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Medicinal Value of Lentinus edodes (Berk.) Sing. (Agaricomycetideae). A Literature Review
Abstract
Lentinus edodes (Berk.) Sing., known historically in Japan as shiitake and in China as xiang gu, or "fragrant mushroom," is the second most commonly cultivated edible mushroom worldwide. Shiitake is an important ingredient in Chinese and Japanese cuisine, and is increasingly finding its way onto the tables of North Americans, Europeans, and other cultures. The health benefits of shiitake are not so widely known, but the number and quality of scientific studies are rapidly increasing, demonstrating its immune-modulating, antitumor, antiviral, and cholesterol-regulating effects. In North America, one out of three people will have cancer sometime in his or her life. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in technologically developed countries worldwide, and the proven protective effect and use in Japan of shiitake in combination with chemo- and radiation therapy may well increase its production and popularity over the next few years. While some excellent research has come out of Japan in the last 15 years, sparking international interest in the medicinal effects of shiitake, few controlled studies with humans exist. More randomized, double-blind, controlled studies need to be funded and carried out to clarify the benefits, dose, and therapeutic regimens for the use of shiitake in cancer and other diseases. Based on the existing literature, cooked shiitake fruiting bodies, powdered fruiting bodies and mycelium, and purified extracts seem to be extremely safe.
... This is due to their high content of biologically active components, including proteins, carbohydrates, and, in particular, bio-active polysaccharide complexes such as β-D-glucan, heteroglucan, xylomannan, lentinan, eritadenine heteroglucan, and lentinan. Free sugars such as arabinose, arabitol, mannose, mannitol, trehalose, and glycerol are also present [2,3]. Shiitake are also rich in vitamins B2, B12, D2 [2], and micro-and macro-elements (K, P, Mg, Ca, Zn, Cu, Mn, Se, and Fe) [4][5][6]. ...
... Free sugars such as arabinose, arabitol, mannose, mannitol, trehalose, and glycerol are also present [2,3]. Shiitake are also rich in vitamins B2, B12, D2 [2], and micro-and macro-elements (K, P, Mg, Ca, Zn, Cu, Mn, Se, and Fe) [4][5][6]. They are low in cholesterol and total fat but contain a high proportion of unsaturated fatty acids [7]. ...
... In previous studies based on rats, it was found that the addition of mushrooms into the diet of experimental animals effectively prevented the development of hypercholesterolemia and the accumulation of cholesterol in the liver [25]. Various studies have confirmed that the investigated mushrooms can lower blood pressure and free cholesterol in plasma [2,26]. ...
Shiitake mushrooms have been highly regarded as possessing enormous nutritive and
medicinal values. No clinical studies have yet investigated the effect of shitake supplementation on the health of horses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of shiitake mushroom supplementation on the morphological and biochemical blood properties in horses. A total of 17 adult horses were divided into two groups: supplemented and control. The supplemented group was fed 60 g of shiitake mushrooms per day for 5 months. Blood samples were collected in five sessions. Blood morphological analysis showed higher levels of lymphocytes in session 3 and monocytes in session 4 in the supplemented group. In addition, basophils, hemoglobin, and hematocrit were elevated compared to the control group. Biochemical analysis showed that the shiitake mushrooms affected a large number of parameters. In particular, alkaline phosphatase was found to be the most sensitive to shitake mushroom supplementation, for which the statistical differences were significant for sessions 2, 4, and 5. Furthermore, calcium was found to be affected by supplementation only in session 4, and gamma-glutamyl transferase in session 2. In addition, the bilirubin and glucose levels were lower in the supplemented group, and the albumin/globulin ratio was higher compared to the control group. The differences between the supplement and the control group in various sessions suggest that shiitake mushrooms are a beneficial nutritional supplement for horses.
... Previously, the investigators have been able to isolate several bioactive compounds from L. edodes that are beneficial to the health 15 . Table 1 enlists the compounds present in the fruit bodies of L. edodes 16 . ...
... Mushrooms are well-known to be highly efficient functional food and potential therapeutic products 37 . A previous study demonstrated that lentinan exhibited therapheutic effect against gastric cancer 15 . Administration of L. edodesderived polysaccharides in conjugation with the chemotherapeutic drugs significantly enhanced the drug efficiency among cancer patients without any substantial liver, renal or bone marrow dysfunction 38 . ...
... Lentinan has also been shown to exhibit protective effects against infectious diseases. The results of a previous study on pulmonary tuberculosis patients who had shed drug-resistant M. tuberculosis for a decade showed that the excretion of M. tuberculosis ceased after treatment with lentinan 56,15 . ...
Lentinula edodes (L. edodes) is the globally second most widely consumed mushroom that is well-known for its therapeutic potential and is a commonly used experimental fungus model. This review was focused on the benefits, efficacy, and potential mechanism of action of the extracts from L. edodes as described in the previous studies. With limited information on the health-related benefits of L. edodes, several investigators have now diverted their attention towards this macrofungus. Several studies have now revealed its antitumor, immune-modulating, antitumor, antiviral, antimicrobial, cholesterol-regulating, anti-atherosclerotic, antidiabetic, antioxidant, and homocysteinemia activities.
... Pegler] (shiitake), high-quality edible mushroom, is one of the species of these fungi. It is also well-known as a valuable source of biologically active and medicinal components that are widely applied in the food and pharmaceutical industry [17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32]. ...
... It was noted that most of the fungal medicinal substances exhibiting antitumour activity belong to the groups of β-glucans and β-glucan-protein complexes. It is interesting to note that β-glucan-protein complexes demonstrate higher immunostimulatory activity than free glucans [24,28,33,37,[79][80][81][82][83][84][85][86][87][88][89][90][91]. Therefore, our research was aimed at characterization and evaluated the cytotoxicity of protein fractions of vegetative mycelium of medicinal basidiomycete L. edodes on cancer cell lines. ...
... By our research to study of the effect of extracts from the vegetative mycelium of the basidiomycete L. edodes on the immune and digestive systems of animals, we have confirmed the previously described observations that one of the main advantages of water-soluble fractions of vegetative mycelium L. edodes is the absence of toxic components [4,11,24,30,44]. At the same time, the glycoprotein extracts can stimulate different components of the immune system and modulate pathological conditions associated with immune system failures. ...
Detection and study of biologically active compounds seems a promising area of research in cancer diagnostics and therapies. The glycoprotein and polysaccharide fractions showing high cytotoxicity towards several human and animal cancer cell lines: A549, Hep-2, HeLa, С6 and SPEV-2 were isolated from basidiomycete Lentinus edodes vegetative mycelium and fruiting body and further characterized. It was found that water-soluble glycoprotein fractions caused the most significant, 70–100% inhibition of metabolic activity of SPЕV-2, А549 and С6 cell lines. The effective concentrations of glycoprotein fractions reducing the viability of cancer cell lines were determined. The protein and subunit composition of fractions was studied; the highly active galactose-specific lectins were found to be present in these fractions. Comparative analysis of transcriptomes of L. edodes vegetative mycelium, fruiting body and primordium revealed the presence of carbohydrate-binding glycoproteins (lectins) specific for each stage of basidiomycete morphogenesis. Histological examination revealed some morphological indicators of immune system activation and the absence of toxic effect on gastro-intestinal mucosa of animals at peroral administration of fungal glycoprotein fractions. Fungal protein and, in particular, lectin preparations derived from L. еdodes vegetative mycelium might be considered as novel prospective tools in cancer diagnostics and therapies.
... and T-cell number and function; B-cell activity; and DNA methylation signatures [40][41][42][43][44]. Bioinformatics approaches with machine learning technology that take into consideration multiple variables should allow improved diagnostics [45] and can include data from numerous biologic markers and ''omics,'' [46] such as genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, metabolomics, microbiome, and various laboratory tests, allowing for assessment of billions of variable. ...
... A wasp's venom serves two purposes: 1) an offensive food capture weapon: Wasp venom is powerful enough to paralyze their prey making it easier to transport or carry the prey back to the nest; 2) a defensive Weapon: Wasp venom delivers enough pain to large animals, and humans and compels them to leave the wasp alone and not to make any venture on them. As per literature surveyed [33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48] three types of wasps can be found in this district: a) Yellow jacket Wasp: It is very common wasp. The abdomen of its body is lined with black and yellow stripes. ...
... A lot of workers (38,41,42) have reported that CR3 recognizes opsonin iC3b, which is present on the surface of cancer cells and stimulates activation of phagocyte activity, and also trigger series of the immune responses by the production of cytokines such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10) and interferon- (INF- ); and the tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-) has happened due to interactions of polysaccharide and receptor cells. Reaserchers have found that lentinan triggers the production of lymphocytes, monocytes and macrophages (43,44), influences the maturation and differentiation of cells associated with host defense system and as a result cytokines, hormones and/or other biologically active substances are secreted (36,45). ...
... Apparently, eritadenine reduces serum cholesterol in mice, not by inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis but by acceleration of the excretion of ingested cholesterol and its metabolic decomposition. For many patients (60 years of age or older) with hyperlipidemia, consuming fresh shiitake mushroom (90 g/day for seven days) led to a decrease in total cholesterol blood level by 9-12% and triglyceride level by 6-7% (Hobbs 2000). Although feeding studies with humans have indicated positive effects, further research is needed. ...
... Mushroom polysaccharides occur mostly as glucans, some of which are linked by β- (1-3),(1-6) glycosidic bonds and α-(1-3) glycosidic bonds, but many are true heteroglycans. Historically, hot water-soluble fractions (decoctions and essences) from medicinal mushrooms, i.e. mostly polysac charides, were used as medicine in the Far East (Hobbs 2000). ...
... The effect of lentinan in prolonging life has been observed, especially in those with gastric and colorectal carcinoma, and this polysaccharide has been approved for clinical use in Japan for many years and is manufactured by several pharmaceutical companies (Zhang et al. 2011). Schizophyllan has also exerted beneficial activity for patients with head and neck cancers, recurrent gastric cancer, stage 2 cervical cancer, and advanced cervical carcinoma (Hobbs 2000). ...
Mushrooms are becoming a vital component of the human diet for the prevention and treatment of various diseases. The use of mushrooms for developing functional foods, drugs, and nutraceuticals is reviewed in this chapter, with emphasis on present or potential medical implications. As functional foods, mushrooms represent a paradigm of integrating tradition and novelty, due to their wide spectrum of pharmacological properties. Their bioactive components can be extracted or concentrated as nutraceuticals, and/or a diverse class of dietary supplements. Functional foods and nutraceuticals, particularly mushrooms, are immunoceuticals with antitumor and immunomodulatory effects which target and modulate biological processes that foster the development of diseases. Several mushroom products, mainly polysaccharides such as β‐D‐glucans, have proceeded successfully through clinical trials and are used as drugs to treat cancer and chronic diseases. In sum, the present status and future prospects open new avenues for upgrading mushroom species from functional food to translational mushroom medicine.
... Recently, the World health Organization has estimated that approximately 80% of the world's inhabitants still depend on traditional (herbal and fungal) medicines for primary health purposes [33]. Historically, hot-water-soluble fractions (decoctions and essences) from medicinal mushrooms, that is, mostly polysaccharides, were used as medicine in the Far East where knowledge and practice of mushroom was primarily originated [34,35]. Mushrooms such as Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi), Lentinus edodes (Shiitake), Inonotus obliquus (Chaga) and many others have been collected and used for hundreds of years in Korea, China, Japan and Eastern Russia. ...
... The number of mushrooms on earth is estimated at 1,40,000, yet may be only 10% (approximately 14,000 named species) are known. Mushrooms comprise a vast and yet largely untapped source of powerful new pharmaceutical products [34][35][36][37][38][39][40]. ...
