Neurite outgrowth, also known as neuritogenesis, is among the crucial factors contributing to the overall neuroplasticity and maintenance of a healthy nervous system. The neurite outgrowth activities of two medicinal mushrooms, i.e. Hericium erinaceus and Lignosus rhinocerotis, have been previously demonstrated in multiple in vitro models showcasing their nerve growth factor (NGF)-promoting activities. In this study, the neuritogenic effects of hot aqueous extracts from H. erinaceus (HE) fruiting bodies and the sclerotium of L. rhinocerotis (LR) were investigated in the HT-22 mouse hippocampal neuronal cell line with potential association to the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression. Findings show that HE and LR up to 400 & micro;g/mL were non-toxic to HT-22 cells, as measured in the MTT viability assay. In neurite outgrowth assays, HEaq at 25 & micro;g/mL significantly (P < 0.05) increased the number of neurite-bearing cells. Meanwhile, LRaq at as low as 6.25 and 12.5 & micro;g/mL remarkably (P < 0.01; P < 0.001) improved the neurite outgrowth activities. Both HEaq and LRaq significantly (P < 0.0001) upregulated the mRNA expressions of BDNF, the neurotrophic factor responsible for hippocampal neuroplasticity. Immunofluorescence studies have further shown the protein expression of BDNF and neurofilament. These findings suggest that the aqueous extracts of HE and LR could play a vital role in enhancing neuroplasticity and maintaining a healthy nervous system, paving the way for their potential application in neurodegenerative disease management and cognitive health.
This study investigated the protective effects of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides against ulcerative colitis (UC), addressing the challenges posed by the rigid cell wall structure and low solubility of its polysaccharides, as well as the unclear anti-ulcerative colitis potential. G. lucidum polysaccharides were extracted using a free radical-assisted extraction method, followed by ethanol precipitation and deproteinization. Monosaccharide composition and molecular weight were then analyzed. A dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC mouse model was established to evaluate the protective effects of G. lucidum polysaccharides. Monosaccharide composition analysis revealed that G. lucidum polysaccharides primarily consisted of D-mannose, D-glucuronic acid, and D-glucose, with molar percentages of 2.49:2.36:88.16, respectively. The weight-average and number-average molecular weights were 50.017 and 22.851 kDa, respectively. Compared with the negative control group, G. lucidum polysaccharides mitigated DSS-induced weight loss and reduced the disease activity index (DAI) score in mice. G. lucidum polysaccharides significantly enhanced the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in serum (P < 0.05). Furthermore, G. lucidum polysaccharides significantly reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in colonic tissues (P < 0.05) and alleviated the DSS-induced increase in colonic permeability. 16S rRNA sequencing of gut microbiota revealed that G. lucidum polysaccharides reduced the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio elevated by DSS at the phylum level. At the genus level, G. lucidum polysaccharides intervention increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Muribaculum. In conclusion, G. lucidum polysaccharides extracted using the free radical-assisted extraction method exhibit a protective effect against UC and holds significant potential for development.
Sanghuangporus vaninii produces bioactive polysaccharides with therapeutic potential, but the structural features and anti-obesity mechanisms of its exopolysaccharides (EPS) remain unclear. Two polysaccharide fractions (Fr-I and Fr-II) have been purified from the crude EPS of S. vaniniivia gel filtration chromatography. The structural characterization of the two fractions was comprehensively characterized at multiple levels, employing SEC/MALLS, GC and FT-IR. SEC/MALLS indicated their average molecular weights (Mw) have been 3.162 & times; 10(6) (Fr-I) and 2.613 & times; 10(6) (Fr-II). Both fractions exhibited compact globular architectures when suspended in aqueous medium. GC demonstrated clearly, they mainly contained mannose and glucuronic acid, and FT-IR identified typical heteropolysaccharide functional groups. In vitro, Fr-II had better DPPH and OH radical scavenging activity. Furthermore, in rodent models of diet-induced obesity, EPS supplementation for 8 weeks helped counteract weight gain, led to a reduction in serum inflammatory factors, regulated serum lipids, and resulted in an elevation of colonic short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). Thus, the medicinal fungus S. vaninii EPS may represent a valuable prebiotic for obesity and related metabolic disorders.
Ganoderma lucidum (ligzhi or reishi), a medicinal mushroom rich in bioactive triterpenoids such as ganoderic and betulinic acids, is valued for its anticancer properties. However, traditional cultivation struggles with inconsistent metabolite yields. This study explores cold plasma (CP) technology as an abiotic elicitor to enhance triterpenoid production in G. lucidumin vitro cultures. Three CP types (volume DBD, surface DBD, plasma jet) with air or argon gas were tested. CP treatments significantly increased extracellular (EX) and intracellular (IN) triterpenoid levels. The best treatments boosted extracellular betulinic acid, total ganoderic acid, and total triterpenes by 11, 1.6, and 7 times, respectively, compared with natural fungi, and 4.1, 1.3, and 3.3 times versus the control. Intracellular levels rose by 9, 1.5, 1.4, and 2.4 times for betulinic acid, total ganoderic acid, total triterpenes, and total terpenes compared with natural mushrooms, and 3.3, 2.27, 2.2, and 1.4 times versus the control. Although natural mushrooms had higher ergosterol content, the best CP treatments still improved it by 3 times (EX) and 4 times (IN) over the control. The plasma jet showed superior efficacy for most compounds. These results highlight value metabolites, overcoming limitations of conventional cultivation. CP-elicited in vitro production could revolutionize sustainable pharmaceutical applications of reishi. Further research should optimize CP parameters for industrial-scale use.
