in nutraceutical potential. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mushrooms—Mycotherapy and Mycochemistry)

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17 pages, 773 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Two Schizophyllum commune Strains in Production of Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors and Antioxidants from Submerged Cultivation

by Jovana Mišković, Maja Karaman, Milena Rašeta, Nenad Krsmanović, Sanja Berežni, Dragica Jakovljević, Federica Piattoni, Alessandra Zambonelli, Maria Letizia Gargano and Giuseppe Venturella

J. Fungi 2021, 7(2), 115; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof7020115 - 04 Feb 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2639

Abstract

In recent years, fungi have been recognized as producers of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors, agents important for the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This study aimed to examine the AChE inhibitory, the antioxidative and antibacterial activity of two different Schizophyllum commune strains that originated [...] Read more.

In recent years, fungi have been recognized as producers of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors, agents important for the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This study aimed to examine the AChE inhibitory, the antioxidative and antibacterial activity of two different Schizophyllum commune strains that originated from Serbia (SRB) and Italy (IT). Submerged cultivation of grown mycelia (M) and fermentation broth (F) of ethanol (EtOH) and polysaccharide (PSH) extracts lasted for 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. For AChE activity Ellman method was performed, while for antioxidative activity, sevendifferent assays were conducted: DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, SOA, OH, NO together with total phenolic content. Antimicrobial screen, LC–MS/MS technique and FTIR measurements were performed. Different isolates exhibited different AChE activity, with PSH being the strongest (SRB, M, 28 days IC₉₀ 79.73 ± 26.34 µg/mL), while in EtOH extracts, IT stood out (F, 14 days, IC₅₀ 0.8 ± 0.6 µg/mL). PSH extracts (7 days) exhibit significant antioxidative activity (AO), opposite to EtOH extracts where 14 and 21days periods stood out. Only tw extracts showed antibacterial activity. Following LC–MS/MS analysis p-hydroxybenzoic and gallic acids were the most abundant phenolics. PSH extracts demonstrated remarkable results, making this study debut and introducing S. commune as a valuable resource of AChE inhibitors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mushrooms—Mycotherapy and Mycochemistry)

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16 pages, 898 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Calcium Silicate on the Chemical Properties of Pleurotus ostreatus var. florida (Jacq.) P. Kumm

by Rossana V. C. Cardoso, Márcio Carocho, Ângela Fernandes, Diego Cunha Zied, Juan Diego Valenzuela Cobos, Ana M. González-Paramás, Isabel C. F. R. Ferreira and Lillian Barros

J. Fungi 2020, 6(4), 299; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof6040299 - 19 Nov 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2720

Abstract

Supplementation of mushroom substrates has been linked to a higher resistance against insect pests, although few studies show the impact of this supplementation on the different agronomical parameters of mushrooms or even their chemical composition. In this work, the variation in the biological [...] Read more.

Supplementation of mushroom substrates has been linked to a higher resistance against insect pests, although few studies show the impact of this supplementation on the different agronomical parameters of mushrooms or even their chemical composition. In this work, the variation in the biological and chemical composition of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus var. florida (Jacq.) P. Kumm) was analysed after varying the substrate supplementation of calcium silicate (0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4% (w/w%)) during two harvest flushes. Overall, supplementation did not change the weight, the number of fruiting bodies, biological efficiency, yield ratio, and productivity rate of the mushrooms, although the harvest flushes did show significant differences. Furthermore, slight changes were found in the chemical composition with an increase in vitamin D₂ and tocopherols for the mushrooms with higher amounts of calcium silicate. Overall, the substrate supplementation did not seem to induce expressive changes or decrease production yields, and can, therefore, continue to be researched as a potential application to fight agronomical pests. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mushrooms—Mycotherapy and Mycochemistry)

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19 pages, 1382 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chemical Characterization, Antioxidant, Enzyme Inhibition and Antimutagenic Properties of Eight Mushroom Species: A Comparative Study

by Sinan Alkan, Ahmet Uysal, Giyasettin Kasik, Sanja Vlaisavljevic, Sanja Berežni and Gokhan Zengin

J. Fungi 2020, 6(3), 166; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof6030166 - 09 Sep 2020

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3435

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the chemical composition and biologic activities of eight mushroom species (Amanita crocea, Hemileccinum depilatum, Cyclocybe cylindracea, Lactarius deliciosus, Hygrocybe acutoconica, Neoboletus erythropus, Russula aurea and Russula sanguinea). The antioxidant, enzyme [...] Read more.