Mushrooms have long been recognized for their nutritional and medicinal properties, but their potential as sources of antimicrobial agents remains underexplored. This study investigates the antimicrobial activity of various wild mushroom species against selected bacterial and fungal pathogens. Specifically, the study focused on the inhibition zones of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, Fusarium oxysporum, and Fusarium proliferatum when exposed to extracts from twelve different mushroom species, including Schizophyllum commune, Laeiporus sulphureus, Pleurotus pulmonarius, and others. The results revealed significant antibacterial and antifungal activities, with Schizophyllum commune showing the highest inhibition against Fusarium oxysporum (71.42 ± 0.28 mm) and Microporus xanthopus demonstrating strong inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus (8.46 ± 0.11 mm). Additionally, Pleurotus sajor-caju exhibited notable antifungal activity against Fusarium proliferatum (76.06 ± 0.14 mm), suggesting its potential as a source of novel antifungal compounds. The study observed a varied range of inhibition zones across different mushroom species, emphasizing the diverse antimicrobial potential within mushroom mycoflora. These findings underscore the importance of further research into the bioactive compounds of mushrooms, which could contribute to the development of new antimicrobial agents. The study not only highlights the significance of mushrooms in combating microbial resistance but also opens avenues for their inclusion in future pharmaceutical applications.
... Schottky]. It is well known as a dense, nutrient-rich food, and as a medicine for thousands of years (3,87). The mushroom has been proven to exert anticarcinogenic, antitumor, hepatoprotective, cardiovascular and immunomodulating effects. ...
... It is also an excellent source of vitamins, including D2 and B 1, 2, 5 and 12. In addition, Shiitake contains a plethora of minerals, namely zinc, copper, phosphorus, manganese, iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium and cadmium (87). ...
... L. edodes, a form of precious medicinal and edible mushroom that is rich in bioactive constituents, particularly polysaccharides, is one of the most studied mushrooms Polysaccharides from L. edodes have many activities, such as anti-tumor and anti-oxidation activity, and improve human immunity [26]. However, the low content and high price limit its application. ...
... L. edodes, a form of precious medicinal and edible mushroom that is rich in bioactive constituents, particularly polysaccharides, is one of the most studied mushrooms. Polysaccharides from L. edodes have many activities, such as anti-tumor and anti-oxidation activity, and improve human immunity [26]. However, the low content and high price limit its application. ...
The polysaccharides found in Lentinula edodes have a variety of medicinal properties, such as anti-tumor and anti-viral effects, but their content in L. edodes sporophores is very low. In this study, Fe2+ was added to the liquid fermentation medium of L. edodes to analyze its effects on mycelial growth, polysaccharide and enzyme production, gene expression, and the activities of enzymes involved in polysaccharide biosynthesis, and in vitro antioxidation of polysaccharides. The results showed that when 200 mg/L of Fe2+ was added, with 7 days of shaking at 150 rpm and 3 days of static culture, the biomass reached its highest value (0.28 mg/50 mL) 50 days after the addition of Fe2+. Besides, Fe2+ addition also enhanced intracellular polysaccharide (IPS) and exopolysaccharide (EPS) productions, the levels of which were 2.98- and 1.79-fold higher than the control. The activities of the enzymes involved in polysaccharides biosynthesis, including phosphoglucomutase (PGM), phosphoglucose isomerase (PGI), and UDPG-pyrophosphorylase (UGP) were also increased under Fe2+ addition. Maximum PGI activity reached 1525.20 U/mg 30 days after Fe2+ addition, whereas PGM and UGP activities reached 3607.05 U/mg and 3823.27 U/mg 60 days after Fe2+ addition, respectively. The Pearson correlation coefficient showed a strong correlation (p < 0.01) between IPS production and PGM and UGP activities. The corresponding coding genes of the three enzymes were also upregulated. When evaluating the in vitro antioxidant activities of polysaccharides, EPS from all Fe2+-treated cultures exhibited significantly better capacity (p < 0.05) for scavenging -OH radicals. The results of the two-way ANOVA indicated that the abilities of polysaccharides to scavenge O2− radicals were significantly (p < 0.01) affected by Fe2+ concentration and incubation time. These results indicated that the addition of iron provided a good way to achieve desirable biomass, polysaccharide production, and the in vitro antioxidation of polysaccharides from L. edodes.
... Lentinan is a structural polysaccharide present in a cell wall of L. edodes fruit bodies. It is highly purified, free of nitrogen and thus, free of proteins, has a high molecular weight polysaccharide that contains only d-glucose bonded with β-d-(1→3) glycosidic bonds in the regularly branched backbone, and β-d-(1→ 6) glycosidic bonds in side chains (Hobbs, 2000). Lentinan has been approved as an adjuvant therapy for cancer, and it is mainly used against lung, gastric, colorectal, ovarian, cervical, pancreatic, cardiac, and nasopharyngeal cancers, and also against non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (Zhang et al., 2019). ...
... It consists of around 24.6% proteins and 44% sugars. It also contains B vitamins (especially B1thiamine and B2-riboflavine) and ergosterol (Hobbs, 2000). Pleuran is an insoluble polymer isolated from the P. ostreatus, with valuable immunomodulatory properties. ...
Among several thousand macrofungi species on the planet, only several are industrially cultivated worldwide. Medicinal and edible mushrooms represent two most important groups of macrofungi. Mushrooms are used in the human diet for centuries, due to their high nutritional value. They are well known as valuable source of proteins, and are widely used as a meat substitute. Additionally, the differences in amino acids composition of proteins between different mushrooms contributes to the unique flavour of mushrooms and mushroom-derived products. The presence of components such as polysaccharides, polysaccharopeptides, proteoglucans, vitamins, polyphenols and others, which are responsible for their bioactive properties, classifies a number of mushrooms as medicinal. This chapter gives the overview of mushrooms’ chemical composition, the effect of their application on different processes of beverages production and the impact on sensorial characteristics or bioactivity of mushroom beverages. When applied in fermentation process, mushrooms influence the metabolism of microorganisms involved. Through the enzymatic activity they act on the elimination of antinutritional components or have a contribution to the production of high ethanol concentrations in beverages, as well as influence on unique flavour development. Production of mushroom beverages is an opportunity for mushrooms and beverages producers to create an innovative and sensory pleasant product that will satisfy consumers needs for improving the quality of life trough good nutrition and beneficial effects on human health. The significance of functional beverages consumption lies in their potential to reduce health-care expenses through the strategy of public health protection. To date, mushrooms were applied in various types of beverages on a laboratory scale, influencing their production, quality and bioactivity. The fact that the global production of edible and medicinal mushrooms and their economic value is constantly increasing, can be used to develop industrial scale systems for mushroom beverages that will increase the market value of these products, as well.
... Дослідження показали, що лентинан стимулює проліферацію мононуклеарних клітин, таких, як лімфоцити, моноцити і макрофаги (Aoki et al., 1984) [10], (Hobbs et al., 2000) [25]. Крім того, він також стимулює дозрівання і диференціювання клітин, що беруть участь в імунному захисті механізмів. ...
... Дослідження показали, що лентинан стимулює проліферацію мононуклеарних клітин, таких, як лімфоцити, моноцити і макрофаги (Aoki et al., 1984) [10], (Hobbs et al., 2000) [25]. Крім того, він також стимулює дозрівання і диференціювання клітин, що беруть участь в імунному захисті механізмів. ...
... Similarly, "FermentIQ™" from MycoTechnology Inc, the high-protein (> 75%) dehydrated powder of peas and rice fermented by Shiitake mycelia (Lentinula edodes), received recognition as a novel food (Bisen et al. 2010) and is used for baked goods, beverages, soups, meat, etc. (Cardwell et al. 2018;Clark et al. 2022). This product is valued for its nutritional components, which include free sugars such as arabinose, arabitol, mannose, mannitol, trehalose and glycerol; vitamins (B2, B12, D2) and fiber and various bioactive polysaccharides such as β-d-glucan, heteroglucan, xylomannan, eritadenin (Hobbs 2000) and lentinan, which has immunostimulant and immunomodulatory properties (Melgar-Lalanne, Hernández-Álvarez, and Salinas-Castro 2019). Another fungus authorized as a novel food in the EU in 2023 (by Golden Biotechnology Corp) is Anthrodia camphorate (syn: A. cinnamomea (niu-changchih). ...
Given the rapidly increasing global demand for food, it is mandatory to consider new sources of nutrients, safe and sustainably produced protein foods to complement the current traditional and limited sources of protein in the human diet. In recent years, a wide range of nontraditional protein foods have been explored, prompting the European Union to legislate on how novel foods can be introduced and traded on the European market to ensure their safety. This review will illustrate the range of novel foods authorized in the EU and their potential impact on human health, highlighting the gaps, the potential risks, and the future research opportunities and perspectives.
... Ganoderma lucidum is a mushroom that is popular in Japan, the USA, and China as a useful source of feed supplements and medicine to repress the growth rate of tumors [46][47][48][49][50][51][52]. It is one of the most investigated species of mushrooms in Asia, and it is highly prized as a supplementary dietary feed. ...
The restriction on the use of antibiotics in poultry has led to an increase in the use of natural products that could serve as alternatives to antibiotics. Mushrooms contain bioactive compounds that exhibit antifungal, antiparasitic, antibacterial, antioxidant, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic properties. Hence, they are being tested, revealing as performance-enhancing natural feed additives for livestock. This review focused on the role of different species of mushrooms commonly used in poultry on the performance, immunomodulatory actions, cholesterolemic properties, and meat quality of poultry birds. Different studies reviewed show that mushrooms could positively impact poultry production, improve growth performance, modulate immune response, exert tissue antioxidant activity, influence intestinal morphology, enhance gut microbiome, and improve lipid profile. The variations in their efficacy could be attributed to the variations in physicochemical properties of different species and dosage levels applied in the experiments. However, the use of mushrooms as a natural product supplement is in its infancy, and more basic, pilot and large-scale research is required to make it a viable approach for improving immune responses in the poultry industry.
... medicinal mushrooms have been used as medicines in the distant past The East, where the knowledge and practice of using mushrooms mainly originates. Mushrooms such as Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi), Lentinus edodes (Shiitake), Inonotus obliquus (Chaga) and many others were collected and has been used for hundreds of years in Korea, China, Japan, and in eastern Russia [10,11,12]. (Fig no 3) ...
In the biological world, fungi perform a crucial function. Their three varieties— yeasts, molds, and mushrooms—are crucial in the production of several foods (including cheese, bread, and alcoholic beverages), as well as antibiotics and antifungal medications. Additionally, they boost immunity and are good sources of protein (mushrooms). On the other hand, fungi ruin crops and food supplies and are also to blame for significant human, animal, and plant diseases.
... The most common type of mushrooms is umbrella shaped with a pileus (cap), a stipe (stem) and pores or pileus (lamellae) which bear the microspores. The increased interest in exploiting the properties of mushrooms for medicinal purposes reveals the importance of natural sources of biologically active substances (Hobbs, 2000). ...
The research was carried out to determine and compare the antimicrobial activity of different concentrations of acetonic and ethanolic extracts of a macrofungus Boletus variipes on three bacterial isolates: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis, and two fungi: Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus in vitro. The acetonic extract showed relatively strong antimicrobial activity, inhibiting both bacterial and fungal growth in the range of 12.5mg/ml-100mg/ml. Maximum antimicrobial activity of the acetonic extract was found in E. coli with a minimum
inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 12.5mg/ml. The measured MICs for Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and Candida albicans were 25mg/ml, 25mg/ml and 50mg/ml respectively while Aspergillus fumigatus was not inhibited. The ethanolic extract did not show any antimicrobial activity and this inactivity may be due to the insolubility of the active compounds of the sample in ethanol or the presence of inhibitors to the antimicrobial components. The inactivity of the ethanolic extract may also be attributed to the very low volatility of ethanol which tends to extract less of the active ingredients or compounds from the macrofungus Boletus variipes sample, unlike the high volatility acetone.
... The most common type of mushrooms is umbrella shaped with a pileus (cap), a stipe (stem) and pores or pileus (lamellae) which bear the microspores. The increased interest in exploiting the properties of mushrooms for medicinal purposes reveals the importance of natural sources of biologically active substances (Hobbs, 2000). ...
... This is because A. aegerita has a lectin that is resistant to being broken down by digestive enzymes in the human intestinal tract. (Chihara, 1992), (Wang et al., 1996); (Arola et al., 1999); (Hobbs, 2000); (Ooi & Liu, 2000 Polyacetylene compounds with antibacterial characteristics are primarily found in the genera Aleurodiscus, Clitocybe, Marasminus, Polyporus, Tricholoma, etc. Agaricus bisporus was reported to have antibacterial properties and quinoid and phenolic derivatives in antibacterial activity in the genera that parasitize trees, such as Fomes, Ployporus and Trametes. (Kakraliya, 2020) Anti-fungal Effect Sparossol produced by Sparassis ramosus, Lentinus edodes, cortenellin, Coprinus comatus, and Oudemansiella mucida are a few edible fungi that have anti-fungal properties. ...
The purpose of this paper is to review and evaluate published literature on mushroom cultivation and production and the range of benefits and therapeutic potential. A systematic method was used to gather the relevant literature. A total of twenty-six research papers published between the years 1970 to 2022 were selected and utilized in this review. Tables were used to present the results and relevant figures were used to place emphasis on contents discussed. In this paper five (5) benefits and nine (9) therapeutic potentials were evaluated and reported on. Some medicinal mushrooms and their uses and bioactive compounds were also discussed in this paper. Additionally, mushroom cultivation and production was addressed as well as challenges associated with mushroom farming and an assessment of their nutritional content compared to other food consumed by humans. The published papers established that mushrooms have been massed produced and harvested for a long time and their benefits are well documented in countries outside the neotropics. More studies to investigate the uses of mushrooms should be done, in Guyana and other neotropical countries as there is a paucity of information in this region with high natural biodiversity.
... The peripheral macrophage cytotoxicity against metastatic tumors is increased by lentinan. It can activate the normal and alternative pathways of the complement system [150]. Lentinan can stimulate dendritic cells, which is essential for immunomodulation and antitumor effect. ...
... Najlepsze rezultaty notowano, gdy lentinan podawany był przed rozpoczęciem chemio-lub radioterapii, lub po zabiegu operacyjnym. Notowano również znaczące przedłużenie życia w przypadku pacjentów z nieoperacyjnymi, zaawansowanymi nowotworami [60]. Inne zastosowania lentinanu (w terapii HIV czy WZW-B) są testowane klinicznie. ...
Liczne gatunki grzybów należących do klasy Basidiomycetes posiadają zdolność biosyntezy biologicznie aktywnych związków, w tym o działaniu przeciwnowotworowym. Związki te izolowane są z owocników, grzybni, kultur mycelialnych i podłoży hodowlanych. Lentinula edodes (Berk.) Pegl., jest jednym z najszerzej wykorzystywanych grzybów leczniczych. Jest on źródłem dwóch zarejestrowanych w niektórych krajach leków. Obydwa preparaty wykazują działanie immunomodulacyjne i są stosowane w terapii nowotworów. L. edodes biosyntezuje również związki o działaniu m. in. przeciwbakteryjnym, przeciwwirusowym, obniżającym poziom cholesterolu, przeciwzakrzepowym. Izolowane z podłoża hodowlanego L. edodes rozpuszczalne w wodzie ligniny są testowane jako potencjalne leki w terapii hepatitis B i AIDS. Białka L. edodes składają się z 18 aminokwasów, w tym wszystkich egzogennych, występujących w proporcjach najbardziej wskazanych dla człowieka. Owocniki tego gatunku zawierają znaczne ilości witamin C, B1, B2, PP, B12 i D. Izolowane z L. edodes polisacharydy o działaniu immunomodulacyjnym są stosowane w chemoprewencji i wspomagająco w terapii nowotworów, wraz z chemoterapią, łagodząc jej efekty niepożądane. Ten niezwykle ciekawy grzyb jest również wykorzystywany do otrzymywania suplementów diety.
... Scientific evidence about the potential medicinal value of shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) is scarce. It has been suggested that shiitake mushrooms have immune-modulating, antitumor, and antiviral properties; however, further randomized, double-blind, and controlled clinical trials need to be performed to clarify these benefits [95]. Regarding the mushroom chitosan extract (Agaricus bisporus; Aspergillus niger), no specific scientific studies were found in the literature review performed. ...
Consumers’ commitment to healthy lifestyles and a varied diet has experienced rapid growth in recent decades, causing an increase in the demand of better food quality and variety. The food industry has opted for innovation and the search for new sources of food, and these trends led to the need to develop a European regulatory framework. Novel foods are under Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 (formerly Regulation (EC) No 258/97), and this concept includes all food not used in an important measure for human consumption in the EU before 15 May 1997, and which is included in any of the food categories established. Currently, there are 26 extracts authorized as novel foods or ingredients, being one of the most numerous groups. These extracts are concentrated sources of nutrients, and 23 of them can be used in food supplements. Given their heterogeneous composition and the perceptive risk assessments performed, sometimes, the authorizations are limited to certain population groups. The present work is a comprehensive review of the extracts rich in nutrients authorized as novel ingredients to be used in food supplements within the EU. A classification is proposed according to their source of origin, resulting in four main groups: extracts of plant, animal, algae, and fungal origins. A description of each extract as well as the evaluation of the potential use restriction and health benefits are also addressed.
... Lentinus edodes, commonly known as Shiitake, is one of the most popular and edible mushrooms native to East Asian countries like China and Japan [1]. Shiitake has high nutritional value and contains therapeutically active polysaccharides that benefit the immune system [2,3] and provide promising anti-cancer proliferative effects [4][5][6]. ...
The chemical and nutritional constituents of mushrooms can alter significantly when grown on different substrates. Based on this fact, an approach was made to cultivate a new type of mushroom, Hengshan Astragalus Shiitake, by growing Shiitake mushrooms on beds supplemented with the roots of an edible herbal plant, Astragalus membranaceus. In this study, three green extraction techniques, including microwave-enzyme assisted (MEA), ultrasound-enzyme assisted (UEA) and microwave-ultrasound-enzyme assisted (MUEA) extractions, were used to compare both the yield and antiproliferative activity of the polysaccharide-rich extracts (PREs) from HAS in human colorectal carcinoma cells (HCT 116). Both HAS-A and HAS-B extracts contain significantly higher amounts of polysaccharides when compared to the control (Shiitake extract), regardless of the extraction methods. The PREs from HAS-B have significantly higher anti-proliferative activity in HCT 116 compared to the control when using the UEA extraction method. Our findings demonstrate that HAS-B can become a novel functional food with anti-proliferative activities and the optimization of UEA extraction would help to develop new active extract-based health products.
... Secondary metabolites of this fungus include polysaccharides. Shiitake polysaccharides include glucose, mannose, xylose, galactose, fucose, rhamnose and arabinose [2]. Polysaccharides of this fungus demonstrate various therapeutic characteristics such as antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-cancer and anti-diabetic characteristics and strengthen the immune system [3,4]. ...
Background and Aims:
Lentinus edodes (Shiitake) is a rich source of secondary metabolites, including exopolysaccharides. These compounds strengthen the immune system and play essential roles in prevention and treatment of several diseases, including cancers. A way to increase production of polysaccharides is the use of elicitors. Examples of these elicitors include microbial volatile organic compounds, which are produced in microo-rganism co-cultures. The objective of this study was to investigate effects of these compounds on production of Shiitake exopolysaccharides.
Materials and Methods:
To decrease cultivation time, Shiitake was cultured in four culture media, including (1) potato dextrose broth, (2) potato dextrose broth and D-glucose, (3) malt extract broth and (4) malt extract broth and D-glucose. After selecting appropriate culture media, fungal growth curve, kinetic growth of pellets and filamentous morphology were studied. Novel method of simultaneous aerial co-culture was used to increase production of Shiitake exopolysaccharides, which acted as an elicitor by inducing microbial volatile organic compounds of other microorganisms. Microbial volatile organic compounds were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy.
Results:
Malt extract medium containing glucose was selected for submerged and solid cultures of Shiitake and the growth time decreased to 18 d. Shiitake biomass production included 11 g.l-1. Filamentous morphology included higher production rates due to higher surface-to-volume ratios, compared to that the pellet morphology did. Shiitake fungal biomass and exopolysaccharides in co-cultures with Aspergillus niger included 14 and 4 g.l-1, respectively. Furthermore, biomass and exopolysaccharides included 11 and 4.7 g.l-1 in co-cultures with Schizophyllum commune, respectively. Microbial volatile organic compounds produced by Aspergillus niger and Schizophyllum commune in co-cultures, as elicitors, increased biomass and exopolysaccharide productions in Shiitake. Therefore, it suggests that microorganism co-cultivation is a low-cost effective method for Shiitake exopolysaccharide production.
... Numerous studies have demonstrated anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-microbial activities, anti-oxidant, anti-tumor and immunomodulatory effects from mycelial extracts and bioactive compounds of L. edodes (Table 3) (Kaneko & Chihara 1992, Jong & Birmingham 1993, Suzuki et al. 1994, Ishikawa et al. 2001, Maruyama et al. 2006, Lee et al. 2020, Wang et al. 2020. It is medicinally used for cancer, frequent flu and colds, bronchial inflammation, heart disease, hyperlipidemia, treatments of immune function (including AIDS), hypertension, infectious disease and fungal infections, diabetes, hepatitis, and regulating urinary inconsistencies (Hobbs 2000, Wasser 2005, Bisen et al. 2010, Wang et al. 2017, Cao et al. 2020. Intervention trials involving direct consumption of mushrooms are relatively few, nevertheless, those completed are usually well tolerated with few or no side effects (Shah et al. 2011, Yamaguchi et al. 2011, Suzuki et al. 2013. ...
Lentinula is a wood-inhabiting agaric mushroom genus in Omphalotaceae. The genus comprises eight species, several of which are edible and highly prized. Lentinula edodes, commonly known as Shiitake, is one of the most cultivated species worldwide and considered as a traditional delicacy in Southeast Asia. With proven medicinal properties, the market value of L. edodes is expected to reach $ 447.7 million in 5 years' time. In this paper, we review the nutritional content, nutraceutical properties, cultivation methods, and economic importance of Lentinula.
... Moreover, numerous studies confirmed that this drug augments the production of some immune mediators, including IL-1α and IL-1β [24,25], IL-3 [26], IL-6 [27], IL-10, TGF-β1, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-12 [25,28]. In addition, several reports suggested that lentinan stimulates the proliferation of lymphocytes, monocytes and macrophages [29]. We assume that opposite results obtained in our study and research for lentinan are associated with different structures of these glucans since the elements of the polysaccharide structure determine their biological activity [6]. ...
A common edible mushroom Lentinula edodes, is an important source of numerous biologically active substances, including polysaccharides, with immunomodulatory and antitumor properties. In the present work, the biological activity of the crude, homogenous (Se)-enriched fraction (named Se-Le-30), which has been isolated from L. edodes mycelium by a modified Chihara method towards human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and peripheral granulocytes, was investigated. The Se-Le-30 fraction, an analog of lentinan, significantly inhibited the proliferation of human PBMCs stimulated with anti-CD3 antibodies or allostimulated, and down-regulated the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α by CD3+ T cells. Moreover, it was found that Se-Le-30 significantly reduced the cytotoxic activity of human natural killer (NK) cells. The results suggested the selective immunosuppressive activity of this fraction, which is non-typical for mushroom derived polysaccharides.
... Mannoglucan, polysaccharideprotein, glucan andlentinan# Immunomodulating, antitumor and antiviral Chihara, 1969;Chihara et al., 1970;Hobbs, 2000 Morchella esculenta ...
... In the far East, such as China, where much of the medical understanding and usage of polysaccharides arose. Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi), Inonotus obliquus (Chaga), and many other mushrooms have been gathered and used for centuries in all three of these countries [11]. ...