This study aimed to determine the chemical composition and biologic activities of eight mushroom species (Amanita crocea, Hemileccinum depilatum, Cyclocybe cylindracea, Lactarius deliciosus, Hygrocybe acutoconica, Neoboletus erythropus, Russula aurea and Russula sanguinea). The antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory and mutagenic/antimutagenic activities were evaluated to provide data on the biologic activities. With respect to the chemical composition, LC–MS/MS technique was used to determine individual phenolic compounds present in the extracts. Antioxidant properties were investigated by different chemical methods including radical quenching (DPPH and ABTS), reducing power (CUPRAC and FRAP), phosphomolybdenum and metal chelating. In the enzyme inhibitory assays, cholinesterases, tyrosinase, amylase and glucosidase were used. Mutagenic and antimutagenic properties were evaluated by the Ames assay. In general, the best antioxidant abilities were observed from H. depilatum and N. erythropus, which also showed highest level of phenolics. The best cholinesterase inhibition ability was found from C. cylindracea (1.02 mg GALAE/g for AChE; 0.99 mg GALAE/g for BChE). Tyrosinase inhibition ability varied from 48.83 to 54.18 mg KAE/g. The extracts exhibited no mutagenic effects and showed significant antimutagenic potential. H. acutoconica, in particular depicted excellent antimutagenicity with a ratio of 97% for TA100 and with a rate of 96% for TA98 strain against mutagens in the presence of metabolic activation system. Results presented in this study tend to show that the mushroom species could be exploited as potential sources of therapeutic bioactive agents, geared towards the management of oxidative stress, global health problems and cancer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mushrooms—Mycotherapy and Mycochemistry)

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Review

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31 pages, 1445 KiB

Open AccessReview

Narrative Review: Bioactive Potential of Various Mushrooms as the Treasure of Versatile Therapeutic Natural Product

by Hitesh Chopra, Awdhesh Kumar Mishra, Atif Amin Baig, Tapan Kumar Mohanta, Yugal Kishore Mohanta and Kwang-Hyun Baek

J. Fungi 2021, 7(9), 728; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof7090728 - 06 Sep 2021

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 6058

Abstract

Mushrooms have remained an eternal part of traditional cuisines due to their beneficial health potential and have long been recognized as a folk medicine for their broad spectrum of nutraceuticals, as well as therapeutic and prophylactic uses. Nowadays, they have been extensively investigated [...] Read more.

Mushrooms have remained an eternal part of traditional cuisines due to their beneficial health potential and have long been recognized as a folk medicine for their broad spectrum of nutraceuticals, as well as therapeutic and prophylactic uses. Nowadays, they have been extensively investigated to explain the chemical nature and mechanisms of action of their biomedicine and nutraceuticals capacity. Mushrooms belong to the astounding dominion of Fungi and are known as a macrofungus. Significant health benefits of mushrooms, including antiviral, antibacterial, anti-parasitic, antifungal, wound healing, anticancer, immunomodulating, antioxidant, radical scavenging, detoxification, hepatoprotective cardiovascular, anti-hypercholesterolemia, and anti-diabetic effects, etc., have been reported around the globe and have attracted significant interests of its further exploration in commercial sectors. They can function as functional foods, help in the treatment and therapeutic interventions of sub-optimal health states, and prevent some consequences of life-threatening diseases. Mushrooms mainly contained low and high molecular weight polysaccharides, fatty acids, lectins, and glucans responsible for their therapeutic action. Due to the large varieties of mushrooms present, it becomes challenging to identify chemical components present in them and their beneficial action. This article highlights such therapeutic activities with their active ingredients for mushrooms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mushrooms—Mycotherapy and Mycochemistry)