The desert truffle is a wild mushroom, also referred to as Kamah or Fagaa. Kamah is a rich source of polysaccharides that have medicinal, antitumoral, antibacterial, and immune-stimulant effects. Studies of hypogeous fungi, especially desert truffles, have recently entered traditional studies of epigeous higher Basidiomycetes. Based on the tasty desert truffle Kamah obtained from Hafr Al-Batin Governorate, Saudi Arabia, as a source of potential antimicrobial agents with both the aim of obtaining novel agents toward bacteria and Fungi of clinical significance. We specifically tested the antibacterial and antifungal efficacy of methanol extracts of Kamah against the Gram-negative bacterial pathogens reference strains E. coli ATCC® 8739, P. Aeruginosa ATCC®9027, S. aureus ATCC®6538, Enterococci NCTC®775 and opportunistic fungus C. albicans ATCC®1231.The extract had MIC (minimum inhibitory concentrations) varying from 100 g/ml to 500 g/ml against the pathogens examined. The LC-QTOF-MS (liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry) phytoconstituents assay chromatogram indicated that the methanol extracts of Kamah comprises 264 with retention periods varying from 1.04 to 18.86, which were Original Research Article Al-Mazaideh and Al-Swailmi; JPRI, 33(24B): 13-21, 2021; Article no.JPRI.67737 14 categorized as unsaturated and saturated natural ingredients sch as aromatic compounds, carboxylic acids, oxygenated hydrocarbons, fatty acids, amino acids, and vitamins).The main compounds were discovered to be 21 with peak areas larger than 2X10-5 and retention periods varying from 2.3 to 9.13.The main known substances with the maximum peaks were adenosine (11.724), phenylalanine (7.711), phenprobamate (7.711), and 5-hydroxytryptophan (5.711). Such preliminary findings, we assume, are encouraging in terms of obtaining a beneficial antibiotic substitute to battle antibiotic-resistant pathogens especially eye infections.
... Lentinan, a β-glucan polysaccharide found predominantly in shiitake, is also a fiber. Chitin, lignin, and hemicellulose are also present in moderate quantities (Hobbs, 2000;Mizuno, 1995;Przybylowicz & Donoghue, 1990). ...
Shiitake mushrooms are one of the most popular and highly consumed mushrooms worldwide both in fresh and dry forms. However, it rapidly starts losing its quality immediately after harvest which necessitates processing and/or proper storage before being distributed. However, the processes used for preserving other mushrooms (e.g., Agaricus) become unviable for shiitake due to its uniqueness (higher respiration rate, varied biochemicals, growth, etc.) which demands individual studies on shiitake. This review starts by listing the factors and their interdependence leading to a quality decline in shiitake after harvest. Understanding well about these factors, numerous post‐harvest operations preserve shiitake as fresh form for a shorter period and as dried forms for a longer shelf‐life. These processes also affect the intrinsic quality and nutrients of shiitake. This review comprehensively summarizes and discusses the effects of chemical processing (washing, fumigation, coating, and ozone), modified atmosphere packaging (including irradiation) on the quality of fresh shiitake while discussing their efficiency in extending their shelf‐life by inhibiting microbial spoilage and deterioration in quality including texture, appearance, nutrients, and favor. It also reviews the impact of thermal dehydration on the quality of dried shiitake mushrooms, especially the acquired unique textural, nutritional, and aromatic properties along with their merits and limitations. Since shiitake are preferred to be low‐cost consumer products, the applicability of freeze‐drying and sophisticated novel methodologies, which prove to be expensive and/or complex, are discussed. The review also outlines the challenges and proposes the subsequent future directives, which either retains/enhances the desirable quality in shiitake mushrooms.
... On the basis of proved therapeutically effective mushrooms are the most important source of various thoroughly studied preparations. Along with the isolation of glycogen-like polysaccharides, (1-4)-, (1-6)α-D-glucans and antitumor polysaccharides, (1-3)-, heterogalactans, (1-6)-β-bonded heteroglucans, xyloglucans, heteromannans, and lentinan have also been identi ed in mushrooms (9). Lentinan stimulates many types of macrophage-dependent immune reactivity, T cell-, NK cell-and B cell. ...
Background: Pleurotus ostreatus (Oyster) is a worldwide used mushroom, known to have a wide range of nutrients. Effects of the ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Oyster and its isolated proteins on the production profiles and bio health markers in broiler birds were evaluated in the present research.
Methods: Four hundred and twenty, day-old Ross-308 broiler birds were distributed into seven groups with sixty number of birds in each group (N=60). Each group was divided into three subgroups with twenty number of birds in each subgroup (N=20). The first group was selected as control (CONT) with no treatment and other six groups were supplemented orally with the mushroom protein at a dose of 200 (Pr200) and 400mg/Kg BW (Pr400), an aqueous extract of mushroom at a dose of 200 (Aq200) and 400mg/Kg BW (Aq400) and ethanolic extract of mushroom at a dose of 200 (Eth200) and 400mg/Kg BW (Eth400) respectively. On day 28th of the experiment, 1st sub-group of each group was evaluated for cell-mediated immunity by assessing the lymphoproliferative reaction to Phytohemagglutinin-P (PHA-P; Toe web assay) and the humoral immune reaction was evaluated in the 2nd subgroup of each group by antibody reaction to sheep red blood cells (sRBCs; Hemagglutination assay). On day 42, serum was separated by slaughtering (decapitation) all the birds and evaluated for the oxidative stress, lipid profile, blood glucose level, and immune parameters. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Tuckey range tests, and geometric mean titer (GMT) was used to statistically analyze the results.
Results: The Eth400 birds showed significantly (P<0.05) higher cell-mediated immune response (1.1±0.04 mm) and humoral immune response (49.31±0.03 mm) in comparison with the control group. Birds supplemented with mushroom extracts and protein revealed significantly greater growth performance, maximum in Eth400, in terms of feed conversion ratios (FCR; 1.44±0.002) when compared with the control group (1.7±0.01).
Conclusion: Different parameters to evaluate oxidative stress showed that the mushroom extracts and its protein reduced the oxidative stress in the treated groups being maximum in Eth400. Conclusively, the oyster mushroom has health promoting effects in term of production profile, as immunomodulator and antioxidant in broiler poultry.
... According to the method Gerwig, Kamerling, and Vliegenthart, the D and L notation of a sugar was evaluated [19,21]. PDPS (1.0 mg) was hydrolyzed with CF 3 The neutral monosaccharide composition of the PDPS was determined by gas liquid chromatography (GLC) analysis. PDPS (3.0 mg) was hydrolyzed with 2 M CF 3 COOH (2 mL) at 100 °C in a round-bottom flask for 18 h in a boiling water bath. ...
A new water soluble galactoglucan with apparent molecular weight ~1.61 × 10⁵ Da, was isolated from the edible mushroom Pleurotus djamor by hot water extraction followed by purification through dialysis tubing cellulose membrane and sepharose 6B column chromatography. The sugar analysis showed the presence of glucose and galactose in a molar ratio of nearly 3:1 respectively. The structure of the repeating unit in the polysaccharide was determined through chemical and NMR experiments as:
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In vitro antioxidant studies showed that the PDPS exhibited hydroxyl radical scavenging activity (EC50 = 1.681 ± 0.034 mg/mL), DPPH radical scavenging activity (EC50 = 3.83 ± 0.427 mg/mL), reducing power (EC50 = 4.258 ± 0.095 mg/mL), and ABTS radical quenching activity (EC50 = 0.816 ± 0.077 mg/mL). So, PDPS should be explored as a natural antioxidant.
... There is expanding proof that oxidative processes advance carcinogenesis, despite the fact that the mechanisms for this are not surely known. The antioxidants might have the capacity to cause the relapse of premalignant lesions and hinder their advancement into cancer (Langseth 1995;Hobbs 2000;Liu et al. 2009;Hu et al. 2010). Probiotic microorganisms synthesize (EPSs) with commercially noteworthy physiological and medical activities. ...
Background
Natural products have been viewed as essential sources that could create potential chemotherapeutic agents. In the look for new bioactive substances, examinations were extended to marine territories.
Results
Humanity has known for the last few thousand years that a marine organism contains substances fit for strong biological activity. However, the main genuine examination of marine living beings began just 50 years prior. Since then, all types of life in the marine condition (e.g., bacteria, algae, and fungi) have been researched for their bioactive content.
Conclusions
Exopolymers can be applied in a wide range of industrial applications in biomedicines.
... Mushroom are the source of numerous well-studied preparations with proven pharmacological properties. In addition to glycogen-like polysaccharides, (1-4)-, (1-6)-α-D-glucans, and antitumor polysaccharides, (1-3)-, (1-6)-β-bonded heteroglucans, heterogalactans, heteromannans, xyloglucans, and lentinan have been identified in mushrooms (Hobbs, 2000). Lentinan stimulates various kinds of NK cell-, T cell-, B cell-, and macrophage-dependent immune reactivity. ...
... These anti-tumor properties may also be found in some PSs from platensis, which are inhibitors of cell proliferation [78]. Other S-PSs, such as S-PSs p-KG03 from G. impudicum, has also anti-proliferative activity in cancer cell lines and inhibitory activity against tumour growth [128,162,163]. Other PSs from algae, such as C. vulgaris, and S-PS or LMW-derivatives of S-PS from P. cruentum, for example, are described as having similar properties [38]. ...
... For example, both in vitro and in vivo antitumor activities of mushroom extracts arise from the presence of β-glucans, especially containing β-1,3 bounds in the polysaccharide chain [2,11]. Studies confirmed that lentinan, the high molecular weight polysaccharide β-1,3-d-glucan with β-1,6-glucopiranoside branches extracted from Lentinus edodes fruiting bodies not only has immunomodulating properties but also can suppress the growth of cancer cells and induce them to apoptosis [10,12,13]. However, the details of molecular mechanisms of these processes remain unclear [14,15]. ...
Water soluble polysaccharides (WSP) were isolated from Lentinus edodes fruiting bodies. The mushrooms were previously subjected to various processing techniques which included blanching, boiling, and fermenting with lactic acid bacteria. Therefore, the impact of processing on the content and biological activities of WSP was established. Non-processed fruiting bodies contained 10.70 ± 0.09 mg/g fw. Boiling caused ~12% decrease in the amount of WSP, while blanched and fermented mushrooms showed ~6% decline. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis (FTIR) confirmed the presence of β-glycosidic links, whereas due to size exclusion chromatography 216 kDa and 11 kDa molecules were detected. WSP exhibited antioxidant potential in FRAP (ferric ion reducing antioxidant power) and ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) assays. Cytotoxic properties were determined on MCF-7 and T47D human breast cell lines using MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) test. Both biological activities decreased as the result of boiling and fermenting.
... The pileus of the fungus is very desirable while its stipe is usually separated and is not commercialized due to its high fiber content (Rivera et al 2017). Shiitake has been studied for its various biological activities, such as antioxidant, hypocholesterolemic, hypoglycemic, antibacterial, antiviral, cardiovascular system regulator, anticancer and immunomodulator activities attributed to its secondary metabolites; Due to all these chemical and biological characteristics not only the culture but the study of its bioactive compounds worldwide has been intensified (Hobbs, 2000). ...
... Lentinan, a β-glucan isolated from Lentinus edodes (shiitake), with a main chain formed by glucose units linked by β-(1→3) glycosi-dic bonds, presenting side chains connected to the main chain by β-(1→6) glycosidic bonds, 34 increases the proliferation of peripheral mononuclear cells (PMNCs) from healthy donors. 35 Similarly, PSK, a polysaccharide-protein complex isolated from Trametes versicolor, with a polysaccharide composed of a main chain of glucose units linked by β-(1→3) glycosidic bonds with β-(1→6) linked side chains, 34 promoted the proliferation of T lymphocytes both in human peripheral blood and mouse spleen, 36 and also increased the number of lymphokine-activated-killer cells (LAK). 37 In order to understand the molecular mechanism by which the CC2a fraction favourably affects NK92 cell viability, metabolic activity and proliferation, the expression of Akt, Erk, p38 and CREB, selected regulators of these processes, was investigated both at the genome and proteome levels. ...