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32 pages, 2177 KiB

Open AccessReview

Macrofungi as a Nutraceutical Source: Promising Bioactive Compounds and Market Value

by Allen Grace Niego, Sylvie Rapior, Naritsada Thongklang, Olivier Raspé, Wuttichai Jaidee, Saisamorn Lumyong and Kevin D. Hyde

J. Fungi 2021, 7(5), 397; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof7050397 - 19 May 2021

Cited by 62 | Viewed by 8648

Abstract

Macrofungi production and economic value have been increasing globally. The demand for macrofungi has expanded rapidly owing to their popularity among consumers, pleasant taste, and unique flavors. The presence of high quality proteins, polysaccharides, unsaturated fatty acids, minerals, triterpene sterols, and secondary metabolites [...] Read more.

Macrofungi production and economic value have been increasing globally. The demand for macrofungi has expanded rapidly owing to their popularity among consumers, pleasant taste, and unique flavors. The presence of high quality proteins, polysaccharides, unsaturated fatty acids, minerals, triterpene sterols, and secondary metabolites makes macrofungi an important commodity. Macrofungi are well known for their ability to protect from or cure various health problems, such as immunodeficiency, cancer, inflammation, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, and obesity. Many studies have demonstrated their medicinal properties, supported by both in vivo and in vitro experimental studies, as well as clinical trials. Numerous bioactive compounds isolated from mushrooms, such as polysaccharides, proteins, fats, phenolic compounds, and vitamins, possess strong bioactivities. Consequently, they can be considered as an important source of nutraceuticals. Numerous edible mushrooms have been studied for their bioactivities, but only a few species have made it to the market. Many species remain to be explored. The converging trends and popularity of eastern herbal medicines, natural/organic food product preference, gut-healthy products, and positive outlook towards sports nutrition are supporting the growth in the medicinal mushroom market. The consumption of medicinal mushrooms as functional food or dietary supplement is expected to markedly increase in the future. The global medicinal mushroom market size is projected to increase by USD 13.88 billion from 2018 to 2022. The global market values of promising bioactive compounds, such as lentinan and lovastatin, are also expected to rise. With such a market growth, mushroom nutraceuticals hold to be very promising in the years to come. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mushrooms—Mycotherapy and Mycochemistry)

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15 pages, 2031 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Effects of Major Mushroom Bioactive Compounds on Mechanisms That Control Blood Glucose Level

by Jelena Aramabašić Jovanović, Mirjana Mihailović, Aleksandra Uskoković, Nevena Grdović, Svetlana Dinić and Melita Vidaković

J. Fungi 2021, 7(1), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof7010058 - 16 Jan 2021

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 11126

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a life-threatening multifactorial metabolic disorder characterized by high level of glucose in the blood. Diabetes and its chronic complications have a significant impact on human life, health systems, and countries’ economies. Currently, there are many commercial hypoglycemic drugs that are [...] Read more.

Diabetes mellitus is a life-threatening multifactorial metabolic disorder characterized by high level of glucose in the blood. Diabetes and its chronic complications have a significant impact on human life, health systems, and countries’ economies. Currently, there are many commercial hypoglycemic drugs that are effective in controlling hyperglycemia but with several serious side-effects and without a sufficient capacity to significantly alter the course of diabetic complications. Over many centuries mushrooms and their bioactive compounds have been used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, especially polysaccharides and terpenoids derived from various mushroom species. This review summarizes the effects of these main mushroom secondary metabolites on diabetes and underlying molecular mechanisms responsible for lowering blood glucose. In vivo and in vitro data revealed that treatment with mushroom polysaccharides displayed an anti-hyperglycemic effect by inhibiting glucose absorption efficacy, enhancing pancreatic β-cell mass, and increasing insulin-signaling pathways. Mushroom terpenoids act as inhibitors of α-glucosidase and as insulin sensitizers through activation of PPARγ in order to reduce hyperglycemia in animal models of diabetes. In conclusion, mushroom polysaccharides and terpenoids can effectively ameliorate hyperglycemia by various mechanisms and can be used as supportive candidates for prevention and control of diabetes in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mushrooms—Mycotherapy and Mycochemistry)