Several studies have shown that mushroom polysaccharides enhance the ability of natural killer (NK) cells to recognize cancer cells as foreign and thereby enhance the effectiveness of host immune defence mechanisms. Nevertheless, the use of NK cells in cancer treatment requires finding selective stimulators of their cytotoxicity without disturbing organism homeostasis. Our studies revealed that Cantharellus cibarius polysaccharides present in the CC2a fraction, mainly composed of an O-2 and O-3 branched (1→6)-linked mannan, not only beneficially influenced the viability and proliferation of the human natural killer cells NK92 but also enhanced their anticancer properties against the human lung and colon cancer cells A549 and LS180, and at the same time did not affect the human lung and colon epithelial cells NL20 and CCD841 CoN. Furthermore, the CC2a fraction used alone was also nontoxic to the normal epithelium, while it inhibited the viability of these cancer cells. Nevertheless, the therapeutic potential of NK92 cells was greatly enhanced after coincubation with these polysaccharides and the observed effect was dependent on the CC2a concentrations. The beneficial effect of CC2a on NK92 cells was associated with stimulation of p38 and Erk expression as well as induction of the transcription factor CREB. The discovered beneficial impact of the CC2a fraction on NK92 cells suggested the therapeutic use of the investigated compound especially as an adjuvant. Furthermore, taking into account the abundance of these water soluble mannans in C. cibarius, the results also suggest that an increase in the intake of C. cibarius may promote innate immunity response against cancer through the enhancement of NK cell activity.
... One of the immunomodulatory molecules in L. edodes is lentinan [β-(1,3)-D-glucan], a biologically active macromolecule with immunological potential. 31 Several extracts, preparations, and pure compounds isolated from the mycelia and basidiomata of L. edodes have been evaluated, 24 specially lentinan. Different fractions of L. edodes also exhibit anticancer and immunomodulatory activity, such as extract from mycelium L. edodes (LEM), an active complex mainly composed of glycoproteins that is extracted from mycelia before fruiting processes begin in solid media, 32 and active hexose correlated compound (AHCC), a product obtained from shiitake mycelia grown in liquid media that contains type α and β-glucan carbohydrates, proteins, minerals, lipids, and fiber. ...
Lentinus edodes (shiitake) is a basidiomycete that has been consumed for more than 2000 years because of its nutritional value and health benefits. It has a low lipid content, high fiber content, and a considerable amount of proteins; it also contains B vitamins and minerals in addition to a wide range of functional metabolites including polysaccharides, polysaccharopeptides, lectins, and secondary metabolites with bioactivity, e.g., lentinan, a β-(1-3)-glucan with immunomodulatory activity, among others. Extracts and pure compounds of shiitake exhibit antibacterial, antifungal, cytostatic, antioxidant, anticancer, and immunomodulatory activity. Because of these attributes, different products derived from shiitake are on the market and are sold as dietary supplements. The traditional substrate for shiitake production is oak wood, yet the search for unconventional substrates has intensified over the past three decades. In particular, submerged cultivation of medicinal mushrooms has attracted great interest because it enables greater control of different fermentation factors to obtain products of interest. However, it is necessary to perform in vivo studies to determine the appropriate doses, side effects, and action spectrum of different bioactive compounds and fractions as well as to improve their production in liquid media and to potentiate their activity. We present an updated review of existing studies on the production of biomass and bioactive compounds of L. edodes in liquid culture and on solid fermentation for obtaining secondary mycelia and basidiomata.
Edible mushrooms have been a staple in diets worldwide for centuries, prized for their distinct flavors, versatility in the kitchen, and potential health benefits. Among the various bioactive compounds found in mushrooms, polysaccharides have garnered significant attention due to their diverse therapeutic applications. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the medicinal properties of polysaccharides in edible mushrooms, highlighting their potential for future medicinal advancements. Over the past 3 decades, numerous polysaccharides and polysaccharide‐protein complexes have been isolated from mushrooms, many of which are currently used or being investigated as therapeutic agents. Studies suggest that polysaccharides derived from mushrooms may be effective in cancer treatment. The primary components of these polysaccharides in edible mushrooms include beta‐glucans, heteroglycans, and glycoproteins, all of which enhance the mushrooms' potential as medicinal agents.
The human uses of mushrooms and cultured mycelium products for nutrition and medicine are detailed and supported by available human studies, which in many cases are clinical trials published in peer-reviewed journals. The major medically active immunomodulating compounds in the cell walls-chitin, beta-glucans, and glycoproteins, as well as lower weight molecules-nitrogen-containing compounds, phenolics, and terpenes-are discussed in relation to their current clinical uses. The nutritional content and foods derived from mushrooms, particularly related to their medical benefits, are discussed. High-quality major nutrients such as the high amounts of complete protein and prebiotic fibers found in edible and medicinal fungi and their products are presented. Mushrooms contain the highest amount of valuable medicinal fiber, while dried fruiting bodies of some fungi have up to 80% prebiotic fiber. These fibers are particularly complex and are not broken down in the upper gut, so they can diversify the microbiome and increase the most beneficial species, leading to better immune regulation and increasing normalizing levels of crucial neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. Since the growth of medicinal mushroom products is expanding rapidly worldwide, attention is placed on reviewing important aspects of mushroom and mycelium cultivation and quality issues relating to adulteration, substitution, and purity and for maximizing medicinal potency. Common questions surrounding medicinal mushroom products in the marketplace, particularly the healing potential of fungal mycelium compared with fruiting bodies, extraction methods, and the use of fillers in products, are all explored, and many points are supported by the literature.
The current chapter documents some of the above components of six edible wild mushrooms occurring in the Western Ghats of India and which include ectomycorrhizal, wood-preferring, leaf litter-preferring and termite mound-preferring species. Composition of extracted polysaccharides and antioxidant properties were also evaluated in two Lentinus species.
Antecedentes:
Lentinula edodes es un hongo comestible de importancia económica en México, produce un compuesto reductor de colesterol llamado eritadenina, el cual se ha obtenido del cuerpo fructífero y micelio del hongo. Su producción se ha evaluado en fermentación sumergida, pero hasta ahora no se ha evaluado la fermentación en estado sólido.
Objetivos:
Determinar si la fermentación en estado sólido de L. edodes mejora la producción de eritadenina.
Métodos:
Se realizó una fermentación en estado sólido con espuma de poliuretano y un medio enriquecido para determinar la producción de eritadenina, biomasa y consumo de sustrato; la eritadenina se detectó por HPLC-DAD a 260 nm.
Resultados y conclusiones:
La biomasa máxima fue de 3.6 ± 0.11 g/L, con una tasa de crecimiento específico de 0.015 ± 0.002 h⁻¹. La eritadenina se produjo en la biomasa y se liberó al medio de cultivo; a las 168 h de incubación se incrementó 2.8 y 2.4 veces, respectivamente. Se encontró una relación proporcional entre la producción de eritadenina y biomasa. No hubo relación entre el consumo de sustrato y la producción de eritadenina. La fermentación en estado sólido es una alternativa para producir y recuperar la eritadenina.
The anabolism of aroma volatiles in response to non-biological factors during the drying process of shiitake mushrooms was analyzed. Temperatures (40 °C, 50 °C, and 60 °C) had secondary activation effects on the synthetase activity. The enzymatic reaction time could last 4-5 h under medium-temperature drying process (40 °C and 50 °C), and 1.5-2 h under a high-temperature drying process (60 °C and 70 °C). The aroma synthesis dominated by non-enzymatic reactions were chemical reactions between amino acids and reducing sugars. The hot-air drying process of shiitake mushroom was consistent with the cubic model and the key control points influencing the enzymatic reaction parameters were in the order of moisture rate > temperature > drying time > drying rate. The non-enzymatic reaction parameters were in the order of temperature > drying time > drying rate > moisture rate. The total sulfur volatiles produced in the optimized process were significantly higher, and the drying time of the process could be completed within 6 h.
This book deals with recent developments in macrofungal pharmaceuticals and cosmeceuticals
To explore the effects of fermentation on the umami taste substances of shiitake mushrooms (Lentinus edodes), the umami substances of fermented shiitake mushrooms using different microorganism species were investigated. Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Aspergillus oryzae, Aspergillus niger and Lactobacillus plantarum were selected to ferment the pileus and stipe of shiitake mushrooms, and the umami substances in the fermentation liquid were analyzed and compared. The contents of free amino acids and flavor nucleotides were measured, and the taste activity value (TAV) and equivalent umami concentration (EUC) were calculated to evaluate the taste of fermentation. The results showed that acidity as well as the content of free amino acids and flavor nucleotides in the fermentation broth increased throughout the fermentation process. The EUC values of the fermentation broths ranged from 9.95 and 34.58 g monosodium glutamate (MSG)/100 g, and TAVs were greater than 1. According to our analysis, Lactobacillus plantarum was the best species for fermentation providing the strongest umami flavor.
Medicinal fungi have diverse biological properties such as anti-inflammatory,
anticancerous, antidiabetic, and antioxidative activities. Mushrooms are known to
possess bioactive molecules, i.e., polysaccharides like β-glucans, triterpenoids,
and antioxidants. These molecules are known to have therapeutic activities
including immunomodulation. Among these medicinal mushrooms, species of
Ganoderma like G. lucidum, commonly called as Reishi (traditional Chinese
medicine), has shown a potential anticancer activity. Polysaccharides extracted
from this mushroom show anticancer activity through immunomodulation.
Chaga, Inonotus obliquus, is another mushroom been used as a folk medicine
against cancer. Cordyceps is one of the most important health foods of humans,
which grows on larvae of moths and converts each larva into a sclerotium, from
which the stroma and fruit body grows. Another medicinal mushroom, Phellinus
linteus containing Beta D-Glucan and lectin was shown to have
immunomodulating effects. Xylaria is commonly known as dead man finger
fungus, some of its species producing sesquiterpenes have been used as medicine
for treating insomnia and depression. The purpose of this review is to summarize
information regarding pharmacologically important compounds from medicinal
fungi.
Polysaccharides are a structurally diverse group of biological macromolecules of well-known occurrence in nature. The mushroom, plant and other polysaccharides draw a lot of attention due to their several difficult biological properties, such as, anticancer, antiviral, immunomodulating, antimicrobial, anticoagulant, antidiabetic, antioxidant, and antitumor activities. Several bioactive glucans and heteroglycans were isolated from different mushroom, plant and bacterial cell wall. Polysaccharides have highest ability for carrying biological information comparison with other biopolymers such as proteins and nucleic acids due to the structural variability. It is the focus of this review to bring together the available knowledge of the structure, and function of the different polysaccharides of the mushroom, plant and bacterial cell wall.
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Although the button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) accounts for slightly over half of total world mushroom production, specialty mushrooms, e.g., shiitake (Lentinula edodes), straw (Volvariella volvacea), oyster (Pleurotus spp.), and enokitake (Flammulina velutipes), are increasing in popularity. These species contain moderate quantities of good quality protein and are good sources of dietary fiber, Vitamin C, B vitamins, and minerals. Lipid levels are low, but unsaturated to saturated fatty acid ratios are high (about 2.0 - 4.5:1). Some species (e.g., shiitake) accumulate cadmium and selenium and other heavy metals, and some may contain toxic substances such as the heat labile cardiotoxic proteins volvatoxin in the straw mushroom and flammutoxin in enokitake. Extensive clinical studies, primarily in Japan, have clearly demonstrated that a number of species have medicinal and therapeutic value, by injection or oral administration, in the prevention/treatment of cancer, viral diseases (influenza, polio), hypercholesterolemia, blood platelet aggregation, and hypertension. Most of the studies have focused on shiitake, enokitake, Pleurotus spp., and on the generally nonculinary Ganoderma spp. Many of the active substances which include polysaccharides (e.g., β-glucans), nucleic acid derivatives (the hypocholesterolemic eritadenine), lipids, peptides, proteins, and glycoproteins, have been isolated and identified. Some of the mechanisms of activity have been elucidated, e.g., antiviral activity via stimulation of interferon production in the host. Additional medical claims less well documented may nonetheless have some validity and merit further study. Copyright © International Association of Milk, Food and Environmental Sanitarians.
Indoor cultivation of the edible mushroom Shii-take (Lentinus edodes) regularly leads to symptoms of mushroom worker's lung (MWL) in workers. An immunologic test is described allowing detection of IgG type antibodies against Shii-take spore antigens. It was found that MWL patients employed in Shii-take picking (n = 5) have significantly increased antibody titres against Shii-take spore antigens. Different control groups, viz, MWL patients employed in the cultivation of the white button mushroom Agaricus bisporus (n = 14) and of the oyster mushroom Pleurotus spp (n = 3), patients with Bechterew's syndrome (n = 7), sarcoidosis (n = 7), rheumatoid arthritis (n = 9), and healthy controls were found in the same range of low titres. The use of protective masks during picking reduced complaints of the workers (n = 14). However, their antibody titres increased with duration of employment despite the protection.
The quantitative difference of free amino acids, which are responsible for the tastes, was investigated in fungi by sun or ultraviolet light irradiation, when vitamin D2 was produced from ergosterol.
The contents of the free amino acids in Shiitake, Hiratake and Enokitake were 2180, 6370 and 2730 mg% in dry matter, respectively. Glutamic acid (436-770 mg% in dry matter) attained to the highest amount among these fungi examined. When the fungi were exposed to sun or ultraviolet light for 3 hr, the amounts of the free amino acids in these fungi examined increased, but there were no significant differences in the amino acid pattern. Roughly speaking, by sun or ultraviolet light irradiation Umami and sweet tasty amino acids increased but bitter tasty amino acids decreased. During the storage of raw fungi both amount of the free amino acids and ammonia increased, the other hand, during the storage after ultraviolet light irradiation for 3 hr the amount of the free amino acid increased but that in ammonia was unchanged.
In conclusion, it is not too much to say that fungi are excellent food because vitamin D2 was produced, the taste showed no decrease and also the freshness was kept in fungi by ultraviolet light irradiation.
The extract of L. edodes dose dependently (75-300 mg/kg) inhibited ethanol-induced gastric lesions in rats. Both local and systemic protective effects of the extract were observed which may be related to its inhibition of gastric motility and stimulation of formation of endogenous prostaglandins. Gastric mucus content was not affected by the extract.
シイタケをペプトン・グルコース液体培地で培養し,子実体形成に伴うコロニー各部位の低分子炭水化物,高分子炭水化物および有機酸の動態を検討した.(1) 発育過程における菌糸体,子実体菌柄部ならびに菌傘部の遊離糖含量は,乾物重量100g当り,3.4～7.8g, 3.7～5.2g, 4.3～6.6gに,遊離糖アルコール含量は,1.6～4.7g, 7.7～9.9g, 6.6～7.1gにあり,その含量変化のパターンは部位により挙動を異にした.菌糸体ならびに子実体よりトレハロース,マンニトール,アラビトール,グルコース,フルクトースおよびグリセロールが同定され,主要成分はトレハロース,マンニトールおよびアラビトールであった。菌糸体中のトレハロース,マンニトールおよびアラビトール含量は子実体形成期に急減傾向を示し,転流炭水化物としての役割を担っていることが推測された.(2) 発育過程における多糖成分含量は,乾物重量100g当たり,菌糸体で53.5～59.3g,菌柄部で48.7～51.6g,菌傘部で38.3～39.5gであり,その含量は,菌糸体>菌柄部>菌傘部の順序であった.酢酸可溶多糖は菌糸体の発育に伴い増加したが子実体形成期に入ると減少し,この画分は貯蔵炭水化物としての役割を持ち,子実体形成期には転流炭水化物に代謝されて子実体形成に関与していることが示唆された.また,菌糸体中のキチンも子実体形成に関与することが知られた.熱アルカリ可溶多糖,アルカリ可溶・酸不溶多糖,熱ギ酸可溶多糖およびアルカリ可溶・酸可溶多糖は顕著な含量変動を示さず,細胞壁構成成分としての役割を担っているものと考えられた.(3) 発育過程における有機酸含量な,乾物重量100g当たり,菌糸体で0.8～3.1g,菌柄部で1.4～1.5g,菌傘部で2.7～2.9gであった.菌糸体の有機酸含量は発育に伴い増加したが子実体は顕著な含量変動は示さず,その挙動を菌糸体と異にした.菌糸体ならびに子実体より11種類の有機酸が同定され,主要成分はピログルタミン酸,リンゴ酸,クエン酸およびフマル酸の4成分であったが,その分布パターンは部位により特徴を有していた.また,シュウ酸の蓄積は菌糸体および子実体ともにみられなかった.
生産地の明かな,シイタケ原木栽培子実体37検体および菌床栽培子実体とその菌床培地19検体を収集し,子実体間の一般成分値ならびに無機質量を比較した.また,菌床成分と子実体成分の相関についても検討を行った.原木栽培シイタケ子実体は炭水化物およびカルシウム,銅,マンガン,水銀の各元素含量が菌床栽培品よりも有意に高く,逆に水分,タンパク質,灰分およびカリウム,リン,亜鉛の各元素では有意に低い結果を示した.菌床栽培シイタケでは培地窒素含量と子実体窒素含量に有意の相関がみられ,これは菌床栽培シイタケ子実体のタンパク質が原木栽培ものよりも高いことを良く説明している.菌床より子実体への無機元素の濃縮はカリウム(3.15倍),ナトリウム(1.68倍),リン(1.21倍),カドミウム(11.58倍)で見られたが,培地と子実体間に有意の相関がみられたのはリンのみであった.カルシウムと鉄は培地からの濃縮は見られなかったが,培地と子実体問で有意の相関がみられた.
free and protein-bound amino acids and extractable 5'-GMP in fruit-bodies of Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinus edodes Sing.) grown on artificial bed-blocks examined. (1) The crude protein content was 25.9%and the carbohydrate was 67.0%. (2) The total free amino acid content was 1665mg/100g dry weight. In free amino acids component, glutamic acid was the dominant and was 385.9mg/100g dry weight. Free amino acids content per dry weight decreased slightly with the growth of fruit-body. (3) Among the protein-bound amino acids, glutamic acid was the major compound, while methionine and cysteine were minor ones. (4) The amount of 5'-GMP extracted from whole of matured fruit-bodies was 312.8mg/100g dry weight, and that in the cap of fruit-bodies was amounted to 2.6 times compared with the stem.
Intestinal absorption and tissue distribution of water-soluble lignins which had both immunomodulating and antiviral activities were investigated using the isotope tracer techniques. Three types of water-soluble lignins with different molecular weights, i.e., EP3 (av. mol. wt., 3.2 × 10⁵D) and SB1000 (mol. wt., 10³—10⁴D), both of which were fractionated from LEM (an extract of culture medium of Lentinus edodes mycelia), and PLS(purified lignosulfonate, av. mol. wt., 2 × 10⁴D) were used after being labeled with ¹⁴C-HCHO.
After p. o. administration, every [¹⁴C] lignin was absorbed and reached maximum levels in the tissues, especially, kidney cortex, lymph node, liver and vertebra within 6 hr. ¹⁴C-EP3, the sample of the highest molecular weight, showed the lowest absorption, whereas it remained in cortex for a longer period. By summing up the isotope amount in urine and tissues, the absorption extents of ¹⁴C-EP3, ¹⁴C-PLS and ¹⁴C-SB1000 were estimated to be approximately 0.8%, 5.9% and 8.0% of radioactivity, respectively. Absorption and prolonged remain of ¹⁴C-EP3 in the lymph node and vertebra suggest that the in vitro immunological activities of this lignin would be linked to those in vivo.
The contents of 17 metals in 134 vegetables, 67 fruits, 10 potatoes and 15 fungi, collected from markets in Osaka Prefecture from 1983 to 1985, were determined by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) atomic emission spectrometry, and satisfactory results were obtained as regards accuracy and speed of operation. Analytical results for Ca in Chinese vegetables (taisai and chingentsuai) revealed high levels of 1091ppm and 736ppm, respectively. On the other hand, fungi contained P at high levels, though the concentration of Ca was found to be low.Recoveries of 85.3-115% were obtained for the 17 elements when added to brown rice.This method was applied to the analysis of “Rice Flour-Unpolished (NIES No. 10-1)”, and the results were in satisfactory agreement with the certified reference values.
The combination of gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC/MS), using an apolar capillary column and electron impact ionization (EI+), made it possible to determine the eritadenine content of Shiitake mushroom after silylation at microgram levels. The sample preparation consisted of only two steps, namely extraction of eritadenine from the mushroom and silylation with N-methoxy-N,O-bistrimethylsilyl carbamate (BSMOC) at 80°C. This simple and rapid method has good precision and accuracy, is useful for quantitation of eritadenine content in caps, stems and mycelium of different species of mushrooms. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Samples of mature, young and very young sporophores of Termitomyces robustus (Beeli) Heim and Lentinus subnudus Berk were analyzed for their nutrient contents. The amino acid, protein, glycogen, lipid, sugar, ascorbic acid and ash contents were found to increase from very young to mature sporophores. These food nutrients except the crude fibre were more abundant in the pilei than the stipes. In contrast, the mineral elements did not show any definite trend in the sporophores investigated. However potassium was the most abundant followed by phosphorus and magnesium in that decreasing order. Manganese was the least abundant in the sporophores. It is clear from this study that T. robustus and L. subnudus would compared favourably with other well-known nutritious mushrooms.
Some polysaccharides extracted from ningyotake, the fruiting body of Polyporous confluens, with hot water (100-degrees-C, FI), 1% ammonium oxalate solution (100-degrees-C, FII), and 5% sodium hydroxide solution (80-degrees-C, FIII) in that order. These polysaccharide fractions were further fractionated by ethanol precipitation and gel filtration on the column of Toyopearl HW-65F with 0.3 M sodium hydroxide solution. A strong antitumor activity were found in five xyloglucan-protein complexes, FI-2-a, -b, -c; FII-2-a, and FIII-2-a. Analyses of physico-chemical properties and IR- and NMR-spectra of these active fractions showed that their main components were (1 --> 3)-;(1 --> 6)-beta-D-glucopyranans containing a small amount of xylose residues and 2-3% of protein. A mucilaginous polysaccharide (N-PS) prepared from the liquid cultured mycelial broth of the fungus, consisted of (1 --> 6)-;(1 --> 3)-beta-D-glucopyranan. Antitumor activities were also found in a subfraction that was purified from N-PS by gel filtration. Also, a strong antitumor activity was found in a polyol polysaccharide and in a formolysis product from N-PS.
Lentinan, a polysaccharide [(1 → 3)-β- d -glucan], at 0.1, 1.0 and 5.0 mg/kg/day was administered i.v. to rats once daily from day 15 of pregnancy to day 21 post partum. All animals were allowed to deliver their young and selected animals of the F1 generation were retained without further treatment, to provide F2 offspring. Reactions to treatment were generally dose-related and included bruising of the tail and swelling and discolouration of the pinnae. Animals at 5.0 mg/kg/day sometimes showed swollen hind limbs and cutaneous lesions of the tail. Mean spleen weight in females was increased at all dosages, more so at 1.0 and 5.0 mg/kg/day. There was no evidence of an adverse affect on litter characteristics, including the pre-weaning development of the F1 offspring, or that treatment of the F0 parents adversely affected post-weaning development and reproductive performance of the F1 offspring.