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23 pages, 4582 KiB

Open AccessReview

Taxonomy, Diversity and Cultivation of the Oudemansielloid/Xeruloid Taxa Hymenopellis, Mucidula, Oudemansiella, and Xerula with Respect to Their Bioactivities: A Review

by Allen Grace Niego, Olivier Raspé, Naritsada Thongklang, Rawiwan Charoensup, Saisamorn Lumyong, Marc Stadler and Kevin D. Hyde

J. Fungi 2021, 7(1), 51; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof7010051 - 13 Jan 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4642

Abstract

The oudemansielloid/xeruloid taxa Hymenopellis, Mucidula, Oudemansiella, and Xerula are genera of Basidiomycota that constitute an important resource of bioactive compounds. Numerous studies have shown antimicrobial, anti-oxidative, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and other bioactivities of their extracts. The bioactive principles can be divided into two major [...] Read more.

The oudemansielloid/xeruloid taxa Hymenopellis, Mucidula, Oudemansiella, and Xerula are genera of Basidiomycota that constitute an important resource of bioactive compounds. Numerous studies have shown antimicrobial, anti-oxidative, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and other bioactivities of their extracts. The bioactive principles can be divided into two major groups: (a) hydrophilic polysaccharides with relatively high molecular weights and (b) low molecular medium polar secondary metabolites, such as the antifungal strobilurins. In this review, we summarize the state of the art on biodiversity, cultivation of the fungi and bioactivities of their secondary metabolites and discuss future applications. Although the strobilurins are well-documented, with commercial applications as agrochemical fungicides, there are also other known compounds from this group that have not yet been well-studied. Polysaccharides, dihydro-citrinone phenol A acid, scalusamides, and acetylenic lactones such as xerulin, also have potential applications in the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and medicinal market and should be further explored. Further studies are recommended to isolate high quality bioactive compounds and fully understand their modes of action. Given that only few species of oudemansielloid/xeruloid mushrooms have been explored for their production of secondary metabolites, these taxa represent unexplored sources of potentially useful and novel bioactive metabolites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mushrooms—Mycotherapy and Mycochemistry)

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36 pages, 3099 KiB

Open AccessReview

β-Glucan Metabolic and Immunomodulatory Properties and Potential for Clinical Application

by Emma J. Murphy, Emanuele Rezoagli, Ian Major, Neil J. Rowan and John G. Laffey

J. Fungi 2020, 6(4), 356; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof6040356 - 10 Dec 2020

Cited by 83 | Viewed by 16056

Abstract

β-glucans are complex polysaccharides that are found in several plants and foods, including mushrooms. β-glucans display an array of potentially therapeutic properties. β-glucans have metabolic and gastro-intestinal effects, modulating the gut microbiome, altering lipid and glucose metabolism, reducing cholesterol, leading to their investigation [...] Read more.

β-glucans are complex polysaccharides that are found in several plants and foods, including mushrooms. β-glucans display an array of potentially therapeutic properties. β-glucans have metabolic and gastro-intestinal effects, modulating the gut microbiome, altering lipid and glucose metabolism, reducing cholesterol, leading to their investigation as potential therapies for metabolic syndrome, obesity and diet regulation, gastrointestinal conditions such as irritable bowel, and to reduce cardiovascular and diabetes risk. β-glucans also have immune-modulating effects, leading to their investigation as adjuvant agents for cancers (solid and haematological malignancies), for immune-mediated conditions (e.g., allergic rhinitis, respiratory infections), and to enhance wound healing. The therapeutic potential of β-glucans is evidenced by the fact that two glucan isolates were licensed as drugs in Japan as immune-adjuvant therapy for cancer in 1980. Significant challenges exist to further clinical testing and translation of β-glucans. The diverse range of conditions for which β-glucans are in clinical testing underlines the incomplete understanding of the diverse mechanisms of action of β-glucans, a key knowledge gap. Furthermore, important differences appear to exist in the effects of apparently similar β-glucan preparations, which may be due to differences in sources and extraction procedures, another poorly understood issue. This review will describe the biology, potential mechanisms of action and key therapeutic targets being investigated in clinical trials of β-glucans and identify and discuss the key challenges to successful translation of this intriguing potential therapeutic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mushrooms—Mycotherapy and Mycochemistry)

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