The effects of orally administered biological response modifiers (BRMs) in preventing postoperative micro liver metastasis of primary colorectal cancer were examined in experimental animals. The twoBRMs tested were Krestin (PSK) and Lentinus edodes mycelia (LEM). In previous experiments, we found that oral administration of PSK or LEM suppressed liver metastasis and prolonged the survival period. We also found that these agents elevated the liver natural killer (NK) and liver macrophage activities. In the present study in vivo, using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), we examined whether or not the liver and spleen have cytokines which would induce NK cells and macrophages, and whether or not the liver and spleen have cytokines induced by NK cells or macrophages. We placed emphasis on the examination of interleukin (IL)-1β expression in the liver and spleen in vivo. Two to six hours after oral administration of PSK or LEM (1 g/kg) to mice, IL-β levels in the liver and spleen rose, and they returned to their baseline levels 24 h later. These findings suggest two possibilities: (1) hepatic IL-1β is potentiated by these agents soon after administration, resulting in activation of liver NK cells or macrophages, or (2) these agents stimulate IL-β production by liver macrophages, and the produced IL-lβ activates liver NK cells or liver macrophages (Kupffer cells). The results of this in vivo study suggest that the potentiation of hepatic and splenic IL-β by PSK and LEM is involved in the early phases of suppression of micro liver metastases of colorectal cancer.
The total content of vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) in shiitake mushroom (Lentinus Edodes) was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. The vitamin D2 content fluctuated considerably in different years of harvest and according to the brands and the quality of grades; the reason may be that most shiitake mushroom are cultivated under natural climatic conditions.
Thiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid (TCA, thioproline) is a condensation product of cysteine and formaldehyde. TCA is an effective nitrite trapping agent in the human body and may block endogenous formation of carcinogenic N-nitroso compounds. In this study, we investigated the levels of TCA in five edible mushrooms. The amounts of TCA in dried shiitake mushroom (Lentinus edodes) were 134 ± 137 (uncooked) and 843 ± 427 μg (boiled) per 100 g (dry weight basis), respectively. Uncooked samples of raw shiitake mushroom contained no detectable TCA, but 406 ± 248 μg/100 g (dry weight basis) was formed during boiling. This TCA formation was effectively inhibited by addition of N-ethylmaleimide, an SH-trapping reagent. Dried samples soaked in water contain a specific system for generating formaldehyde via the formation of lenthionine from lentinic acid. The contents of TCA in other raw edible fungi examined, such as Agaricus bisporus (champignon), Collybia velutipes (enokitake in Japanese), Lyophyllum aggregatum (shimeji), and Tricholoma matsutake (matsutake), were <3.8 ppm and with formaldehyde concentrations similar to that of raw shiitake mushroom.
The water soluble material (LEM) was prepared from the solid culture medium in which Lentinus edodes mycelia were growing actively. An alcohol insoluble material was prepared from LEM and subjected to Sepharose 6B gel filtration. The void fraction (LAP1) was composed mainly of xylose-rich heteroglycan and protein. From LAP1, a heteroglycan fraction (LAF1) was prepared by DEAE-Sepharose CL-6B column chromatography. LAP1 and LAF1 enhanced the incorporation of [3H]thymidine into mouse splenic cells (SPs). At each of the optimum doses, the rate of the incorporation was about 10 times as high with LAF1 as with LAP1. Such mitogenic responses were not induced in nylon-column effluent SPs and thymocytes. sIg-expressed cells were responsive to LAF1, but not to LAP1. Moreover, with each fraction, the incorporation was enhaned more in plastic adherent splenic cells (ADs) than in SPs. The flow cytometric assay revealed that the number of Mac-1+ cells is about 13 times as many in ADs as in SPs and that the number of Ly-5+ or Thy-1.2+ cells is considerably reduced in ADs compared with that in SPs. Thus, the present studies suggest that LAP1 and LAF1 act as mitogens predominantly for mouse splenic macrophages and/or monocytes.
Shiitake (Lentinus edodes) is a mushroom which is eaten in Chinese and Japanese meals and is nowadays the second most commonly produced edible mushroom in the world. Shiitake dermatitis was first described by Nakamura in 1977. This disease presents with very characteristic skin manifestations. From April 1974 to April 1991, I have observed 51 patients with shiitake dermatitis. The following description reviews the clinical manifestations, laboratory investigations and sources of shiitake dermatitis.
The immunomodulating effect of a new polysaccharide–peptide complex from culture mycelia of Lentinus edodes (LE) was studied for elucidation of the mechanism of augmentation of cell-mediated immunity. RNA samples were isolated from the untreated and treated murine splenocytes and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. RT-PCR was used to analyze the cytokine gene expression and bioassay was used to analyze the cytokine production. By administration of LE, the expression levels of IL-2 and TNF-α genes were augmented in the treated murine spleen mononuclear cells and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The production of IL-2 were augmented in the treated murine spleen mononuclear cells, and the production of TNF-α were augmented in the treated murine peritoneal exudate macrophages. The production of IL-2 and TNF-α were augmented in the treated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. These results suggest that LE may induce Th immune responses.
As the growth factor of lactic acid bacteria, LD (trehalose) was isolated fromLentinus edodes by using silica gel column chromatography. LD induced the growth ofBifidobacteria breve andLactobacillus brevis, which were isolated from human feces. LD selectively induced the growth of lactic acid bacteria among total microflora. When total intestinal microflora were cultured in the medium containing LD, it stimulated the growth of lactic acid bacteria and inhibited harmful enzymes, beta-glucosidase, beta-glucuronidase, and tryptophanase, of intestinal bacteria. LM, which was a monosaccharide fromL. edodes, induced the growth of lactic acid bacteria but it seems to be invaluablein vivo. LH isolated fromL. edodes by Sephadex G-100 column chromatography was not effective for the growth of lactic acid bacteria.
Serum X-prolyl dipeptidyl-aminopeptidase activity which had been shown to be depressed in cancer patients was clearly reduced in mice with Ehrlich carcinoma and Sarcoma 180, and slightly reduced in mice with methylcholanthrene-induced sarcomas. The reduced enzyme activity was completely reversed during tumour regression of sarcoma 180 by administration of lentinan, which causes regression of sarcoma 180.
A new antitumor and antiviral substance, KS-2, was prepared by ethanol precipitation of the hot water extract of culture mycelia of Lentinus edodes KSLE 007. It was further purified by ECTEOLA-cellulose and Sephadex G-100 column chromatography based on the interferon-inducing activity. Its homogeneity was revealed by CsCl density gradient centrifugation, electrophoresis on cellulose acetate and Sephadex G-100 and ECTEOLA-cellulose column chromatography. KS-2 is mainly composed of alpha-linked mannose and contains a small amount of peptide which consists of serine, threonine and alanine with residual amounts of the other amino acids. The estimated molecular weight of KS-2 is between 6.0 X 10(4) and 9.5 X 10(4). KS-2 suppressed the growth of EHRLICH as well as Sarcoma-180 tumors in mice when given either orally or intraperitoneally. It is also capable of inducing an interferon in mice when dosed orally or intraperitoneally. The acute LD50 of KS-2 was found to be extremely low, more than 12,500 mg/kg when administered orally to mice.
The active principle of EP3, a fraction from an extract of the culture medium of Lentinus edodes mycelia (LEM), which activates murine macrophages, causes proliferation of bone marrow cells, and inhibit the replication of Human Immunodeficiency Virus in vitro, was characterized as a water-solubilized lignin. The detailed structural feature of this water-solubilized lignin was investigated and shown to be a highly condensed and polycarboxylated lignin which is denatured and solubilized by Lentinus edodes from bagasse. The water-solubilized lignin itself was confirmed to have both immunological activities and the antiviral activity.
A 42-year-old female shiitake grower was investigated to clarify the etiology of skin lesions which developed during the planting of shiitake hyphae into bed logs. She complained of repeated eczematous skin lesions during the planting season, from March to July, for 10 years. She handled 7,000 pieces of small conic blocks made of beech, with shiitake hyphae attached to their surface, per day, and 300,000 pieces altogether per season. She was positive on patch testing with extracts of shiitake hyphae. In contrast, female shiitake growers with skin lesions associated with work other than planting, and without skin lesions, were negative on patch testing to the hyphae. Moderate allergenicity was observed to extracts of shiitake hyphae in a guinea pig maximization test. These findings indicated the etiology of skin lesions in shiitake growers to be allergic contact dermatitis induced by shiitake hyphae.
The ability of polysaccharide immunomodulator lentinan to stimulate non-specific resistance against respiratory viral infections was investigated. Significant protection was conferred by lentinan administered intranasally before lethal influenza virus infection and could be corroborated by a reduction of the lung virus titres. Since the lung is the target organ of influenza virus infection, lentinan was also administered by the intravenous route. Lentinan conferred complete protection against a LD75 challenge dose of virulent influenza virus and significantly prolonged the survival time after a LD100 challenge. The effect on respiratory burst of broncho-alveolar macrophages was investigated by luminol-dependent chemiluminescence (CL) in response to stimulation by zymosan. Enhanced CL activity was present at an early stage in groups receiving lentinan. Significant nitric oxide activity could also be stimulated by culturing broncho-alveolar macrophages in the presence of lentinan. TNF activity could not be detected in lung lavage but measurable IL-6 was produced already after 6 h in animals administered lentinan alone and in lentinan-pretreated influenza virus-infected mice. Influenza virus alone did not induce measurable IL-6 at 6 h but high activity was present at later time periods.
Relationship between prolonged life span and changes of serum IAP and albumin induced by the therapy of lentinan plus tegafur were analysed on 43 cases with inoperable and recurrent gastric cancer. Antitumor effect was observed only in one case (2%). Other clinical effects such as improvement of performance status (PS), appetite or pain were observed in 18 cases (42%). Decrease of serum IAP was observed in 25 cases (58%) and increase of albumin was observed in 20 cases (47%). The changes of these two factors seemed to be reversely correlated. Among 30 cases which didn't show decrease of albumin, we found no increase of serum-IAP in 22 cases (72%). In the cases which showed decrease of serum IAP from abnormally high level (more than 500 mu/ml) and increase of albumin from abnormally low level (less than 3.5g/dl), prolonged life span was observed by comparison with the other cases. The cases with any clinical effect contained 78% of the cases without increase of serum IAP, and 72% of the cases without decrease of albumin. These results suggested that life prolongation effect or improvement of clinical symptoms by our therapy was closely related to the change of these serum factors.
In 15 patients with gastric carcinoma, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBM) were obtained serially before and 3, 5 and 7 days after lentinan administration. The generation of lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) activity, induced by in vitro activation of PBM with interleukin 2 (IL 2), was significantly augmented 5 days after a single intravenous dose of 2 mg lentinan, when compared with that before lentinan injection. Natural killer (NK) activity of PBM was also significantly enhanced 7 days after the drug injection. However, the distribution of lymphocyte subsets exhibited no significant change following lentinan administration.
Peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) of gastric cancer patients in advanced stages showed lymphokine activated killer (LAK) activities comparable to those of healthy donors, suggesting potential applicability of LAK cells induced from PBL stimulated with recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2) in adoptive immunotherapy (AIT) for gastric cancer. In order to generate a large number of LAK cells from PBL, lymphocytes were cultured with both rIL-2 and phytohemagglutinin (PHA). In this culture, the numbers of cells increased to a greater extent than those in culture with rIL-2 alone but cytotoxic activity did not augment, thus suggesting that this procedure would not afford sufficient clinical effects. On the other hand, a large number of LAK cells with high anti-tumor activities were efficiently induced from spleen cells of the patients by culture of rIL-2; hence clinical usefulness of these LAK cells is anticipated. In regional lymph node lymphocytes (RLNL) cultured with rIL-2, the cytotoxic activities were lower than in those induced in PBL, and a characteristic increase of CD8 + CD11 + suppressor T cells was observed after incubation with rIL-2. Nevertheless, an increase of CD4 + 4B4 + helper inducer T cells was also observed in RLNL after the culture with rIL-2. Furthermore, high cytotoxic activities were induced in RLNL in some cases in which metastasis to the regional lymph nodes was not detected. When gastric cancer patients were pretreated with biological response modifiers (BRM), especially with Lentinan, LAK cells from PBL showed higher NK and LAK activities as compared with those of patients without BRM pretreatment.
Twenty effusions in sixteen patients with malignant peritoneal and/or pleural effusions were treated with intracavitary injection of lentinan. Lentinan was injected at a dosage of 4 mg/week for 4 weeks. In total, sixteen (80%) of twenty lesions demonstrated clinical responses. Performance status was improved in seven patients. The average survival time in responders was 129 days, while, in non-responders, it was 49 days. Serious toxicities were not observed.
NK activity of PBMC significantly decreased after lentinan injection. NK activity of PEC in responders was augmented significantly. Anti-Daudi and lymphokine activated killer activity were also augmented or maintained after lentinan injection.
Lymphocyte subpopulations of the spleen were assayed in 26 patients with gastric cancer and 5 patients with benign disease using two-color flow cytometric analysis. The ratio of Leu 2a+.Leu 15+ cells, or suppressor T cells, in the gastric cancer patients was about 6 per cent, being higher than that in the patients with benign disease (p less than 0.05). There were fewer Leu 7+.Leu 11- cells, or natural killer-NK-cells, in the gastric cancer patients in stage III or IV than in those with stages I or II (p less than 0.05). The ratio of Leu 3a+.Leu 8- cells, or helper T cells, in the stage IV patients accounted for about 15 per cent of the splenic lymphocytes, which was less than that seen in the patients in stages I or II (p less than 0.05). The ratio of Leu 2a+.Leu 15- cells, or cytotoxic T cells, was approximately twice that of suppressor T cells. The pre-operative administration of lentinan plus OK-432 increased the ratio of Leu 4+.HLA-DR+ cells, or activated T cells, and cytotoxic T cells (p less than 0.05 and p less than 0.01, respectively). The above results suggest that lymphocyte subpopulations in the spleen may have more immunosuppressive potential in proportion with the stage of gastric cancer, but that this reduced immune state may be altered when lentinan and OK-432 are given to these patients.
A 74-year-old man with advanced gastric cancer of Borrmann type III and liver metastasis was treated by combined administration of UFT (400 mg/day, p. o.), Mitomycin C (14 mg/body/4w., i.v.) and Lentinan (2 mg/w., i.v.). Five and half months after the therapy, endoscopic examination and ultrasonography showed the primary and liver-metastatic lesions had completely disappeared. Ten months after the therapy, total gastrectomy and intraoperative liver wedge biopsy were performed and complete disappearance of cancer cells was histologically confirmed. The total dose of UFT, MMC and LNT administered until the operation was 76.4 g, 42 mg and 74 mg, respectively. However, the patient eventually died of the recurrence of liver metastases three years after the initial immunochemotherapy.
The effect of intravenous administration of lentinan, an immunopotentiating polysaccharide, on the production of interleukin 1-alpha (IL 1-alpha), interleukin 1-beta (IL 1-beta) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) by monocytes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBM) was studied in patients with gastric carcinoma. Peripheral blood samples were obtained from 10 patients before and 3, 5 and 7 days after a single dose of 2 mg lentinan injection. The ability of monocytes in PBM to produce IL 1-alpha was significantly augmented 3 and 5 days after lentinan administration, as compared with that before treatment. IL 1-beta production was also significantly increased 3, 5 and 7 days after the drug injection. Further, the capacity to produce TNF-alpha was significantly enhanced 3, 5 and 7 days after the drug administration. Thus, it is likely that the augmentation of these cytokine's production may contribute to the antitumor action of lentinan in patients with gastric carcinoma.
The in vitro effect of lentinan in inducing activation of killer cells and cytotoxic macrophages has been examined. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were cultured with lentinan for 2, 4 and 8 days. After 4 days cytotoxicity was increased 4% by lentinan <1,000 ng/ml. After 8 days, it was increased 12% by 25 and 1,000 ng/ml lentinan. The phenotype of the killer cells induced by lentinan was CD2+, CD16+ and CD56+, suggesting that they were natural killer cells. Macrophages separated from the spleens of 6 patients with gastric cancer were cultured with lentinan for 7 days, and their cytotoxicity increased 19%. The optimal concentration of lentinan was from 25 to 100 ng/ml.
The findings suggest that the antitumour effect of lentinan is due to the activation of killer cells in vivo, because the optimal concentration of lentinan for the induction of killer cells in vitro was equivalent to the plasma concentration obtained after clinical doses of this agent.
Employing a novel turbidimetric assay, the amount of endotoxin and beta-glucan in plasma was monitored in postoperative patients suffering from both bacterial and fungal infections. The patients, whose beta-glucan level was markedly elevated, were always negative for endotoxin, suggesting a possible role of beta-glucan in the clearance of circulating endotoxin. In order to test the above hypothesis, effects of beta-glucan (carboxy methylated curdlan or lentinan) on endotoxin clearance were studied in rabbits. beta-glucan (4 micrograms/kg or 40 micrograms/kg) was intravenously administered to rabbits which received 4 micrograms/kg endotoxin injection, simultaneously or 120 min before the injection. Either of the beta-glucans increased the endotoxin clearance in a dose-dependent manner, and the preinjection of beta-glucan was more effective than the coinjection. The increased amount of plasma beta-glucan results in the unexpectedly low level of plasma endotoxin, which may be removed by the reticuloendothelial system activated by beta-glucan, in cases with both bacterial and fungal infections. Thus, it is important to recognize that endotoxemia may be masked by the coexisting fungal infection.
Lymphokine-activated killer activity in vivo (endogenous LAK activity) was found to be augmented by combined administration of lentinan, a beta (1-3) glucan with beta-1,6 branches, and interleukin 2 (IL-2). In contrast, addition of lentinan during culture in vitro did not augment LAK activity induced by IL-2. Surface marker analysis of endogenous LAK cells revealed that endogenous LAK cells induced by a combined administration of lentinan and IL-2 were all NK-type LAK cells, which express asialo-GM1 and lack T3, Thy-1 and Lyt2, whereas LAK cells generated in vitro were composed of both NK-type LAK and T-type LAK cells, which express T3 and Thy-1, and lack asialo-GM1. Furthermore, combined administration of lentinan and IL-2 was found to augment the endogenous LAK activity even in the tumor bearer, and show a substantial inhibition of tumor growth and a significant increase in survival rate in the C3H/HeN/MM46 system. Results of the present investigation offer a possible clinical application of a combination of lentinan and IL-2 for immunotherapy against cancer without detrimental side effects.
Twenty-three patients with low natural killer syndrome (LNKS), 7 males and 16 females, are reported here. These LNKS patients had an age range from 14 to 77 years, with a median of 36.5 years. LNKS is a newly proposed category of immune disorders, being characteristically diagnosed by lowered NK cell activity against K562 target cells as a definite laboratory abnormality, in association with general clinical symptoms of remittent fever and uncomfortable fatigue, persisting without explanation for more than 6 months. Other immune parameters, such as the DNA synthesis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in either the presence or absence of mitogens, the T4+/T8+ ratio and the number of Leu-11+ PBMCs, were usually within the normal range. Also, routine laboratory tests did not detect any abnormal findings. The LNKS patients responded well to the administration of an immunopotentiator called 'lentinan', a glucan extracted from the Japanese mushroom Lentinus edodes, despite no responses to conventional fever treatments such as the administration of antipyretics or antibiotics. All LNKS patients observed were universally free of antibodies in their sera to human T-lymphotropic retroviruses I and III, and lymphadenopathy was infrequent, indicating that the LNKS is a syndrome independent of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or AIDS-related complex. Antibodies to other known viruses tested such as Epstein-Barr or measles virus, or cytomegalovirus were also negative or not significantly elevated in the sera before the initiation of lentinan administration. If a virus is the cause of LNKS, it may be a new, unknown virus or an unknown substrain of known viruses. None of the LNKS patients has died of this syndrome.
Inhibition of the infectivity and cytopathic effect of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) by the immunoactive fractions obtained from LEM, which is an extract of the culture medium of Lentinus edodes mycelia, is reported. A purified fraction, EPS4, obtained from LEM by ethanol precipitation followed by hydrophobic chromatography and gel filtration chromatography completely inhibited the HIV-1 induced cytopathic effect in vitro at concentrations of greater than or equal to 10 micrograms/ml. Chemical and spectral analysis revealed that EPS4 is composed of water-soluble lignins containing minor amounts of protein (3.2%) and sugars (12.2%). Taken together with the previously reported observation that EPS4 promotes the activation of macrophages and the proliferation of bone marrow cells, the fraction appears to possess both an immunostimulating activity and an anti-HIV effect in vitro.
Eleven patients, seven with carcinomatous pleuritis and four with carcinomatous peritonitis, were treated with the intrapleural and/or intraperitoneal administration of Lentinan (4 mg/week X 4). And the following results were obtained. (1) Eight patients revealed a clinical effect; malignant effusion disappeared in two and diminished in two. In six, the cytological grade decreased. (2) Subpopulations of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) and pleural or peritoneal effusion mononuclear cells (PEMNC) were examined using monoclonal antibodies (OKT4, OKT8, Leu7, CD8 X CD11). These showed no change during the course of treatment. (3) NK activities of PBL didn't improved but those of PEMNC significantly improved (P less than 0.01) during this therapy. Anti-Daudi activities of PEMNC tended to be augmented during this therapy. Especially in effective cases, anti-Daudi activities were highly augmented. (4) As a side effect, only one showed an elevation of body temperature. These results indicate that intrapleural and/or intraperitoneal Lentinan administration is a useful treatment for carcinomatous pleuritis and peritonitis.
Spleen cells of C57BL/6N mice bearing lung metastases were induced to the cytotoxic state by subcutaneous injection of recombinant human interleukin-2 (IL-2) at a minimum dose of 5 x 10(4) U/mouse three times a day for 3 consecutive days. A single intraperitoneal injection of lentinan alone at concentrations of up to 10 mg/kg body weight did not render spleen cells cytotoxic to P-29 cells, but a combination of subthreshold doses of these agents (5 x 10(4) U/ml IL-2 and 5 mg/kg lentinan) induced significant in vivo lymphokine-activated killer activity in spleen cells of tumor-bearing mice. Similarly, spleen cells from mice treated i.p. with lentinan became cytotoxic on in vitro treatment with IL-2. The in vitro responsiveness of spleen cells to IL-2 was maximal 3 days after i.p. injection of lentinan. Synergism between IL-2 and lentinan was also observed in mice bearing spontaneous lung micrometastases: neither IL-2 (less than 5 x 10(4) U/mouse) nor lentinan (less than 2.5 mg/kg) alone had a therapeutic effect, but multiple injections of IL-2 with a single injection of lentinan resulted in significant inhibition of spontaneous pulmonary metastases. From these results we conclude that IL-2 and lentinan in combination are more effective than either one alone for inducing destruction of pulmonary metastases.
The effect of oral administration of lentinan (LTN), a biological response modifier, in the control of systemic immune function was studied in 6-week old male Wistar-Imamichi SPF rats. In the LTN group, 1 mg LTN dissolved in 1 ml physiological saline was administration forcibly into the stomach twice weekly. Physiological saline alone was administered in a similar fashion to the control group. Blood samples were obtained prior to and after four and eight weeks of administration. White blood cells and lymphocyte counts were obtained and lymphocyte subsets were measured using monoclonal antibodies W3/13, W3/25 and 0 X 8 (Sera-Lab), and a laser flow cytometry system (Orthospectrum III, Orthodiagnostic System). The T cell ratio, helper/inducer T (Th) cell ratio, and suppressor/cytotoxic T (Ts) cell ratio were measured. The peripheral white blood cell count and lymphocyte count were not significantly different between the control and LTN groups. After four weeks of LTN administration, however, the LTN group showed a significantly higher T cell ratio, Th cell ratio and Th/Ts cell ratio than did the control group, and the Ts cell ratio was significantly lower. In the groups undergoing administration for eight weeks, no difference was noted in the lymphocyte subsets between the two groups. Oral administration of LTN apparently modulates the systemic immune function through T cell stimulation, especially Th cells, but continued administration may induce a tolerance to the effect of LTN.